PatsBlog: A Patriots Blog

 The Patriots chose not to move up in the first round, and chose Brandon Meriweather, safety out of Miami, with the 24th overall pick.  This was a great pick!  Meriweather is a tremendously hard hitter that can step infront of any pass.  His awareness is phenomonal, and all around, he is one of the best defensive talents in the draft.  His tackling form is precise and solid, and he can rush the passer well.  This makes him good is lots of defensive schemes and stunts.  He is also versatile, as he has the ability to play free or strong safety.  He also runs faster than a 4.5 40-time, which may allow him to play corner in some nickel schemes.  He reminds me of a younger Ed Reed.

The Patriots traded away their second first round pick to the 49ers.  In return, the Pats received the Niners’ 2008 first round pick, and a 2007 fourth round pick.  The fourth round pick turned into Randy Moss, and the 2008 pick is a great investment.  That pick could very well be top 15.  Sometimes, patience is the key.

The Pats also traded away their third round pick (#91 overall).  In return, they got Oakland’s seventh round pick, and their 2008 third round pick.  Stat-wise, this looks good, as the third round pick will likely be in the 60’s.  However, I think the Patriots should have selected Michael Bush here, he would have been a tremendous fit in replacing Corey Dillon.  Still, in the long run, this was a very good choice.

The second day of the draft started with a bang, as the Patriots traded their 110th overall pick to the Raiders for wide receiver Randy Moss.  This is an unbelievable pickup, and has just about no risk.  Moss also agreed to lessen his contract.  He reached an agreement with the Pats that cut his contract to about 3 million (with possible incentives), instead of his schedules 9+ million.  The trade puts Moss next to Stallworth on the outside in what will be one of the most dangerous receiving tandems in the NFL.  If Moss can focus (which he said he will), and play with passion, he may still be the best receiver in the league.  There are obvious concerns about Moss’ character issues.  However, I don’t treat them as much of a concern.  Why?  Because they’re not that bad.  In my opinion, his problem is his motivation and work ethic, however he has already started his own conditioning program.  According to sources (that are probably phony), Moss registered a 4.29 40-yard dash speed last week.  I don’t know about that, but if he just has a passion to play, and a focus on improving, you might as well write him down for the Pro Bowl (and Tom Brady for that matter too).

With pick 127, the Patriots selected defensive lineman Kareem Brown.  I think this was a great pick.  Kareem can play true nose tackle, but is versatile enough to move to defensive end.  He is a great pass rusher, registering 11.5 sacks his senior year, which is unheard of for a defensive tackle.  He tackles like a beast as well.  All of the skills are there, but the question is, can he put those skills together on a consistent basis?

Clint Oldenburg was the Patriots 171st pick.  I’ve got to say I also love this pick.  Oldenburg is as versatile as they come on the offensive line.  He has played all four tackle and guard positions in college.  The Colorado State product also was a former tight end.  Look for the Patriots to put him in a tight end in goal line situations as a blocker, and occasional receiver.

Justin Rogers, of Southern Methodist was the Patriots first sixth round choice.  I don’t know much about this guy, and I couldn’t find much.  He was never a full-time starter, however, he fits the Patriots 3-4 scheme well.  He can move between defensive end and linebacker.  However, I wasn’t so sure about this pick.

At 202 overall, the Patriots selected Mike Richardson, cornerback from Notre Dame.  While he isn’t the fastest (4.6e 40-time), he has a knack for the ball, and a strong velocity.  In a cover 2 scheme, he can work especially well, checking receivers at the line.  He is also a solid tackler, and has pretty soft hands.  I think he has a chance to make a name for himself in New England.

The Patriots next pick, at 208, was one of my favorites, they selected Running back Justise Hairston from Central Connecticut.  Hairston has size, at 6-1, 225 lbs.  He works hard for every yard as well.  He played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Rutgers, before transfering to Central Connecticut.  There, he shattered records, picking up nearly 1900 yards with a 6.7 ypc average and 20 touchdowns.  He could very well be a surprise rookie.

With their second pick in a row, the Patriots selected Corey Hilliard, offensive tackle from Oklahoma State.  Hilliard has a lot of starting experience, and a big strong frame (6-5, 317lbs).  He is a beast in terms of strength, but sometimes gets lazy in his technical skills.  He can move between the left and right side, and should be a solid backup in years to come (he may even have a chance to start).

