*** New England Patriot Offseason (2007) *** (1 Viewer)

[nerangers]

I always find it interesting in who the Patriots have in for Visits and workouts...some I always think will be gone by their first round picks...needless to say though, I always look up the bio's to see why the Pats would be interested.

This one caught my eye...listed as a late round or FA.

Patriots | Team works out Hairston

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:46:41 -0700

John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports the New England Patriots recently had their running backs coach work out Central Connecticut State RB Justise Hairston.

Running Back | Senior | Central Connecticut St.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 222 | 40-Time: 4.59

Official Bio

Strengths:

Has excellent size and bulk...Strong and powerful runner...Is instinctive with nice vision...A patient runner...Solid blocker...Tough and physical...Coming off a great senior campaign...Athletic with some elusiveness and moves...He still has upside.

Weaknesses:

Timed speed is just average at best...Isn't real explosive and lacks a burst...Runs too tall...Not a great receiver...May not be able to turn the corner and get outside in the NFL...Did not really break out until he was facing inferior competition in '06.

Notes:

Played the first three years of his career at Rutgers but transferred down a level for his senior season when he was going to be stuck behind Ray Rice and Brian Leonard...Intriguing prospect who you can't really blame for his lack of production with the Scarlet Knights considering the talent that was in front of him...A sleeper who could be a late round pick...Potentially a very pleasant surprise for someone.

 

[nerangers]

A WR that has been moving up the charts...I wasn't thinking that WR would be a first round need for the Patriots after the offseason moves they made. They have taken a WR in four of the last five drafts though...

Patriots | Meachem visited with team

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:49:31 -0700

During an interview with KFFL.com, NFL Draft prospect WR Robert Meachem (Tennessee) said he had a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 214 | 40-Time: 4.39

Strengths:

Has terrific timed speed and quickness with a burst...Excellent size and he knows how to use it...Has a pretty solid build and the frame to bulk up further...Has long arms...Elusive and runs well after the catch...Shows some power and he'll break tackles...Has big hands and will snatch the ball out of the air...A big play threat in the vertical passing game...Coming off his best season and still has some upside.

Weaknesses:

Not a great route runner...Drops some balls due to a lack of concentration...Not a great blocker...Does not get off the line well versus the jam...Is not very tough or physical...Will not work across the middle much...Needs some technique work and still has to master the nuances of his craft...Has some minor durability concerns.

Notes:

Was a top recruit coming out of high school...Redshirted in 2003 due to a knee injury...Was considered to be a bit of an underachiever until his junior year when he had a fantastic season and was named an All-American...He's somewhat of a finesse player who has the physical tools you look for...May be similar to another former Vol Donte Stallworth...Stock may soar if he works out as well as expected.

 

[nerangers]

Not sure if anyone watched Draft House last night, but they pointed out that the Patriots have met with BRANDON MERIWEATHER three times, addressing the character issues. It sounds like Meriweather is a bigger playmaker than MICHAEL GRIFFIN, and except for the character issues, more the type of player the Patriots would want to have.

 

[Davej626]

Not sure if anyone watched Draft House last night, but they pointed out that the Patriots have met with BRANDON MERIWEATHER three times, addressing the character issues. It sounds like Meriweather is a bigger playmaker than MICHAEL GRIFFIN, and except for the character issues, more the type of player the Patriots would want to have.

Yea, but thats a huge BUT/EXCEPT this year...

 

[David Yudkin]

Thomas suffers broken foot

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff | April 27, 2007

Tight end David Thomas, who showed promise in his rookie season in 2006, broke his foot this week while participating in the Patriots' offseason program. The injury will affect Thomas's training, although he is expected to make a full recovery. A timetable for his return is not known.

Thomas, a third-round draft choice out of Texas, totaled 11 catches for 159 yards last season. He played in 15 regular-season games with three starts, filling in for the injured Benjamin Watson late in the season and playing a key role in the team's AFC East-clinching victory over the Jaguars Dec. 24 with five catches for 83 yards, including a diving 22-yard touchdown grab.

Thomas, 23, got a jump-start on his training, returning to Gillette Stadium a few weeks before the offseason program began.

