Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Here's what I have to say about the New England Patriots 2010 draft.
- You may get ticked when the Patriots are constantly trading, usually down, but Bill Belichick is simply a master at maneuvering the board. He added extra picks in this year's draft, and also traded a third-rounder this year for a 2011 second-round pick next season. Genius, I say.
- I'm so sick of hearing how the Patriots blew their first-round pick by selecting Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty. I haven't heard one fan complain about the skill level of the player -- not that many had heard of him -- but more about drafting a corner because it wasn't a "need" or because WR-with-issues Dez Bryant was still on the board. You have to love that the coach was sold on McCourty after his film session with the cornerback. McCourty isn't a sexy pick, but actually corner is a need because they basically have two with talent (Bodden, Butler).
- Tight end was a major need and the Pats landed one of the best in the draft in Rob Gronkowski. He's big, physical, catches everything and has excellent speed for a tight end. When you hear comparisons to Jason Witten, you've got to get pumped and jacked.
- We desperately needed someone to put some heat on the QB, and the Pats found their man in another second-rounder (Florida OLB Jermaine Cunningham). He made a name for himself by attacking the quarterback, and he's going to be expected to do the same in the NFL. Nice pick, and a need pick.
- A tie for the top selection for the Patriots in the draft is Florida inside linebacker Brandon Spikes (Spikes and Gronkowski are my fav selections), a smart, tough monster in the middle that buries running backs into the turf. He ran a slow 40 and slipped in the draft. But when you watch tape of him, he's always making plays. He's going to fit in nicely alongside Jerrod Mayo in the middle of that 3-4 defense.
- I don't like the Florida Gators or coach Urban Myer one bit, but hats off to Belichick and Meyer for being real good friends. That friendship obviously helps come draft time. I bet Belichick got more insight on Cunningham and Spikes from Meyer than many NFL teams did.
- I usually don't get too giddy about punters or kickers, but when the Pats tabbed Michigan punter Zoltan Mesko in the fifth round, I'm pumped my fist in excitement. Field position is so important in football, and with Mesko's booming leg, the Pats should be able to win that field position battle in just about every game with Mesko.
- Florida TE Aaron Hernandez adds more depth for the Pats. Hernandez isn't a physical beast at all, but he could create matchup problems vs. other teams with solid speed, great route running and great hands. I'd say the TE position is all set for a few years now!
- Every team loves to have a deep threat that torches defenses, and the Pats might have found their man in third-round pick Taylor Price. I'm not familiar with the kid out of Ohio, but everything I've read I love, including that he's got top-end speed and he's a versatile playmaker.
- I really did love this draft, and my grade for the Pats is a 'B'.
