Granted its a little early, but with the pats having a truly bountiful draft pick bonanza (for patriots anyway) I was wondering if you guys had any realistic hopes for any picks. Every mock draft you read is garbage at this stage but whats our most pressing needs: I would say the def front 7 could use a bit of love. Whats your thoughts
A lot of the draft and offseason hinges on contracts. For example: if we re-sign Solder, then I'm less concerned about drafting an OT. Fleming and Waddle have filled in admirably as quality depth, even if no one wants them to start. Plus we have Garcia coming back (I assume), and he has exceptional movement skills and athleticism.
We seem set at guard, although depth to push Thuney and Mason would be nice. Building the trenches is never a bad idea. Ditto center, although I liked what Karras showed as a backup.
#2 TE could use an upgrade, depending on Bennett's health status next year. If he can regain his 2016 form, then Gronk, Bennett, Allen is probably the best TE corp in the entire league. In the draft, I do like Goedart and Fumagalli to some extent. but no one stands out like Kittle did last year.
WR is up in the air. I expect Cooks to improve. Dorsett has skill, and just needs to receive more looks. Edelman is a question mark until he shows he still has the quickness that makes him special. Amendola is as clutch they come, but his contract is up this year, and I'm sure he'll be brought back. If Mitchell and Hogan are healthy, there's already a logjam at the position. I wouldn't mind adding a young slot receiver (someone like Anthony Miller, DJ Moore, Cam Phillips, or Braxton Berrios might do well in that role), and on the outside, I'm always a sucker for guys with dominant traits like Auden Tate. I also like Javon Wims as a jump ball type with great contested catch skills.
I expect we'll bring back Lewis. He's the focal point of our rushing attack. I wouldn't mind seeing Burkhead back, as well. Is there room for an upgrade to Gillislee and Bolden? Probably, but I'm not sure who I'd take in this draft class. Perhaps Sony Michel.
I'm not too sold on any of the QBs . . .
On defense, I expect Harris and Harrison to retire in the front 7, unless Harrison really has a lot left in the tank and wants to return. Will Rivers come back healthy and seize a role? How about Keionta Davis? Will Hightower, Van Noy, Flowers, and Roberts be sufficient to hold down the remaining LB spots? Where does McClellin fit in to all of this? Can Lee continue his stellar play, now that he's recovered from his nagging ankle injury? Maybe we add some depth at linebacker, but the Patriots spent a significant amount of time in 4-2-5 and even 3-3-5 alignments this season. I'm not sure we are looking to add another LB. I'd love to see Rashaan Evans here, though. On the edge, I love Clelin Ferrell and Duke Ejiofor.
Valentine will come back healthy. Brown looks to have made another jump. Butler has been a great find. I expect Branch to retire, and perhaps Ricky Jean Francois will move on. I would like to see a player drafted there, but only if it's a good fit. My number one target is Vita Vea, but after the combine I'll be surprised if he falls out of the top 20. Maybe Tim Settle? He's basically a shorter version of Vea, so I may come around to him by draft day. I also like Jerry Tillery, and think he's an underrated player with big upside. Harrison Phillips has good technique and plays hard every single down.
McCourty, Chung, and Harmon are essentially co-starters, and they're all very good. We could use an understudy for Chung, however, and I'd like to see Richards upgraded. In the draft, I like Kyzir White and DeShon Elliott. Both have good size and can be deployed all over the field. Ronnie Harrison is more of a SS type, but he could play the star role, and I'd love for him to wear #37 so I can pretend Rodney is back.
Corner is intriguing. Does Butler stay? Will we see an emergence from J. Jones, Rowe, and Bademosi? Will Cyrus Jones ever produce? If Butler leaves, I'd like to see Darius Phillips drafted to replace him. They are similar players with aggressive attitudes who never give up on the play. I like a ton of the corners in this draft as excellent role players in this defense, although I don't know if any of the 2nd or 3rd rounders have #1 upside. We have Gilmore already, though, so we don't need an elite player, just someone who can execute the scheme and tackle well.
By the end of the draft season, I'll probably only have around 50 prospects on my "draftable" board. We'll see how many make it here -- between drafted players and UDFAs, I expect to have around a 10% success rate.
