The Pick: Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Vernon Gholston is the perfect fit for the Patriots’ system. While they have a more pressing need at middle linebacker, Gholston will fit in nicely as a part of a deadly outside linebacker rotation.
Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin (assuming he’s back), and Gholston will make up the best group of outside linebackers in the NFL. They will be able to get to the quarterback at will, and they’re all pretty good against the run as well.
If you put a gun to my head right now, I’d guess Seau is coming back and Bruschi is retiring. They’ll need someone to rotate with Seau next season. I just don’t think that player is available in this year’s draft.
I expect them to address the middle linebacker situation in free agency.
Second Choice: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Admittedly, seven might be too high for Talib, but I’m not sold on the other two corners that project high in this draft (Leodis McKelvin and Mike Jenkins) and the Patriots would LOVE a cornerback with size.
Talib is 6'2", 180 pounds, which is almost bigger than both of last season’s starting cornerbacks combined.
The Patriots have to be sick of game-planning around vertically challenged cornerbacks, and Talib would be their chance to address that situation.
Talib is extremely athletic and has the ability to become a shutdown corner in the NFL—something the Patriots will need desperately should Samuel sign somewhere else.
Sleeper Pick: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Like I said earlier, Nick Kaczur is going to get Tom Brady killed someday. Drafting Ryan Clady and moving him to right tackle is not outside the realm of possibility.
He played right tackle as a freshman, so it wouldn’t be something he’s never done before.
At 6'6", 317 pounds, Clady is the perfect size for an NFL tackle. He’s athletic and is a tremendous pass blocker.
Not sure how he’ll translate as a run blocker in the NFL, but with the right coaching he could be a star.
One thing the Patriots have is great coaching, especially at the offensive line. Dante Scarnecchia is among the best in the business.
In Closing...
Regardless of how the season ended, the Patriots were a pretty good team last year. Whomever they select, he’s going to be coming to a sure-thing playoff team with a chance to win it all next season.
When talking smack (and I’m looking at those of you who posted in the comments sections of the last few mock draft columns), remember to keep that in mind.
While the rest of the teams picking in the top ten are probably going to be picking there next season as well, the Patriots are looking at another AFC East championship—and they’ll be the odds on favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl once again.
It almost makes what happened last weekend a little less painful.
Almost.
I’m SeanMC.
SeanMC is a Columnist at Bleacher Report. His archive can be found here. You can find everything he writes, including articles for other publications, here.
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