Mike Dussault

Not to avoid the question but I’m really rooting for everyone. These guys put in so much work, I am disappointed for anyone that it doesn’t work out for, for whatever the reasons.

The guys I think it’s critical for them to have a big season for the Pats to get to the Super Bowl are Collins, Dobson, Harmon, and really Gronkowski. Those guys have to be key contributors this year and if they’re not, then someone has to rise to the occasion and contribute in their projected role. 

Nothing against Thompkins, Boyce, Logan Ryan or anyone else. If those under-the-radar guys can make a leap then it will be great for the team. I’m sure they realize the pressure is on. Nothing is assured to anyone. If they don’t perform, they could be out of a job. 

It’s everything. I can’t speak to every other team in the NFL, but the Patriots system for evaluating draft prospects is about specifically telling how the player would fit into the current team, how they compare to the players already on the roster, and whether they’d be a starter, backup or roster bubble type.

It’s hard for everyone, including the NFL teams themselves, to truly know how an athlete will develop as a professional. I think that’s true of any profession. There are certain things you can test and they have their physical dimensions and measurables, but after those things there’s really no way to know.

Now in the case of players like Jamie Collins, who can do a lot of things, there’s probably a little more wait-and-see to the approach. You can’t say definitively what he will do but you know he has all the boxes checked but you need to get him into the program to see what he excels at most.

I’d agree with that, at least as far as the Patriots needs are concerned. There are some good defensive tackles and interior OL that fit the Pats needs and enough depth that they’ll be available into the second and third rounds.

Also see some interesting safety prospects as well that could be good Patriot fits. 

I don’t love the running backs or cornerbacks in this class and feel like the defensive ends and linebackers are somewhat hit or miss. There’s some intriguing guys in certain pockets but not strong top-to-bottom.

Overall I think the Pats should be able to really round out their depth, especially at some of the positions where they need it most. Still most curious to see what they do at defensive end because that’s a need and not an area where the prospects that are available stand out to me.