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Patriots draft day two thoughts

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Although the Pats had a universally-praised day one of draft picks there’s still work to be done today and tomorrow. While they only have two second-round picks remaining in the draft, I expect they’ll try to work the trade downs as much as possible to pick up some additional selections. I wouldn’t rule out a potential Brian Hoyer trade as to add some picks as well.

What positions do I see as needs still? Well I think there are a lot of defensive backs that will be available in the next two rounds who could be impact players like Brandon Boykin, DeQuan Menzie and Trumaine Johnson. There are also some running backs that might interest the Pats as well like Robert Turbin.

I also still have quite a few wide receivers that I like who are still available like Mohamed Sanu and Joe Adams.

We’ll see how it all plays out but if I had to bet, I’d go something like this.

  • 48th overall: Defensive Back (with return potential perhaps)
  • 62nd overall: TRADE DOWN (3rd & 4th round picks acquired)
  • 3rd round: Wide Receiver (with return potential if not from previous pick)

12 notes on Patriots draft eve

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I always find the draft somewhat anti-climactic. You have three months of build-up with endless possibilities to who your team could add, but by Sunday the Patriots will have a handful of players and all the speculation of who fits and who doesn’t will be dead and buried.

Here are some final quick hit thoughts as we await the Commish taking the stage.

  1. As much as I see them pop up on various mock drafts I just don’t see it with Nick Perry and Whitney Mercilus. I could be wrong on them, and I’d actually be happy if I am, but right now I’m just not convinced they can do enough to warrant a first round selection.
  2. I am not however questioning my decision to avoid Janoris Jenkins and Dont’e Hightower on the big board. I don’t think Jenkins is worth the risk until the 3rd round, and Hightower just has too much overlap with Spikes and while he might’ve rushed with his hand down in college, (so did Spikes) I don’t see him as an impact pass rusher in the NFL.
  3. Both Frenz and I had the Pats addressing DL, Guard, WR, CB, OLB and Safety in our respective mocks. If there’s a position I think we’ll miss on it’s running back.
  4. I’d love to see an impact interior rusher picked somewhere. I went with Jerel Worthy in my mock, but even if they don’t take him I think a quick-off-the-ball defensive lineman could make a huge impact.
  5. As I mentioned on the podcast if I’m the Jets (or any other AFC East team) I’m targetting Mark Barron and having him prepare to take on Gronk twice a year for his entire first contract. If you want to beat the Patriots you have to have a plan to deal with Gronk.
  6. I don’t know who the Bills are going to take at 10th overall, but whoever it is they’ll only add to the hype in Buffalo this off-season. If they get another impact defender I’ll be concerned.
  7. I would not rule out a Mallet/Hoyer trade in the next few days. I’d prefer it’s Hoyer.
  8. I think the Patriots are more likely to trade out of the first round completely before trading up. But if they did trade up I’d bet it’s to the early 20’s for an impact defensive lineman, maybe Brockers if he’s dropping.
  9. No Pats fans want an offensive lineman but I bet we’d be glad we took one heading into the 2013 season with Brian Waters almost certainly gone.
  10. There aren’t many things I’m sure of for this weekend, but one is that we’ll add a wide receiver or cornerback with kick and/or punt return potential.
  11. One under the radar player type I could regret not looking into more thoroughly is a pass coverage middle linebacker. Someone in the 6-01, 230 range to compete with Dane Fletcher and Tracy White. That could be a break-the-mold pick.
  12. I think I’m most looking forward to the Pats head-scratcher selection of some guy that wasn’t at the combine, wasn’t on any big boards and doesn’t even have a highlights package for the networks to show after the pick.

PatsPropaganda’s 2012 Patriots-only Mock Draft

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As we did last year, here’s our Patriots-only mock draft. Below you’ll find my favorite players that fill what I see as the biggest needs for the Pats. I don’t project trades though obviously there will be some, especially to round out their picks in the 5th/6th/7th rounds this year. Some of these guys might be reaches, but even with the trade downs I see them as fits.

The players I select are based on what I see as the biggest needs and the approximate value at the selection spot. I describe the immediate and specific role on the team in detail, and I believe each of the six players below would make the Patriots a better team.

