Patriots Daily

by Chris Warner
feedback@patriotsdaily.com

(Editor’s Note: We’re pleased to officially welcome Chris Warner to the PD staff this morning. Chris will handle our game re-caps this fall, but as a warm-up, he’s assembled this two-parter on how the Patriots may approach next weekend’s NFL Draft. Welcome, Chris.)

Though I was thinking of comparing the NFL draft to a holiday, it seems more akin to my birthday: I’m getting excited and making plans, yet few people seem as involved as I am. And, by the end of the weekend, another year will have gone by with only minimal progress.

To start off PDDW (Patriots Daily Draft Week – copyright pending!) let’s review the types of horses Coach Belichick and Co. tend to bring to the Foxboro ranch.

Quarterback – No thanks, we’re good… Seriously, though, New England could use a backup who doesn’t make fans reach for their heart medication at the thought of him playing. No rookie will instill complete confidence, but going by the Brady outline, I’ll say they’ll start looking on Day Two for someone who’s efficient, smart, and cute as a button.

Candidates: Josh Johnson, San Diego (most efficient college QB in the country last year); Dennis Dixon, Oregon (Heisman candidate until hurting his knee); Ricky Santos, UNH (Walter Payton Award winner, plus, he’s from Norwood!).

Running Back – Let’s go back to the 1990 Giants: get a big back (O. J. Anderson at 6-2, 220, which is still pretty sizable) to get first downs and keep the clock running. They have two decent-sized backs and two bigger backups, but now that the Pats pass the ball all over the place, size isn’t as important. Could be time for a Kevin Faulk backup.

Candidates (larger): Jonathan Stewart, Oregon; Matt Forte, Tulane.

Candidates (smaller): Thomas Brown, Georgia; Justin Forsett, Cal.

Wide Receiver – As with Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Troy Brown, if you don’t have great size, just have some wiggle and get open.  When looking at combine numbers, eschew the 40 and look at the 20-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill. If the former’s 4.2 and the latter’s 6.75, take note.

Candidates:  Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State; Harry Douglas, Louisville; Arman Shields, Richmond.

Tight End – They have their guy in Benjamin Watson, although he’s a level below ideal expectations in both receiving and blocking. David Thomas is a golden-gloved receiver with bronze-medal blocking skills. Like any team, they could use what Watson flashes to be: a big, strong, fast guy with great hands and quickness. No non-blockers apply.

Candidates: Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M; Brad Cottam, Tennessee; Kellen Davis, Michigan State.

Offensive Line – With the 6-7, 330 Ryan O’Callaghan the one quite noticeable exception, Patriots lineman are quick-footed 300-pounders with decent (6-5) length. While New England found great success in early rounds with Matt Light and Logan Mankins, they have groomed technicians like Dan Koppen (5th round) and athletes like Stephen Neal (undrafted). Versatility is also key (don’t forget: Koppen was a guard alongside Damien Woody until taking over at center).

Candidates: Branden Albert, Virginia (first round); Duane Brown, Virginia Tech; Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers.

Defensive End – Okay, I’ll admit it: I was skeptical of the Richard Seymour choice in 2001, and the Ty Warren pick didn’t exactly wow me in 2003, either. Oh, how I’ve learned. Long arms, leverage and athleticism remain key, as the DE has to shut down runs to his side of the line and/or pester the QB on any given play.

Candidates: Kendall Langford, Hampton; Kentwan Balmer, UNC.

Nose Tackle - Ted Washington is still in the NFL at 40 years old because he’s 6-5, 375. All 3-4 nose tackles like to get in the way. It helps if, like Vince Wilfork, your NT moves with surprising agility, clogging up running lanes and freeing up linebackers. Another tough find, which is why the Pats covet Wilfork.

Candidates: Frank Okam, Texas; Red Bryant, Texas A&M.

Inside Linebacker – The biggest difference between 3-4 inside linebackers and 4-3 ILBs is size. Look at Carolina LB Adam Seward, one-time object of New England flirting. He’s listed as 6-2, 248. The guy he backs up, Jon Beason, is 6-foot, 237. Historically, these guys have been run stoppers who take on offensive behemoths (think Ted Johnson), but these days they need more quickness to cover backs out of the backfield. Not an easy combination to find.