"I think I could stand to get a little more weight on my frame and just get stronger, both upper body and lower body," the 6-foot-3-inch, 248-pound Thomas said in late March.

 

[Exile]

Not sure if anyone watched Draft House last night, but they pointed out that the Patriots have met with BRANDON MERIWEATHER three times, addressing the character issues. It sounds like Meriweather is a bigger playmaker than MICHAEL GRIFFIN, and except for the character issues, more the type of player the Patriots would want to have.

Yea, but thats a huge BUT/EXCEPT this year...

I keep seeing the Pats linked to Merriweather and that has really made me wonder what exactly is going on with him. I know he "stepped on a guy" during the brawl with FIU. What other incidents have there been? I guess what I'm getting at is that if the Pats really are interested, maybe this is a case like Corey Dillon, where the player's rep is worse than the reality of the situation due to a couple of isolated incidents.But again, I don't know much about the kid's history so I'm asking if this might be the case.

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats still after Randy Moss . . .

LINK

 

[Davej626]

Pats still after Randy Moss . . .

LINK

I really don't know what to think about this. Could you imagine Moss and Stallworth as the WR1 and WR2? With Maroney in the backfield and BRady under center? Wow. On the other hand, Moss is a major project. Could it be that the desire to win a SB would motivate him to correct his flaws and taking plays off? Is BB that good to get the best out of Moss?

 

[nerangers]

Today is the day boys!!!! DRAFT DAY!!!

You know we are all going to be surprised by what the Patriots do since they are unpredictable. Let the head scratching begin!!!

Official Patriots Draft Page

Here is hoping I can make it back from work in time!!!

 

[fsufan]

NE has had a great off-season so far. I think they come away from the draft as the team to win it all in 07

 

[Boston]

A little pre-draft article by Reiss...looks like the Pats are sniffing around RB Chris Brown and DT Ian Scott. Brown would be an intriguing addition to go along with Maroney, Faulk, Morris and Evans. As for Scott that would be more quality depth to a unit that's already strong.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...de_down/?page=2

Also, here's Reiss' mock draft:

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...de_down/?page=2

 

[BGP]

NE has had a great off-season so far. I think they come away from the draft as the team to win it all in 07

That's something I say every year. I think they were the best team last year. They dominated the Colts early in the AFC title game but clearly ran out of gas in the second half. The team had to travel from New England to San Diego back home and then to Indianapolis and they had to deal with a bout of the flu hitting a number of players in the week between the chargers win and colts loss, which is understandable considering they went to a warm climate and back. They had some tough luck in that their 12-4 record wasn't worth a bye.

 

[bostonfred]

And with the 24th pick in the 2007 NFL draft, the New England Patriots select Brandon Meriweather, S Miami

 

[nerangers]

Thought maybe with the 28th pick...but here is th 24th pick.

Brandon Meriweather

Height: 5-105/8 | Weight: 195 | 40-Time: 4.47

Strengths:

Smooth athlete with fluid hips...Has excellent range and excels in coverage...Very instinctive and a playmaker with solid hands and ball skills...He plays fast and has superb timed speed...A physical player who will throw his body around...Reliable tackler who can lay the lumber and will play the run...Very versatile and could play a number of roles in the secondary...Smart and a hard worker who is reportedly a leader...Durable and productive with lots of experience against elite competition.

Weaknesses:

Lacks the ideal bulk that you look for...Needs to get stronger...His reckless style of play has led to injuries and durability is a big question mark...Has some major character concerns and a number of incidents that will need to be checked into.

Notes:

Could potentially play either safety spot and maybe even corner in the pros...Was caught on tape stomping and kicking a player who was on the ground during the infamous Miami / Florida International brawl...He returned fire at an assailant who shot his roommate in the offseason prior to his senior year but no charges were filed because he owned the gun legally...A potential first rounder based on talent alone but he will likely fall in the draft due to all of the off-the-field considerations.

 

[bostonfred]

I was kind of hoping for Staley at this pick. A lot of good defensive backs were gone at this pick, so I can understand them trying to get ahead of the dropoff at the position. I'm not a huge fan of guys with character issues, but I do like getting someone nasty at safety.