While I might’ve been able to see potential for a trade up with last year’s class (Aldon Smith, JJ Watt), this year I just don’t see an available player in the 10-20 range that would be worth the cost of two first round selections. If anything I see them trading out of the first round completely before doing that, though a move from the late 20s to the early 20s cannot be completely ruled out, especially if the price tag is a first and a third.

Before we begin I must say that the biggest need for the Patriots overall is pass defense and all of the defenders I have selected would make an impact there. When was the last time the Patriots got grounded and pounded to a loss? 2009 against the Ravens maybe?

I’m no longer concerned with finding 5-techinique defensive ends who can two gap. It’s time to start upgrading the important positions of the modern NFL: the interior rush, the nickel and dime backs, the back end/over-the-top safety, and even a couple designated pass rushers. Unlike the old NFL, being able to play passing downs is paramount and far more definitive of a three-down player. In simple terms, give me aggressive guys who pose problems in the passing game first and foremost.

Our Patriots-only mock comes after the jump:

1/27: JEREL WORTHY, DL, MICHIGAN STATE (NFL.com Profile)

In years past I would’ve written off Worthy since he seems better suited for a 4-3 defense, but as I’ve written over the past couple months I’m done with just trying to fill out a 3-4 depth chart when projecting needs. In 2010 and 2011 the Patriots went through two seasons completely missing any kind of true interior rusher. Mike Wright and Myron Pryor were both absent most of both years and I believe that is the biggest cause of the pass rush problems rather than the lack of a outside linebacker.

Worthy flies off the ball, and is always a handful for opposing offensive lines and he has the size, strength and thickness to hold up inside in a variety of roles. But his bread and butter would be immediately of huge use to the Patriots. It would allow them to not have to use Vince Wilfork on passing downs as much as they have the past couple seasons as well. If Pryor returns along with the addition of Jonathan Fanene the Pats will have multiple disruptors inside that would make life difficult for quick passing teams like the Bills and Jets especially.

Worthy is also known to have great awareness, calling out hot receivers pre-snap like Wilfork does. With more coveted defensive linemen like Brockers and Cox likely long gone, Worthy should be available late in the first, and his impact on passing downs would be immediate.

Lower Round Value Option: Billy Winn, DL, Boise State

1/31: KEVIN ZEITLER, OG, WISCONSIN (NFL.com Profile)

Pretty much every Pats pundit out there has this pick getting traded away and I understand why, but  I see the late-20s as an area to get a top ranked prospect who have been pushed down the board. I don’t see guard as a 1A (or even 1B) need, but tackle wasn’t either last year and now the selection of Nate Solder is a real life saver with Matt Light almost certainly retiring.

Between Logan Mankins’ ACL recovery and Brian Waters likely in his last year of service there’s no question a need for some more young talent along the interior line for Dante Scarneccia to work with.

Zeitler plays that mean and gritty style that we all love Mankins for, and described his biggest strength as his work off the field and in the film room. I’m intrigued by Wisconsin’s offensive linemen every year and it seems to me this might a good slot to finally nab one of them. Cordy Glenn is bigger and more athletic, but he’s probably long gone by 31, and after Zeitler there’s a big drop off. Who knows, it wouldn’t be entirely out of the question that he’s starting week one at left guard.

Lower Round Value Option: Lucas Nix, G, Pitt

2/48: VINNY CURRY, OLB, MARSHALL (NFL.com Profile)

While I feel Curry lacks the kind of agility in space I desire this year for an outside linebacker, I think he’s a perfect Pats pick outside of that factor. He has all the intangibles the Pats require, and also has the burst off the snap to contribute immediately in Mark Anderson’s early 2011 designated pass rusher role, as he had 23 sacks in his last two years of college.

He might not have the exact size measurables the 3-4 defense traditionally requires, but I see a guy who could make an impact on passing downs while also fitting in well from a team-building aspect as a player known for his leadership.

Higher Round Reach Option: Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

2/62:  DeQUAN MENZIE, DB, ALABAMA (NFL.com Profile)

Menzie gets my Patsy-sense tingling as an SEC guy who’s played a lot of games but is less heralded than the guy across from him due to a lack of flash. He has solid size, and is consistently around the ball. He has fluid hips and good strength and agility that give him a chance to get looks at outside corner, inside corner and even maybe safety where a lot of scouts are projecting him long term.