Candidates: James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; Rey Maualuga, USC. Oh, cripes, they’re not eligible. Umm, let’s see… Keith Rivers, USC (maybe); Beau Bell, UNLV (kinda).

Outside Linebacker – Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Rosevelt Colvin and Willie McGinest all have one thing in common (well, more than one thing, because they worked together): they all played defensive end in college. We’re looking at 6-5, at least 255, with the ability to cover tight ends. Lots to choose from next week, although there seems to be a two- to three-year conversion period from college DE to Pats OLB.

Candidates: Vernon Gholston, Ohio State (oh pleasepleaseplease); Quentin Groves, Auburn; Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest.

Cornerback – Yes, speed rules much of football (and sports in general. Take the 100-meter dash: seriously, speed means everything in that). Still, eye-popping 40 times don’t mean as much as reaction skills.  Asante Samuel or Ellis Hobbs: who’s faster? Now, whom would you rather have on your team? (Excuse me as I gag a little bit.)

Candidates: Antoine Cason, Arizona; Tracy Porter, Indiana; Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech.

Safety – Hitters who can cover. Unlike corners, whose tackle totals might tell you that they’re getting picked on, safeties’ big stats demonstrate run support. There needs to be a balance between being aggressive and staying in control, as epitomized by players like Rodney Harrison (Ha, ha. Heh. Yeah. If by “staying in control” you mean “going batguano in tense moments”).

Candidates (slim pickings): Josh Barrett, Arizona State (strong); Quintin Demps, UTEP (free).

Tomorrow, we look for late-round and undrafted Pats possibilities.

Intro by Scott Benson
scott@patriotsdaily.com

If you tuned in yesterday, you know that we’re taking a look back at a few NFL Draft prospect profiles that first appeared on this page last fall. Greg Doyle’s College Scout reviewed the big games every weekend, and focused on the players to watch from a draft perspecive. In Friday’s installment, we reviewed the defensive prospects; today, here’s a few of the top offensive stars.

A reminder: you can find more by clicking this link to the entire CS archive. Thanks to Greg for all his work last season.

QUARTERBACKS

Boston College QB Matt Ryan (#12): If you follow football at all, you’ve heard about Ryan. It appears now most NFL draft observers have him rated as the first or second QB in next year’s draft. He could go as high as a top 5 pic, according to some. He is big and has a great arm and can even buy time in the pocket. Does a good job searching the field, but on occasion seems to lock on and miss the location of defenders, particularly on short middle routes. Does not get rattled by pressure but at times forces balls trying to do too much. Take the sack or throw it away Matt. Still, a very good prospect for the NFL. 12/26/07.

Michigan QB Chad Henne (#7): Has been a starter since appearing at Michigan as a true freshman. He didn’t get his senior year off to a soaring start with a very pedestrian game last week. He has all the tools, he’s the proverbial tall with a strong arm pocket quarterback. But still, there has been something mildly disappointing about his play since he has been at Michigan. His stats are good, but with the talent around him that isn’t surprising. Henne certainly has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in the draft next year, but he won’t do it playing like last week. The Patriots could have some interest, as they have had a bit of luck with Michigan quarterbacks, but he will likely be high enough in the draft they won’t take a quarterback at that point. 9/8/07.

LSU Quarterback Matt Flynn (#15): Flynn is a smart, game manager who showed his character by not transferring and staying for a fifth year after years of sitting behind last year’s number one pick in the NFL, JeMarcus Russell. Flynn does have some experience. He started for an injured Russell in the 2006 Sugar Bowl and led LSU to a 40-3 win over Miami and was named MVP. This is a true team player with a 10-2 TD-INT ratio for his career who has nice size, decent mobility and a good arm and should draw some NFL interest. Can move himself up to a mid-round pick with a solid year and is someone the Patriots might consider as a backup as Matt Cassel moves toward contract expiration. 9/30/07.

RUNNING BACKS

Arkansas RB Darren McFadden (#5): Although only a junior, he deserves to be talked about and will likely enter next year’s draft. A dominant, break-away runner with great speed and size. Can bowl you over or run around you. One of the best running backs to come out in the last few years, he is simply electrifying. Watch this guy, you’ll enjoy it. Put up over 1,600 yards rushing last year. 9/15/07.

Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart (#28): I talked about this player last week. Only a junior, but still worth watching. He has phenomenal skills, a rare combination of speed, power and size (230 lbs). But for some reason has always platooned and that was the case last week. He did run for 72 yards, but that was only third on the team for the game. Put up nearly 1,000 yards last year and does return kicks. He should be highly sought after in next year’s draft given his talent. Still, his lack of dominance continues to be puzzling. 9/8/07.

Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall (#5): A junior, he is having such a good year he may consider coming out. Only 210 lbs, but never seems to go down on first contact. Has some good vision and cutting ability as well. Good around the end zone, he has had one of the better years of any running back in the country. Can catch the ball as well with 21 catches thru 7 games. 10/20/07.

RECEIVERS

California WR DeSean Jackson (#1): A game-breaking receiver who has a knack of getting way behind coverage downfield, this speedster will be lining up in a big game against Arizona State today (6:30 PM ESPN). Tall enough at 6 feet, but a bit undersized at only 172 lbs. Also an electrifying punt returner who returned 4 for touchdowns last year and has 1 this year as well. His yards per catch as a receiver is way down this year and that is a bit of a concern. Jackson is a speedy guy with good hands who has beaten college corners purely on speed. It remains to be seen if he can beat press coverage and be physical enough in the NFL. His awesome punt return ability, however, makes him a unique talent that will be closely scrutinized if he decides to come out for this draft. 11/3/07.

Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly (#4): He is only a junior, but one of the most talented receivers in college football so he could end up in the draft. He has it all, size (6’4″ 217), good speed and great hands. Incredibly dangerous around the end zone where he knows how to use his size to get the ball. Had 10 touchdowns last year and already has 7 in 17 catches this year. That surely will interest the Patriots. College Scout, 9/29/07.

Notre Dame TE John Carlson (#89): Carlson is really an excellent all-around tight end and given the Patriots traditional interest in tight ends and ties to Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, he could be a target for them. He is big and tall, but can get down the field and catch passes. Has 60 career catches, including 47 last year when he became a starter. Solid blocker as well. Definitely worth watching. 9/1/07.

LINEMEN

Michigan T Jake Long (#77): Protects Henne’s backside and one of the best offensive linemen in next year’s draft. A team captain, first team All-American as a junior and one of the leading candidates to be the Outland Trophy winner as the best college lineman this year. Could be a franchise left tackle and definite candidate as a top 5 pick next year. The Patriots would probably love a guy like this, tough, strong, hard worker, team captain. But its doubtful they’ll be high enough in the draft to ever get near him. 9/8/07.

Boise State OT Ryan Clady (#79): Only a junior, but a dominant left tackle who already projects as a first round choice, so he very likely will come out early for the 2008 draft. Has dominant strength and size, but combines it with amazing athletic ability. Could be a franchise left tackle for a decade or more. May interest the Patriots even though their line is pretty set. He is that good and could eventually move Pro Bowler Matt Light to right tackle if the Patriots looked in this direction. 12/20/07.

USC T Sam Baker (#79): Perhaps the best lineman in the country, Baker is a solid rock at left tackle and is headed for his third straight 1st Team All-American placement. Surprisingly athletic for his size, he’ll anchor the left side of someone’s line in the NFL for years to come. 10/27/07.

Boston College T Gosder Cherilus (#77): Another possible first-rounder for BC, Cherilus is local to the Boston area and has had a fine career. Big, strong and athletic, he could play either left or right tackle. Has nice size and can use his arms to keep defenders at bay effectively. Dominated some good players at times. The Patriots would like a player like this because he is versatile. He has good strength, but also the ability to move and get out on screens and be athletic. That is what the Patriots look for in their lineman, not just the big guys who beat defenders up on running plays. They want some of both. Cherilus is that. 12/26/07.

Intro by Scott Benson
scott@patriotsdaily.com

Last fall, while we all dreamed of an undefeated season and fussed about Cameragate, PD’s Own Greg Doyle was keeping one eye on the college football scene in anticipation of this month’s NFL Draft. His weekly preview column, called College Scout, sought out the junior and senior prospects from that week’s slate of major TV games, primarily from a Patriots perspective.

With the draft now just days away, it seems fitting to review those past columns for Greg’s take on several players who have since risen to the top of the NFL draft boards.

Remember, these are just a few of the players Greg wrote about last fall. Hit this link to review all of his past columns and read about the dozens of prospects that Greg was watching last season.

