.
Well everyone is saying they will be drafting a linebacker, so I assume that they won't? Face it. Linebacke is the most important position for the Pats D, a rookie isn't going to do anything, and Belichick will probably not take one on the first day. Even if he wanted to who do you suggest we take?
Willis will be gone
DE to OLB conversions are hard to make, so Moses and Woodley are off the list.
The rest are too undersized.
WOW. I think you should be crowned the next Ms. Cleo since you can see into the future and KNOW what is going to happen.
1) The Pats will take the top ranked player out of their top ranked value group that is still on the board when they pick. I don't know who that will be.
2) There is no guarantee that Willis will be gone by the time the Pats draft.
3) Besides Willis, there is Posluszny for ILB, Spencer and Adams for OLB, just in the 1st round
4) In the second round, you have David Harris, Prescott Burgess, and others.
I believe that the Pats will take a LB who can step in and help in the rotation and start if absolutely necessary. Over the 6 years, the Pats have lost Bruschi, Cox, Phifer, Seau, and Ted Johnson at one point or another to injury. Up until last year, they had the depth to cover such a loss. They haven't anymore. And their attempts at free agents the past 2 seasons have met with failure.
That being said I know BB will do whatever is best for the Pats, and he doesn't miss in the first round, so if he thinks that a linebacker is best there, then so be it, I'd be willing to bet that linebacker will be a star. BB doesn't miss in the first round, so we should have faith....
Seymour- all-time great
Warren- pro bowl worthy
Wilfork- pro bowl worthy
Mankins- pro bowl worthy, best interior lineman in league according to Dr. Z
Graham- best TE blocker in league, solid catching
Maroney- has shown flashes, budding star
Watson- has shown flashes, budding star
This is something we both agree on. The Pats like to build on the lines with their 1st round picks. However, with them nearly set on both lines, that switched us to the other positions on the team. And I agree, BB will do what is best. Its why they took Maroney last year. Its why I think that they will take a LB with 1 of the 2 picks this year. I think that BB could surprise us and use BOTH 1st rounders on LBs. One inside and one outside with the knowledge that the OLB is going to have more production their 1st year than the ILB. And the ILB will be someone who can cover TEs and learn from Bruschi.
Its also why I feel the Pats will sign someone like Jarrett Johnson. Someone who can play ILB opposite Bruschi and learn from Bruschi and Vrabel.
And its also why I don't see the Pats retaining TBC.