What do you think NE will do with #7? (1 Viewer)

[jgb95]

Just wondering what everyone else thinks.

I can't see them taking James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State *

Just not something that BB would do this high in the 1st round as he hasn't taken a LB in the first 4 rounds EVER!

 

[amnesiac]

i've seen Gholston in a few mocks, i think he'd be a good fit. the last DE they took from OSU worked out pretty well.

 

[FUBAR]

The nice thing about being the Patriots with this pick is they truly can just take BPA.

Might be McFadden, might be Chris Long, I would not be surprised if they traded down.

Scratch that. I'd be surprised if they didn't, especially if Brohm or another QB falls to the 7 spot and a team needs to make a move.

 

[Anarchy99]

The Pat have had problems creating roster spots for their draft picks recently, so they may not be interested in giving up their pick if it meant getting multiple lower round picks (or spread out over multiple picks).

If they keep it, I look for them to take DL help as IIRC their key guys on the DL will all be free agents after the 2009 season.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

They could do just about anything with it.

McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.

Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.

Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.

An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgraded

Top CB

Reach on a WR.

Trade out

My guess would be Gholston.

 

[Jayrod]

I see them going D-line.

 

[Mr. Pink]

i've seen Gholston in a few mocks, i think he'd be a good fit. the last DE they took from OSU worked out pretty well.

Agreed wholeheartedly. If the Pats stay with this pick, Gholston is the guy. With his size, he could play DE or OLB, much like Adalius Thomas. He's talented, he's versatile and can make an immediate impact.

 

[Anarchy99]

They could do just about anything with it.McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgradedTop CBReach on a WR.Trade out

RB and WR seem like a reach given that they just recently invested high picks on both those positions and the verdict is still out with regard to how they will pan out. Both have Jackson and Maroney have been nicked up, so I am not sure we can conclude that they have been busts.The Pats have been saying for years that they will not draft a LB early given the role that they would want him to play and the learning curve it would take to learn their complex system. They instead have opted for seasoned LB imported from other teams and/or lower tound projects that they have tried to groom into a hybrid role.Once Samuel leaves town they will need a CB, but I am not sure that there is someone they will love at the #7 pick that they will want to toss a ton of money to. by that point, they would be halfway to the cost of resigning Samuel.They also consider top lineman on either side of the ball.Trade out would be an option if another team has their eye on someone still on the board, but I'm not sure that they would trade out unless they got their moeny's worth out of the pick.

 

[yellowdog]

i've seen Gholston in a few mocks, i think he'd be a good fit. the last DE they took from OSU worked out pretty well.

Agreed wholeheartedly. If the Pats stay with this pick, Gholston is the guy. With his size, he could play DE or OLB, much like Adalius Thomas. He's talented, he's versatile and can make an immediate impact.

Would be a good pick. However, he would be the first DE from OSU ever drafted by New England if he were the pick. Vrabel was drafted by the Steelers.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

RB and WR seem like a reach given that they just recently invested high picks on both those positions and the verdict is still out with regard to how they will pan out. Both have Jackson and Maroney have been nicked up, so I am not sure we can conclude that they have been busts.

When you look at the money paid, anything outside of the top 15 or so picks isn't really that big of a financial investment. And if you can upgrade when you have the chance, swing for the fences.

The Pats have been saying for years that they will not draft a LB early given the role that they would want him to play and the learning curve it would take to learn their complex system. They instead have opted for seasoned LB imported from other teams and/or lower tound projects that they have tried to groom into a hybrid role.

True, but again, they haven't been in the position to draft an elite guy for quite some time. Saying you're not going to draft a DE/OLB in the twenties is a lot different than if you have the option of selecting the top 1 or 2 guys at the position.

Once Samuel leaves town they will need a CB, but I am not sure that there is someone they will love at the #7 pick that they will want to toss a ton of money to. by that point, they would be halfway to the cost of resigning Samuel.

Paying half of Samuel's cost will be a substantial number.

They also consider top lineman on either side of the ball.

Other than Ellis & Dorsey, there's no other d-lineman worth the #7 overall, IMO.As far as o-line, would they draft someone to play RT with that high of a pick?