Let’s start with the some of the top defensive prospects. Tomorrow, we look at the offensive side of the ball.

LINEMEN

LSU DT Glenn Dorsey (#72): Dorsey would have been a top 10 pick in the NFL had he come out last year. He was a first team All-American as a junior. He could move into the top 5 with a good year this year. It’s at least a question if he’d fit with the Patriots, as he plays in defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s one-gap system. Pelini, incidentally, was the Patriots linebacker coach under Pete Carroll and is in my mind one of the top coordinators in college football, is likely headed for a head coaching job after this season. But then again, Vince Wilfork switched from a college one-gap player to a two-gapper with the Pats, so it is possible. In any event, it’s fun to watch Dorsey dominate. 9/30/07.

There has been a lot of talk about Virginia defensive end Chris Long (#91). Long is the son of former Oakland Raider and Hall of Famer Howie Long, a native of Charlestown, Massachusetts. His son Chris is a 275 lb. defensive end and playmaker. Racked up an impressive 14 sacks this season. Personally, I feel he may not fit well into the Patriots 3-4 system and they won’t take him in the top 10. On the other hand, he played for Belichick protégé Al Groh so there is carry over. May be able to be a Willie McGinest type for the Patriots and Belichick does always find ways to use talent. I am sure they will examine him closely. 12/26/07.

LINEBACKERS

Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston (#50): One of the best defensive ends in college football, he is a pure pass rusher. Was 2nd Team All Big-10 last year and a chance to be an All-American this season. Speed and good size. Played linebacker in high school, so possibly could convert there and be a Mike Vrabel/Willie McGinest type for the Patriots. Might come out, but only a junior. 9/22/07.

Florida DE Derrick Harvey (#91): Another athletic freak who checks in at 6’4″ 262, perfect size for the Patriots to convert to 3-4 outside linebacker. Named Defensive MVP of the National Championship game last year. Had 11 sacks as a Sophomore and has 6.5 so far this year. Harvey has the speed and athletic ability to convert to linebacker, but one thing that might discourage the Patriots is they drafted and attempted to convert a Florida defensive end – Jeremey Mincey – to linebacker last year and failed. There was too much difference between the Patriots’ system and Florida’s, and he lacked the ability to adapt. Of course Harvey is far more talented than Mincey and the Patriots will likely take a good long look at him. 11/3/07.

Penn State LB Dan Connor (#40): There is a rumor going around that Penn State has produced an NFL linebacker or two in the past. Connor will be the latest to continue that tradition. He is currently the second leading tackler for the Nittany Lions. Has good NFL size at 6’3 233 and can get bigger. Good toughness and leadership ability and a solid tackler. Finished only 2 tackles behind Paul Posluszny last season and Posluszny was drafted in the second round of this year’s draft. Has shown an ability to blitz this year with 5 sacks, but has also gotten out in coverage and can do that. Just a solid, smart all-around player and will be a first day draft pick. 10/27/07.

Purdue DE Cliff Avril (#32): A great sized defensive end with the tools to switch to outside linebacker. This would seem the prototypical type college defensive end who could make the switch to linebacker in a 3-4. I’ll predict the Patriots are very interested in this pass rusher and athlete. 9/22/07.

SECONDARY

Kansas CB Aqib Talib (#3): Possibly the best cornerback in the country, he’ll face off against Nebraska this week. (12:30 PM Fox Sports Networks) This 6’2″ 205 lb. corner has the talent to be a Pro Bowl NFL corner. He was on everyone’s pre-season All-American lists and he hasn’t disappointed for the undefeated Jayhawks this year. If he comes out, this is someone the Patriots will be very, very interested in with the pick they got from the 49ers. Names Randy Moss as his favorite athlete. Has 3 interceptions and 9 pass breakups this year. Picked off 6 and had an amazing 22 pass breakups last year despite playing in only 10 games (was suspended for 2). 11/3/07.

Alabama CB Simeon Castille (#2): An excellent corner who should really blossom with Saban’s coaching. He was first team All-SEC last year. Shows good playmaking ability and had 6 INTs last year. Good all around and has a shot to be a first round pick and the direction the Patriots go in if they want a corner. Saban will have input. 9/15/07.

