9 Picks in 2011 (1 Viewer)

[shortbow]

Who might not return next year? What takes priority O-Line or Defense? Do they take Ingram with 17th overall if he slips? Tate's future doesn't seem very bright in New England hes been pretty lackluster in their offense so do they spring for a WR early or take a 5-6th rounder?

1. 1/17 - 17th overall

2. 1/32 - 32nd overall

3. 2/01 - 33rd overall

4. 2/32 - 64th overall

5. 3/10 - 74th overall

6. 3/32 - 96th overall

7. 4/32 - 128th overall

8. 5/32 - 160th overall

9. 6/27 - 187th overall

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Makes little sense to try to prognosticate who the Patriots will draft, because they will trade half of those picks for draft picks in 2012. Then next year they'll trade those 2012 picks for picks in 2013. Then in 2013.... you get the idea.

 

[FUBAR]

Ever get the feeling Bob Kraft is playing his version of Madden in real-life?

 

[Boston]

Pass rush...pass rush...pass rush...right now that is the team's achilles heel and IMO their biggest weakness...add in a pass rusher (or two) that other teams fear and it would go along way to taking this young defense to the next level. Overall their defensive front seven is where they need the most help (hopefully a healthy Ty Warren helps here as well). My guess is they will add to the O line (especially if Mankins walks) and another RB to go along with BJGE and Woodhead would not be a surprise. WR will be interesting to watch...what they do here will show what they think of Tate, Price and Edelman long-term...Branch's health is always a question so another WR is a possibility. Bodden comes back at CB to go along with McCourty but BB is always a threat to use a high pick at that position...Safety is a position that could be addressed as Merriweather is nothing special and while the other Safeties are solid other than Chung there's not much upside there.

 

[Donsmith753]

Pass Rush.

O line

Skill positiOns filled in later.

 

[munchkin]

The strength of this draft, reportedly, lies along the defensive line. Pryor, Deaderick. Love, etc have been a nice story but if this team can add a possible stud for the front three there is every reason to believe that is where they will go. Pass rush certainly is a high priority and would go a long way to helping the secondary perhaps Ryan Kerrigan or Aldon Smith are possibilities.

Ingram could fall to them at 17. It will be interesting to see if BB would pull the trigger on an RB in that position. My gut tells me no as line depth ultimately seems like more of a need.

 

[pantherclub]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldnt even answer the phone. Its extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

 

[greenline]

I think Brandon Tate does well considering what role he is in. It's Bethel Johnson redux. He's not a great possesion receiver but you can and will throw a homerun ball to him a few times a game. Plus he's about as dynamite a returner as I've seen in NE in awhile.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a pick (late first or Carolina's 2nd) dealt for an established player. last year two years they flirted with dealing for Julius Peppers and I think with the well-stocked system and the heaping pile of draft picks, it could set the stage for one of those Corey Dillon-type deals.

As to which position -- they'll probably take another tight end knowing them.

 

[shortbow]

I think Brandon Tate does well considering what role he is in. It's Bethel Johnson redux. He's not a great possesion receiver but you can and will throw a homerun ball to him a few times a game. Plus he's about as dynamite a returner as I've seen in NE in awhile. I wouldn't be surprised to see a pick (late first or Carolina's 2nd) dealt for an established player. last year two years they flirted with dealing for Julius Peppers and I think with the well-stocked system and the heaping pile of draft picks, it could set the stage for one of those Corey Dillon-type deals. As to which position -- they'll probably take another tight end knowing them.

I agree that he has potential but hes not showed anything NFL impressive this year outside of his returner skills, im not saying by any means that they should get rid of him, just think its more likely he will become a pure returner. If they could get a high-caliber defensive player I wouldnt be surprised if BB would trade a pick or two, I just think age is becoming an issue.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Holy Moses! 3 first round picks.

 

[[icon]]

Holy Moses! 3 first round picks.

Well, not exactly, but yeah... pretty much.

 

[Jason Wood]

Can't we wait to see how the playoffs unfold and whether free agency happens before the draft?

 

[Big_Russel]

Can't we wait to see how the playoffs unfold and whether free agency happens before the draft?