Trade out would be an option if another team has their eye on someone still on the board, but I'm not sure that they would trade out unless they got their moeny's worth out of the pick.

They're in a pickle with that spot because there is such a fineline difference between the top 20 or so guys that teams drafting after them will likely just stay put and take a guy that falls to them.

 

[bryhamm]

I voted all 3 since it was allowed.

 

[DawnBTVS]

At the RB position, will Sammy Morris be back next season? A healthy tandem of Maroney/Morris could offset the need to take a RB, even one as talented as McFadden.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

At the RB position, will Sammy Morris be back next season? A healthy tandem of Maroney/Morris could offset the need to take a RB, even one as talented as McFadden.

But that's the question... Do you want to roll the dice on Maroney being healthy?I'm not the biggest fan of McFadden, but then I'm not the biggest Maroney fan either (even though he did go to the U of MN).

 

[DawnBTVS]

At the RB position, will Sammy Morris be back next season? A healthy tandem of Maroney/Morris could offset the need to take a RB, even one as talented as McFadden.

But that's the question... Do you want to roll the dice on Maroney being healthy?I'm not the biggest fan of McFadden, but then I'm not the biggest Maroney fan either (even though he did go to the U of MN).

At this point, honestly I would. Who's to say that Maroney doesn't end up staying healthy all year? If you take McFadden and Maroney stays healthy (along with Sammy Morris being around who did well before his injury struck) then you're stuck not only paying a #7 pick big money but also have a 3 headed RBBC along with perennial 3rd down back Kevin Faulk.I'm sure they could release Morris if it came to that but it sounds like too much hassle just to draft a guy like McFadden as a "just in case injuries strike" scenario. If the Patriots need a RB for depth, they could take a Tony Temple or a Mike Hart in round 3 or 4 without spending so much money.

 

[Phlash]

Maroney was going to break 1k rushing no problem if he played all 16 games. For our offense, he's perfectly fine. He doesn't catch a lot of passes out of the backfield but he has very good hands and is superb in open space, and is a good blocker to boot. They won't take a RB that high in the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

At the RB position, will Sammy Morris be back next season? A healthy tandem of Maroney/Morris could offset the need to take a RB, even one as talented as McFadden.

But that's the question... Do you want to roll the dice on Maroney being healthy?I'm not the biggest fan of McFadden, but then I'm not the biggest Maroney fan either (even though he did go to the U of MN).

At this point, honestly I would. Who's to say that Maroney doesn't end up staying healthy all year? If you take McFadden and Maroney stays healthy (along with Sammy Morris being around who did well before his injury struck) then you're stuck not only paying a #7 pick big money but also have a 3 headed RBBC along with perennial 3rd down back Kevin Faulk.I'm sure they could release Morris if it came to that but it sounds like too much hassle just to draft a guy like McFadden as a "just in case injuries strike" scenario. If the Patriots need a RB for depth, they could take a Tony Temple or a Mike Hart in round 3 or 4 without spending so much money.

Even though it's not free, the #7 pick isn't a huge number. It might be overkill to draft DMac, but if he's on their roster, he's not on someone else's. And Kevin Faulk can't play forever.I'm just saying there would be good reasons to take McFadden. However, I doubt he's the pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Maroney was going to break 1k rushing no problem if he played all 16 games. For our offense, he's perfectly fine. He doesn't catch a lot of passes out of the backfield but he has very good hands and is superb in open space, and is a good blocker to boot. They won't take a RB that high in the draft.

It's the "if he played all 16 games" thing that's the problem.

 

[Anarchy99]

I highly doubt McFadden will be around then, so that would remove that option. And if he were, I can't see the Pats paying that amount of money when they are going to have to shell out a lot of coin to keep Randy Moss.

Long story short, they proved this year that they could win with a banged up Maroney, an injured Sammy Morris, clutch blocking and reciving from Faulk, and Evans playing the roll of short yardage bowling ball.

IMO, they wouldn't take McFadden with their pick, cause if he WERE still on the board, they would be able to trade their pick for a pretty penny.

 

[DawnBTVS]

At the RB position, will Sammy Morris be back next season? A healthy tandem of Maroney/Morris could offset the need to take a RB, even one as talented as McFadden.

