Pats # 8 on SI Top 10 Draft Classes of 2006

[carolinatony]

Not bad at all. Image if CJ had contributed

Lots of people shook their head when the Patriots let Adam Vinatieri go in free agency. New England filled the vacancy by taking Stephen Gostkowsi in the fourth round and he was outstanding in both the regular season and playoffs, showing much more range than Vinatieri. First-round pick Laurence Maroney was outstanding in the backfield and as a kick returner and third-round pick Dave Thomas is a very promising tight end.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mu.../gallery.nfl.top10draftclass06/content.3.html

 

[jbb9s]

Not bad at all. Image if CJ had contributed

Lots of people shook their head when the Patriots let Adam Vinatieri go in free agency. New England filled the vacancy by taking Stephen Gostkowsi in the fourth round and he was outstanding in both the regular season and playoffs, showing much more range than Vinatieri. First-round pick Laurence Maroney was outstanding in the backfield and as a kick returner and third-round pick Dave Thomas is a very promising tight end.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mu.../gallery.nfl.top10draftclass06/content.3.html

Our kicker was the best draft pick of last year. Perfect in the playoffs, better range on kickoffs all with a rookie salary.

I'd like to be optimistic and say Maroney is the second best back in the draft - a claim that will be challenged next year by two other AFC running backs.