Ultimately Menzie is an experienced and versatile player who has played for a Belichick associate in the top conference in college football. You can never have enough guys like that especially when your pass defense looks like the Pats has the last couple years.

Alternate Option: Jayron Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech

3/93: JOE ADAMS, WR, ARKANSAS (NFL.com Profile)

Adams might be a bit of stretch here for a couple reasons. First, I’m not sure he’ll last this until 93rd overall, and second, I’m not convinced he has what the Pats want in a wide receiver, and also has some minor character concerns. However Adams is an explosive kick and punt returner, an underrated area of huge need for the Pats. In a perfect world Adams could handle return duties and be used occasionally as wide receiver as he gets familiar with what Brady wants him to do. Think Brandon Tate in 2010.

It also helps that Adams comes from a similar offensive system in Arkansas and that could help his transition as well. Even just as a returner Adams makes the Patriots a better team, but he has a lot of versatility as well that includes taking hand-offs.

Slightly Higher Round Reach Option: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

4/126: TRAMAIN THOMAS, S, ARKANSAS (CBSSports.com Profile)

Thomas would need time to develop at safety, but he’s physical, instinctive, and forces turnovers (12 INTs, 6 FFs). He will need to most work in refining technique, but given the Pats coaching that is something that is manageable. What you can’t teach is physicality and Thomas has that.

When you look at the kind of presence the Pats sorely need on the back end Thomas looks like he could be an ideal fit down the road, while having the tenacity to play special teams early on in his career. Plus he wasn’t invited to the combine after making 31 starts in the SEC at various positions over the course of his career. Under-the-radar guys who have played a lot of football always seem to land with the Pats.

Alternative Option: Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma St.


Check out our 2012 Big Board for a list of 50 prospects we like for the Patriots.

Thoughts on the Patriots 2012 schedule

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As always the best way to break down a schedule is to look at it as four quarters of four games each. Let’s begin our analysis with the first quarter:

  • @ Titans
  • Cardinals
  • @ Ravens
  • @ Bills

I can’t remember the last time the Pats didn’t have a divisional game in the first two weeks of the season, so unlike most years the pressure won’t be immediately on the Pats out of the gate. One benefit is playing a team they’re unfamiliar with (Titans) week one so they can spend the off-season preparing for that one, and won’t have to do it on the fly in the middle of the season.

The Cardinals should be a good tune up in their home opener before the Pats head on the road for two tough road games. You know every member of the Ravens is circling this week three AFC Championship rematch as I type this. And Buffalo will have a chance the following week to prove they’re for real in the AFC East, but they shouldn’t count on another blown 21 point lead from New England.

While the Pats can ease into the start of the season they’ll need two good games in weeks three and four that can really pay off for them in the divisional and conference standings at the end of the year.

Second Quarter:

  • Broncos
  • @ Seahawks
  • Jets
  • @ Rams (in London)

The second quarter features two great rivalry games and two not-so-great games. The AFC West has traditionally been the Pats punching bag, but Peyton Manning (albeit with a new team) and the Jets are always intense games. The name of the game in the second quarter will be maintaining focus while dealing with a lot of travel. Luckily the two longest road trips of the year are followed by a bye in week nine, the perfect halfway point of the season.

Third Quarter:

  • Bills
  • Colts
  • @ Jets (Thanksgiving Night)
  • @Dolphins

It’s strange that the Pats won’t see Miami until December this year though I’m sure the Pats won’t be complaining about avoiding the late summer heat down south, while also forcing the Dolphins to come to Foxboro in the season finale. Playing the Bills in early November, in a slot usually reserved for a national game, should be interesting. This could be a huge turning point in the AFC East. The Thanksgiving game against the Jets will of course be a highlight no matter how good or bad the Jets are.

Fourth Quarter:

  • Texans (Monday Night Football)
  • 49ers (Sunday Night Football)
  • @ Jaguars
  • Dolphins

The final quarter of the season should really give the Patriots a chance to sharpen their iron on other iron. At least as far as the Texans and 49ers are concerned, especially since both of those big games will be prime time. Talk about ideal pre-playoff tune-ups without major playoff implications. With only one divisional game in this quarter, and likely a meaningless one, these final four games will really be a chance for the Patriots to round into form as the playoffs approach. They’ll have two tough teams come to Foxboro, and one final road trip tune up down to Jacksonville. Being at home three of the final four weeks should bode well for the Pats being healthy and ready for the playoffs, assuming of course that they’ll be in them yet again.