But that's the question... Do you want to roll the dice on Maroney being healthy?I'm not the biggest fan of McFadden, but then I'm not the biggest Maroney fan either (even though he did go to the U of MN).

At this point, honestly I would. Who's to say that Maroney doesn't end up staying healthy all year? If you take McFadden and Maroney stays healthy (along with Sammy Morris being around who did well before his injury struck) then you're stuck not only paying a #7 pick big money but also have a 3 headed RBBC along with perennial 3rd down back Kevin Faulk.I'm sure they could release Morris if it came to that but it sounds like too much hassle just to draft a guy like McFadden as a "just in case injuries strike" scenario. If the Patriots need a RB for depth, they could take a Tony Temple or a Mike Hart in round 3 or 4 without spending so much money.

Even though it's not free, the #7 pick isn't a huge number. It might be overkill to draft DMac, but if he's on their roster, he's not on someone else's. And Kevin Faulk can't play forever.I'm just saying there would be good reasons to take McFadden. However, I doubt he's the pick.

I agree that I doubt he's the pick. Yeah, Morris and Faulk are getting up there in age (31 and 32) but both are still productive runners. Faulk made $1.9 Million in salary (signed through 2009), Sammy Morris $900,000 (signed through 2010), and Maroney $360,000 (signed through 2010).If they did take McFadden, Sammy Morris would be the likely casualty as his cap hit is only $481,720.

http://www.patscap.com/

As for the draft... I can see them going defense. The following guys all have their contracts ending (Defense): Asante Samuel, Tedy Bruschi, Eugene Wilson, Randall Gay, Junior Seau, Mel Mitchell, Larry Izzo, Eric Alexander, and Pierre Woods.

 

[Spike]

The nice thing about being the Patriots with this pick is they truly can just take BPA.

Might be McFadden, might be Chris Long, I would not be surprised if they traded down.

Scratch that. I'd be surprised if they didn't, especially if Brohm or another QB falls to the 7 spot and a team needs to make a move.

I don't think either is available at 7.

 

[amnesiac]

i've seen Gholston in a few mocks, i think he'd be a good fit. the last DE they took from OSU worked out pretty well.

Agreed wholeheartedly. If the Pats stay with this pick, Gholston is the guy. With his size, he could play DE or OLB, much like Adalius Thomas. He's talented, he's versatile and can make an immediate impact.

Would be a good pick. However, he would be the first DE from OSU ever drafted by New England if he were the pick. Vrabel was drafted by the Steelers.

good point. only reason i bring up the OSU connection is that it seems some teams like to draft certain positions from the same college team. probably doesn't really mean anything in this case though.

 

[FUBAR]

The nice thing about being the Patriots with this pick is they truly can just take BPA.

Might be McFadden, might be Chris Long, I would not be surprised if they traded down.

Scratch that. I'd be surprised if they didn't, especially if Brohm or another QB falls to the 7 spot and a team needs to make a move.

I don't think either is available at 7.

You may be right, but it's entirely possible that Dorsey, Jake Long, Matt Ryan, Ryan Claddy, and Andre Woodson are among the top 6, sliding one of McFadden or Chris Long down to 7. Either would be a steal. Malcolm Jenkins (another from tOSU) makes sense too, especially if Samuel is gone.

 

[kevinray]

Maroney was going to break 1k rushing no problem if he played all 16 games. For our offense, he's perfectly fine. He doesn't catch a lot of passes out of the backfield but he has very good hands and is superb in open space, and is a good blocker to boot. They won't take a RB that high in the draft.

It's the "if he played all 16 games" thing that's the problem.

Yeah but they'll get Morris back healthy too won't they. He was very productive in that offense and between Maroney, Morris, Faulk and Evans enough of them should be healthy to have an effective running game.

 

[pizzatyme]

Well, they already pulled the coup of the century with the 4th to the Raiders for Moss, so, I think they use it on a LB.

 

[Boston]

They could do just about anything with it.McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgradedTop CBReach on a WR.Trade outMy guess would be Gholston.

Ty Warren just signed an extension this offseason and and I believe both Seymour and Wilfork have two years remaining on their current deals.

