Once again count on patchick to put forward the only intelligent question asked today.
Back in January I advanced the theory that
DL was not going to be a draft priority for the Pats going forward, despite the DL having many top prospects in this draft and there seemingly being a chance to significantly upgrade the base 3-4.
Naturally I (and many others) assumed the Pats would instead try to find a DE/OLB player, but that player is notoriously difficult to find at a draft slot that maximizes value. So no surprise the Pats didn't make a pick there.
Naturally I (and many others) assumed the Pats would not go DB, but perhaps we misevaluated just how far out the door Meriweather is, the health of Leigh Bodden and/or, as patchick mentioned, the skills of Darius Butler. Anyways, it's a passing league.
I would like to note that each of the Pats' first three picks, OT Sodder, CB/S Dowling and RB Vereen, each project as 3-down players if the Pats hit on them. That seems to be the Pats' modus operandi at the top of drafts, and why I felt DL, or a pure sub-rusher, would not be taken.
I would not at all be surprised if the Pats threw another DL into the mix as a late draft choice, though you would expect OLB or OG flyers if they are available tomorrow, as there seems to be less depth there.
I think the two runningbacks selected were less about BJGE than they were about Sammy Morris's role and adding depth.
Funny how it's the more knowledgeable posters like patchick who always go back and check their assumptions. How many draft picks did you get right this time, 3 out of 5?
To sum up; most of us got it mostly wrong once again.