 

[Boston]

Love the pick. It's exactly what the Doctor ordered. Their biggest hole is now filled. If BB/Pioli are comfortable with his character that's all I need to know. This kid is very versatile, tough and just knows how to play football. I'll go on record as saying I think he'll be their starter very early next season and as early as opening day.

If Rodney can stay healty a Harrison-Merriweather-Wilson-Sanders-Hawkins depth chart is very solid at the Safety position. Also, my guess is he becomes attached to the hip with Harrison which will be nothing but a positive.

 

[nerangers]

I think Hell just froze over...Cowboys and Eagles just made a trade...

Was thinking the Pats would trade out of 28...maybe not now...

 

[fsufan]

just give them the Superbowl trophy now

 

[nerangers]

Pats on the Clock...

I didn't think he would be here but he is... OLB PAUL POSLUSZNY

a few others:

CB CHRIS HOUSTON

OT JOE STALEY

LB DAVID HARRIS

 

[nerangers]

Pats on the Clock...

I didn't think he would be here but he is... OLB PAUL POSLUSZNY

a few others:

CB CHRIS HOUSTON

OT JOE STALEY

LB DAVID HARRIS

Pats traded out of the pick with San Fran...I got that trade right in my mock!!! LOL Too bad the player I had going to the 49ers is gone!Trade details

Here are the details of the Patriots' trade with the 49ers:

The Patriots received a first-round pick in 2008 from the 49ers. The team also received a fourth-round pick this year, 110th overall.

The 49ers received the 28th overall pick this year and picked Joe Staley, an offensive tackle from Central Michigan.

 

[Boston]

Very nice deal...San Fran's #1 in 2008 and a #4 this year. Great value. San Fran is an up and coming team but this #1 will end up being a lot higher than #28. No doubt about that.

I see another deal or two coming soon. Either Moss becomes a Patriot or the Pats start packaging other picks to move into the second and/or third round.

Overall I'm very pleased with what they have accomplished so far.

 

[code]

Very nice deal...San Fran's #1 in 2008 and a #4 this year. Great value. San Fran is an up and coming team but this #1 will end up being a lot higher than #28. No doubt about that. I see another deal or two coming soon. Either Moss becomes a Patriot or the Pats start packaging other picks to move into the second and/or third round.Overall I'm very pleased with what they have accomplished so far.

The trade is nice...but I still would've liked to see a LB with that pick...

 

[Borat]

Very nice deal...San Fran's #1 in 2008 and a #4 this year. Great value. San Fran is an up and coming team but this #1 will end up being a lot higher than #28. No doubt about that. I see another deal or two coming soon. Either Moss becomes a Patriot or the Pats start packaging other picks to move into the second and/or third round.Overall I'm very pleased with what they have accomplished so far.

The trade is nice...but I still would've liked to see a LB with that pick...

We just scored a 4th round pick and San Fran's #1 pick next year. How are you not ecstatic about that?

 

[code]

Very nice deal...San Fran's #1 in 2008 and a #4 this year. Great value. San Fran is an up and coming team but this #1 will end up being a lot higher than #28. No doubt about that. I see another deal or two coming soon. Either Moss becomes a Patriot or the Pats start packaging other picks to move into the second and/or third round.Overall I'm very pleased with what they have accomplished so far.

The trade is nice...but I still would've liked to see a LB with that pick...

We just scored a 4th round pick and San Fran's #1 pick next year. How are you not ecstatic about that?

I like the value in the trade, great value...but by your logic we could trade all our picks this year for better picks next year and we should be ecstatic...at some point there is an opportunity cost...that's all I'm saying...

 

[bostonfred]

At first blush, I'm not a huge fan of the trade. I would rather have Staley than the 49ers' pick next year. Yes, I like the idea of getting a mid-first next year, which seems like a reasonable expectation for the 49ers. But waiting a year to get the value from this pick, and only getting a fourth this year for the priviledge, doesn't seem like the best trade. The Patriots have been very good in the first round recently, but they haven't been that great since. And I'd like them to get as many players as possible who can help them this year because I want them to win it all right now.

There are a couple things that would make me change my mind. If it turns out that they can use some of the money from their rookie pool to sign Samuel to a long term deal, that would be well worth it. If they are able to package some of their picks this year to move up and get a good player who slipped, that would be worth it, too. And of course if they win a Superbowl as currently constituted, they'll look like geniuses again.

