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New England Patriots
This is a prime example of the rich getting richer. They get hit by spy-gate and have their first round pick taken away from them.
I guess the NFL thought that would be punishment even though they already had a 1st round pick from another team through trade.
Now, the Patriots punishment has them picking at #7 instead of #7 and #31, they have got to be bummed.
But on to the Pats historic season. They were the first team to go 16-0 and were a few minutes away from going the perfect 19-0.
They also tied the most wins in a season including playoffs, along with multiple other offensive and personal records and rewards.
However, this team needs to make a huge decision in this draft. They lost Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel along with fellow CB Randall Gay and safety Eugene Wilson.
The linebacker and offensive line corps are both showing signs of age and they need to start finding youth before they are stuck with the players they have and have can't find younger guys on the market.
So who do you draft when you spent the previous season nearly perfect?
Possible Draft Directions
The Pats need to add somebody at corner. Although they signed several corners in free agency, none of them are the answer to their problems.
I think that they could fix this need immediately with the 7th pick. Leodis McKelvin could help fix that, I'm not exactly sure that he is the #1 that they seek, but he could be a pivital part to helping that position.
The offensive line problem is mostly with depth. They don't need somebody to start right now, so they will probably wait till the 2nd or 3rd round to grab somebody that can give relief to the starters now, and start in a few years.
The linebacker position basically has the same problems as the offensive line, age. So instead of re-writing everything again, you can re-read the previous paragraph if you would like.
After losing Eugene Wilson, they need a replacement. But safety isn't a first round draft pick, especially this early in the first round, unless you are drafting Sean Taylor or Ed Reed.
Maybe a 2nd round pick would be best for that spot.
Bill Belichick has been known to trade down and stock up draft picks. He could potentially trade down, fix the CB and S needs, then grab a ton of players that will be ready in a few years when the current starters are too old.
The Patriots will probably have the most confusing and exciting draft day of any team, and I look forward to seeing what this team does.
For now, we will have to wait for my next draft needs article for the Baltimore Ravens, probably tomorrow, Friday at the latest.
I'm Joe W.
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2 months ago
joe you are soooooooooooooooooooooo smart
2 months ago
Actually, they don't have Randall Gay, but I guess that reiterates your point that they need a corner.
from 2 months ago
i misread the needs section on nfl.com sorry.
from 2 months ago
all fixed
2 months ago
Mm. See, I think if Gholston is still on the board at #7 they should take him. A freakishly good pass rusher like that could help their secondary more than an elite CB could...
otherwise I could see them trading down... but I'm not sure who they'd trade with, unless it was Cincinatti moving up to get Gholston. (both teams desperately need him IMO.)
Good read.
2 months ago
Yeah, they are picking 7th instead of 31st, right. Do you know what the word "instead" means? Just to help you out, it means in lieu of, or in replace of. They didn't get the 7th pick as a replacement for the 31st. They simply lost the 31st. Your wording is terrible.
The Patriots did go 18-0. They weren't a few minutes away from it.
Again, another fine, completely accurate article by you Joe.
from 2 months ago
7th instead of 7th and 31st read before you complain. don't believe me, go reread the line, even revert back to original and read it, it is really getting pathetic ben. i guess a small typo is a huge problem isn't it. you know that the 9 is right next to the 8. i'll fix it, but maybe you should start to make sure what you are mocking is true or not.
from 2 months ago
hey ben, i bet you could find something wrong with my fake mock draft.
2 months ago
At 7 they will get a stud...just what they need...but I see them getting a guy that will revitalize this team and feed into their 'us against the world' attitude....someone opponents will fear more than someone who fills a need......
You think Belichick was pissed last year...wait until this season....I see them getting a hatchet man with that pick....Gholston or Keith Rivers - a guy the other team will have to account for....
2 months ago
You got me on one point, true. I did misread that part.
However, when your type makes what you write a complete factual inaccuracy, that's not excusable, especially when EVERY article you write contains such inaccurate "facts". Have you heard of proof reading?
You're right, I probably could. Either with your facts, or your "righting" skills.
2 months ago
don't quote something i never said, also, thanks for driving up my comment count
from 2 months ago
never mind, i did say right, my bad
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