Why cant we talk about both?

 

[TommyGilmore]

Knowing Belichick, he'll draft 3 TEs and convert 2 of them into linebackers.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

What's the latest w/ Mankins? It's been very quiet about an extension after he reported.

 

[Fensalk]

Knowing Belichick, he'll draft 3 TEs and convert 2 of them into linebackers.

Belichick definitely loves his TEs. If they decide to not keep Mankins, they might go after Pouncey.

 

[SWC]

i would like to see bill the genius billichek somehow trot 10 tes and brady just one time because you just know it would be gaget play central and would undoubtedly lead to what would be discussed in the lore of the nfl as the greatest 99 yard touchdown ever scored

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Ever get the feeling Bob Kraft is playing his version of Madden in real-life?

I guess madden is pretty realistic. Just trade all your 1st's for 3rd's,4th's and 5th's and scout well and you make the ultimate team under the cap...I think he just apply's the madden dynasty rules.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Knowing Belichick, he'll draft 3 TEs and convert 2 of them into linebackers.

Belichick definitely loves his TEs. If they decide to not keep Mankins, they might go after Pouncey.

Good news for them is they'll draft ahead of the Steelers twice in the first round.

 

[greenline]

i would like to see bill the genius billichek somehow trot 10 tes and brady just one time because you just know it would be gaget play central and would undoubtedly lead to what would be discussed in the lore of the nfl as the greatest 99 yard touchdown ever scored

 

[wilked]

Pats dominance doesn't look to end anytime soon...

 

[Spike]

Who might not return next year? What takes priority O-Line or Defense? Do they take Ingram with 17th overall if he slips? Tate's future doesn't seem very bright in New England hes been pretty lackluster in their offense so do they spring for a WR early or take a 5-6th rounder?

1. 1/17 - 17th overall

2. 1/32 - 32nd overall

3. 2/01 - 33rd overall

4. 2/32 - 64th overall

5. 3/10 - 74th overall

6. 3/32 - 96th overall

7. 4/32 - 128th overall

8. 5/32 - 160th overall

9. 6/27 - 187th overall

I would bet - a lot - that they Pats will trade the 2.01. With that pick being the "power broker" pick (the first pick of the second round being the first pick on the second day of the draft), I would think someone would be desperate enough/crazy enough to overpay for it.

 

[Spike]

People always seem to mention the pass rush but if they had a pass rusher, would they utilize him properly?

Does their defensive scheme under Bill utilize the pass rush to any extent?

 

[Spike]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldn't even answer the phone. It's extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

Nice one!

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Who might not return next year? What takes priority O-Line or Defense? Do they take Ingram with 17th overall if he slips? Tate's future doesn't seem very bright in New England hes been pretty lackluster in their offense so do they spring for a WR early or take a 5-6th rounder?

1. 1/17 - 17th overall

2. 1/32 - 32nd overall

3. 2/01 - 33rd overall

4. 2/32 - 64th overall

5. 3/10 - 74th overall

6. 3/32 - 96th overall

7. 4/32 - 128th overall

8. 5/32 - 160th overall

9. 6/27 - 187th overall

I would bet - a lot - that they Pats will trade the 2.01. With that pick being the "power broker" pick (the first pick of the second round being the first pick on the second day of the draft), I would think someone would be desperate enough/crazy enough to overpay for it.

That's a pretty safe bet as I'm expecting that they move up/down on most every pick of theirs.

 

[David Yudkin]

If the Pats did end up with the #32 pick, there has been some interesting speculation among regular people (so no one official or involved with the team) that they might intentiionally skip their #32 pick. (The first day ends at pick #32 and the next day would start with pick #33 . . . which the Pats also own.) That way, NE would have the overnight hours to broker trades for either pick when other franchises might have fallen in love with someone and would mortgage their future for a guy they have to have. And since they own both picks, they would be on the clock when the draft picked up the next day.

It remains unclear whether the league would let that happen. If NE did not make a pick, the team with the 34th pick might be allowed to pick on the first day instead of NE.

