2009 NFL Mid-Offseason Mock Draft

by Jake on Mar 28, 2009 1:15 PM EDT

Hey New England fans, my name is Jake and I am one of the writers for BattleRedBlog, the SB Nation site devoted to the Houston Texans. I’m sure I’m not the first blogger from another team to visit your site and post something arbitrary because it happens regularly at BRB. Sometimes it is relevant to either the Texans or the NFL at large and worth reading, and other times it can be the opposite.

I just completed a Mid-offseason Mock Draft, and wanted to share who I selected for your team with you. I hope this isn’t a waste of your time and welcome feedback whether it is negative or positive. Below is the excerpt of who I thought the Patriots would take and why, as well as possible alternatives. If you would like to view the entire Mock Draft to see how I got to your pick, simply follow the link above in the beginning of this paragraph.

23. New England Patriots: Connor Barwin/OLB-TE/Cincinnati (Previous Pick: Larry English) – Hmm. An extremely athletic collegiate DE who will probably play OLB in a 3-4 scheme that can also play some TE. Sound like anyone you know? *cough*MikeVrabel*cough*. This is earlier than most people assume Barwin will be taken, but Belichick doesn’t necessarily follow the status quo and draft by the typical draft ratings. Larry English is still a possibility, but Barwin has the attitude to fit in with the Patriots. Then again, Bill can be unpredictable to say the least.

Thanks for your time, good luck in the Draft.

The views expressed in these FanPosts are not necessarily those of the writers or SBNation.

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Comments

Hey Jake, thanks for stopping by!!

Nice pick. Barwin is visiting Foxboro, MA this Monday for a pre-draft workout. I think OLB is a place where some youth would be good.

P.S. FP’d and REC’d

Blogger at SBNation's New England Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Mar 28, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

OLB v ILB

I keep seeing projections that the Pats will focus on OLB with early picks. Granted, that probably has a lot to do with availability (not many ILB’s out there), but I tend to think that ILB is a bigger need area for the Pats.

AD, Woods, TBC, Crable, are all guys who play outside. Ruud and Redd are also there as developmental projects.

Essentially, Bruschi, Mayo and Guyton are the only ILB on the roster. I think Alexander might be an ILB as well, not sure.

Haven’t seen it discussed much, but I wonder if moving Thomas inside is a possibility if OLB is a draft focus. I know it wasn’t the ideal fit the half a season it was tried, but if he slows down as he ages, dropping into coverage and getting after the passer may be more difficult than utilizing his size (6-2, 270) to stop the rush.

by Pie McKenzie on Mar 28, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

Sort of agree, but...

I can follow your thinking. When you look at the number of bodies, there are obviously more OLB’s on the roster, but I still think ILB is a greater need, because none of them are really impact players.

Essentially I have more faith in Bruschi, Guyton and perhaps Thomas holding down the spot next to Mayo, than I do in any of the OLBs to create the consistent pass rush and the sacks we lacked last year.

by hythlodaeus on Mar 28, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I can live with that pick

I think Barwin will still be around at the start of the second round so I’d prefer to see the Pats take him them, but you’re right — he is Mike Vrabel and would be a great addition to the team.

by RSNexile on Mar 28, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

I see your reasoning, but...

I’d be shocked if Barwin wasn’t around in Round 2. I think he’s a middle/late second rounder as he’s still pretty raw. No knock on his talent but there are guys who will come quicker at the position than Barwin available.

by Danno11 on Mar 28, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

not bad

It’s an interesting suggestion, though perhaps made less likely by the fact that the Pats have (for now, at least) the #2 pick in the 2nd round (#34 overall). If they are convinced Barwin will still be on the board then, I could see them holding off and snagging someone else with the #23 pick.

As as far as the ILB/OLB debate, I think it is absolutely a believable possibility that we take one of each with our first two picks. Not a lock by any means, but quite possible. Of course, things might also change should we sign Jason Taylor or Peppers.

by JohnPaul on Mar 28, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Yah...

I wouldn’t be suprised to see some combination of Maualuga/Laurinitis and English/Barwin taken with our first two picks.

by beantownboy171 on Mar 28, 2009 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

i'd be happy with that

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Mar 28, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Maualuga is too far of a reach. Would be happy if we got him.

Realistically, Laurinitis could be possible. Matthews, Cushing as well. I like Beckwith from LSU. I’m gonna say Laurinitis/Beckwith. The youth movement at LB begins with this draft.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!

by R_Adragna on Mar 30, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I know...

but i want maualuga so baaaaaaaaaddd

by beantownboy171 on Mar 30, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Woohoo!

You get two thumbs up from me with this pick. I’m pretty high on Connor Barwin, and I do believe he moved himself into the first round throughout the combine workouts and such, so we may have to “reach” for him at #23. Could he be there at our #34 pick? Maybe, but it might be prudent to take him before someone else snatches him.

I see our second rounders focusing on safety/inside linebacker, and one of them being traded for picks next year (if I had to make a prediction). Offensive lineman is also a possibility.

by NESilver on Mar 29, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

The more I think about it, the more I want the Pats to take a guy like Beatty or Britton at #23 and an entire lineman, such as Mack, Wood or Unger, at #34. I also like the idea of grabbing Ron Brace at #47 or #58. OL and NT are such important positions, never hurts to really stockpile talent and youth at those positions.

by Pie McKenzie on Mar 29, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions