While it is nearly impossible for even the 'experts' to determine just who the hell the Pats will draft, I've done a little research to do my best to find some possibilities. I've looked at so many mock drafts that I lost count. Most of them have no clue about the Pats and how they draft, some of them seem to be spot on. Only time will tell. Over the next couple of weeks I'll post some potentials on a position by position basis, some guys that stand out to me that the Pats might like. Keep in mind I don't get so see intelligence tests, wonderlick scores or character comments that the Pats use heavily in their determination. Please do feel free to comment, or suggest other players at a given position.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State (not the damn hockey player puckheads) 6'3 255
I've seen him play on several occasions and he reminds me a LOT of Mike Vrabel. Here's what some of the scouting reports say. Excellent size...fast and atheletic...pursues sideline to sideline...great blitzer...good pass rusher...tenacious...tough as nails...a true football player. Here's another interesting note, his dad Rob Carpenter played for the Giants in the 80's. That would lead me to believe that Belichick knows this kid. If the the Pats got him in the first round I'd be thrilled. Knowing them, if they do want Carpenter, they'll trade down 4-6 spots because he is not a good value at 21 overall, he's more like a 26th to 28th overall.
Chad Greenway, Iowa 6'4 244
I saw him play once, he's hard not to notice on the field 'cuz he seems to always be around the ball. Some mock drafts have him going as high as #10 overall. Here's what th experts say. Outstanding athelete...great burst...good size...Excellent in coverage...good intagibles...hard worker...like an extra coach on the field...sure tackler...motor that never stops...been compared favorably to Urlacher. GEEZ, if he's still there at #21 the Pats will be very fortunate indeed.
Spencer Havner, UCLA 6'4 245
Never seen him. I picked him out of the bunch because of his size. Some of the other backers are 6 feet and 230 pounds, Bill doesn't like that. He'll be a 2nd or 3rd rounder, great value if the pats get him with their 3 round pick. The experts...Excellent size...solid frame...always around the ball...sideline to sideline...good job sifting through traffic...excellent in pass coverage...knack for making key interception...versatile and can play many positions. Sounds like a Belichick guy to me!
Let me get on to the picks themselves. So far the Pats have nine picks, one in each round and 2 picks in the 3rd and 4th rounds. In addition, they could get one or two compensatory picks because of their poor off-season last year. That is, the league hands out an additional 32 picks at its discretion based on the performance of free agents you lost compared to free agents you signed. Because guys like David Terrell and Duane Starks sucked, and Ty Law for instance had a good season (10 int's) the Pats are assumed to get at least 1 and most likely 2 compensatory picks. The conventional thinking is a pick at the end of the 4th round (giving them 3 in that round) and an additional pick at the end of the 6th or 7th round. How important is the compensatory pick? Just ask Tom Brady, a compensatory pick added at the end of the 6th round. We'll keep you posted.
Also, I've found the best site I;ve ever seen about the salary cap. This guy knows his shit. Best of all, it's not a league site, he's a Pats fan like me that posts all the cap info you'll ever need. Be sure to check him out, he's already got the '06 stuff up. www.patscap.com/pats2006salarycappicture.html
Enjoy, and remember to tell your friends you read it here!
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3 comments:
You are definitely on track with LB.
Also Safety like Bing could help. The extra picks make for nice possibilities to move up in any round for a specific player.
Finally, Pats usually go for the best talent at the pick, a luxury I still think they can afford.
One quick correction. Ty Law did not leave as a free agent last season, he was cut due to his high cap number. The Pats will not get a compensatory pick for him, but they probably will for Andruzzi.
Great blog, man...you are right on the money with your thoughts/comments - exactly what I've been thinking as I check out all the links on the draft.
I especially agree with Carpenter being a better pick at 26-28. I actually had a mock draft with the Pats making a trade down (with someone eager to get to #21 - remember Kyle Boller??) and getting an extra 3rd rounder....then using that 3rd plus there own to move up to the top of the 2nd to grab a CB or an OL.
I really like CGriffin also, as well as RMarshall. I'm more of a fan of Hodge or Roach than Havner (dont think hes smart enough for BB), and I feel anyone of these guys will be around in the 4th.
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