manxman2601
PatsFans.com Retired Jersey Club
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I think based on whats happened so far in the draft preparation that theres a real chance they want Courtney Upshaw.
They've been taking a look at more specialist third down type rushers like Ronnell Lewis, Darius Fleming and possibly Kyle Wilber. I wouldn't be surprised if they go this route and draft someone like Dont'A Hightower who would likely be more a run stopping OLB, at least initially, with the versatility to cover inside. Throw in that they've been looking at late round CB's and I can see something like:
1A Mark Barron or a DE (Still/Reyes)
Fixes either of the two biggest positions of need on the defense.
1B Dont'a Hightower (hopefully with a trade back into the higher second)
Excellent ILB backup and a quality run stopping OLB with the ability to rush the passer.
2A Ronnell Lewis
Special teams ace and someone to rush the passer on passing downs
2B WR, trade or best value
3 WR, trade or best value
4 Omar Bolden
Top 50 CB fallen because of season long injury. Has met with the Pats. Ron Brooks is a possibility here too.
I realise that deducing too much from Pats visits doesn't get us too far, but using that limited intelligence, that's not a bad way for the draft to go. the problem with someone like Branch is that if he busts (and he's no guarantee to succeed), there's not much else one can get out of him. At least Hightower/Lewis offer more than pass rush or bust.