Howdy Pats fans. I am Zardnok, the "Expert" GM for the Patriots in Saints Report's version of your draft game the "Experts" Mock Draft. I thought I would get your thoughts on the picks I made for the Patriots. Being a newb poster here, I am unable to create my own thread and apparently insert links, but google "Saints Report Experts Mock" should bring it up. There is also a post-draft wrap up thread with a full draft strategy (post #59) if you are interested to see the thoughts put into each pick. It might also be interesting to compare your mock with the one done by our board.
This was the closest thread to what I was involved in, so I stuck my draft here. If this is inappropriate, feel free to delete it or perhaps move it to it's own thread.
1. Jared Odrick DT/DE Penn State- Big, Strong, Fast. My 5-Tech DE of the future.
2. Kareem Jackson CB Alabama- None of the other CBs I have drafted lately seem to work out, but this one will!
2. Brandon Lafell WR LSU- Steps right into the starting line-up next year when Randy Moss retires.
2. Koa Misi OLB Utah- Solid tackling pass-rush specialist with the quickness and agility to defend the pass.
4. Dennis Pitta TE BYU- Big-time steal here. Awesome receiving TE with the maturity to step right into starting line-up.
5. Patrick Angerer ILB Iowa- Super instinctive ILB with great agility, toughness, and productivity.
6. Colin Peek TE Alabama- Great blocking TE that does all the little things a TE should do. Traded two 7th rounders to move up.
6. Clay Harbor FB/TE Missouri State- Will play a hybrid FB/TE role moving around the formation.
6. Zoltan Mesko P Michigan- Muahahaha! Say it with me. Zol...Tan...Mes...Ko! My punter stinks and this guy doesn't.
7. Deji Karim RB/RS Southern Illinois- Compact runner with the quickness to break out and the power to stuff it inside.
7. Mike Kafka QB Northwestern- Smart and productive QB with great accuracy backs up Brady.
7. Callahan Bright DT Shaw College- This kid has turned his life around and just needs a shot. My NT of the future.
Howdy neighbor, let's grade this thing:
1: A, fills a need, solid kid with prototypical size and strength for the position.
2a: C-, not much of a need, not a significant upgrade, it would have probably been best to trade down here.
2b: D-, inconsistent with questions about his route running, a possession receiver at best, not likely to be a replacement for Moss.
2c: A, a solid, all-around LB prospect who can rush the passer.
4: A+, a steal if he actually lasts that long.
5: C, I like this kid, but he's not a likely fit for a 3-4 ILB.
6a: D-, good blocker, a lot to like about him, but with Pitta NE would have 4 TE's on the roster, this makes 5.
6b: F, another kid I like, but he now becomes the 6th TE on the roster and the third from this draft, a bit of overkill I'd say.
6c: B, he's the top rated Punter per NFL Draft Scout, but I was unimpressed with his Senior Bowl. I'm not sure NE would draft him when there were other kids who did have good All-Star games.
7a: A+, excellent choice.
7b: B, prototypical size, good college production, decent arm, mentally tough, I'll take that for camp competition and a shot at the clipboard any day.
7c: U, I don't know much about him.
I have NE's needs ranked as WR, DE, OLB, TE, OL depth, DL depth, ILB/OLB depth, DB depth.
WR: 1 C- WR doesn't address the need for competition to fill the gaps left by Welker's injury and the failure to find a legitimate #3 WR last season. Additionally it does little for depth and competition overall. Not so good.
DE/DL: 1 A pick, good start, but in a draft class considered to be very deep for DL, the one small school/character rehab project at the last seems uncharacteristic for Coach Belichick and his love of the big guys. So so.
OLB: 1 A pick of a very nice utility LB who can probably learn to play all four positions. I love the kid, but NE needs more depth and competition here. Not so good.
TE: 3 Tight Ends? Serious overkill, you might have gotten away with 2, but 3 nearly fails this effort - at least you drafted my favorite choice for NE.
OL: Fail.
ILB: I'd really like to test drive Angerer in the 3-4 just to see if he's got some Zach Thomas slipperiness to slide around blockers and fill the hole, but he's a stretch for the 3-4 based on size. Not to good.
DB: Kareem looks like a good value for a team needing a CB in the second, but he's not elite enough to make it a good value for NE compared to kids available later. Not so good.
Stop by again if you plan to pick for the Patriots next year, we welcome the chance to visit with folks interested in football and we'll try to steer you a bit for your draft. Thanks for sharing!
