NFL Draft Countdown

Count me among the people very excited about tomorrow's draft! Rumors abound that the Pats are trying to get into the top ten of the draft. Peter King believes the Pats are not going after LSU's Tyson Jackson, the obvious pick as he projects to be a 3-4 defensive end. Given that this is the Patriots we are talking about, I'm going to expect the unexpected. Michael Holley, one of the very few people who predicted that the Pats would take Jerod Mayo last year, thinks it could be Andre Smith if the Pats go into the top ten. Yet, I would still take that with a grain of salt. I just hope they get some much needed youth and athleticism on defense, especially at linebacker.

Offensive Lineman in the NFL Draft

Pro Football Weekly notes that the Pats are intent on bolstering the offensive line in the upcoming draft (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2009/wrapup041909.htm). Although they definitely have more immediate defensive needs that should be addressed in the first few rounds, the Pats could try and grab a few good offensive lineman in the mid to late-rounds of the draft. While the offensive line is pretty good right now, the age and contracts of the lineman raise some long-term concerns. Thus, expect to see the Pats draft a few OG/C's in the mid to late rounds and possibly a tackle in the early rounds if the value is there.

Pats NFL Draft Outlook

The Pats have eleven picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. They are as follows:
1st round-#23
2nd round-#34, #47, #58
3rd round-#89, #97 (compensatory)
4th round-#124
5th round-#170 (compensatory)
6th round-#199 (A one Tom Brady was drafted in this spot in 2000), #207 (compensatory)
7th round-#234

It is unlikely that the Pats will select eleven players with these picks for a few reasons. First, the roster is simply too talented and deep to accommodate that many rookies. I would guess that there will be enough spots for about eight rookies. Second, by moving up or down, they can create more value. Considering the number of picks they have (including three 2nd rounders), the Pats will be in a good position to maneuver around the board. By trading up, they may be able to snag a player that has fallen far below where he should have been taken. By trading down, they increase the value of the pick for next year. This may be particularly prudent this year considering the number of quality free agents they will have at the end of the 2009 season. My hope is that they can trade #47 for a first-round pick next year.
*Compensatory picks cannot be traded.