With the 1st pick of the seventh round, the Patriots picked Oscar Lua, linebacker from USC.  The thing I like about Oscar is that he is a prototype 3-4 inside linebacker.  He had lots of injury problems, but when he started, he was pretty good, picking up over five tackles per game in his junior year.  His development will be interesting.

The Patriots last pick at number 247 was Mike Elgin, center / guard from Iowa.  He is versatile, which helps.  He started over thirty games his last three seasons.  He is quick and agile for a big man, and can take control of the line.  He has a good attitude, and is a hard worker, which is an essential ingredient to any player.

 Hope this helps all confused Patriots fans!

At Pick number 127 the Patriots selected defensive lineman Kareem Brown of Miami.  It looks like he’s a pretty good pass rusher and an all-around good player.  More to come soon.

The Patriots have traded their fourth round pick (127 overall) for Oakland Raiders WR Randy Moss.  WOW!  This hasn’t been confirmed by the team, but it looks like it is happening.

 More to come later…

 WOW!!!

ROUND 1, PICK 24: BRANDON MERIWEATHER, S, MIAMI 

While the actual draft wasn’t all exciting for Patriots fans, the Pats really picked up some long term investments.  First, starting with the only player the Patriots drafted, Brandon Meriweather.  Meriweather, a former ‘Cane, has a lot of talent.  However, character issues pushed him late into the first round.  He is a hard worker, bulking up tremendously since he came in as a freshmen, and is versatile, as he can play safety, but maybe even corner in nickel packages.  He also leaves the window open for Eugene Wilson to return to cornerback.

 The Patriots traded the 28th overall pick to the 49ers for the Niner’s 2008 1st round pick and a fourth round pick (110) this year.  This was a great trade.  The 49ers pick has the potential to be a top 10 pick, leaving the window open for a really big impact player in 2008.  In my opinion, the patient move was the smart move here.

The Patriots also traded their 91st pick to the Raiders for an ‘08 third round pick and an ‘07 seventh rounder.  Although this will statistically be a good trade (Pats will move up to beginning of the round next year), I didn’t agree with it.  Louisville runningback Michael Bush was still on the board, and should have been selected.  The Patriots still might be able to nab him tomorrow at 110, but not if the Falcons select him first at 109.  However, the value of this trade can’t be determined yet.

For now, we wait for a 9-pick day 2.  With all of those picks, it is a virtual certainty that the Patriots will be wheeling and dealing all throughout the day (keep in mind several of these picks are compensatory and can therefore not be traded). 

I’m going to try to get a live draft day thread going on the forum.  You can find the link at the top of the page.  Signing up is easy, you just need to enter email, username, and a password.  I’m trying to get the forum going for good now!

This may just be me, but I think the Patriots are seriously considering taking Louisville running back Michael Bush.  Reportedly, he is 99% recovered from his leg injury and is ready to go into training camp at full strength.  At 6′2″, 250 lbs, he is a bruiser that will compliment Maroney.  I think he has the potential to be an All-Pro.  That being said, there’s a good chance that he won’t be around when the Patriots select at 90th overall.  The Falcons, who are coached by Bush’s former coach Bobby Petrino, might be looking to take Bush at #75.  So here’s my trade idea, to move up to #74, the Bills current pick.

Patriots Send (To Buffalo):

2007 third round pick, 91st overall

2007 sixth round pick

2007 seventh round pick

2008 conditional draft pick (not better than fourth round)

Patriots Receive

Buffalo’s 2007 Third Round Draft pick, 74th overall.  With that pick, the Patriots will select Michael Bush, RB, Louisville.

The Pats continued their crazy offseason by signing free agent cornerback Tory James.  As reported earlier, James visited New England last week.  James,who most recently played for the Bengals, has been very productive over the years, even pulling down a carreer high 8 interceptions.  Despite being 34, James is still a great cover corner.  Along with his coverage abilities, James offers size (at 6-2) to the Patriots defensive backfield.

One more mock draft after this…

Round 1, Pick 24: Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State

As other receivers rise up the boards, Ginn is dropping slightly.  He came in for a pre-draft workout with the Pats, so he’s definately on the Patriots radar.  At 24, he will also be the best player available.  Don’t be surprised if the Patriots move up and take him.

Round 1, Pick 28: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida

Nelson came in for a pre-draft visit, and is a good fit as the Patriots are in need for depth at safety, and a future starter.  He could immediately start if the Patriots move a hopefully healthy Eugene Wilson back to cornerback.