But the expectation in New England this year is a Superbowl victory. If they come close but fail to make it again, then trading away a chance at a first rounder this year to get a top pick next year will seem like a huge mistake.

 

[Borat]

Very nice deal...San Fran's #1 in 2008 and a #4 this year. Great value. San Fran is an up and coming team but this #1 will end up being a lot higher than #28. No doubt about that.

I see another deal or two coming soon. Either Moss becomes a Patriot or the Pats start packaging other picks to move into the second and/or third round.

Overall I'm very pleased with what they have accomplished so far.

The trade is nice...but I still would've liked to see a LB with that pick...

We just scored a 4th round pick and San Fran's #1 pick next year. How are you not ecstatic about that?

I like the value in the trade, great value...but by your logic we could trade all our picks this year for better picks next year and we should be ecstatic...at some point there is an opportunity cost...that's all I'm saying...

How so?

 

[Borat]

FYI, last time we had two 1st rounders, we traded one of them away and ultimately ended up with Vince Wilfork and Eugene Wilson. The pick we traded away turned into Kyle Boller.

Also, we won the Super Bowl that year.

 

[bostonfred]

FYI, last time we had two 1st rounders, we traded one of them away and ultimately ended up with Vince Wilfork and Eugene Wilson. The pick we traded away turned into Kyle Boller. Also, we won the Super Bowl that year.

Totally understand the value of trading a pick this year for a pick next year. And if the expectations were not championship-or-bust, I'd like this trade a lot more. There's a sense of urgency to me since Belichick could leave at just about any time, Brady has a finite number of years left, and the veterans on defense don't have much productive time left. In my ideal world, the Patriots would have loaded up as much as possible to try to win this year.

 

[nerangers]

Good discussion here guys...why I love this site.

I figured the Pats would trade out of the 28th pick (but thought they would get a second out of it instead of a fourth)...The Pats were pretty active before the draft, and filled a need in this draft so far. I am not sure how rookie negotiations go, but if they picked two first rounders, wouldn't they have to shell out good money for them? The Pats seemed to work the middle of the draft pretty well, and I am sure there are players that they are targeting. When all is said and done, I am sure we will be happy with the draft.

I like the additional first rounder pick for next year. Probably will be between 8-15.

 

[Borat]

FYI, last time we had two 1st rounders, we traded one of them away and ultimately ended up with Vince Wilfork and Eugene Wilson. The pick we traded away turned into Kyle Boller.

Also, we won the Super Bowl that year.

Totally understand the value of trading a pick this year for a pick next year. And if the expectations were not championship-or-bust, I'd like this trade a lot more. There's a sense of urgency to me since Belichick could leave at just about any time, Brady has a finite number of years left, and the veterans on defense don't have much productive time left. In my ideal world, the Patriots would have loaded up as much as possible to try to win this year.

Every yeah in New England, it's championship or bust. I don't understand your sense of urgency. Belichick has given no indication whatsoever that he's going anywhere anytime soon. Shouldn't the fact that he was willing to put a 1st round pick off by a year be a good indication of that?

And unless Brady (god forbid) suffers a horrible injury, he's good for at least another 6 or 7 years.

As for the veterans on the team, we all love them, but players come and go. This team has been built for long-term success.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Good discussion here guys...why I love this site.I figured the Pats would trade out of the 28th pick (but thought they would get a second out of it instead of a fourth)...The Pats were pretty active before the draft, and filled a need in this draft so far. I am not sure how rookie negotiations go, but if they picked two first rounders, wouldn't they have to shell out good money for them? The Pats seemed to work the middle of the draft pretty well, and I am sure there are players that they are targeting.

No.This is frequently misunderstood. Mid-to-Late firsts are cheap. Maroney signed a 5 year $8 million deal last year.

 

[nerangers]

I wished the Pats had found a way to get the 42nd pick from SF...and had grabbed ILB Davis Harris...he ended up going at #47 to the Jets...who traded up for him. Not sure what they had to give up to move up.

I was reading the BB press conference...it doesn't sound like he has plans to move up...

