If they're looking to get ahead of SF(10), Buf(11) and Denver(12) then my educated guess would be targetting a DE/OLB.
Robert Ayers
Tyson Jackson
I don't think so. Jackson could be the guy, but I don't think there is a DE/OLB worth taking at 8. Plus, Vernon Gholston last year is a good warning against the risk of spending a top 10 pick on a conversion prospect. I think that BB will use #34 on a DE/OLB conversion. Connor Barwin or Larry English will likely be available, possibly even Ayers, Maybin or Everette Brown as well. Much less risky and more cost-effective.
I think if BB moves up to #8 he's going to use it on an impact position or a sure thing. Possibly Jackson, but more likely Aaron Curry, BJ Raji, Andre Smith or even Michael Crabtree.
Some thoughts:
1. Everyone is trying to move out of the top 10, and the "smart money" says the value in this draft is in the 20's. That means it's a great time to look at the values in the high rent district of the top 10.
2. The bottom of the top 10 is a whole different world money-wise than the top part. Peter King notes that 8-9 is the demarcation point between fiscal sanity and insanity.
3. I really like Peter King's comment about the Pats "staying ahead of the curve". They are thinking creatively by looking at opportunities here which they normally wouldn't have. They only have them because of the poor perception of the top 10 and the unusual number of 1st day picks which we have.
4. With all the teams moving to 3-4 defenses I wouldn't be surprised if BB went with someone like Raji and starting throwing different schemes and formations out there. Baltimore did very well in 2000 with Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa manning the middle. Even though Warren and Seymour aren't traditional 4-3 DEs, I think we could do a lot, particularly if we used Adalius Thomas (and possibly Jason Taylor) at end on some formations. Mayo is athletic enough to play MLB in a 3-man LB scheme.
5. I think Aaron Curry and Mayo would be synergistic at ILB. I wouldn't normally spend a top 10 pick on a MIKE, but in this case it would be worth it.
6. I think a 4 WR set consisting of Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Joey Galloway and Wes Welker would be unstoppable, with Tom Brady throwing to them. Unstoppable.