Valuing versatility over schematic fit in potential Patriots

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Yesterday we posted our Patriots big board which lists the draft prospects we like most for the Pats. I wanted to clarify some things as to what my thinking is when looking for guys who fit, mainly for the front seven on the defensive side of the ball.

This is the first year which I don’t feel beholden to specific schematic traits for personnel. This means I don’t have a 3-4 or 4-3 box that each prospect needs to fit neatly into. I never thought I’d be the one to do this but let’s declare the whole 3-4 vs. 4-3 debate dead, and useless to take into account.

Take this quote from Greg Cosell as evidence of why:

“With the Patriots, it’s complicated. You’ll see a three-technique. You’ll see a nose shade, not a nose tackle. Sure, there were snaps where they played a true 3-4 with a true nose tackle or a zero technique and two ends who are five techniques. But just because you have three down linemen, it doesn’t mean you are playing a 3-4.”

The number one thing that I want along the defensive line is versatility.  The quickness to get up the field, and also the strength to hold ground. Just behind that I’m looking for violent, physical players who can dominate in the trenches. And if they’re clean prospects who are football nerds who may have been captains even better. 

Gone are the days when we would specifically look for a five-technique 3-4 defensive end or a two-gapping nose tackle. I love Michael Brockers not because I think he’s a “Richard Seymour replacement”, but because he can do a number of different things that will give Belichick creative freedom like he has with Wilfork.

The other position I’d like to discuss is difficult-to-project DE/OLB. In years past we specifically were trying to fill a Willie McGinest or Rosevelt Colvin void, axing any player who didn’t fit the 6-04, 250 minimum framework.

Those benchmarks are nice, and there’s no doubt a tall prospect with long arms is better suited to battling offensive tackles, but ultimately it’s about the player and not the player’s dimensions.

Again, what I believe the Patriots need most right now at the OLB spot is athleticism. It’s not just about a pass rusher, it’s about finding someone who can make an impact in pass coverage as well. This is why I really like Shea McLellin over guys like Andre Branch and Melvin Ingram, and even Whitney Mercilus to some extent.

Branch and Ingram are talented prospects, but when you’re trying to run a amoeba defense that changes every week you need players who can do multiple things.

Rob Ninkovich is a good example of what I’m talking about here. Ninkopoop doesn’t have the prerequisite size that we always talk about, but he’s tough against the run, can put his hand down and rush the passer, and has grabbed a fair share of interceptions.

There’s a reason the Patriots have given him two (!) contract extensions. He’s a swiss army knife, and when I see guys like Branch and Ingram I see buck knives. Really good for one thing, but they’re always going to be doing that one thing game to game, snap to snap.

In the modern NFL if the good quarterback knows what defense is coming he’s going to torch it. Versatility enables unpredictability, that’s why I see it as a paramount trait when looking at potential Patriots picks for all defensive positions.

2012 Patriots Draft Big Board

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Here’s the 2012 Patriots Big Board. These are draft prospects I like and think fit the Patriots style of play, roughly in the order I value them.

All comments, criticism, advice welcome. I make no claims of being a scout. This is simply a fun exercise for myself to find quality applicants for the New England Football Machine. I’ll allow this list to go as high as 50, so I’m still looking, but the goal as it was last year is to nail as many Pats picks as possible. Hence slots won’t be wasted on positions that aren’t glaring needs.

Here is the 2011 Big Board.

Here is our 2012 Patriots-only mock draft.