Colorado CB Terrence Wheatley (#26): A top-notch corner with a knack for big interceptions. He’ll play for someone on Sundays, despite his smallish size. Has 4.37 speed and was 1st Team All-Big 12 last year. Can return kicks and somewhat reminds of Ellis Hobbs. 9/29/07.

by Scott Benson
scott@patriotsdaily.com

Yesterday, I took a few wild guesses on the areas the Patriots might try to improve on when they make their selections in this year’s NFL Draft. This morning, let’s begin looking at a few prospects who may fill those needs when the draft is held 12 days from today.

That brings us to the Patriots Daily Draft Rumor Inventory V.3, our clearinghouse of Patriots draft rumors from around the Net. If you’ve seen the past versions, you get the gist; these are the prospects that have been linked to the Pats through an all-star game or Combine contact, a pro day or private workout, or a scheduled visit to Gillette Stadium.

Like last time, the source of the information is noted, along with the basic measureables. All the way to the left, we seek the counsel of our favorite draft publicatitons (Scouts, Inc., Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News and NFL Draft Scout) to project the round in which the player will be drafted.

As Mike Reiss and Chris Gasper of the Globe always remind us, these contacts don’t necessarily mean the Patriots are in hot pursuit of the player. It does mean they’re still gathering information. So take it for what it’s worth. Their recent visits with Darren McFadden and Glenn Dorsey may simply be a swerve for purposes we won’t understand for two weeks, at least.

A few thoughts, though:

The Pats are doing their due diligence with the top cornerbacks and linebackers in this draft, including a handful of potential Top Ten players. Taken in the collective, that may give an indication as to their early direction, not just in the first round but on the two picks they hold in the 60′s. The sheer volume of propsects that reportedly fall in the middle-second to early-third round range could indicate the Pats are also preparing for a trade back scenario with that 7th pick.

Overall, two-thirds of the prospects on our list are defensive players. 35% of the players on the list either corners or safeties, and another 20% are linebackers. On offense, only wide receivers crack 10%.

The prospect visits are further indication of the defensive buzz building around the Pats draft plans. Of the 19 visits that have reportedly been arranged, only one is with an offensive player (McFadden). 8 of the 19 visits are with cornerbacks; another 5 are with linebackers.

Open up the hood and have a look for yourself. We’ll be back with more prospect thoughts in the days ahead. In the meantime, share your own draft thoughts in the Comments section.

by Scott Benson
scott@patriotsdaily.com

One of the most talked-out, highly-anticipated weekends on the NFL calendar is now less than two weeks away.

The 73rd NFL Draft is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, though in a different format than the one draft watchers have become accustomed to.

Only the first two rounds will be held on Saturday, and the first selection won’t be made until 3 p.m. That’s been pushed back from the traditional start-time of noon. Rounds three through seven will be held on Sunday, with a 10 a.m. start.

This year, teams will be alloted just 10 minutes for each first round pick (cut from the traditional 15). Round two selections will be made in 7 minutes, down from 10 in years previous. Rounds 3-7 will allow just 5 minutes for each pick.

TV coverage will once again be offered on both the NFL Network and ESPN, so if you have the former, you can avoid the latter. The NFLN has been emphasizing “live coverage of every pick” in their promos, which seems like a shot at the Worldwide Leader. ESPN hasn’t covered a pick after 32 since George Grande and Paul Zimmerman were pitched to the curb, and the event became secondary to the Leader’s never ending shtick.

As you know already, our own New England Patriots will be major players in this year’s affair.

Their fortuitous trade with San Francisco last April has netted them the 7th selection, lessening the blow of their penalty for Spygate, which cost them their own first round pick. They also grabbed an additional third round pick in a trade with Oakland, giving them four picks in the first three rounds. They have eight overall.

Of course, you have to know that the aforementioned Spygate will be revisited as well. If you’re still a bit sensitive about it, gird those loins for another assault. When Sheriff Matt Goodell steps to the mike to intone the words “the New England Patriots” for the first time, whether it be for the 7th pick or the 17th, expect the hounds of hell to be unleashed from the Radio City Music Hall rafters by the New York/Philly leatherlungs in attendance. Even Donovan McNabb will think, “man, that’s harsh.”

And when the 31st pick comes, expect a deafening roar that will have you reaching for your remote. If you haven’t busted it already at the inevitable Friday morning turd in the punchbowl announcement from the preening bookseller Arlen Specter. You know that’s coming too.