In general, I think a lot of this will hinge on what happens with getting a new CBA in place. Without one, there may be fewer undergrads coming out for fear of making no money and not playing at all next year. They might opt to stay in school instead.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

BB does a good job of using FA and the draft to fill needs so as Jason already pointed out, a lot will depend on what if anythine happens in Free Agency.

They need to upgrade their LB core, particularly their OLBs, Banta Cain is mediocre at best and even though Ninkovich has exceeded my expectations, he is no more than a complimentary player imho.

They will likely lose Mankins and might lose Matt Light as well so OL is a strong possibility.

DL is not a real strengh to begin with (other than Wilfork) so DT & DE are also strong possibilities.

Morris, Faulk & Taylor likely won't be back so RB is a definite need.

If mgt feels there will definitley be a rookie salary cap it makes it more likely that NE reverses the trend and moves up to take a few special guys rather than trade back which is there usual MO. IMO, this might (I hope!) finally be the year they agressively move up to get guys they really like. Brady probably only has another 5 years or so and the time is now. There is no way anywhere near 9 rookies can make the team so it would seem to make sense to stay put or trade up for a select few and not be quite as focused on future picks as they have in the past.

Having said all that they will probably draft 5 TE's and trade the rest of the picks for future picks

 

[Chuck the Roc]

I think its likely they'll grab a vet defensive guy (or 3) via free agency to help these younger guys come a long better. Also i cant see them not grabbing some O line and a backfield guy or 2, possibly another vet RB free agent as well as one in the draft

 

[munchkin]

I think Brandon Tate does well considering what role he is in. It's Bethel Johnson redux. He's not a great possesion receiver but you can and will throw a homerun ball to him a few times a game. Plus he's about as dynamite a returner as I've seen in NE in awhile.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a pick (late first or Carolina's 2nd) dealt for an established player. last year two years they flirted with dealing for Julius Peppers and I think with the well-stocked system and the heaping pile of draft picks, it could set the stage for one of those Corey Dillon-type deals.

As to which position -- they'll probably take another tight end knowing them.

I agree that he has potential but hes not showed anything NFL impressive this year outside of his returner skills, im not saying by any means that they should get rid of him, just think its more likely he will become a pure returner. If they could get a high-caliber defensive player I wouldnt be surprised if BB would trade a pick or two, I just think age is becoming an issue.

Tate has some pretty tough catches this year including his TD catch yesterday. One of his problems has been taking his eye off the ball before he catches it. With 42 targets on the year its hard to judge what his potential is. His 52% catch rate isn't great but it puts him in the Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams (TB) and TO territory. Of course he's not going to get near the number of targets those guys do for many reasons including the efficiency of Welker, Branch, Gronk and Hernandez and their usage in the type of offense they run. I haven't given up on Tate.

 

[I was in the pool]

Tate has some pretty tough catches this year including his TD catch yesterday. One of his problems has been taking his eye off the ball before he catches it. With 42 targets on the year its hard to judge what his potential is. His 52% catch rate isn't great but it puts him in the Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams (TB) and TO territory. Of course he's not going to get near the number of targets those guys do for many reasons including the efficiency of Welker, Branch, Gronk and Hernandez and their usage in the type of offense they run. I haven't given up on Tate.

I would not put all the WRs you mentioned in the same category in terms of Catch%. Williams was forced the ball this year so many times that 99% of WRs would not have caught those targets, so I don't view his hands as an issue. TO and Lloyd do have below average hands. Even if Tate is the "starter" in 2011, I can't see him being a productive FF player with Gronk/Hernandez/Welker sucking up TDs and a lot of targets going into the season.....and I was a bandwagon guy for Tate when Moss was traded thinking he was going to be huge as early as this season.

 

[DropKick]

Makes little sense to try to prognosticate who the Patriots will draft, because they will trade half of those picks for draft picks in 2012. Then next year they'll trade those 2012 picks for picks in 2013. Then in 2013.... you get the idea.

So true.

