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'.
My argument with not taking Dez Bryant is that the Patriots are going to really need help at WR in the near future. Moss is done after this year. Holt is gone after this year. Welker may never be the same.
ReplyDeleteBryant may have had issues, but he also would have been a top 5 pick otherwise. Taking him late in the 1st round would have been a great value. Plus Brady is not getting younger. Give him some toys to play with.
Plus the Patriots have taken on problem guys in the past. Moss and Corey Dillion had their problems, and Brandon Meriweather has a rap sheet a mile long.
I wouldn't have been upset if they took Bryant, but what does it say for a guy that's a top-10 talent to slip down that far? Plus, there's not a definite need at WR. Too many what-ifs -- if Moss is gone after the season, if Welker ever returns, if Holt isn't worth a can of beans.
ReplyDeleteWith the Pats, who knows if they'll trade for a talented WR this season, land one in free agency next year, re-sign Moss, or use one of their first-rounders or second-rounders next year on a WR.
I'm just not overly upset that a big name guy like (Bryant), a WR that everyone knows who his is, wasn't selected. I'm more excited that the Pats can stretch the field down the middle now with Gronkowski and Hernandez at TE. How dangerous is that team now with two TE receiving threats? A double tight end formation is going to be hard to stop. And actually, the Pats did get Brady some weapons, and they got a burner in Price who could be a solid contributor for years to come at WR.
I like the TEs they picked up, but we will have to wait and see how good they really are. Ben Watson was supposed to be the real deal, and he never worked out.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is, you never can be sure how these guys will turn out until they play. McCourty could be the next Darrelle Revis, or the next Terrance Wheatley.
Bryant could be the next Randy Moss (another guy who fell in the draft) or the next Charles Rogers.
Linebacker should at least be much better. Law of averages says that either Spike or Cunningham should contribute. Plus Tyrone McKenzie is still around. BB loved him until he tore his ACL in mini camp last year.
Very true, they all could be busts but they all could have successful NFL careers, we all just don't know.
ReplyDeleteI think Spikes is going to be an outstanding NFL inside linebacker. He's smart, tough and has a nose for the ball. If McKenzie can produce and Guyton is pushed to the outside, this defense will start shaping up ...cautiously optimistic about the defense improving!