PatsPropaganda

I think that the way they mix-and-match their defensive gameplans there’s still a need for both types. Simply put, if you have two sub-300 pound defensive tackles you’re not going to be very good at stopping the run and your linebackers are going to have a lot of traffic to deal with. 

So they have a decent cross section of guys now – Siliga fits that nose tackle style, Chris Jones is a more traditional balanced defensive lineman, probably best served as a one-gapper but can hold his ground okay when asked.

Then you have Alan Branch who used to be more of a defensive end but is now used as a tackle inside with great size. Finally, there’s Easley who is an upfield guy. I’d love to take another guy in the draft like Eddie Goldman, who would really solidify the defensive tackle group and give them a really talented young player to help replace Wilfork’s job.

Wilfork was just so good he really dictated how the front seven worked. Now they’ll have a bit more of a rotation depending on the opponent.

I think Guard and Defensive Tackle are the big two, and I’d put Cornerback/Linebacker just below them. I don’t know how any of the selections in the first two rounds at least don’t come from those four positional groupings. 

Maybe add DE as a dark horse.

Very valid points and I think the 5th year option certainly does count for something. Look, I’d prefer they use the pick, but I just think that given the draft’s current set up, with the Pats having the last pick of the first day, it will an extremely in-demand slot. If a team is willing to overpay for it, the Pats seem to always want to jump on that kind of value.