Round 3, Pick 90: Michael Bush, RB, Louisville

I’m usually sure about one pick in every draft (last year it was Maroney), and this year it is Michael Bush.  He was a surefire first round pick before he broke his leg.  He broke his leg, that’s not that bad.  It’s nothing like a torn ligament.  As I explained earlier, Belichick knows this.  He brought him in for a pre-draft visit.  You heard it from me first, Michael Bush will be an NFL superstar (I think).

Round Four, Pick 28: H.B. Blades, LB, Pittsburgh

Blades is a strong, athletic linebacker who can play in the 3-4.  He will provide good depth this season, and can eventually be a great starter.

WE INTERRUPT THIS REGULARLY SCHEDULED MOCK DRAFT TO TELL YOU THAT THE PATRIOTS HAVE SIGNED TORY JAMES.  BREAKING NEWS!  More on this after I finish typing this article

Round 5, 171st overall: Rheema McNight, WR, Notre Dame

This pick will be more likely if the Patriots don’t draft Tedd Ginn Jr.  However, either way, he might be drafted by the Pats.  This is really a possibility more than anything.

Round 6a: Ryan Smith, CB, Florida

Patriots do well with late round corners, Ryan Smith might be a gem at this point in the draft.  With the possibility of  Asante leaving, Smith is a good insurance option.

Round 6b: Jeff Rowe, QB, Nevada

Rowe has size, good vision, and a strong arm.  If the Patriots don’t sign a veteran, Rowe could make the team or practice squad as a third stringer.

Round 6c: Chase Pittman, DE, LSU

Pittman brings a lot of intensity, and can play on just about any down.  He could be a good rotation guy.

Round 6d: Darius Walker, RB, Notre Dame

He just keeps dropping down the boards, and the Patriots wouldn’t hesitate to take him him here, even if they draft Michael Bush.  He would have to compete for a roster spot however.

Round 7: Clark Harris, TE, Rutgers

The Patriots like to bring four tight ends to training camp, and Clark Harris is good enough to make the practice squad.

Andrew already wrote about it, but 14 year veteran Drew Bledsoe has retired.  I needed to say something as well, because Bledsoe was my favorite all-time player.  I think two games in his carreer characterize his heart and integrity the best.  In 1998, we were playing the Bills, and Bledsoe hurt his thumb.  In fact, he broke it so badly, that the bone was sticking out of his finger.  The Patriots were down with less than two minutes left, and Bledsoe didn’t leave the game.  He returned, led the game winning drive, and then was sidelined for the rest of the season.  The second moment that defines him is the New York Jets game in 2001, when he got injured.  He still stood up, and tried to play, as he was literally dying.  Bledsoe had heart and skill.  He should go down as one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.

The first photo is against the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.  Notice the picture against Buffalo, where Bledsoe has his finger taped (this is the game I was talking about).

 … AFC CHAMPIONS, PATS, LED BY BLEDSOE, BEAT THE STEELERS AND HEAD TO SB XXXVI

    BLEDSOE … in 2000

 … Some 1999 action

 Game vs. Buffalo in 1998 where he injures his finger but keeps playing

 Bledsoe in Superbowl XXXI

 BLEDSOE ON DRAFT DAY IN 1993

On Wednesday ex-Patriots QB Drew Bledsoe decided to call it a career rather than be a backup quarterback in the NFL. Although it has been a few years since Bledsoe was a Patriot he did occupy a lofty position in the New England sports world throughout the 1990’s. When he was drafted number one by the Patriots in 1993 he brought an optimism that carried on to the 1996 Superbowl and until he was dethroned by the next franchise quarterback. Bledsoe was the face of the New England Patriots for marketing purposes, with a rocket arm he represented the classic gunslinger NFL quarterback.

But the league changed with faster defenses and the corresponding faster quarterbacks such as Steve McNair, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick. It seemed Bledsoe couldn’t adapt to the all out pass rush. Refusing to safely get rid of the ball, his mind could not equal his God-given throwing abilities. The injury in 2001 which cost him his starting job occurred during this kind of play as he attempted to dash to the sidelines when he saw no one to throw to.

Reunited in Dallas with Bill Parcells (who also has retired), Bledsoe was supposed to be protected by a stronger offensive line because of his statue-esque composure behind center. But this past year his pocket frequently collapsed and he again could not adapt.

His pride has now stepped up and can’t allow him to continue as a backup, and at 35 he rides into the sunset. Good luck Drew.