2 Things I think I have learned about the Patriots Draft Philosophy

[dryheat44]

Here's the scoop.

Belichick uses his first round picks on players that are hard to find. In other words, only 1-3 come out per year. 235 lb tight ends with soft hands and sub 4.5 speed are rare. 340 lb athletes who have the strength to play two-gap 3-4 are rare. 270 lb linebackers with good speed who can play the run and rush the passer are rare. There's a reason why his first round picks tend to be DL and TE, even though there may not be an apparent need for them.

If the decision is reached to let Graham move on, I'd expect an athletic tight end to be targeted if a premium one was in this draft (I don't think one is).

At the risk of Belichick proving me wrong, I'd be shocked if one of the "big four" safeties were taken in the first. IMO, the difference between a round one safety and a round four safety is much less than the drop off for other positions.

 

[patchick]

Belichick uses his first round picks on players that are hard to find. In other words, only 1-3 come out per year. 235 lb tight ends with soft hands and sub 4.5 speed are rare. 340 lb athletes who have the strength to play two-gap 3-4 are rare. 270 lb linebackers with good speed who can play the run and rush the passer are rare. There's a reason why his first round picks tend to be DL and TE, even though there may not be an apparent need for them.

This was always my take on it too...except that the most recent years' picks, Mankins and Maroney, don't fit the bill.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Here's the scoop.

Belichick uses his first round picks on players that are hard to find. In other words, only 1-3 come out per year. 235 lb tight ends with soft hands and sub 4.5 speed are rare. 340 lb athletes who have the strength to play two-gap 3-4 are rare. 270 lb linebackers with good speed who can play the run and rush the passer are rare. There's a reason why his first round picks tend to be DL and TE, even though there may not be an apparent need for them.

If the decision is reached to let Graham move on, I'd expect an athletic tight end to be targeted if a premium one was in this draft (I don't think one is).

At the risk of Belichick proving me wrong, I'd be shocked if one of the "big four" safeties were taken in the first. IMO, the difference between a round one safety and a round four safety is much less than the drop off for other positions.

Ty Warren is about 310 as well as Seymour. Watson doesn't have soft hands, still needs to do a little work on them.

I think the main factor in the first round picks is character that guides their skill and athleticism. They fit in the system with strength and speed.