 

[munchkin]

Tate has some pretty tough catches this year including his TD catch yesterday. One of his problems has been taking his eye off the ball before he catches it. With 42 targets on the year its hard to judge what his potential is. His 52% catch rate isn't great but it puts him in the Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams (TB) and TO territory. Of course he's not going to get near the number of targets those guys do for many reasons including the efficiency of Welker, Branch, Gronk and Hernandez and their usage in the type of offense they run. I haven't given up on Tate.

I would not put all the WRs you mentioned in the same category in terms of Catch%. Williams was forced the ball this year so many times that 99% of WRs would not have caught those targets, so I don't view his hands as an issue. TO and Lloyd do have below average hands. Even if Tate is the "starter" in 2011, I can't see him being a productive FF player with Gronk/Hernandez/Welker sucking up TDs and a lot of targets going into the season.....and I was a bandwagon guy for Tate when Moss was traded thinking he was going to be huge as early as this season.

You've restated part of my argument for me. Tate is not going to be force fed the ball because of the skill position players around him. Brady throws to whom he feels confident in and right now Tate isn't one of them. He doesn't have the experience nor play a position in the offense that warrants the throws. Williams has shown more but he is also in a position to garner more targets given the players around him. I am not defending Tate as a near term FF stud but I don't think you close the book on a guy who has shown perhaps a bit more than some people are giving him credit for. He has made some tough catches along the sideline and outside the perimeter of the end zone that have gone down as incomplete.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

BB does a good job of using FA and the draft to fill needs so as Jason already pointed out, a lot will depend on what if anythine happens in Free Agency.

They need to upgrade their LB core, particularly their OLBs, Banta Cain is mediocre at best and even though Ninkovich has exceeded my expectations, he is no more than a complimentary player imho.

They will likely lose Mankins and might lose Matt Light as well so OL is a strong possibility.

TY Warren is likely gone and DL is not a real strengh to begin with (other than Wilfork) so DT & DE are also strong possibilities.

Morris, Faulk & Taylor likely won't be back so RB is a definite need.

If mgt feels there will definitley be a rookie salary cap it makes it more likely that NE reverses the trend and moves up to take a few special guys rather than trade back which is there usual MO. IMO, this might (I hope!) finally be the year they agressively move up to get guys they really like. Brady probably only has another 5 years or so and the time is now. There is no way anywhere near 9 rookies can make the team so it would seem to make sense to stay put or trade up for a select few and not be quite as focused on future picks as they have in the past.

Having said all that they will probably draft 5 TE's and trade the rest of the picks for future picks

I agree with pretty much all of this, but it's hard for me to make any guesses as I don't follow college ball.it's true the pats need to add OLB, but belichick is picky about that position, and if there's nobody there he likes in the early rounds I'm not sure he'd take a guy just to draft the position.

I could see them actually taking another corner, but maybe not with the top 3 picks.

I don't know why ty warren will be gone, but a 3-4 end would probably help --- that's a spot where I could see an early pick if there's a real first round stud there, otherwise they might just accumulate more later round bodies.

we might be thin at RB, but that wouldn't necessarily have to filled in the top 3 rounds, of course it always depends who's there and who belichick likes.

belichick really drafts players, I think, rather than just filling out positions.

I think they're pretty set at TE, but another WR wouldn't shock me, dependent on what's there, of course.

one thing they really need to work on, I think, is OL.

here is what they have going on (contract ending):

(G) neal - 2011 + injury issues (gone?)

(G) mankins - possibly gone?

(G) connolly - 2011

(OT) light - 2010

© koppen - 2011

they really need to get some bodies in the pipeline, and while in the past they might've been content to take lower round projects and coach them up, I think there's a bit more urgency this year for an early round stud -- if available, as usual.

of the first 6 picks I could see something like 2 OL, DL, CB, maybe OLB or WR, and 1 or 2 used up in trades -- something like that.

here's some good draft chatter:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patrio...draft-talk.html

 

[Pipes]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldnt even answer the phone. Its extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

Unless your Ted Thompson.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

BB does a good job of using FA and the draft to fill needs so as Jason already pointed out, a lot will depend on what if anythine happens in Free Agency.

They need to upgrade their LB core, particularly their OLBs, Banta Cain is mediocre at best and even though Ninkovich has exceeded my expectations, he is no more than a complimentary player imho.

