Since I have considered these two to be the Patriots top choices at LB and this year I'm convinced the Pats have wanted to, and will take at least one LB and probably two, starting quality LBs. These are the two I would want.
After considering it for a while, I decided that I'd take Carpenter first and then trade up if I could for Lawson, should he drop into the the second round.
Here's why.
Carpenter has instincts, size, and can pass rush as a OLB. Greenway is not a pass rusher. Lawson is only a pass rusher. Carpenter also has intincts and is heady player, much more polished than Lawson. He can also play inside as well. If you consider that three of the last four Pat's starters at ILB were OLBs to start with, I think this is an affirmation that BB wants faster, bigger, LBs and the OLB candidates are just bigger, faster, and better athletes.
I just have the sneaking suspition that Carpenter will start at OLB and then eventually migrate inside, and become a perennial Probowler at ILB.
Besides, You don't experiment with First Rounders.
Lawson is more raw. He may have a higher upside as an OLB. And he might do so, but he is still a "Project". A "Project" with a very high upside, but a project nonetheless. That's why he might slide into round two.
Ideally, they would get Carpenter at 21 and trade up and get Lawson at 33-40.
Then the oldest and toughest positions to fill on a BB Defense, are suddenly youthful and abundant after loking at teh retiement and aging of its great LB corps.
PS: Greenway is sliding after turning in some poor 40's and strength tests at the Combine. I could live with Carpenter & Greenway too, but in that case, Carpenter stays at OLB, and Greenway becomes the movement ILB, and they still search for the TJ replacement.
