SunnyDenmark:
I've wondered why the Pats seem to draft really good compared to free agency, as well.
My theory is that Belichick gets involved in the draft more and Pioli plays a numbers game in free agency. I have watched them bring in dozens of free agents off the street each camp, and none of them make the roster except the one or two whose name you recognized. I really think that they give anyone a chance in free agency, but treat the draft with great care and respect, on the other hand.
I think that they look at drafting as a 'must be right' situation, and the free agency as a limitless supply of cheap training camp fodder.
But they have had some obvious free agent screw ups, like Duane Starks, and before him, Tommy Knight (another Arizona cornerback who got a nice signing bonus and was cut). Or trading a 3rd round pick for Andre Starks (ouch!).