They will likely lose Mankins and might lose Matt Light as well so OL is a strong possibility.

TY Warren is likely gone and DL is not a real strengh to begin with (other than Wilfork) so DT & DE are also strong possibilities.

Morris, Faulk & Taylor likely won't be back so RB is a definite need.

If mgt feels there will definitley be a rookie salary cap it makes it more likely that NE reverses the trend and moves up to take a few special guys rather than trade back which is there usual MO. IMO, this might (I hope!) finally be the year they agressively move up to get guys they really like. Brady probably only has another 5 years or so and the time is now. There is no way anywhere near 9 rookies can make the team so it would seem to make sense to stay put or trade up for a select few and not be quite as focused on future picks as they have in the past.

Having said all that they will probably draft 5 TE's and trade the rest of the picks for future picks

I agree with pretty much all of this, but it's hard for me to make any guesses as I don't follow college ball.it's true the pats need to add OLB, but belichick is picky about that position, and if there's nobody there he likes in the early rounds I'm not sure he'd take a guy just to draft the position.

I could see them actually taking another corner, but maybe not with the top 3 picks.

I don't know why ty warren will be gone, but a 3-4 end would probably help --- that's a spot where I could see an early pick if there's a real first round stud there, otherwise they might just accumulate more later round bodies.

we might be thin at RB, but that wouldn't necessarily have to filled in the top 3 rounds, of course it always depends who's there and who belichick likes.

belichick really drafts players, I think, rather than just filling out positions.

I think they're pretty set at TE, but another WR wouldn't shock me, dependent on what's there, of course.

one thing they really need to work on, I think, is OL.

here is what they have going on:

(G) neal - 2011 + injury issues (gone?)

(G) mankins - possibly gone?

(G) connolly - 2011

(OT) light - 2010

© koppen - 2011

they really need to get some bodies in the pipeline, and while in the past they might've been content to take lower round projects and coach them up, I think there's a bit more urgency this year for an early round stud -- if available, as usual.

of the first 6 picks I could see something like 2 OL, DL, CB, maybe OLB or WR, and 1 or 2 used up in trades -- something like that.

here's some good draft chatter:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patrio...draft-talk.html

I was mistakenly under the impression Warren was going in to a contract year, my bad.I don't think BB will likely be pidgeonholed into drafting for a specific need, he will look to fill needs, but is always going to take the guy he has rated highest.

OL is definitely a need, as is OLB & DL; your list looks about as good as anyones imo.

However, I wouldn't rule out a rb if the right one is there.

Thanks for the link.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

on second thought, a top 3 rounder on WR might be a stretch.

I could see adding one, but a top 3 rounder would make for a bit of a roster crunch, I think.

so, change my WR or OLB to just OLB.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldnt even answer the phone. Its extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

Unless your Ted Thompson.

2009 NFL draftatriots owned the 23rd pick. They traded down 3 spots with Baltimore to 26. Ravens took Micheal Oher. Patriots got 26 and 162, and traded both to the Packers for 41, 73, 83. Packers selected Clay Matthews and Jamon Meredith with the picks. NE ends up with Darius Butler, Derek Cox and Brandon Tate. 2006 NFL draft: Patriots trade #52 and #75 to Green Bay for pick #36. Patriots select WR Chad Jackson with the pick. Packers select WR Greg Jennings at 52, and OG Jason Spitz at #75. Bad deals all the way around for NE. Packers got two Pro Bowlers and a serviceable guard out of those deals.

 

[greenline]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldnt even answer the phone. Its extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

Unless your Ted Thompson.

2009 NFL draftatriots owned the 23rd pick. They traded down 3 spots with Baltimore to 26. Ravens took Micheal Oher. Patriots got 26 and 162, and traded both to the Packers for 41, 73, 83. Packers selected Clay Matthews and Jamon Meredith with the picks. NE ends up with Darius Butler, Derek Cox and Brandon Tate. 2006 NFL draft: Patriots trade #52 and #75 to Green Bay for pick #36. Patriots select WR Chad Jackson with the pick. Packers select WR Greg Jennings at 52, and OG Jason Spitz at #75. Bad deals all the way around for NE. Packers got two Pro Bowlers and a serviceable guard out of those deals.

