Yeah, those two picks are really the only guys BB has drafted in the last...5-7 years. Crable is obviously a bust and Cunningham is a soon-to-be bust. (Healthy scratch in two games this year, I don't even think he plays now?)
BB basically completely overlooks the need for pass rushers, I would LOVE if he drafted pass rushers as much as he loves drafting CB's.
I totally agree that he does not see many fits for pure pass rushers, or DE/OLB conversion projects. You are certainly right in that regard. The only point I was attempting to make was that he has taken 2 high picks in the past 2-3 drafts. That is at least making an effort, even though the effort did not pay off.
For whatever reason, he seems fine with trying to build them through free agency/cuts/trades. Some say that he has a high standard for what he looks for in that position. Some feel that Belichick considers the defense and its schemes too complicated for many younger players, and prefers to look for experience. Maybe it's a combination of a lot of things.
I still feel that last yr's lack of choosing was due in part to the labor negotiations and situation. That's why he went for experienced players, and what may perceive to be an easier to understand base defense.
Why his dedication with CB's? We all wish we knew. He apparently feels as though that is a more important postion in today's pass happy NFL, and it's possible that he will not quit until he achieves a good fit.
I still believe that the position of pass rush will be addressed with at least one 'high' pick (1-3) in the draft this year. Just when you think you know what he's going to do, he throws us all a curve ball. Not only that, I feel that even stubborn Belichick will realize that he needs to take a chance at that position eventually.
Then again, he may go out and grab a halfway decent free agent or cut, and continue to try and plug and play. Since the position isn't exactly set for the future, and BB tends to have an eye towards the future, I wouldn't put it past him to finally make a move with a higher-type pick again in the front seven.