 

[Boston]

This is out of leftfield but I would not be surprised to see them deal this pick for a quality veteran that still has about three real good years left. Brady is in his prime (i.e. the Pats are big time contenders) and I could see this being the best bang for their buck. The #7 pick makes solid coin and I could see a team that's in more of a rebuilding mode looking to get younger. My guess is the Pats would be far more comfortable giving this type of contract to a more proven commodity. Also, it doesn't rock the boat from a salary cap perspective (i.e. a rookie making more than established veterans). Now, who that player is I don't know but a good area to look at is quality LBs around 28-30 years old that can play in a 3-4. If The Pats go the distance I could easily see both Junior and Bruschi retiring and this being a position that really needs to be addressed (even if they don't it still is) and nothing in BB's history with the Pats indicates he'll do it with a rookie.

I know trading big contracts is tricky with the signing bonuses but I do see this type of scenario making sense for the Pats if there's a match out there.

I know there's a lot of talk about the Pats drafting a LB (which happens every year it seems) but I'm very skeptical about it. When Chad Brown came to the Pats he had played extensively in a 3-4 and at a Pro Bowl level earlier in his career. Even with that experience he admitted he was totally lost within the Patriot system (we're talking mentally because physically he was washed up). To think a college LB can handle this scheme when a player like Brown can't could be asking a little too much.

From a physical standpoint the Patriots want their LBs to be over 240 (that's on the lighter-side), be able to play the run and pass equally well and probably be able to play more than one spot at the LB position. Those qualities aren't overly abundant which means the Pats are looking at a small pool of players to choose from. If you look at Patriot LBs many were Dlineman in college (i.e. Vrabel, Willie, Bruschi, Banta-Cain and Colvin...I'm not sure about Thomas). Add in the fact the Pats system is far different than any college program as far as LBs are concerned and it's going to take a very special player to step in and contribute at LB for the Pats. Until I see otherwise my bet is BB wants veterans at LB because the position is just so crucial to the success of their D. They'll probably draft a player who they can hopefully groom like Banta Cain but that probably won't be done with a high pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

They could do just about anything with it.McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgradedTop CBReach on a WR.Trade outMy guess would be Gholston.

Ty Warren just signed an extension this offseason and and I believe both Seymour and Wilfork have two years remaining on their current deals.

I must have read an outdated article then. I'm not sure that's true about Seymour and Wilfork.But whatever, your point is made that even if they're not signed, the Pats are unlikely to let them go. Unless they ask for far too much of course.

 

[switz]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

 

[Boston]

They could do just about anything with it.

McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.

Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.

Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.

An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgraded

Top CB

Reach on a WR.

Trade out

My guess would be Gholston.

Ty Warren just signed an extension this offseason and and I believe both Seymour and Wilfork have two years remaining on their current deals.

I must have read an outdated article then. I'm not sure that's true about Seymour and Wilfork.But whatever, your point is made that even if they're not signed, the Pats are unlikely to let them go. Unless they ask for far too much of course.

Here's an article on Seymour's deal...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2406619

Here's a blurb from USA Today on Wilfork's deal:

patriots | 7/19/2004 3:06:14 PM ET

Patriots sign top draft pick

The New England Patriots on Monday signed nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the 21st overall pick in this year's draft, to a six-year contract that could be worth more than $18 million.

http://asp.usatoday.com/community/tags/top...Vince%20Wilfork

 

[Andy Dufresne]

They could do just about anything with it.

McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.

Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.

Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.

An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgraded

Top CB

Reach on a WR.

Trade out

My guess would be Gholston.

Ty Warren just signed an extension this offseason and and I believe both Seymour and Wilfork have two years remaining on their current deals.

I must have read an outdated article then. I'm not sure that's true about Seymour and Wilfork.But whatever, your point is made that even if they're not signed, the Pats are unlikely to let them go. Unless they ask for far too much of course.

Here's an article on Seymour's deal...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2406619

Here's a blurb from USA Today on Wilfork's deal:

patriots | 7/19/2004 3:06:14 PM ET

Patriots sign top draft pick

The New England Patriots on Monday signed nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the 21st overall pick in this year's draft, to a six-year contract that could be worth more than $18 million.

http://asp.usatoday.com/community/tags/top...Vince%20Wilfork

Good info. Thanks!