I get and agree with your general point, but NE never drafted Derek Cox. He plays for the Jaguars.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

If I was a GM and I saw the Patriots call on my caller ID I wouldnt even answer the phone. Its extremely rare that they lose out in trades.

Unless your Ted Thompson.

2009 NFL draftatriots owned the 23rd pick. They traded down 3 spots with Baltimore to 26. Ravens took Micheal Oher. Patriots got 26 and 162, and traded both to the Packers for 41, 73, 83. Packers selected Clay Matthews and Jamon Meredith with the picks. NE ends up with Darius Butler, Derek Cox and Brandon Tate. 2006 NFL draft: Patriots trade #52 and #75 to Green Bay for pick #36. Patriots select WR Chad Jackson with the pick. Packers select WR Greg Jennings at 52, and OG Jason Spitz at #75. Bad deals all the way around for NE. Packers got two Pro Bowlers and a serviceable guard out of those deals.

FTR, I would certainly love to have Clay Mathews playing for the Pats; this is how the Globe recently reported the series of trades in 09.

26. Patriots (Trade down to Packers)Packers receive:2009 first round pick, 26, pick LB Clay Matthews III 2009 fifth round pick, 162, pick tackle Jamon Meredith (later released by Packers) Patriots get: 2009 second round pick, 41, pick DB Darius Butler 2009 third round pick, 73, pick DB Derek Cox 2009 third round pick, 83, pick WR Brandon Tate Patriots trade Cox to Jaguars.Patriots get:2009 seventh round pick, 232, pick WR Julian Edelman 2010 second round, 44, traded that pick to the Raiders for 42 to pick TE Rob Gronkowski (Raiders get second-round pick, 44, DT Lamarr Houston; sixth-round pick, 190 pick LB Travis Goethel)So, basically, you could have either Clay Matthews, or Darius Butler, Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. (Though the Patriots probably still could have made the Gronkowski trade among other moves).

 

[captain_amazing]

One thing not to forget, BB will trade/cut someone that everyone will go . So there is that position - whatever it is that may need filling.

But, my guess is OL, DL, DB in that order. Light and Neal will be gone, Connolly will most likely get an extension, and Volmer will move to LT, so RT, LG and RG will need attention. DL has been a revolving door - getting a stud at DE would be great. And SS, as I have a feeling Merriweather is going to be dealt, especially after getting his 2nd consecutive Pro Bowl.

If there is an OLB that fits BB's picky criteria, he will draft that position before all others. Otherwise, he might look to FA.

 

[thatguy]

The rich get richer. What an amazingly well-run organization New England is. It's fascinating.

 

[Sweet Love]

Tate has some pretty tough catches this year including his TD catch yesterday. One of his problems has been taking his eye off the ball before he catches it. With 42 targets on the year its hard to judge what his potential is. His 52% catch rate isn't great but it puts him in the Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams (TB) and TO territory. Of course he's not going to get near the number of targets those guys do for many reasons including the efficiency of Welker, Branch, Gronk and Hernandez and their usage in the type of offense they run. I haven't given up on Tate.

I would not put all the WRs you mentioned in the same category in terms of Catch%. Williams was forced the ball this year so many times that 99% of WRs would not have caught those targets, so I don't view his hands as an issue. TO and Lloyd do have below average hands. Even if Tate is the "starter" in 2011, I can't see him being a productive FF player with Gronk/Hernandez/Welker sucking up TDs and a lot of targets going into the season.....and I was a bandwagon guy for Tate when Moss was traded thinking he was going to be huge as early as this season.

I agree with your thoughts and feel that Tate serves his role well...solid WR2 in an offense where he will most likely be the fourth receiving option (Woodhead and winner of TE battle in 2011 will get more targets). As long as they keep using him on kick returns (not sure how feasible that is for a starting WR), his value will be in the return game and keeping defenses honest...and really, isn't that what he was drafted for?