I'll vote tonight after we see what happens.
I must admit, initially I was rocked by this draft. I've been of the "We need a DE STAT!" mindset and I also thought we needed a CB. Worked all day, DVR'd the draft, and came home prepared for an all-out assault on the D, and saw:
1) A failed attempt to trade down. I had hoped they could get a 2 and 2012 1 for that pick. Seeing the Pats guys sitting there apparently morosely and doing nothing was depressing.
2) Dowling. He was a binky for many, but in my infinite wisdom I wanted Bailey or even Bowers there. Also, he seemed like a reach and he may be partially composed of glass. OTOH tape shows that Dowling clearly can be a force at CB, and, not sanguine about playing Arrington a ton, nor certain about Bodden returning, I talked myself into accepting this pick and girded my loins for the drafting of the remainder of the good DE by teams other than the Pats.
3) Other teams getting very little for the trade-downs in that top 2nd round area, reassuring me about the failed trade-down.
4) Vereen. Confusing. Certainly no future as a DE. However, he's just as clearly a likely 3-down RB, as he can run and catch the ball, giving the running game a bit more mystery when he's in. Think a less predictable running game would have been useful vs. the Jets? I do. Still, at the time I was pissed.
5) Another trade down, this time without much value added. I am generally okay with these trades but this one felt weak. And then, no Bowers, no Austin, no Reed, no Houston, not even Moch or Martez Wilson. But, OK, we're rocking the third round, ya?
6) Ridley. WTF. This looks like a UDFA to me. Why reach for this guy when Bailey, a guy who met the 3 contact rule, or Moffit or Hankerson, binkies all, are there?
7) Mallett. WTF x 10. Everything predraft says he's a turd. We already have 2 QB. OK, he's a very talented prospect, but he's immature. Maybe the reality check of his douchebaggery costing him large $ will smarten him up. Maybe riding pine behind Brady for three years with nothing to do but chase the skirts will lead to disaster. He just doesn't seem to be a Patriot. :bricks:
8) Another trade down. We got a bit better results with this one however. Small fing comfort. And we have no picks for forty spots.
IBBWT. Individually, these picks seemed confusing and depressing to me, especially given the mindset with which I approached the draft. Once I calmed down I noticed that we now have: a much better and less predictable running game, what seem to be 3 good CB and therefore more flexibility re: blitz packages, a stud LT, and a reasonable succession plan for TFB. Think BB can do anything with those additions? I sure do.
I have no idea what we're doing with the last 3 picks. I still hope a good DE is there. Maybe Ballard. Maybe we grab an LB project like Romeus or Acho or even Herzlich. Maybe we just grab another stable of supersmurf WR and CB and a manchild LS, as so many have advised. Still, the draft makes sense to me thus far.
Like most of you, I can already hear Felgie's ragegasm, christ, I can probably write it, but he's paid to do that, not run a draft, and we all know why that is. As for me, I'm pushing that garbage out of my head, and cracking open a Jack and Koolaid instead! :rocker:
