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2009
NFL Draft Needs - New England Patriots
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (11): 23, 34, 47, 58, 89, 97, 124, 170, 199, 207, 234
*-compensatory picks cannot be traded
Linebacker – Let’s be realistic. Pierre Woods is not filling
the void created outside by trading Mike Vrabel to Kansas City. Neither
is Tully Banta-Cain (49ers) who was signed for his second tour of duty
with the team. Rookie Shawn Crable, a third round pick, is a future
option. Another rookie, Angelo Craig, was barely drafted last year by
Cincinnati and has made his way onto the roster. Other than Adalius
Thomas, who turns 32 just prior to the season starting, they have no
reliable options outside. The prospects inside got a serious boost with
Rookie of the Year performer Jerod Mayo living up to his first round
status and then some. However, stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi turns 36 in
June and by all accounts the end of his career is in sight. Bo Ruud,
whose brother plays for Tampa Bay, was drafted in the sixth round to
help shore up the depth chart, but special teams ace Larry Izzo (Jets)
left in free agency. Rookie free agent addition Gary Guyton also
factors into the future. An outside attacking linebacker is a more
pressing need, but I can see another inside player taken later in the
draft as well. Within two seasons Banta-Cain, Thomas and Bruschi are
likely all gone and the time is now to solidify this position for the
future.
Cornerback – This has been a need for years. Season after
season short term solutions are sought in free agency or off the scrap
heap. Troy Brown roaming around in their secondary became a symbol of
their ability to plug in just about anyone and make it work. Players
signed big deals elsewhere and the defense kept clicking along. Finally
it might have caught up to them as Asante Samuel was missed. At 34
Shawn Springs (Redskins) is the latest veteran signing to patch up the
position. Last year’s draft picks Terrence Wheatley (second round) and
Jonathan Wilhite (fourth round) did not stand out as rookies. Leigh
Bodden (Lions) was signed to a one year deal. The most interesting part
of that might be that he played for a team that just went 0-16 and now
joins a team that recently went 16-0. The missing element here is an
anchor. I use that term a lot for various positions, but in this case
they really need that one guy to stand out the way Samuel did and
earlier this decade Ty Law. With a player like that their secondary is
much better. If it’s not a future starter, or even star, I expect them
to pass altogether.
Safety – Whether or not Rodney Harrison plays one more season
is irrelevant to me. Former first round pick Brandon Meriweather and
James Sanders factor into the equation. Who else do they have back
there? Tank Williams? I guess since this is an odd year he might play a
little. The last two even years, 2006 and 2008, he missed entirely and
has yet to actually suit up in a game for this team. The Pats by their
own rules and can certainly adjust their scheme to fit their talent,
but this is an area they need to add some talent.
Running Back – The committee of veterans worked well enough in
2008 for the team to rank #6 in the NFL with 142.4 yards rushing per
game while breaking in a new quarterback. Although it is commonly
believed running backs are finished at age 30, Sammy Morris just led
the team in rushing and had a solid average (4.7). He is now 32. Kevin
Faulk managed an even better average (6.1) and turns 33 in June. If I
told you a team got 239 rushes for 1,234 yards (5.16 average) and 10
touchdowns out of two players I’m pretty sure Faulk/Morris would not be
the tandem that came to mind. Their effectiveness overshadowed the
short lived season of Laurence Maroney. The team’s thirst for veterans
led them to sign Fred Taylor, 33, who has been a fixture in
Jacksonville with 11,271 career rushing yards to replace the departure
of LaMont Jordan. Is there something the rest of the NFL needs to know
about? Why are they the only team able to get production from running
backs who are over 30? It stands to reason most teams might draft
someone to carry the load. I would not be surprised to see them pass
altogether unless a player they really like is out there. They did lose
big back Heath Evans (Saints) in free agency. A bruising “fullback”
type is the addition I would expect if anything.
Wide Receiver – If you are looking to the future, as smart teams
often due, it is worth noting that Randy Moss will be 33 shortly after
this season ends. How long will he be able to maintain his speed and be
an effective #1? Perhaps his model will be newly acquired Joey
Galloway. At age 33-35 he achieved a career renaissance with the Bucs
by rolling up 1,000+ yards in three consecutive seasons while totaling
23 touchdown receptions. Now 37 his job is to use whatever speed he has
left to offset the departures of reliable Jabar Gaffney and
disappointing Kelley Washington. Greg Lewis was acquired in a trade
from Philadelphia. He should thrive given the surrounding talent. The
missing element in all of this is any youth whatsoever. Wes Welker will
be just shy of 29 when next year’s draft rolls around, and that’s the
youngest receiver of their best five. It takes a few seasons for
players to develop, especially when choices like Chad Jackson flame
out. This is just the right time to sneak in a late round addition with
some size. The rookie would have to earn a roster spot, and likely
would battle Sam Aiken. If this move is not made this season it could
lead to problems in 2011 when almost assuredly Galloway and Moss will
not be in the fold.
Long Snapper – Yes, I’m serious. Lonie Paxton (Broncos) was
snatched up. Perhaps former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is
aware how important this position can be. Just to give you an idea
about the value of long snappers consider Paxton’s deal. He signed for
$5,380,000 over 5 years including a Survivor winning sign on bonus of a
million bucks. Just to snap the ball? It is clearly a specialized trade
and while very few are drafted there are some who stand out in college
enough to warrant a selection. The Patriots have a need and might pull
the trigger.
Offensive Line – The right side of this line is an area of
concern. Things honestly started to fall apart a bit in the Super Bowl
loss. Everything was rainbows and pots of gold when they were 18-0.
Then Strahan and company rattled Tom Brady’s cage and pulled off one of
the all-time upsets in any sport. At right tackle starter Nick Kaczur
and primary backup Ryan O’Callaghan could stand to be upgraded.
Preferably with someone who can crack the lineup. At right guard
Stephen Neal turns 33 in October and this is his contract year. Clearly
his future with the team is in doubt. I’m not sure Billy Yates is
really going to get anyone excited moving into his spot full time.
Teams are constantly adding offensive linemen so this becomes a bit of
a broken record, but expect a guard and tackle to be added before the
season starts. It is even possible the Patriots could shake things up
by seeking a new left tackle to unseat Matt Light. Let’s not forget
that while Matt Cassel was a first year starter he was sacked 47 times.
Yet another issue is starting left guard Logan Mankins being in a
contract year.
Defensive Line – Their main concern here is money. Richard
Seymour, Vince Wolfork and Jarvis Green are in contract years. This can
be good during the season because players are giving extra effort to
ensure top dollar in free agency. It can be harmful after that when
trying to retain all of them. Tough decisions will need to be made as
far as which players are offered extensions, and when those deals will
be put on the table. Players can be extended at any time, but this is
listed as a team need because I expect the Patriots to at least sniff
around reinforcements for depth in advance of potentially thorny
negotiations. A good recent comparison is the Ravens dealing with 3
free agent linebackers. They tagged one, signed one and lost one.
Another issue to factor in is the injury situation with Ty Warren as he
attempts to return to 100%.
Tight End – Again, this is more about depth and a contingency
plan if players exit in free agency. The Patriots have a ton of players
with expiring contracts and are unlikely to throw money at them when
younger models are coming off the assembly line. Here we have Benjamin
Watson and David Thomas. They might already be planning for them to
depart with the signing of Chris Baker (Jets) and also have rookie free
agent Tyson DeVree entering his second season. It is nearly impossible
to figure out where New England will go in this draft, but if they spy
a tight end they like there is no reason to pass. If I was guessing I
would say Watson and Thomas will not be on this roster in 2010.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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