I don't believe either was really a "reach", and I think they're both good players.
The thoughts I've had on these two picks:
Mayo: I never really thought he seemed like a great fit for the Patriots system in particular (most scouting reports and the other SEC guy seemed to agree), but maybe I was thinking about the SILB position a little to much. At WILB I can see how his speed & coverage ability could be huge, and his intelligence in the film room must have really won BB over for him to pull the trigger on a LB that high in the draft. So, he'll likely be able to take over for Bruschi, run the defense (in a few years), bring some much needs speed, athleticism, coverage ability, and pop (he's a hitter too) to the middle of the defense. I kind of worry about the injury history, but guys who were considered very durable in college (IE: Chad Jackson) can suffer a serious injury or two in the pros, and have their career's take a hit.
I think you hit on it. BB is looking for a LB to be his eyes on the field, the leader of the team and the lockerroom, able to mentally carry different game plans each week. There are plenty of elite physical specimens BB has passed on. Mayo must be very special between the ears. He is obviously a very charismatic guy, and a very smart guy. Combine that with elite physical tools, and that is the kind of ILB BB is willing to pay big money to. It's obvious that Willis is more of a heat seeking missile and a more sure tackler, a force of nature. But Mayo, as BB stated, has very good understanding of defensive concepts, and that makes him an elite prospect for our system.
Wheatley: Good speed & quickness, intelligent, good ball skills, nice footwork, and was impressive during workouts. I could see this guy developing into a multi-year starter, but his health will be the key. Honestly, I don't like the idea of this kid already having a fused wrist (and other injury problems), but maybe the injuries are behind him? I hope so, as the Patriots could use his skills at CB, and as a KR (I'm not sure about submitting him to the violence that is KR duty in the NFL though).
Seb, watch his combine drills on NFL.com's profiles. Personally, I was blown away. His hands are excellent, he is very natural in all his movements. The fused wrist has no impact on his ball skills. It seems like he had no problem using his wrist in press coverage. His other injury was a foot fracture, from which he recovered enought to blow up at the combine.
Their other picks:
Crable: I like the pick, and he has obvious pass rushing ability at OLB. The only real concern I've had with Crable is his thin calves, and somewhat small trunk for his size, but I'm sure with some time in the system he'll develop that lower body. I thought Avril had more appeal to the system, but I'm now wondering if he didn't interview well, or had some other issues I wasn't aware of...? In any case, Shawn should be a solid addition, but only time will tell.
I agree with your concerns. Crable needs at least 10 lbs in his lower half, while maintaining his speed. I actually think extra muscle in his legs will make him quicker/smoother in his change of direction. At 255 or 260 he will be a beast. A project pick, but with upside. His on-field motor is great.
Wilhite: I almost put this kid on my list of prospects, but I thought his issues, cone (7.17), shuttle (4.41), and lack of INT's would take him off the Patriots board. The issues I'm talking
about: "Poor awareness, Sub par hands and ball skills, Not a great tackler, Work ethic has been questioned, Needs technique work". So, I'm pretty iffy on this kid, but I do like his speed, and some of his problems could be coaches up.
I just don't see it with Wilhite.
Slater: Good kick returner, and maybe his addition means they will not have to submit Hobbs or Wheatley to return duty? He's also a good gunner on coverage teams, and could see playing time as a backup DB/WR. NFLDraftScout list his 2007 return average at 30.9 yards per return (30 returns), which is very good.
Who knows, really...
Ruud: This is a 6th round pick, you can't really expect much, but I can see some potential here. I'm thinking NE will try him out at ILB, not OLB though. Also, that's a great name for a LB...."BO RUUUUUDD!!"
Bleh.