 

[BelichicksRevenge]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

 

[switz]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

 

[BelichicksRevenge]

They could do just about anything with it.

McFadden - Obviously talented and Maroney can't stay healty.

Gholston - Their linebackers aren't getting younger.

Sedrick Ellis - All three of their front line players are free agents after next season.

An offensive lineman - Nick Kaczur is okay, but could be upgraded

Top CB

Reach on a WR.

Trade out

My guess would be Gholston.

Ty Warren just signed an extension this offseason and and I believe both Seymour and Wilfork have two years remaining on their current deals.

I must have read an outdated article then. I'm not sure that's true about Seymour and Wilfork.But whatever, your point is made that even if they're not signed, the Pats are unlikely to let them go. Unless they ask for far too much of course.

Here's an article on Seymour's deal...http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2406619

Here's a blurb from USA Today on Wilfork's deal:

patriots | 7/19/2004 3:06:14 PM ET

Patriots sign top draft pick

The New England Patriots on Monday signed nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the 21st overall pick in this year's draft, to a six-year contract that could be worth more than $18 million.

http://asp.usatoday.com/community/tags/top...Vince%20Wilfork

Even Jarvis Green has a couple of years left on his contract. they are set at Dline but I am sure they would not hesitate to take a dlineman at 7 if a good one was available. One of my favorite Sites

 

[Phlash]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

They have 3 Pro-Bowl DL, a backup who would be a VERY good starter on any team (Jarvis Green) and guys like Jason Wright who have been very solid while playing. They're more or less fine on the DL.Pats need secondary help like no other. Brandon Meriweather is a good start, but they need a cornerback when Asante leaves... hell, I'd be OK with them drafting two cornerbacks in the draft...

 

[tombonneau]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

They were playing Thomas at inside because Colvin & Vrable were the outside guys. When Colvin got hurt they shifted Thomas to outside. Not sure what you would call his "position" since he has played lots of OLB & ILB.DL is not the issue. They have four quality starters in Seymour, Wilfork, Warren & Green.LB is where they need to get younger, but has already been pointed out, BB much prefers vets. Expect them to sign someone like Zack Thomas if he is cut.I think they will end up going CB, probably Jenkins. If Asante leaves in FA, I think CB is a lock.If you look back at the Pats 1st round picks, whenever they lose a starter in FA they usually plug the hole in round 1.

 

[Road Warriors]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

I think Thomas is playing out of position ( OLB ) due to Colvin's injury. The front 3 of Warren, Wilfork & Seymour are spelled by Jarvis Green on the ends and a couple of other guys ( Le Kevin Smith and Rashad Moore ) that nobody ever heard of.Another guy that was getting some time but is now on IR was Mike Wright.Adalius is playing on the outside with Vrable, with Bruschi and Seau inside. They are solid but not deep ( understatement ) at LB.

 

[BelichicksRevenge]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

No, thomas is playing linebacker. He will lineup on the line on occasion but that is by design rather than need. Just like Vrabel will lineup on the line on occasion. Thomas' versatility is his chief asset. baltimore lined him up everywhere last season.

 

[switz]

They would do well to try to trade up for Dorsey, as their defense needs help.

They are fine on the dline. I could see them taking a d lineman if they are forced to stay at 7 but I don't see them moving up to take one.

Aren't they currently playing Thomas out of position because of need on the DL? I'm pretty sure that's an indication they're not "fine" on the DL.

They were playing Thomas at inside because Colvin & Vrable were the outside guys. When Colvin got hurt they shifted Thomas to outside. Not sure what you would call his "position" since he has played lots of OLB & ILB.DL is not the issue. They have four quality starters in Seymour, Wilfork, Warren & Green.LB is where they need to get younger, but has already been pointed out, BB much prefers vets. Expect them to sign someone like Zack Thomas if he is cut.I think they will end up going CB, probably Jenkins. If Asante leaves in FA, I think CB is a lock.If you look back at the Pats 1st round picks, whenever they lose a starter in FA they usually plug the hole in round 1.

