patfanken,
one question. I am sure BB went over film from last year and did much
review of where the team had problems and the best way to overcome
the defensive problems he saw.
Why do you think he took a CB over a pass rusher in the 1st round?
That's a fair question, JR, and at the risk of repeating myself, here is my answer.
Quite simply I think its a matter of immediate impact. The Pats clearly look at McCourty as some one who can start from day one in the secondary (and I consider nickel backs to be starters given how many downs they are on the field, though I think he will start outside, with Butler in the slot) PLUS the has the ability to impact special teams both as a returner and cover guy.
The AFCE has added 3 top end WRs this off season, and none of them are going to be playing for the Pats, and all of them are big, so adding a good sized, physical CB will again have a bigger immediate impact on the success of the D.
Kindle, Hughes, Misi, who was my personal favorite, all are good picks, and ultimately might develop into dangerous rushers....eventually, but NONE of them are likely to be anything more than situational players in their first year. Plus from what I can gather from the numbers concerning Hughes Kindle Misi, and Cunningham, there isn't a lot to choose between them, an of the 4 Cunningham most fits the OLB prototype BB likes
Also don't forget that even at its best when the Pats were consistently in the top 5 sack leaders, they rarely had a double digit individual sacker. Their sack totals were scheme driven, and maybe have BB taking more of leadership role on the D, we may see more successful scheming.
My third thought is that NEXT year there are several guys who some think are "elite" pass rushers, and with 2 first and 2 seconds, the Pats are in a very realistic position to get that top 10 player, even if the Raiders are better than that.
I think BB's plan was to build up the middle class again, and he has with the 24 draft picks over the last 2 years. Next year is going to be different. With a very deep FA class, and a thin top heavy draft on the horizon, the Pats are in position to pick up next season, the best pass rushing prospect, one of the 4 elite WRs draftnicks are touting, and a top RB prospect. We will also be in position to pick up one 'impact' player in FA, and fill in any other holes with lesser FAs, (as I said there will be tons of them next season), then sell the rest of our picks into future years and make plans for a parade.
I see 2010 as being 2001 all over again, with the goal being to make the playoffs (realistic), and then wining at least one game, with 2011 and 2012 being a top contender. But as we saw in 2001, once you are IN the playoffs, EVERYONE has a shot.
