Making the final push here on the last mock draft, and given what the Pats really truly need I’m wondering right now why couldn’t they go with two wide receivers with their first two picks? Not sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on that just yet for the mock, but right now I think it really makes sense.
Why? Well let’s be realistic about the Pats other needs. Outside of receiver, every other starter returns on both sides of the ball. You can make plenty of arguments for other needs, especially in the long-term interest of the team, but none compare to level of need at receiver.
Defensive End? Sure. Ninkovich is in the last year of his deal. Though it still seems plausible that John Abraham or even Dwight Freeney could be added. No one knows what to expect out of Jermaine Cunningham or Justin Francis. Same goes for Armond Armstead, even if many are projecting him as a defensive tackle. Still, I don’t see defensive end as a critical need, even for camp competition. Give me a designated pass rushing veteran and they’re pretty much set there for 2013 in my view.
What about cornerback? All the starters return and though no one is counting on Ras-I Dowling for anything, it’s not a critical situation there either.
If there’s one thing that seems clear to me, it’s that the Patriots must get an impact wide receiver in the draft. They need it for 2013, and they need it for the long term.
So why not mitigate risk and take two receivers with the first two picks? There are a number of talented ones that will go in the top two rounds of the draft. Receivers of all shapes and sizes. Taking two ensures one of them should get it. And who knows, maybe both will and the Pats will be set on offense for the foreseeable future.
Everyone knows how hard the Pats offense is on receivers, and everyone knows the history of misses on them both in the draft and free agency. I won’t argue that wide receiver is the most vital position on the field, it’s far from it, and I think no matter who is on the outside, the Pats should be okay this year.
But if they truly want to build another explosive offense they still need to add pieces at the position because there is not enough talent there at the moment.
I’m narrowing down my favorite receivers now, and by next Thursday will make a decision on what the best fits are, but right now I can see a lot of reasons why a double-dip right at the top makes sense.
