This Is The Year To Maximize Patriots Draft Picks

[PatsWickedPissah]

Frankly, how many picks are going to make this 14-2 roster? It would seem prudent to trade some for 2012 picks instead of bringing a dozen rookies who won't be able to make the practice squad.

Au contraire.
Well, players like Neal have retired. Kaczur's health is questionable. The WR squad could use a deep threat. There are openings at RB for young legs. OLB and DE could use youth and talent. What if Light or Mankins does not return?

If there aren't players in at the very least the 1st 3 rounds that are better than the 47th player onward on the roster, then the scouts have not done their jobs. Late round picks should be projects, fodder to upgrade the developental talent on the practise squad.

That said, should BB have an opportunity to get a early 1st or 2nd round 2012 pick, I think he'll do so as well.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Au contraire.
...

That said, should BB have an opportunity to get a early 1st or 2nd round 2012 pick, I think he'll do so as well.

I think you've covered all the bases there pretty well. I'll pick up on your final comment and agree with it. I don't think it would be at all unlikely if BB kept some of his powder dry for an early pick next year, with the thought that it could turn out to be a lucky one.

 

[KY Pats Fan]

I think that this will happen. I don't expect the Pats to trade for draft picks next year unless a new CBA is agreed upon. Why risks trading picks to next year in the event that there may or may not be a 2012 draft.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think that this will happen. I don't expect the Pats to trade for draft picks next year unless a new CBA is agreed upon. Why risks trading picks to next year in the event that there may or may not be a 2012 draft.

I would imagine that such trades would specify "in the next draft" or some such; the only way I can see them "shying away" is if they see a significant likelihood of no more drafts, ever.

 

[tasmlab]

Aggree

I agree with what you write. There are certainly some spots to fill and bolster. And/but it's not like we have to flush the roster with tons of players like Tampa Bay or KC had to do recently.

Au contraire.
Well, players like Neal have retired. Kaczur's health is questionable. The WR squad could use a deep threat. There are openings at RB for young legs. OLB and DE could use youth and talent. What if Light or Mankins does not return?

If there aren't players in at the very least the 1st 3 rounds that are better than the 47th player onward on the roster, then the scouts have not done their jobs. Late round picks should be projects, fodder to upgrade the developental talent on the practise squad.

That said, should BB have an opportunity to get a early 1st or 2nd round 2012 pick, I think he'll do so as well.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Aggree

Welcome to posting on the board tasmlab

You and I both come here for the same reasons. There are lots of knowlegeable Pats fans who post diverse well reasoned opinions here. I often learn far more here than I can learn reading the sportswriters.

 

[ivanvamp]

Which player? Seems to me, the players they would (DL) like could fall right to them at 17, maybe a last minute position tradeup like they did with Warren.

Can't say I know what they want, who they'd prefer or where those guys will fall, but lower mid 1st to upper 2nd seems the sweet spot.

I think they will have a ton of guys available at 17 that could help on the OL or DL. Depending on how things shake out, they could have any of the following guys available:

OL: Pouncey, Castonzo, Carimi, Solder, Watkins, Sherrod
DL: Quinn, Bowers, Jordan, Liuget, Watt, Kerrigan, Clayborn, Taylor, Heyward

Good chance one or more of those guys is also available at 28 as well, plus Ingram, and maybe a couple of quality DBs.

If they use their top 3 picks and come away with two very good DL and one good OL, it'll be a huge upgrade for this team. I see no reason to move up when there are that many guys that could help the Pats up through #33.

That said, I think there's a good chance they'll deal one of them.