“We’ll kill a little time for a while until 91. I’d be surprised if there was any movement on that pick. You never know, but I’d be surprised.”

 

[nerangers]

Good discussion here guys...why I love this site.I figured the Pats would trade out of the 28th pick (but thought they would get a second out of it instead of a fourth)...The Pats were pretty active before the draft, and filled a need in this draft so far. I am not sure how rookie negotiations go, but if they picked two first rounders, wouldn't they have to shell out good money for them? The Pats seemed to work the middle of the draft pretty well, and I am sure there are players that they are targeting.

No.This is frequently misunderstood. Mid-to-Late firsts are cheap. Maroney signed a 5 year $8 million deal last year.

Thanks for the Info...I wasn't sure. I know there is a jump from the top 10 but was not sure how it worked from there on out.

 

[nerangers]

from Boston.com



Meriweather Q&A

Safety Brandon Meriweather held a conference call with the New England media after being selected with the 24th overall selection.



How do you feel you can help the Patriots?“Right now, I haven’t even thought about that. I’ve been pretty much at a loss for words. I’m just pretty much thinking about getting to the team and helping the team out in every way I can, to learn my playbook, and get ready to play in a game.”

What thoughts did you have about Coach Belichick and the Patriots in general?“I don’t really have any preconceived ideas about him. I met with him, I talked to him over the phone. I understand he’s a bottom-line type of guy. He’s a guy who loves to win and I think I’m a guy who loves to win, too.”

What type of questions did he ask you about the gun incident?

“Me and Coach Belichick, we sat down and talked about it and I basically told him it was a dumb decision by me. I should have known better to make that decision to have a gun, so I think he understands that. We’re trying to get on with building a football team.”

Why did you have a gun?“Next question.”

Do you know Vince Wilfork at all and have you talked with him?“I played with Vince for two years at Miami. He’s a great player. I’m happy that I get to go somewhere where we have some young players – big Vince and Santonio [Thomas], two good friends of mine. I can’t wait to be there and have a blast with them.”

Have you talked with them yet?“No, not yet. I’ve been pretty much staying here with my family and just getting things going in the right direction right now.”

What happened in the FIU situation –- did the emotions get the best of you?“Pretty much, my emotions just got the best of me. I was headed out to the field and made a bad decision, one that I shouldn’t have made and should have thought better of. That’s something that happened already, and I’ve rebounded from it, and I’m ready to do something to correct it. It’s something that won’t ever happen again.”

The fact you play at Miami, do you think that affected people’s perceptions of that?“Everybody puts the perception on Miami that we’re thugs and we’re all this. I think once you get to meet us, people’s perceptions change. I don’t think that really has anything to do with who gets picked where and when.”

Did you have an idea the Patriots would draft you?“I had no idea until I got a call from the Patriots.”

 

[PMENFAN]

I'm happy with Merriweather as a player. But, the gun issue, and the stomping on a guy has to worry you. I've never been in a situation where I had to return fire. It's good that he didn't get charged, but still; he's in a situation. Could be a hair taller, but the pickins was slim.

Trading the pick, they didn't see the value for the pick, and moved out. I can't disagree. Staley maybe, but they had no need there. Staley for sure, but their line is young, very solid and why upset the chemistry when they could make the deal? I was thinking moving down finto the 40's and a later pick, but I'll take that 934s pick. Losing Turner is huge for them. At worst it's a top 15 pick next year, likely. Packaged with ours, it's a top 10. It gives more flexibility.

As for the conference. Jets seem to have some drafting ability up there. I like their first two picks in Revis and Harris. Very solid. Miami. I don't care for Ginn as a pro, and not that high. NO value. They did it to replace Welker, so I like to believe we forced them into a bad decision. Give the braintrust in NE credit for that one. Then the Beck and Satelle picks were solid. In Buffalo I expected them to take Lynch, and Pozluzny was a great value at 34, though I'm just not sold on the guy. Makes great plays, but seems to miss the basic plays. Makes me think of LaVar. Great athletically, but is he disciplined enough to be a great linebacker? And, he's no where near as good athletically, nor as undesciplined. Just the same worries for me, or downside concerns.

