With the 40th pick, the New England Patriots pick DT Ron Brace, BC

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With this selection, the Patriots give themselves a little insurance at nose tackle.  Y'all did know big, bad, Vince's contract was up on '09, right?  At any rate leverage is king, and this provides them a little.  Some words from the 334 pounder via Reiss's Pieces:

Q: What has your family said about the fact that you were drafted by the local team and now they can stay home and watch you here?

RB: Well, in between the yelling, they were just so proud and so happy. Especially my father because he’ll be able to see all of my home games just like he did in high school and in college.

Q: What do you know, having been around here, about the Patriots organization in terms of their work ethic and the kind of team that they are?

RB: I just know that the Patriots are a real hard-working team. They obviously have a system that has worked and I need to get in and learn it before I do anything else.

Q: You were known as a great run-stuffer in college. How much work do you feel you need as a pass rusher now?

RB: It’s not just my rush stuff, I need to work on my all-around game just to get myself ready to play with the Patriots.

Quick hit is this is clearly an FA insurance policy if Wilfork decides to walk.  Even if the Patriots can come to terms with Vince (which I hope they do), it never hurts to have a guy like Brace as a backup.