I'm definitely discouraged and upset that we wouldn't consider giving up a 5th for Santonio, a 3rd in 2011 for Cromartie, and didn't pursue Boldin as aggressively as we should have. Yet, we give up a 3rd and a 5th for Derrick Burgess, who did not really fit our 3-4 defense, was a situational pass rusher, and was on the downside of his career.
I never expected us to go crazy this offseason and sign a guy like Peppers or trade for a guy like Marshall and extend him, no matter how nice that would look on paper. I was very happy that we kept Wilfork, Faulk, and Neal, and content to keep Banta-Cain and Bodden. However, I don't think TBC is a quality starter at OLB, and is at his best when his snaps are kept in check as a rotational OLB. I'm also not as high on Bodden as some fellow fans are, but he's a solid CB, and it's one less hole to worry about now that he's back.
I do think the Pats talent level is often overlooked because they don't have the "names" that teams like the Jets do. Who's to say Butler can't be as good or better than Cromartie? Would anyone really take LT over anyone in our backfield? Who's to say Mr. Drops aka Braylon Edwards will outperform Edelman or Tate? I think we actually have a good amount of young talent, and I'd say I'm more optimistic than others about Crable, McKenzie, Wilhite, and Tate. I think we are in the process of seeing these guys be developed, and I think most guys will take some leaps forward this year, especially with BB at the helm.
However, I have been disappointed to a certain extent. As much as I'm optimistic about some of the young talent, there are definite holes on this team and a need for playmakers on both sides of the ball. I love Edelman and Tate, but what else do we have at WR? An aging Moss who is most likely gone after 2010, a guy who tore up his ACL and may never truly be the same player that he was in the past, a developmental QB in Stanback, and a special teamer in Sam Aiken. Last year one of this team's biggest problems was that there wasn't a consistently reliable 3rd option at WR, and too much of the offense revolved around Moss and Welker. Take Welker out of the equation for at least 8 weeks (IMO), and you basically have the same WR corps that got their ****s handed to them vs Baltimore. Tate is capable of being a very good #3, but I don't know if he can stay healthy and/or if he's the same explosive player after two consecutive knee injuries.
At RB, is Maroney "the guy?" At times last year, he appeared to be on the right track, but he's still never been able to put it all together and I would have to think putting the ball on the ground is something that infuriates Belichick. Morris was hurt again (who could've seen that coming?), and Taylor is another year older and slower. Faulk is the only guy without serious questions, but he is getting older too.
Then you get to the defense, and you just think, what the hell do we even have at OLB. Adalius is already half way out the door, Crable has been on IR for 2 straight years, is Ninkovich anything more than a special teamer/backup, and what are the odds TBC ever sees a 10 sack year again. McKenzie has never played a down in the NFL, Guyton was a liability against the run, and can Mike Right start at RDE or do we need to try to find another Seymour.
The Pats have had all of these concerns/needs looming over their head since February. Basicaly none of these needs have been addressed (outside of re-signing their own). This year's draft is a great way too add talent at a cost effective price, and I expect BB to hit on the majority of his picks, but how many times do rookies come in and light it up for the Pats? Do we honestly expect someone like Graham or Sapp or Kindle to come in and instantly become a difference maker in a complex defense like this? Even Mayo said he didn't really fully understand the defense until this year!
All in all, I will wait until after the draft to really start worrying b/c there's always a chance of a trade (a la Moss 2007) and the Pats should be able to add 4 very good players if they do their homework. I don't see any big time additions after the draft though, unless we make another Burgess-type deal in July/August, because I don't think there will be a ton of veterans sent packing, contrary to what Jonathan Kraft has said. Maybe it'll feel nice being the underdogs again, as the Jets seem to think they're a lock to win the division and are headed to the SB already.