Here's

 

[Pat Patriot]

I wished the Pats had found a way to get the 42nd pick from SF...and had grabbed ILB Davis Harris...he ended up going at #47 to the Jets...who traded up for him. Not sure what they had to give up to move up.I was reading the BB press conference...it doesn't sound like he has plans to move up...“We’ll kill a little time for a while until 91. I’d be surprised if there was any movement on that pick. You never know, but I’d be surprised.”

The trade is probably for the best although the 49'ers have a legit shot at winning the NFC West next year (weak division) that would put the pick in the mid 20's instead of mid teens.I too was hoping for the trade back into the 2nd at #42. Which would you consider better, getting #42 and #76 this year or #110 and a 1st next year?After they executed the trade, I was hoping they would use the extra 4th to move up. After all of the Free Agent signings, I did an analysis of the current roster and based on my projections I think there are only about 4 open roster spots for rookies. They dont need 10 draft picks this year.

 

[Borat]

Can someone please explain "the gun issue?" As I understand the situation, Meriweather's teammate was shot at. Meriweather, a licensed gun owner, returned fire in his defense.

Is there more to it than that? Am I missing some important details? I know nothing about this guy, so I don't understand what the "issue" is here.

 

[The Shizzle]

Are we gonna see the Pats get their LB here at 91?

 

[Bri]

FYI, last time we had two 1st rounders, we traded one of them away and ultimately ended up with Vince Wilfork and Eugene Wilson. The pick we traded away turned into Kyle Boller. Also, we won the Super Bowl that year.

Totally understand the value of trading a pick this year for a pick next year. And if the expectations were not championship-or-bust, I'd like this trade a lot more. There's a sense of urgency to me since Belichick could leave at just about any time, Brady has a finite number of years left, and the veterans on defense don't have much productive time left. In my ideal world, the Patriots would have loaded up as much as possible to try to win this year.

Next year's draft is supposed to be real deep at WR. I'm figuring this is to give Chad some time and also since few are/will be under contract in 08.Michael Bush wouldn't be a bad backup to Maroney, he seems to be pretty nice value out there right now. I llllove that they got the Sammy Morris that played for the Fins last year but I'm only "eh" that they got the Sammy Morris that played for the Bills. Know what I mean?

 

[nerangers]

Pats are stockpiling for next year...a first from the 49ers and a third from Oakland so far.

Picks for tomorrow.

4 109

4 126

5 170

6 179

6 201

6 207

6 208

7 246

 

[Bri]

Pats are stockpiling for next year...a first from the 49ers and a third from Oakland so far.Picks for tomorrow.4 109 4 126 5 170 6 179 6 201 6 207 6 208 7 246

think one is a TE?

 

[Pat Patriot]

Pats are stockpiling for next year...a first from the 49ers and a third from Oakland so far.Picks for tomorrow.4 109 4 126 5 170 6 179 6 201 6 207 6 208 7 246

think one is a TE?

I'm thinking the 4th round could be Ben Patrick TE of Delaware and Zak DeOssie.

 

[Bri]

Zak DeOssie.

I remember his Dad well and had the priviledge of meeting him. He was such a regular guy it was weird and "threw me". Nice nice guy.If he has a similar great work ethic/attitude that his dad had that would be.....wait don't they have too many TEs? Can he play LBer?

 

[Borat]

Everyone keeps saying we're getting Randy Moss.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Everyone keeps saying we're getting Randy Moss.

If they can sign him to a decent contract, I would give up the rest of the draft save a 4th rounder to take DeOssie. As I have said before, I dont think there is room on the Pats roster for more than 3-4 rookies.

 

[nerangers]

Patriots deal 3rd rounder to Oakland

It wouldn't be a Patriot draft without a TE, would it? gonna see who is left for value...

QB- Troy Smith, OSU

RB - Antonio Pittman, OSU, Michael Bush, Louisville

TE - Ben Patrick, Delaware

OT - Doug Free, Iowa

DE- Brian Robison, Texas

DT- Marcus Thomas, Florida

Ryan McBean, Oklahoma State

OLB - Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma, Tim Shaw, Penn State

ILB - Brandon Siler, Florida, Zak Deossie, Brown

CB - Tanard Jackson, Syracuse

I am guessing a Punter as well...

