A) Everyone wants a defensive impact player. You are NOT in the minorit in that assessment. However, there are not many here who would trade 17 plus 28 to get one of those available. For example, the only player I see in this draft who would add that kind of value to the patriots would be Peterson and he will NOT be available at 6.
B) Belichick doesn't trade up for an OLB. It just makes little sense to take such a risk. Almost all OLB's are projects in the patriot system, and are not worth as much to Belichick as to others. Last year, Belichick showed that he will bite the bullet and use a top pick for an OLB. 53 is very early for a patriot OLB. Almost all of us are rooting for 1st or 2nd round OLB, but we understand that a DE makes much more sense as the first defensive player.
C) Most of us agree on the need for two interior lineman for 2012. Some also see the need for an OT. Personally, I do believe that we do in fact need TWO defensive players. However, I don't expect to find a starter quality player after the top 40 picks. So, the FIRST requirement with the first 3 picks is defense. I do think that the other of our first three picks will be an OL. #74 seems to be a fine spot for a running back. #92 seems destined as a trade forward into 2012.
D) Most of us are not looking for a nickel back in this draft. We have Bodden, McCourty, Arrington, Butler and Wilhite. We certainly might draft a corner, but it would likely happen only if we thought that he could play safety.
E) Obviously, there can be a lot of trading up and down. but for me I expect 2 starting quuality front seven players and 2 starting quality OL's with our first four picks. If #74 and/or #92 need to be used to make this happen, then so be it.
BOTTOM LINE
I don't see anyone available at #6 being worth our #17 plus our #28.
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OPTION 1
Miller at #6 (using 17 plus 28)
OPTION 2
17
28
patchick gave examples of Kerrigan plus Wilkerson or Watt + Reed which may be a tad optimistic, and may need to kick in 3rd to make it happen.
I don't think 17+28 will get you 1 of the 2 combinations mentioned above. You will still have to trade up from either 17 or 28 to make it happen.
With OLBs, I'm aware of the risk factor. I just happen to believe that Miller has the skills and movement ability of a true LB to go along with his rush ability. Kerrigan and Reed are going to be nothing more than 3rd down rushers for the first 2 years of their careers, if not for their entire careers ( I happen to believe that Kerrigan cannot play OLB at all, but that's for a different day).
Finally, I'm not a big fan of this year's draft and I don't think that adding 8+ rookies is in the best interest of this team. I'd be very happy with 1 impact defensive player, 2 OL who can start in a year, a nickel CB, and a RB to add to the mix along with a FA.
Oh, and as I said, I know I'm in the minority and I don't expect to way anyone with my argument. Just providing the thought process behind it.