O-line in Round 1?

[Seymour93]

Looking at some mocks, it seems top offensive line prospects such as Ben Grubbs, Aaron Sears, and Justin Blalock should all still be on the board around picks 18-32. I've seen Levi Brown going from pick #8 to #23. If Levi Brown slips to us at #24, do we take him? He was the best O-lineman at the Senior Bowl and plays LT to boot. I'm not down on Matt Light as many on here are, but I'm not hesitating to take the LT of the future, Brown, if he's available. We don't need to move Light either, he'd be a solid backup plus he's a leader in the lockerroom.

As for the others, I'm not high on any of them except for Grubbs, but I'm looking towards other positions anyways. However, we all know that BB and Pioli like to build up from the lines. I'd compromise and take Grubbs's teammate at Auburn, Tim Duckworth in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Brady can never say no to another solid o-lineman.

 

[carolinatony]

I would be happy if we got a pro bowl type OLman. We have a good line but not a Great OL. A team wins and loses on the lines.

 

[mgteich]

Yup, they come with labels on them. You'd be happy with a probowl offensive lineman at 24. So would everyone.

I would be happy if we got a pro bowl type OLman. We have a good line but not a Great OL. A team wins and loses on the lines.

 

[Seymour93]

Yup, they come with labels on them. You'd be happy with a probowl offensive lineman at 24. So would everyone.

But the question is do we bypass other more significant needs if the right O-lineman is there? I don't have a problem with it.

 

[mgteich]

Neither do I, especially if we sign a starting CB before the draft.

But the question is do we bypass other more significant needs if the right O-lineman is there? I don't have a problem with it.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Levi Brown would be good value and a probable upgrade at LT. I'd take a flyer on Tony Ugoh, though I'd be happier if he was a later round flyer. Same with Joe Staley. I think any of the three could, with Dante coaching, compete with Light and Kaczur for LT, but Brown has my highest degree of confidence. I don't know that any of the OG/OC candidates look like a significant upgrade over Mankins and Neal, or even Hochstein, so I'm not interested in them in the first couple rounds.

 

[Seneschal2]

...do we bypass other more significant needs...?

This question's been answered in every BB draft.

Sorry to break the news but...fans don't truly know what the Pats priority needs are -- we think we know. We watch the games, read the stats, analyze the players, memorize the roster, focus on aging players, all while one complains about the play calling. BB & Co. evaluate player performance roster-wide, consider each and every contract status now and for the future, explore all options for upgrading the entire roster from the bottom up via the draft, FA acquisitions and trades, decide roster cuts, anticipate potential retirements -- all within a salary cap.

What are our needs again?

 

[Seymour93]

This question's been answered in every BB draft.

Sorry to break the news but...fans don't truly know what the Pats priority needs are -- we think we know. We watch the games, read the stats, analyze the players, memorize the roster, focus on aging players, all while one complains about the play calling. BB & Co. evaluate player performance roster-wide, consider each and every contract status now and for the future, explore all options for upgrading the entire roster from the bottom up via the draft, FA acquisitions and trades, decide roster cuts, anticipate potential retirements -- all within a salary cap.

What are our needs again?

LB, CB, S, WR.

I understand where you're getting at, but I believe even BB has to see we need youth at LB in particular and depth in the secondary. As always, expect the unexpected though.

As for Tony Ugoh, he has potential, perhaps a bit too much because he hasn't been able to translate it on to the practice field, so far, in the months leading up to the draft. That may be a blessing in disguise, allowing him to slide down to us in the 2nd or early 3rd however.