Patriots Draft Needs

Here is my latest take on the Pats’ needs and my grading system. Please note that I am using a grading system that was first originated by Aaron “Pudge” Freeman.

Priority Rating Key
10 – Without one, the season is doomed from the start.
9 – Need one badly and things look gloomy without one.
8 – Top priority for this team.
7 – A definite need for this team.
6 – Should be addressed but not top priority.
5 – Needs an upgrade.
4 – Could use some work but no need for reaching.
3 – Fine for the time being.
2 – Not much to worry about at this position.
1 – Selecting a player is a total waste.

LB – 8 (I’ll be shocked if the Pats don’t use a Day 1 pick on the position.) The Pats need to get younger and faster at this position. Super Bowl starters Ted Bruschi and Mike Vrabel will return for the 2002 season. Ted Johnson who has had a problem remaining healthy over the past couple of seasons had to agree to a $2,450,000 pay cut in order to remain with the Patriots. Roman Phifer is debating whether to remain on the East Coast with the Patriots away from his family for another season or to sign with a West Coast team (Raiders). Out of the remaining LBs on the Patriots roster, only Larry Izzo, a special teams standout, has a great deal of experience playing in the NFL.

DE/DT – 7 (I’ll be very surprised if the Pats don’t use a Day 1 pick on the position.) Replacements for Anthony Pleasant and Bobby Hamilton must be found and groomed. The duo are both over 31 years old and the question of how long they can play at a high level is a legitimate one. The ageless wonder Anthony Pleasant celebrated his 34 birthday and is due to make $2,500,000 in salary in the 2003 season. How much more effective would Richard Seymour be if opposing teams were not able to double-team, even triple-team him?? Seymour is the only interior defensive lineman on the Patriots roster who commands a double-team. Brandon Mitchell’s asking price appears to be more than the Pats are currently willing to pay. Unless Mitchell lowers his demands, it appears that he will not be returning to the Pats for the 2002 season. Willie McGinest agreed to a paycut so he will return for another season in his elephant role. Richard Seymour and Willie McGinest are the only defensive lineman on the Patriots roster with the speed required to close down on a quarterback.

CB – 6 (I can see the Pats taking the Best Player Available approach at this position on Day 2 of the draft.) Otis Smith is 36 years old. There is no CB on
the Pats roster over six feet tall. Terrance Shaw was released. Terrell Buckley is looking for an expanded role.

WR – 6 (I can see the Pats taking the Best Player Available approach at this position throughout the draft) While the trio of Troy Brown, Donald Hayes, and David Patten is a pretty good set of wide receivers, the dropoff between them and Fred Coleman and Jimmy Farris is rather steep.

G/OT – 5 (I can see the Pats taking the Best Player Available approach at this position on Day 1). Even though the Pats have all 5 starters (Matt Light, Matt Compton, Damien Woody, Joe Andruzzi, and Greg Randall-Robinson) on the offensive line as well as 2 backups (Adrian Klemm and Kenyatta Jones) signed
through the 2003 season, there are definitely questions about the offensive line. Is Klemm the better option at left tackle since he appears to be better able to handle speed rushers than does Matt Light?? Is left guard Light’s best position?? Is right guard GRR’s best position??Who is going to back up GRR??

S – 4 (I can see the Pats taking the Best Player Available approach at this position on Day 2 of the draft). This is the last year of Tebucky Jones’ contract. If he were to sign an extension before the draft, I would give this position a ranking of 1 since the Pats already have a solid set of safeties (Milloy, Tebucky Jones, Antwan Harris, Cherry, Chris Hayes, and Rob Kelly)

TE – 3 (I’ll be shocked if the Pats use a Day 1 pick on the position.) The TEs (Fauria, Wiggins, Love, Cleeland and Holloway)
on the roster are an interesting mix of players with unfulfilled potential (Cleeland), unknown promise (Love, Wiggins, Holloway) and experience (Fauria).

RB – 3 (I’ll be suprised if the Pats use a Day 1 pick on the position.) The Pats have a ball-control RB in Antowain Smith, a change of pace back in Kevin Faulk, and a 3rd down back in J.R. Redmond. They also have a project RB in Walter Williams. That being said, I can see the Pats using a 3rd round pick on a player like Jonathan Wells or Najeh Davenport, especially if the Pats decide that Kevin Faulk is not in their long-term plans.

QB – 3 (I’ll be shocked if the Pats use a Day 1 pick on the position.) The Pats have 3 QBs on their roster who could start for a good number of teams in the NFL. This ranking will go up if Drew Bledsoe is traded before the draft.

C – 1 (I’ll be shocked if the Pats use a draft pick on the position.) The Pats have one of the best young centers in Woody. They also have two players (Ruegamer
and Compton) who can play center.

ST – 1 (I’ll be shocked if the Pats use a draft pick on the position.) The Pats have signed their kickers (Ken Walters and Adam Vinatieri) to long-term deals.
There are a couple of players on the Patriots roster who can long-snap if the Pats decide to no longer use a roster spot on a long-snapper (Lonie Paxton).