Thanks for the correction. For some reason I had gotten the impression from the talking heads that they were using Thomas on the DL.Of course that's what you get for listening to the talking heads

 

[Road Warriors]

Thanks for the correction. For some reason I had gotten the impression from the talking heads that they were using Thomas on the DL.Of course that's what you get for listening to the talking heads

I think the talking heads get because he "looks" like a D lineman.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

I see them going D-line.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm in line with Yudkin...the Patriots don't have the roster room to stock up on draft picks; so I would be inclined to their keeping this pick. If anything, I think they would consider moving up ahead of a team or two if there was someone they really covet. To that end, I suspect they will be looking to come away with an elite player, by either moving up or staying put at 7. If all of their elite graded players are gone at 7 and they were unsuccessful in moving up, I'm sure Bill will take offers to move down or completely out of the 1st round at that point.

 

[Boston]

Like pitching you can never, ever go wrong hoarding D-Linemen and I'd have zero problems with taking a player at this position. In the BB/Pioli era their two highest draft picks have been D-Linemen (Seymour and Warren). The issue that makes me wonder about taking a player at this position is the salary. Warren, Seymour and Wilfork are all top shelf talents with multiple years left on their deals. Both Warren and Seymour make big money and Wilfork will probably be extended at a nice amount within the next year as well (I'd be blown away if they let him walk). That means any D-Lineman they take will be a backup for at least two years and maybe more. While I'm sure that player can still contribute does it really make sense to give a contract like the one a #7 pick would recieve if that player is only a backup and will be for the foreseeable future.

Playing conspiract theorist if the Pats drafted a D-lineman I could see that player being the eventual replacement for Seymour. He has been either injured or underperformed since he signed his monster deal. He's still a player (and is a a team leader) but IMO he has not performed at the level of his current deal and the Pats are no strangers to making very difficult and harsh decisions in these type of scenarios (see Milloy, Lawyer). Seymour is still young and should have a lot of good football left so this scenario is probably a reach but it's one I've thought about whenever I see them projected to go Dlineman with the #7 pick.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Like pitching you can never, ever go wrong hoarding D-Linemen and I'd have zero problems with taking a player at this position. In the BB/Pioli era their two highest draft picks have been D-Linemen (Seymour and Warren). The issue that makes me wonder about taking a player at this position is the salary. Warren, Seymour and Wilfork are all top shelf talents with multiple years left on their deals. Both Warren and Seymour make big money and Wilfork will probably be extended at a nice amount within the next year as well (I'd be blown away if they let him walk). That means any D-Lineman they take will be a backup for at least two years and maybe more. While I'm sure that player can still contribute does it really make sense to give a contract like the one a #7 pick would recieve if that player is only a backup and will be for the foreseeable future.Playing conspiract theorist if the Pats drafted a D-lineman I could see that player being the eventual replacement for Seymour. He has been either injured or underperformed since he signed his monster deal. He's still a player (and is a a team leader) but IMO he has not performed at the level of his current deal and the Pats are no strangers to making very difficult and harsh decisions in these type of scenarios (see Milloy, Lawyer). Seymour is still young and should have a lot of good football left so this scenario is probably a reach but it's one I've thought about whenever I see them projected to go Dlineman with the #7 pick.

At his best, Seymour is a far better football player than Ty Law or Lawyer Milloy ever were, no disrespect to those former beloved Pats intended, and I would be a tad surprised if that scenario played out this offseason. Perhaps next.Having said that, DE is a logical pick, as it was last year with tragic results.DE, ILB, CB or trade down are my guesses.

 

[FUBAR]

I'm in line with Yudkin...the Patriots don't have the roster room to stock up on draft picks; so I would be inclined to their keeping this pick. If anything, I think they would consider moving up ahead of a team or two if there was someone they really covet. To that end, I suspect they will be looking to come away with an elite player, by either moving up or staying put at 7. If all of their elite graded players are gone at 7 and they were unsuccessful in moving up, I'm sure Bill will take offers to move down or completely out of the 1st round at that point.

Explain more por favor. With aging players on defense, why can't they trade for 09 picks?

 

[Baby New Year]

I'm in line with Yudkin...the Patriots don't have the roster room to stock up on draft picks; so I would be inclined to their keeping this pick. If anything, I think they would consider moving up ahead of a team or two if there was someone they really covet. To that end, I suspect they will be looking to come away with an elite player, by either moving up or staying put at 7. If all of their elite graded players are gone at 7 and they were unsuccessful in moving up, I'm sure Bill will take offers to move down or completely out of the 1st round at that point.