 

[nerangers]

Here is Mike Reiss analysis of day one...

Judging by the Patriots' moves during the first three rounds of the draft, it is clear that the team didn't view the crop of available players favorably.So instead of drafting a player with a second-round grade in the first round, the Patriots traded the pick into next year with the 49ers, figuring they'll have a better shot at a first-round quality of player in 2008.And instead of drafting a player with a fourth- or fifth-round grade in the third round, the Patriots traded the pick into next year with the Raiders, figuring they'll have a better shot at a third-round quality of player in 2008.That sums up the team's activity, because the trades didn't add great value to this year's draft -- a fourth-round pick from the 49ers and a seventh-rounder from the Raiders.The Patriots now have the following draft choices in rounds 4-7 Sunday:Fourth round -- 110, 127Fifth round -- 171*Sixth round -- 180, 202, 208*, 209*Seventh round -- 211, 247** compensatory picks, can't be tradedLook for the team to target players who might fill a specific need, such as a punter and developmental quarterback. There is also the possibility that the Patriots could trade a pick for a veteran player.

 

[nerangers]

Found these Rising Prospects...I think they are all available still.

ILB/OLB Zak DeOssie (Brown) 6-4 250...One of the pleasant surprises of the combine, Deossie ran a great forty time (4.64) for a 250 pound backer and recorded 26 reps at 225 pounds on the bench...he also did a good job in the workouts displaying a good change of direction...Deossie is a prospect that Scouts consider a "player on the come" becauase Brown U. doesn't have spring practice thus Deossie has untapped potential...Deossie played both Inside and Outside backer at Brown and has some Tampa 2 experience as well since Brown played the Tampa 2 on third down situations...I feel Deossie would be a great fit for a 3-4 scheme team and has elevated his stock into the first day of the Draft.

OLB Antwan Barnes (Florida International) 6-0.5 240...An unknown to most of the general public, Barnes put on a show at the combine and has Scouts and NFL teams scrambling for tape on this man...He displayed a great combination of speed and strength as Barnes ran a super fast 4.46 forty at 240 pounds and recorded 31 reps at 225 pouinds on the bench...he then topped it off with a solid workout displaying quick feet, balance and explosiveness....His 10 yd time was an outstanding 1.50 and a 35" vertical and 10-2" broad jump was also impressive...He played both the OLB and DE positions at FIU but his transition to a LB'er position at the next level will likely take time...Some NFL team will likely take a chance on Barnes possibly as early as the 3rd round of the upcoming Draft.

 

[SoloMatisse]

As a longtime Pats fan, and someone with relative common sense, Ill make a single OBVIOUS statement. You do NOT question what this organization does on draft day. Having said that, I would have liked to see more talent acquired early on, but its not as though any of those additional players would have filled starting spots. To steal away San Fran's #1 and Oakland's #3 in '08 was nothing less than a coux. Only strong teams with talent and leverage can get moves like that done. Who in their right mind thinks San Fran will move forward and improve next season without Norv Turner directing that offense?? That's a major loss for that organization. That #1 pick next year will be top 10. The Niners overachieved this season and will resort to their old ways next year. Who are they actually better than in that NFC West division, as weak as it may already be????......the only team in that division that has not improved is Seattle, but theyre still probably the best team in that division. The Niners will be either the 3rd or 4th best team in the NFL's worst division next year. There isnt a doubt in my mind, and Im guessing New England's brass upstairs thinks something similar. Im am nothing less than absolutely ECSTATIC about the Pats owning that #1 pick next year.

As for the players still left on the board on day 2, it looks like there is still some talent there to be had. Alexander, Pittman, Shaw, DeOssie and Patrick could all wind up Pats. Any of them could contribute. But Ive got a feeling the wheeling and dealing isnt yet done. Nine 2nd day picks and a Randy Moss trade looming have me really expecting something enormous about to go down. With the Pats now having two #1s and two #3s next year, it wouldnt shock me to see Michael Turner end up on this squad. Holy nuts! Did I actually just suggest the possiblility of adding BOTH Moss and Turner??? I must be on something! Its gonna be a solid football Sunday in April.

 

[beachbum]

I also thought that the trade for a first next year meant the Pats' might be maneuvering for Michael Turner