Just remember – it’s only noise. Better we should focus on the task at hand.

And what is that task? From this corner, it looks to be a remodel job on the defense that’s been unable to seal the deal in each of the last two seasons, and and which bore the brunt of New England’s losses in free agency. The Pats, unpredictable sorts they, will no doubt also look to sustain their almost-world-beating offense, but it’s clear the team’s greatest needs rest on the other side of the ball. Whether they are able to fill those needs while remaining true to their “value” ideals is the biggest question in this year’s draft.

Let’s take a look at exactly what those needs are. The caveat is that teams that draft purely for need are often disappointed in the results, and the disciplined Pats surely heed those words as they stack their board every year.

SECONDARY

Job one is finding a starter to pair with Ellis Hobbs, now that Asante Samuel has sought his riches in Philadelphia. The Pats brought in three veteran free agents to patch the holes left by the departure of Samuel and Randall Gay, but they’re all on one-year contracts, and the team must look beyond 2008. Same goes on the back line, with Rodney Harrison and James Sanders on the final year of their deals. It will be interesting to watch for the influence of new secondary coach Dom Capers here. He has been dispatched to meet with several prospects over the past two months.

LINEBACKER

Second most obvious need is at linebacker. A pass rushing edge player who could log significant snaps would give the Pats flexibility with Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel, and this has been the focus of much discussion where the 7th pick is concerned. Inside, Tedy Bruschi will be 35 and entering his 13th season when things get started this fall. Victor Hobson certainly changes the dynamic there, with his experience and relative youth, and that eases the immediate pressure on the Pats to find a draft pearl inside. New England has always marched to its own drummer when it comes to drafting linebackers, so despite the need, there’s no telling what will happen here. Again, Capers’ influence will be worth watching. If the Pats are moving more towards his aggressive, attacking style, we may see them buck one of their trends at this position.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Pats strongest unit may be Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren, but this still pops up on the radar for a couple of reasons. First, Seymour and Wilfork have just two seasons remaining on their contracts, and second, linemen often provide the best value when it comes to early draft picks. The Pats have certainly had their success there, on both sides of the ball, so that has to be factored in as we consider their direction with that 7th pick.

WIDE RECEIVER

Randy Moss and Wes Welker are two of the best receivers in the league, and they’re locked down for the long-term. Jabar Gaffney has become a Tom Brady favorite, often in tight spots, but he’s signed through 2008 only, and after him, it’s the great unknown. He hasn’t had the best of luck, but Chad Jackson has done almost nothing in two seasons, and Kelley Washington (resigned to a two-year deal) may be just a special-teamer only. The Pats don’t draft a ton of receivers, but with Jackson still iffy, they may elect to move in this direction. Especially if they can nail down a prospect that could also return kickoffs.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Pats are rife with pro-bowlers here too, but Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur are all due to reach the end of their contracts after the 2009 season. Like with defensive line, the Pats may be well advised to begin planning for that now, with the idea they may lose one or more. New England has made their early o-line picks count (Matt Light in 2001, and Mankins in 2005), and the right lineman might be the best investment of one of their early picks this year.

TIGHT END

Ben Watson is recovering from off-season surgery, and David Thomas is nearly as unknown a quantity as Chad Jackson. Kyle Brady was released, so at the least, the Pats may be looking for a tight end that can contribute as a blocker while developing as a receiver. The Pats have spent 9 of the 70 draft picks of the Belichick Era on tight ends, so it seems like a solid bet that another propsect will hear his name called at month’s end.

RUNNING BACK

The Pats are pretty solid for the short term here, providing Sammy Morris returns to support Laurence Maroney. One thing to keep an eye on is Kevin Faulk; one of the team’s most valuable players, Faulk will be 32 in the fall and entering the final two years of his contract. The Pats may look to add a change of pace runner/receiver to develop, or a banger if there’s ongoing concern about Morris. They could also look for a versatile fullback, where Heath Evans is entering the final year of his deal.

QUARTERBACK

The most important position on the field requires a constant effort to develop young players. This may be a secondary priority now, given the presence of Tom Brady, but an upgrade at the backup position may be on their minds. Matt Cassel has been up and down and may never grow fully into the role. The Pats may want another prototype development guy here.

In our next installment, we’ll look at some of the propsect options at each position.  As always, you’re welcome to log your own draft thoughts in our comments section.