1.OL – Although i believe that if a Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing happen to make it to twenty-three we should sprint to Goodell with the pick, our biggest need is depth on the offensive line. Matt Light is the greatest second round pick to come from the belichick era, however, we are eventually going to have to find a replacement, and that time is closer than it is farther away. Getting a quality LT now, such as Britton or Beaty, if they are to fall out of the first round to pick thirty- five, and sitting him behind Light would give them some Cassel-type experience. Hell if one looks good enough, put him at RT for the time being, and move him to the left side when he matures; by that time Light would be ready to be replaced anyways. Also, a young guard to spell for Neal when hes injured would be a nice addition. Why not get one of the centers, like a Max Unger or Alex Mack and put em at guard, as there arent too many gurards with skill this year. With both Neal and Mankins in the final years of their deal next year, getting someone to groom now would be better than waiting til the last minute.

2.DL – Speaking of expiring contracts, is anyone else worried about losing Seymour or Wilfork? I believe a long term deal will be worked out with Wilfork. In the 3-4 defense, Wilfork is the Tom Brady, theres no way belichick will let him leave. Hes too good and too important to let slip away. We’ve already proved that Seymour is too important for the team to let go, but id rather see 93 leave than Vince, and my thinking is Belichick and Co. feel the same way. While Seymour is good, he hasnt been AS good lately. In fact, he hasnt really shown up too often. In my opinion, I think Warren is even more important to the DL than 93. So picking up a 3-4 DE such as Tyson Jackson with the 23rd pick wouldnt suprise me either; I doubt it; but i wouldnt be suprised. After BJ Raji, the rest of the DT’s pick up value in the 2nd to 3rd round, which just happens to be where the meat of the Pats picks are on the first day. Rajis teammate at BC, 6’3’’ 330lb Ron Brace, played just as good for the eagles according to some. And he definately fits the size for a hole- plugging DT capable of playing in NE.

3.OLB – Like ive already stated, if Matthews or Cushing fall to us, we should take them; right away. From what I know about both players, I lean towards Cushing. Im not quite sure why, I just have a feeling with him. He seems more sure-fire than Matthews. Id be suprised if they both make it to 23 though. I dont think OLB is as big of a need as most people think. Ive been a Pierre Woods fan since NE picked him up as a rookie free agent. He fits the bill physically, at 6’5’’ and 250lbs listed weight, and hes done alright for us when we’ve had him out there. Hes a special teamer, and I like that. He led the team in tackles on special teams last year. Crable looks alright, although hes still raw. I think he’ll be ready to take over for Thomas when he needs to be.

4.ILB – My dream situation in the draft would involve Rey Maualuga falling to us at 23. Id sprint to Goodell is Cushing or Matthews was available; I would run to the mic and announce Reys name myself if he fell to us. I think hes the best linebacker coming out of USC this year. Think Lofa Tatupu with size. Tackling machine. Best pure tackler coming out of the draft. Putting him next to Mayo would be amazing. Mayo with the speed to rush and Rey with the run stopping power. Not that Mayo cant stop the run, either. But it would be Bruschi / Johnson in their prime together— enhanced.

5a.S – While safety isnt a “priority” position right now, it isnt a strength either. Sanders is good, but have we seen all we will from him? I know he still has some growing to do in the league, Im not sure how much upside I see. NE strong safeties arent required to do much. Stop the run and safety valve the corner on your side of the field. So ideally you want a sound tackler with bulk to take on short yardage RBs and enough speed to keep up with quick TEs. So guys like William Moore – 6’0’’ 221lbs, and Chip Vaughn – 6’1’’ 221lbs fit the bill. The higher rated prospect is Moore, who some see as a late first rounder, but will probably slip to the mid to late 2nd round. As for free safeties, NE asks them to do more coverage than run support. Less bulk is required and they often act as a CB with less speed but better tackling skills in the cover 2 system. A name to remember is Chris Clemons from Clemson.

5b WR – Drafting WRs just doesnt seem to work out for us. Bethel Johnson?? Chad Jackson?? Thats two former second round picks. Deion Branch, for as good as he was for us, definately owes Tom Brady alot of money. As does David Givens, anyone remember him? What has he been up to lately? Wonder why? Im sure the torn ACL in his first season he had with Tennessee had alot to do with it also. But Givens and Branch are probably the only two examples of drafted WRs that have worked out for us at least. Its about time we get one right. Right? As good as Jackson was physically, he just didnt have the smarts to get down the offense. With Randy Moss and Wes Welker holding down the fort, as well as Joey Galloway as the third option for the year, we can afford to draft someone with potential, hand them a playbook and say ‘its in your best interest to memorize this because you’ll be doing alot of nothing for a little bit.’ Derrick Williams out of Penn State, as well as his teammate Darius Butler would be fine fits for that role. Both also provide excellent special teams play also.