The first pick of day 2 of the draft should be the Patriots via Carolina.

[dryheat44]

I think it might be time to overdraft a pass rusher. Spend the 2nd first on someone who can consistently make the quarterback uncomfortable. If it turns out he's only a passing down player, oh well. It's the one thing that is preventing this team from being a historically elite one.

 

[SirApropos]

I agree 12 players seems very difficult, but as long as BB keeps drafting for value, I would not be surprised to see another 8 or so rookies on next year's team.

Yeah I think drafting 8-9 players this year would be the max even if they do increase the roster size next year. Considering that the Pats usually keep an UDFA or two as well and they already have around 44-45 guys signed for next year that should be enough.

 

[SirApropos]

I think it might be time to overdraft a pass rusher. Spend the 2nd first on someone who can consistently make the quarterback uncomfortable. If it turns out he's only a passing down player, oh well. It's the one thing that is preventing this team from being a historically elite one.

I could see the Panthers pick being used on someone like DE/OLB Jeremy Beal from Oklahoma. If Eric Moore continues to show flashes of greatness like in the Bears game it will be less of a need but he is 29yrs old so someone younger would be good for the future. I think TBC's days are numbered though.

I think the 2nd first rounder will be the one most likely to be traded, similar to how Minn moved down a few spots into the 2nd last year, rather than the Panthers pick.

 

[SunnyDenmark]

I disagree with this. "win now" and "all in" are not appropriate draft strategies just because the team is good now and has a window of opportunity. Brady is an outstanding leader, has a great view of the field and is an incredibly accurate passer. But if Matt Cassell has proven anything, it's that good coaching and scouting can find talent walking the streets.

And just because this draft class is not as deep as last year's doesn't mean trading up is the right thing to do. In fact, I would say the opposite... let the draft come, and if this class is weak, then trade out of it and wait for a better class. Otherwise you risk falling into a Vernon Ghoulston-trap, a guy that this board was foaming at the mouth to draft based on his measurables alone; he has been about as productive as his college career indicated he would.

Well we can then just agree to disagree. I just don't see how approximately 10 draft picks are going to make this team. For example. at WR - Edelmann can hardly be on the field due to great depth and we have Taylor Price (3rd round) on redshirt year waiting in the wings.....Just an example of the very good depth NEP have due to a trade down and accumulate draft picks mantra - which most years I fully agree with (and have been on record in this forum supporting). - Just not this coming year 2011 draft.

Most positions have good depth on our roster and NEP version 2010 are doing very well with Ty Warren, Kevin Faulk, McGowan, Leigh Boddin, Neal, among others on IR.

This coming year I would much rather try to upgrade at the top of the roster (by using more draft chips) instead of trade down and build depth at the mid to bottom. If it is a weaker draft as is being said, then move up or use some picks for estabished talent (a la Welker / Moss trades).

I am not worried about Bill trading up and picking up a workout warrior (Ghoulston) as that is not what Bill is into. He favors seniors, multi-year productivity and high character players and not combine results / workout warriors. Bill has a very good track record on first round picks. Also with 2 first rounders - you usually (pending new CBA) have those players at least one year longer under contract than non - first rounders.

NEP are -to use the overused cliche -IMO really are only 2-3 players away from being a dominant multichampionship team again. Trade up in 2011 or trade away for the next Dillon, Welker or such. I am not worried about Bill screwing it up and doing a Dikta and trading the whole farm for one player

 

[cstjohn17]

I think it might be time to overdraft a pass rusher. Spend the 2nd first on someone who can consistently make the quarterback uncomfortable. If it turns out he's only a passing down player, oh well. It's the one thing that is preventing this team from being a historically elite one.

I saw Matthews as that type of player, 3rd down specialist with a very small role in the base defense. What converted me was his senior bowl performance, he ate Oher up, first with a bull rush and then with speed. Oher was projected as a future NFL starter so it was a very impressive performance.

Obviously he exceeded my expectations but even just as a specialist in sub packages and special teams contributions there is enough value for a pass rusher to take a roster spot. Of course this is only my opinion, not sure BB feels the same way.

Von Miller is on the small side for the Patriots system but can really get after the QB, if he is there at 33 he could be worth a sniff.
YouTube - Von Miller- 2011 NFL Draft Review

Anyone else that has caught your eye?

 

[JerseyDevil26]

I saw Matthews as that type of player, 3rd down specialist with a very small role in the base defense. Obviously he exceeded my expectations but even just as a specialist in sub packages and special teams contributions there is enough value for a pass rusher to take a roster spot. Of course this is only my opinion, not sure BB feels the same way.

Von Miller is on the small side for the Patriots system but can really get after the QB, if he is there at 33 he could be worth a sniff.

I think Von Miller would be extraordinary value at 33. Unless something comes out about the guy or he has a terrible Cotton Bowl game against LSU I think he has to be on our radar.

 

[NewFeep]

I hope Carolina finishes last because the #33rd pick is GOLD in two ways:

1.) Like you stated, teams will overpay for the pick to get someone on their board via a next year 1st or multiple picks during the draft.

2.) The pats get first dibs on any stud that has slipped out of the first round.

This post sums up my thoughts quite succinctly......

I have a gut feeling #33 will be a pick for us. If BB does move/trade it I think it will still be to do something this draft.... I.E. move back a few spots to select (insert binky here) and pick up an additional pick. Like last year and getting McCourty at #27........Which was masterfully done!

 

[Sciz]

I think Von Miller would be extraordinary value at 33. Unless something comes out about the guy or he has a terrible Cotton Bowl game against LSU I think he has to be on our radar.

As what, a pass-rush specialist? That's all he could handle in the scheme, and that's not worth basically a first round pick.

 

[jsull87]

I think Von Miller would be extraordinary value at 33. Unless something comes out about the guy or he has a terrible Cotton Bowl game against LSU I think he has to be on our radar.

I can't see Miller being picked... of that youtube video all i see is a guy who just pins his ears back on every play, i never see him display any gap discipline. All i see is a guy going balls out every down... which is great if thats what you need from your OLB but it seems in BB's defense playing the run 1st is key.

In saying that it'd just be like BB to prove anything we say wrong

 

[WaterfallJumper]

As what, a pass-rush specialist? That's all he could handle in the scheme, and that's not worth basically a first round pick.

He's not a perfect scheme fit, no. But we play in a subpackage over half the time anyway. He's far from my preferred OLB in this draft, but he definitely is in the mix. I'll put it this way: he's the same size as Lawrence Taylor, and has the same burst and ferocity off the edge. If he's there in the second, it's hard to pass that up, especially because we have good depth at the position but lack a truly elite pass rusher. Ideally, we find a player that can set the edge, drop into coverage, and still get to the passer, but we may not have that luxury. I can see arguments made on both sides.

He's become a little more well rounded late in the season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnZSceCN5Yg

 

[MustaphaM0nd]

I don't know if Belichick will take a player that high who is one-dimensional, even if he is very good at what he does. Jeremy Beal sounds much more realistic.

 

[Metaphors]

Von Miller is on the small side for the Patriots system but can really get after the QB, if he is there at 33 he could be worth a sniff.

Anyone else that has caught your eye?

If Aldon Smith declares (no indication that he will), he is the guy you want in the latter 1st/early 2nd. Beal is a good choice as well, though he doesn't have the height/length of Smith.

My wildcard is Justin Houston. I'm not decided on him yet because the Georgia defense looked pretty bad in the games I saw this year. He showed potential with all the skills the Pats ask of their OLBs but you like seeing that translate into team success.

 

[dryheat44]

Anyone else that has caught your eye?

I haven't watched him as much as I'd like to, but Martez Wilson of Illinois looks like he might be a player.

 

[cstjohn17]

As what, a pass-rush specialist? That's all he could handle in the scheme, and that's not worth basically a first round pick.

I think that is the basic point of discussion.

"Is a a pass rush specialist worth a top 40 pick?"

IMO there are plenty of servicable JAGS that are about 6'4, 265 that can come in on early downs and set the edge but this team has lacked for some time a player who has to be accounted for on passing downs.

With the NFL switching to a passing orientation most teams are in their sub (Nickel or Dime) packages greater than 40% of the time.

A player who is a demon off the edge and can play special teams is worth a roster spot. Typically these players aren't going to be UDFAs.

Put me in the 'Yes' camp, if such a player makes 10-15 plays a year on 3rd downs that would be huge.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I think a premier pass-rusher is worth a 1st round pick. Any old timers remember Fred Dean? Isn't he basically the origin of the "elephant" olb in the 3-4? That was 30 years ago. Kerrigan is my situation pass rusher. No problem with Miller either. V. Miller played one of the best game I can remember a lb playing recently against Oklahoma. Led 2 goal-line stands. A couple of sacks.. Key tackles for losses. Played something like 95 plays. But, Kerrigan is a little bigger and seems to have some refined pass-rushing moves.

Look at our DL. All, big bodies except M. Wright. And, Wright is our best interior pass-rusher. I'd like to get an interior pass rusher too.