  • posted 4/2
  • updated 4/4
  • updated 4/8
  • updated 4/11
  • updated 4/12
  • updated 4/20
  • updated 4/23
  1. Morris Clayborne, CB, LSU: Devin McCwho?
  2. David Decastro, G, Stanford: I know we already have a mauler, what a dream it would be to have two.
  3. Fletcher Cox, DE, South Carolina: Versatile defensive lineman prospect who could contribute to the Pats immediately as an interior rusher while developing the strength and technique to play the other line spots. Reminds be somewhat of Cameron Jordan last year and that scares me, but I think Cox is the better prospect.
  4. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia: Great size and length, good guard prospect with experience at tackle. Surprising agility for a big man, and would fit in well with the rest of the Monster Squad. A potential long term solution at right guard would be an excellent hole to fill this year.
  5. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: Long corner prospect, who could potentially be moved to safety. Would bring some needed talent, size and playmaking ability to the back end of the Pats defense.
  6. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: Gilmore intrigues me as a potential safety conversion guy, especially given the safety class this year. He has all kind of Pats potential factors (durable, hard working, soft spoken). If he doesn’t have the corner speed he could go to safety, but overall a solid and popular Pats mock draft pick and rightly so.
  7. Michael Brockers, DE, LSU: Brockers is still an ascending prospect, but in the exact mold of what the Patriots need most: versatile defensive lineman with the size and strength to do a number of different things. Brockers had a great year in 2011 as a Sophomore, and in the words of one scout “played with great passion”. If he puts that passion into being a professional football player he could be a dominant, versatile force. Plus he is a clean prospect off-field and injury-wise.
  8. Kendall Reyes, DT, UCONN: A popular Pats mock draft pick who’s a two-time captain who could develop the strength to two gap, but already has the speed for interior rush.
  9. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Versatile corner described as “feisty”. Physical and tough, he can play inside or outside, and would give the Pats a solid man-coverage corner. The only question is does he have the FBI to play for BB.
  10. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: Not the outside speed demon some might be hoping for, but has size/strength like Vincent Jackson, a known Patriots favorite. The Pats used to look for physical receivers like David Givens and Floyd seems like he could be in that mold, while also giving NE an outside receiving threat.
  11. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: On paper Upshaw doesn’t have the ideal size for a Patriots OLB nor does he have the measurables that will wow anyone, but when I watch him play he looks like a Patriot. He’s assignment sound, strong at the point of attack and can get after the passer enough to be a threat. I was consistently impressed by his discipline and instincts. He plays the way the Patriots want their defense to play, regardless of his measurables.
  12. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State: Ideal Patriots-type when you look at intangibles, hard worker who’s versatile. 20.5 career sacks. Like Upshaw, he’s a slightly undersized tweener. Upshaw might be a little tougher than him, but McLellin is very athletic in a way that none of our current outside linebackers are. Let’s remember Ninkopoop isn’t exactly ideal size either, and he’s definitely not the kind of athlete McClellin is.
  13. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Scrappy, intelligent and a hard worker. There are some injury concerns but Konz strikes me as a guy who could be tempting to the Pats if he falls to the late-20s. His value could be affected by how secure the Pats feel about Dan Connolly and his future at center. Reinforcing the interior offensive line has to be a priority this year.
  14. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin: Tough, gritty interior lineman who will need some time to develop. Dependable and “no-nonsense”. I am always intrigued by these Badger offensive linemen. I wonder if this is the year BB grabs one of them.
  15. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia: Playmaker in the slot. Plays bigger than frame. Hobbs/Arrington mold. Won Hornung Award for most versatile player in college football. Kickoff returner.
  16. Mark Barron, S, Alabama: It’s a thin safety class this year, and while Barron isn’t an ideal free safety-type fit that could balance out Chung, he’s big and tough in the box,  and fairly instinctive on the back end. Yes, we have Chung, but Barron could allow him to play back a little more, and we all know how many games Chung has missed over the last two years. My gut feel is that a team looking for an answer to Gronkandez will snap him up a little higher than they should.
  17. Dontari Poe, DL, Memphis: Big, raw mass of a man that is willing to work. Never rule out the Pats on athletic freaks (see Solder/Cannon). Having a big inside presence like Poe would really make life difficult for opponents and force them to deal with two athletic forces inside. His production doesn’t overwhelm from a numbers standpoint, and I get a boom or bust feeling with him, but his ceiling under Wilfork’s wing would be amazingly high.
  18. Reuben Randle, WR, LSU: There’s a theme of big receivers in this year’s class and Randle is one of them. Another popular Pats mock draft pick Randle is described as a hard worker and savvy route runner. Could be a prime pick at the bottom of the first round.
  19. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Wright is a tough, fast wide out who lacks size but has everything else you want. A four year starter, described as “top competitor who gives full effort on every snap”. I don’t know what it takes to mesh with TFB but this guy would give it everything he had, and he’s dripping with explosive talent. Yes please.
  20. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: Sanu’s savvy, and from a building a team perspective he’s the kind of pick you know exactly what you’re getting with. BB surely knows him well after scouting McCourty and being attached to Greg Schiano’s hip at the league meetings in Florida. He can be a threat in a number of different ways (in the backfield, in the slot, outside) and he’s 6-2, 215. Even with the Pats recent additions at WR they still lack size and Sanu is another big, athletic receiver that is prevalent in this year’s draft class.
