Patriots Draft

I’m finally home from my freshman year of college at UF. It was a good experience living away from home in a dorm and I did well in my classes. Needless to say, the last month or two of school I spent a lot of time keeping up and researching the 2010 draft. Here are my thoughts on the Patriots moves.

1. While I believe it is important to add depth in the secondary and I like Devin McCourty’s complete skill set, I still feel we passed over several prospects that were higher rated or fit positions of higher need. Personally I feel Dez Bryant would have been a dynamic talent that would have changed the face of New England’s offense. Even after passing over him due to character concerns, I was disappointed they did not select Jared Odrick who looks like an ideal replacement for Richard Seymour as a right defensive end in the 3-4. I also thought Jerry Hughes would have a been a great pass rusher who could have been a game-changer in this defense. At times I feel the organization gets stuck on the prototype for the outside linebacker position when they should look at a player’s production and overall skill set as opposed to the height-weight-speed ratio.

2. I loved what the Pats did to address the tight end position. They got a first and second round talents at bargain prices. Rob Gronkowski would have been a first round pick had he played last season. I am confident the Pats did their due diligence on his back injury and must feel he’s over it. He has ideal size at 6’6 260 lbs. and is a dual threat tight end as a capable blocker and natural pass catcher. Aaron Hernandez of Florida is a versatile, H-back type who really can stretch the field and make big plays. I had the privilege to see Hernandez in person several times last season and thought he was the best playmaker on the Gators’ offense. He is a beast in the open field.

3. The 2010 class’ success will fall on a pair of 2nd round Florida Gators. Brandon Spikes was a force his sophomore season registering 131 tackles. His production fell over the past two seasons and he performed poorly in off season workouts. However, no one can question his instincts and leadership qualities while playing in the most competitive conference in all of college football. I think his athletic shortcomings will be masked as he plays the thumper role next to Jerod Mayo in the 3-4. Perhaps this will free up Mayo to make more game changing plays. Secondly, Jermaine Cunningham is the single most important player the Patriots took. He is essentially the only player acquired in the 2010 off season that will address the team’s greatest need – the pass rush. Cunningham has prototypical size (6’3 266 lbs.) for the outside linebacker position however his timed speed is somewhat questionable. However, he tested well in the vertical jump at 35” and the broad jump 10’5” and had 1.60 10-yard split. If he can harness this explosion from a two point stance, he could be a force. He was actually a better all-around player in my opinion than heralded teammate Carlos Dunlap who went one pick after to the Bengals. Cunningham is also a leader and has plenty of experience.

4. Taylor Price intrigues me with his size and speed. He seems like a hard worker who will put in the extra time necessary to be successful. I don’t think he will become a number one receiver, but if he can develop into a solid number two who can stretch the field, he will be a success in this system.

5. I think the team passed over several talented prospects late in the draft. I thought they should have taken a shot at Ricky Sapp in round five as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Perhaps the team’s medical staff do not think he will be at full strength after his 2008 knee injury. They also could have looked into a running back (Jonathan Dwyer, Anthony Dixon) who went in round six.

Overall, I think this was a solid draft that was filled with many high-upside prospects. Gronkowski can develop into a Pro Bowl caliber tight end and I think Hernandez could be a Dallas Clark type hybrid receiver/tight end. McCourty could form a nice tandem with Butler in a year or two and will be special team presence. However, I truly think that the success of this draft hinges on the two linebackers taken in round two who will need to add a physical presence to an evolving linebacker corps.