Explain more por favor. With aging players on defense, why can't they trade for 09 picks?

They could trade for future picks, and that wouldn't surprise me if there wasn't a guy they wanted that high and they felt like trading down. I'm not all that concerned about their 'aging' defense everyone keeps talking about, so it's not like they need to overhaul by next Sept. Everyone is aging.

 

[RustyFA]

I personally see them going DB. Kenny Phillips or more likely a CB. It may be a stretch there but no one will question it. Even if Samuel and Hobbs stay I could see them taking Jenkins.

 

[Baby New Year]

I don't know how they pay Samuel -- I'd expect him to leave, but I guess we'll see.

 

[Boston]

Like pitching you can never, ever go wrong hoarding D-Linemen and I'd have zero problems with taking a player at this position. In the BB/Pioli era their two highest draft picks have been D-Linemen (Seymour and Warren). The issue that makes me wonder about taking a player at this position is the salary. Warren, Seymour and Wilfork are all top shelf talents with multiple years left on their deals. Both Warren and Seymour make big money and Wilfork will probably be extended at a nice amount within the next year as well (I'd be blown away if they let him walk). That means any D-Lineman they take will be a backup for at least two years and maybe more. While I'm sure that player can still contribute does it really make sense to give a contract like the one a #7 pick would recieve if that player is only a backup and will be for the foreseeable future.Playing conspiract theorist if the Pats drafted a D-lineman I could see that player being the eventual replacement for Seymour. He has been either injured or underperformed since he signed his monster deal. He's still a player (and is a a team leader) but IMO he has not performed at the level of his current deal and the Pats are no strangers to making very difficult and harsh decisions in these type of scenarios (see Milloy, Lawyer). Seymour is still young and should have a lot of good football left so this scenario is probably a reach but it's one I've thought about whenever I see them projected to go Dlineman with the #7 pick.

At his best, Seymour is a far better football player than Ty Law or Lawyer Milloy ever were, no disrespect to those former beloved Pats intended, and I would be a tad surprised if that scenario played out this offseason. Perhaps next.Having said that, DE is a logical pick, as it was last year with tragic results.DE, ILB, CB or trade down are my guesses.

The problem right now is Seymour isn't at his best. He has been hurt quite a lot the last few years and when he's been on the field he hasn't been the dominating force he once was. I fully agree that he's a Patriot next year. That's a given. Yet, if he has a mediocre year in 2008 I could see a scenario where the Pats play hardball with him. On the flipside if he bounces back and returns to form than he obviously remains a building block and this is all a moot point.As for DE I'm curious to hear why you think it's an obvious pick? With the Pats playing a 3-4 and Warren, Seymour and Green all in their prime (at least on paper) and two of three making big money (and all three signed for multiple years) I really don't see this being a huge need (especially if you expect Seymour to return to form). As stated above I have no problem in general selecting a DE because you can never have enough. Yet, the #7 pick makes some legit coin and that's a lot of money to give to player who could be a backup for two-three years.

 

[twitch]

Tell you what I wouldnt mind seeing them do is draft a solid lineman to play that RG or RT position. Kaszur, Hochstein, Bates and Neal have performed well, but if they were able to find another Logan Mankins in this draft, Id be all for it. I really doubt it wouldnt happen in the 7 slot, but maybe if they trade down. Probably not going to happen, but you cant have enough studs in the trenches.

 

[nerangers]

(two names I saw mentioned that I don't think should be here at this pick) If McFadden is here at this pick, I think the Pats could get someone to trade with them. If Long is here, they draft him.

Pats need ILB, OLB, CB. I could see JAMES LAURINAITIS or VERNON GHOLSTON being available here.

I agree with Boston that they could just trade the pick for a Veteran.

The Pats do have some big cap numbers with Tom Brady $14.6 million and Rosevelt Colvin $7.6 million, plus need to sign Moss, and possibly Samuel (at least you know what you are getting with him vs drafting a CB). The cap for 2008 goes up 7 Million to 116 Million.

You just never know what the Pats will do. Does seem like there are options at pick 7 though.