With the NFL season right around the corner (fingers crossed), I’m going to take a break from my NBA draft research to look at the Patriots roster and how it breaks down before free agency begins. This also gives me a chance to comment on Coach Bill’s draft selections…
Quarterback (4):
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jonathan Crompton, Ryan Mallet:
There is no team in the NFL with a better situation at quarterback. You have arguably the top QB in the league, a young and capable backup and a super talented rookie to groom. Bill O’Brien should play the lottery with this kind of luck. I thought the drafting of Ryan Mallet was genius. If it’s true that the Patriots had him as their top rated QB then they got an absolute steal in the THIRD round. In four years when Mallet’s contract is up you’ll have either the QB of the future or trade bait to improve other areas. I love the move.
Free Agency Targets: None
Running Back (8):
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Thomas Clayton, Kevin Faulk (FA), Fred Taylor (FA), Sammy Morris (FA)
This is a position that appeared solid with BJGE and Woodhead receiving a bulk of the carries and Kevin Faulk hopefully returning from injury. I guess Bill didn’t feel as comfortable as he drafted an outside runner (Vereen) in the 2nd round and an inside runner (Ridley) in the 3rd round. I was baffled by both selections. I didn’t see the need to use two high picks on RB’s. This leaves Kevin Faulk in a tough situation. What would his role be with 4 young backs on the roster? Bill has obviously upgraded the position and created some competition which isn’t a bad thing. To me, there were more pressing needs when the backs were selected. I think it’s safe to say Taylor and Morris will not be back with the team.
Free Agency Targets: None
Wide Receiver (8):
We Welker, Deion Branch, Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate, Taylor Price, Matthew Slater, Buddy Farnham, Darnell Jenkins
I love this group of receivers. I think they’re everything Brady needs. I know that people have issue with the lack of a deep threat, but they never had a deep threat when it was Branch, Givens and Troy Brown and they won a few Super Bowls. I think the precision route running combined with the tight ends attacking the middle of the field is extremely tough to defend. I’m not worried about Brady being able to throw over the top. He’ll be able to pick his spots with Tate and Edelman streaking into the secondary. The Randy Moss-less receiving core will be just fine.
Free Agency Targets: Santonio Holmes would look nice on the outside and it would give Bill a chance to tweak the Jets.
Tight End (5):
Alge Crumpler, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Carson Butler, Lee Smith
The tight end position is similar to the quarterback position; they’re loaded. The fact that they can switch from 5-wide to 3 TE’s is a huge plus. Gronkowski is an absolute beast and is a magnet for the ball in the red zone and Hernandez might as well be a wide receiver with his skill set. You would think that Bill would be content with those two, but of course he’s three steps ahead as he drafted Lee Smith out of Marshall as Alge Crumpler’s replacement. This should set up the TE position for years and should help balance the offensive attack.
Free Agency Targets: None
Tackle (7):
Sebastian Vollmer, Nate Solder, Nick Kaczur, Mark LeVoir, Steve Maneri, Matt Light (FA), Quinn Ojinnaka (FA)
The Patriots have done a good job of infusing youth into the offensive line over the last couple years and the selection of Nate Solder was just another step. They now have their tackles of the future in Vollmer and Solder. I think they will try to re-sign Matt Light at a reasonable cost as they are a little thin at the position. Also, you may not want to count on Solder starting on Day 1. Lastly, I’m not sure what will happen with Nick Kaczur as he’s carrying a high cap figure. Don’t be surprised if he ends up on the chopping block.
Free Agency Targets: My guess is that they try to re-sign Light and Ojinnaka
Guard (6):
Logan Mankins (FT), Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Rich Ohrnberger, Marcus Cannon, Thomas Austin
The guard position could be fantastic or a little scary. It all depends on Logan Mankins and Robert Kraft being able to come to an understanding. If Mankins is signed long term then the Patriots will be able to pair him with the massive Marcus Cannon at RG and make the Patriots offensive line one of envy. They’ll have youth, size, and a little nastiness for years to come. Personally, I think the deal gets done. Cooler heads will prevail and Kraft will pay the man his money. They also have capable backups Dan Connelly and Ryan Wendell, who both started last year, in the mix. The rich seem to get richer.
Free Agency Targets: If Mankins is signed, then no move is needed. If he walks, then they have some concerns and you can expect a veteran or two to come in and compete.
Center (1):
Dan Koppen
Dan is one of the top centers in the league and has anchored a very good offensive line since he got to NE. According to the depth chart the only backup for him is Ryan Wendell. Since the Patriots didn’t draft a center I would assume that they feel very comfortable with the talent at the postion.
Free Agency Targets: NonePart Two: DEFENSE will be available tomorrow...
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