  21. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame: I’m torn on Smith. He looked good at the combine and has impressive size and better than average speed at a position of Pats need. I just am not sold that he’s an instinctive difference-maker and might be limited in his effectiveness in the New England system. But there’s a lot to like. Again, a potential anti-Gronkandez for someone willing to reach.
  22. Jerel Worthy, DL, Michigan State: Worthy isn’t a class Pats fit, but he would bring some quickness and versatility to the interior line, both areas of need.
  23. Billy Winn, DL, Boise State: Winn interests me because he can play a number of spots on the line and has some interior power like Mike Wright had. May not be ideal at any position, but has the demeanor to fit in and do a number of things. Violent in the trenches, also a former wrestler/power lifter.
  24. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama: Started 20 games for Alabama, but doesn’t have the measurables the NFL likes. Sound familiar? He’s physical and aggressive and could be a mid-to-late rounder with potential to play special teams and slot.
  25. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall: Great measurables and his leadership qualities. Not completely sold he’s a fit at OLB, but he has the make up of a Patriot and his pass rush skills can’t be ignored. Might be a better 4-3 upfield DE, that drops his value for NE.
  26. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia: An intriguing prospect with many connections to Belichick. Good tackler, and has a diverse football background in a lot of positions, including kick return ability. Has good length, somewhat reminds me of McCourty.
  27. Chandler Jones, DL/OLB, Syracuse: I like Jones’ length, and while I’m not convinced he has the athleticism to play OLB for the Pats, he’s an interesting prospect. Physically he has the tools, but could he put it all together to play the Elephant role? Maybe. Todd McShay really likes his upside.
  28. Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia: Irvin has some off-the-field questions, but he seems like he has the personality to really flourish in New England. He’s undersized but the ferocity of his play makes up for it. A true athlete who could potentially make an immediate difference on passing downs.
  29. Jayron Hosely, CB, VT: Smart, feisty and aggressive with kick return/punt return potential. Came out early so under the radar early in the process. But a good overall Pats-type DB. Potential to contribute immediately as a slot corner.
  30. Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State: Seasoned, athletic and tenacious center. I really like his size given the Patriots struggles keeping the middle of the pocket intact for TFB to step up.
  31. Ben Jones, C, Georgia: Solid center prospect who played over 40 career starts in the SEC. Leader. Not flashy but a solid pick who would compete for time right away.
  32. Markelle Martin, Safety, Oklahoma State: I really like his physicality and closing ability on the back end. Could be a prime mid-round safety target in a weak safety class. In theory he has everything the Pats like and need if he could live up to his scouting reports.
  33. Derek Wolfe, DL, Cincinnati: Relentless worker and “the spark plug of the defense”, position in NFL tough to project, but could be a 5-technique if he improves his anchor. Still, a tough, highly competitive DL with a good first step.
  34. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU: Team captain and three-year SEC starter. More of a strong safety type, but great leadership qualities and tough player.
  35. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas: Adams would bring some real explosiveness to the Pats return games, something they badly needed in 2011. If he could develop with Brady as a WR while earning a roster spot via special teams he could add a dynamic versatile presence on offense in coming years.
  36. Christian Thompson, FS, SC State: A favorite of Wes Bunting, Thompson has good speed and the athleticism to develop on the back end. NFP has him as their 2nd ranked free safety.
  37. Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama: Similar to the mold of Wilfork, Chapman can hold his ground against the best of them. Question is how versatile he is, can he be more than just a NT?
  38. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas: Solid character prospect who’s “immoveable” by a single blocker. Projects to a 5-technique in the Patriots defense.
  39. Malik Jackson, DE, Tennesee: Developmental 5-tech, with some scheme versatility. Will need time to develop, but has the physical tools. Saw time all over the defensive line on passing downs. Has work to do, but has the frame to grow into a beast.
  40. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State: Physical, aggressive and diverse. Definitely reminiscent of the Law Firm in both his dreads and running style.
  41. Tramain Thomas, S, Arkansas: A 3-year SEC starter who wasn’t invited to the combine? Pats alert! Undersized, and often over aggressive, but a smart back end player who has range and can make plays on the ball.
  42. Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly: Jackson fits the mold of Pats corners from yesteryear, with also some return ability.
  43. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana: Good size, long arms, ability to play press. Will need time coming from a small school, but looks like he would add a missing element to the Pats secondary.
  44. Cam Johnson, DL, Virgina: Relentless worker who plays with violence, he plays the way the Pats like, but it’s a struggle to project exactly where he would fit. Scouts feel he might be too stiff for OLB, but he can bring it as a pass rusher and could develop as a sub-rusher.
  45. Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh: Good athlete with a mean streak. Consistent and durable, time at right guard.
  46. Ryan Miller, OL, Colorado: Miller is 6’7" but projects inside to guard. The Pats surely got a great look at him while scouting Solder. He’s played inside and outside at Colorado. Great size, athleticism.
  47. Kelcie McCray, S, Arkansas St.: Former high school QB with good size and range. Some questions about how physical he is, but a possible back end/special teams guy available in the mid rounds.
  48. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas: Before tearing his patellar tendon Childs looked like a prime WR prospect. If he can get back to full health he could be an excellent value pick on Day 3. Tall and physical, but also understands his role in an offense that is similar to the Patriots. Doesn’t hurt that he had great chemistry with Ryan Mallett either.
  49. Buddy Jackson, CB, Pitt: Jackson never started at Pitt, but was an explosive kickoff returner who played some sub package defensive back.
  50. Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers: Started 24 straight games at LG, also has experience at RG.

