Looking at Patriots Prospects: A 2010 NFL Draft Preview, Offense

With the draft kicking off tomorrow, and it being my first day here at Pats Pulpit, I thought I would lead off with a comprehensive draft "guide" for Patriots fans.  I have highlighted each offensive position in this article, listed prospects the Patriots have looked into, and highlighted a prospect for each position, while also looking at the level of need.

Everything can be found after the jump.

Quarterback

Need Level: Low

The Patriots have a superstar in place with Tom Brady under center for the foreseeable future.  Behind Brady is second year man Brian Hoyer.  Hoyer was an undrafted free agent last season, and really impressed the coaching staff, earning a roster spot as the only quarterback behind Tom Brady, beating out the likes of Kevin O'Connell, Andrew Walter, and Matt Gutierrez.  The Patriots may look to bring in a fresh body to compete for the #2 with Hoyer.

Featured Prospect: Tim Tebow, Florida

Throughout the draft process, the Patriots have constantly been connected to quarterback Tim Tebow.  They held a private workout with him and brought him in for a pre-draft visit among other things.  Analysts have said that the Patriots are the perfect fit for Tebow, as he needs time to develop under a team with a quarterback in place.  While the Patriots may actually be an ideal scenario for Tebow, you have to ask, where would the value be for such a situation?  Is it in the second round?  I sincerely doubt it.  I see Tebow as more of a third round value, and while I like his intangibles, I don't see the Patriots taking him in the 2nd round.

Running Back

Need Level: Moderate

While Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk make up a nice rotation at running back, the latter three are all in their 30's, and there isn't a single back signed beyond 2010 for the Patriots.  With that said, it looks like running back is a position the Patriots should target in the first two rounds in the draft.  Players the Patriots could target in the first two rounds include Ryan Mathews, Montario Hardesty, Dexter McCluster (more of a WR), and Jonathan Dwyer.

Featured Prospect: Montario Hardesty

Montario Hardesty was a bit of a "one year wonder" for Tennessee.  At nearly 6', 225, Montario is a bruiser.  He is tough, and constantly drags tacklers after being hit.  He is also a solid receiver out of the backfield, and is just a really tough player overall.  Plus, he's got a nasty spin move.  If the Patriots took him at some point in the second round, he could be part of the rotation in 2010, before taking over as the lead back in 2011.

Wide Receiver

Need Level: Moderate

While the Patriots just added Torry Holt, the wide receiver position is still a moderate need for the Patriots.  Wes Welker will probably miss a good chunk of time in 2010, and Randy Moss could be in the last year of his contract.  Julian Edelman looks like a solid piece for the future.  Brandon Tate has a high ceiling but is still a relative unknown at this point.  Adding a young receiver with a high pick wouldn't be such a bad thing for the Patriots.

Featured Prospect: Dez Bryant

There are no questions about Dez Bryant's talent level: he is a top five worthy player.  However, there are questions about his character that could cause him to slide on draft day.  If he fell to the Patriots at 22, it would make for a very intriguing pick.  Dez could learn under Randy Moss for a year, then take over as the number one in 2011.  The Patriots brought Bryant in for a pre-draft visit, so there is a chance that they could be interested.

Tight End

Need Level: High

The Patriots have only one real option at tight end on their roster in Alge Crumpler (unless you count Rob Agnone or Rob Myers).  There is no question that tight end must be a priority for the Patriots.  If the Patriots want a tight end in the first round, the two most realistic options would be Jermaine Gresham and possibly even Rob Gronkowski.  Dennis Pitta, Aaron Hernandez, Jimmy Graham, Anthony McCoy, and Tony Moeaki all seem to be viable second round options.  If the Patriots don't come out of this draft with one or two tight ends, I would be very surprised.

Featured Prospect: Dennis Pitta, BYU

I have Dennis Pitta as my third ranked tight end behind Gresham and Gronkowski.  The Patriots already acquired a blocking tight end in Alge Crumpler, so they could use a receiving tight end to complement him.  Dennis Pitta would be perfect in that role.  He has great size and decent speed.  While he may not be the best in-line blocker, he is very willing and can improve.  As a receiver, he may not threaten the seam consistently, but he has great hands, and consistently makes tough catches in traffic.  Pitta has the potential to be a Dallas Clark-type of weapon for Tom Brady.

Offensive Line

Position Need: Low-Moderate

The Patriots look pretty set at tackle with Matt Light, Sebastian Vollmer, and Nick Kaczur as the top three returning in 2010.  At guard, the Patriots return Stephen Neal and Logan Mankins, with Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, and last year's 4th round pick Rich Ohrnberger providing depth.  At center, the starter is Dan Koppen.  Koppen has been regressing slightly as of late, and with Stephen Neal getting up there in age, and Logan Mankin's contract situation up in the air, there could be a need for a center or guard early in the 2010 draft.

Featured Prospect: Matt Tennant, Boston College

Matt Tennant is thin for a center at 6-5, 300 pounds.  There are some questions as to whether or not he can hold up against NFL nose tackles.  However, he has good awareness, and is very quick off the snap.  He displays good technique, and can get to the second level; all traits the Patriots look for in their centers and guards.  If the Patriots are looking for a center in round 2, or if they acquire a pick in round 3, they could look in Tennant's direction.