PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

1st Round Mock Draft

After hearing Ted Ginn Jr.’s interview, he seems like the kind of player New England would like to have.  With that, I’ve made some changes to the Patriots 1st round mock draft.  Feel free to leave your own opinions on who you think the Patriots should draft.

Pick #24 - - Ted Ginn Jr.  WR Ohio State

Pick #28 - - Michael Griffin S Texas

I will be providing an in depth 7 round mock draft after the combine on Wednesday.

Heath Evans Resigned

The Patriots resigned RB/FB Heath Evans to a two year deal.  His presence is needed with the expected release of Corey Dillon on March 2.

Patriots For Runningback in Draft?

With Corey Dillon leaving, runningback once again becomes a first day possibility for the squad.  Look for the Patriots to lean towards Minnesota halfback Gary Russell and Louisville runningback Michael Bush in the second round.  Russell is a toss-up, as he missed the last year due to academic ineligibility (ala Maurice Clarett).  Michael Bush is another bruiser who could compliment Maroney well.

Chad Jackson Out Next Season?

Apparently, Chad Jackson tore his ACL against the Colts and his status is in question for next year.  Great…  This will really help his development.

The Return of Antowain Smith?

This could be another possibility with the release of Corey Dillon.  Antowain knows our system, and is a bruiser, particularly late in the year.

Daniel Graham Talks Going No where

With Asante Samuel being tagged, Daniel Graham is the most important unrestricted free agent scheduled for free agency on March 2.  But according to Graham’s agent, talks of a new contract have been minimal and limited.

Word is that Corey Dillon is leaving the team. The Boston Globe reported yesterday that the running back asked the team to be released and would retire. Today, Dillon’s agent Steve Feldman is saying that he will continue to play but not for the Pats.

I am sorry to see him go. He was a great bruising running back that punished run defenses. What will our running game look like without that physical north-south power? Can Maroney handle all those carries? I can only speculate at this point but I would not be disapointed if Pioli/Belichick picked up a nice compliment to Laurence’s speed and agility.

I know this isn’t pure sports talk but some big news out of Patriots’ offseason is the apparent fatherhood for QB Tom Brady. It appears that the baby was convieved around the time of the break up between Brady and ex-girlfriend Bridet Moynihan. Was she secretly trying to get pregnant to get back at him or is it just coincedence? Also Tom has spoken of getting into politics after his playing career is over. How will a baby out of wedlock affect this possible career move? And how nasty of an athlete will the kid be? All great food for thought.

Other random thoughts while the league is licking their wounds and the front office personnel people are churning out personal interviews and tryout observations in the scouting combine. I think Pats fans should feel thankful that we don’t have to endure sketchy behavior on the part of our favorite players and role models to our children. Lately Pacman Jones (great name by the way) was involved in a shooting at a club after flashing money around the place, and is now implicated in consorting with the shooter. And what with the collective rap sheet of the Cincinnatti Bengals, I really appreciate the class of the Patriots organization.

Next up on the football calendar is…the DRAFT!

Last night on the Best Damn Sports show, Donte Stallworth was interviewed.  He said he would like to return to the Eagles, but upon being asked about possible free agency destinations, he answered:

“There’s New England, obviously being able to play in an organization like that, similar to the Eagles, who have definitely won a lot of games in the past.”

This is an interesting rumor Stallworth would really help in the receiving corps, especially if Troy Brown retires.  He’s a very fast receiver, and also has good hands.  Other teams he mentioned were San Fransisco and Miami.  He also said he wants to win a lot of games, and that’s something that New England does (no duh).

Stallworth will become an unrestricted free agent on March 2nd if the Eagles don’t resign him (they likely will not [because of trade specifications] until his contract officially expires, allowing him to test free agency if he wishes). 

Here is my first go at he Patriots picks.  I will expand to all 7 rounds later on.

Pick #24

Texas S Michael Griffin

Pick #28

LSU WR Dwayne Bowe

I doubt Belichick will take Bowe, as I’m not sure he is the best player available at the time.  Dwayne Bowe is better than any other receiver at this point in the draft (particularly Robert Meachem), but I think he may go with a linebacker at this point.  Michael Griffin is a solid pick.  If everyone is healthy in the safety spot, Eugene Wilson can always move back to corner, as Griffin is an NFL ready player.  He also is a future option at safety, supposing Rodney retires in the next few years.

Pick #60

H.B. Blades LB Pittsburgh

Blades is a solid pick at this point, and seems to be a good fit for the 3-4 defense.  H.B. is primarily an ILB, but can on occassion move outside, because he is a solid pass rusher.

Pick #92

Marcus McCauley CB Fresno State

I doubt he falls this far, but if he does, he would be an immediate help at the cornerback position.  With all of the d-backs in the draft, don’t be surprised if one of them slips to this spot.  If Troy Smith still happens to be around, I wouldn’t be surprised if Belichick took him (as long as he is BPA).  I doubt it, but remember, Belichick might even go with a first round QB if he was the best player available.  Maybe that’s a stretch, but you get my point.

This year, Asante Samuel looks like one of the top players on the open market.  Sources say he and Nate Clements are looking for signing bonuses between $14 and $17 million.  Knowing the Pats player personnel, that’s going to be too high a price tag.  It looks like the only way to keep him will  be assigning him the franchise tag.  The franchise tag will give Asante a 1 year deal that gives him the pay of the average salaries from the top 5 cornerbacks in the NFL.  Pricy, but it looks to be less than what he might be asking for, and it seems that it may just be the only way to keep him.  Another rumor, thanks to Eye on Foxborough, states that Asante doesn’t want the tag, but that just may be too bad.  Keeping Asante for at least 1 more year will prove if he is worth the big cash, and it will give us time to find a replacement. 

 
Hoorah!

I’ve got to say it was quite interesting seeing Belichick and the staff coaching the game yesterday.  It was cool seeing Josh McDaniels making the play calls and Belichick actually smiling DURING a game.  Too bad Warren, Brady, Seymour, and Samuel weren’t there though.  At least we did have Matt Light, but he didn’t play a very good game.

It was interesting when the AFC had the ball on fourth and goal at the one, and seeing Josh McDaniels making the call to Peyton Manning.  Did anyone else hear him say, sneak it if you can?

Where did Bill Belichick get that red flag?  So apparently he does have a sense of humor!

And last but not least, Belichick and Tomlinson made up, or according to Ladainian, kissed up.  And everybody was happy as the AFC won 31-28, and hopefully Belichick will never coach in the Pro Bowl again (means Pats will go to the Superbowl).

Now, its really on to the offseason!