Do the Patriots need a veteran running back?

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There have been rumors popping up ever since BenJarvus Green-Ellis signed with the Bengals that the Patriots are a potential landing spot for such veteran running backs as Matt Forte and Cedric Benson.

But with two second-round picks already on the roster in Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen does it make sense for the Pats to bring someone else in?

There’s some risk relying on Ridley and Vereen to make a jump, even with Danny Woodhead still in the mix, but if you’ve spent two second round picks on them you need to give them the ball to see what they can do.

Ridley showed a lot of flashes until coming down with severe fumblitis at the most important time of year and that put him on the bench. Vereen flashed in the Chiefs game, but otherwise battled injuries for most of the season which essentially made 2011 a red shirt year for him. Still, Vereen was the higher pick than Ridley and that has to say something about his potential.

But more confusing than relying on two second year backs is linking Forte and Benson to the Pats. Take this nugget from Rotoworld about Forte:

Forte has done his best to make the organization look bad in repeated ESPN appearances, complaining about his contract status. He was particularly displeased with the Bears’ signing of Michael Bush, even though shared rushing attempts could actually work to prolong Forte’s career.

In what universe does this sound like the kind of guy the Patriots would want to bring into their locker room? Not to mention the kind of money they’d have to give him. Doesn’t make much sense to me.

Benson turned things around after multiple off-field incidents early in his career. Still, is he really going to be worth the money and snaps you’d have to give him, which would come at the expense of two young backs who could both potentially be better than him?

Perhaps the easiest answer is to bring back Kevin Faulk for one more year. He’ll be a full two years removed from his ACL injury, and while he might not have the same explosion he once did, he will undoubtedly be a reliable leader and mentor for Vereen and Ridley. There should also be some options at running back in the draft for the Pats to protect themselves should Ridley or Vereen turn out to be a bust.

I’m all for turning over the running back position and giving Vereen and Ridley a full chance to show what they can do. Sometimes you have to go with a youth movement. There will be growing pains, but in the long term you could be setting the stage for two dynamic players that could be the kind of threats out of the backfield that the Pats have not had before.

Veteran runningbacks are expensive and already have a fair share of wear and tear, making them a financial risk the Patriots don’t truly need to make.