2007 Draft

[efin98]

The Patriots have two picks in the upcoming draft: 25th pick courtesy of Seattle and the Branch trade and at least the 29th pick or lower(depending on final outcome).

Who should the Patriots pick with their draft choices and why?

What do you think they need for next year?

[brady_branch]

Well, right now, the most pressing need is wide receiver. But Chad Jackson should develop by next year, and become more of a factor in the passing game. To me, the most pressing needs are on the defense. The linebacking corps is getting old-ish, and they need to infuse it with some young blood, and now is a good time to start. Also, a safety is a necessity, because Harrison probably won't play past next year, if he plays next year at all.

I'm not going to predict who will be taken until it's draft season, because that's not really my area of expertise.

[efin98]

Well, right now, the most pressing need is wide receiver. But Chad Jackson should develop by next year, and become more of a factor in the passing game. To me, the most pressing needs are on the defense. The linebacking corps is getting old-ish, and they need to infuse it with some young blood, and now is a good time to start. Also, a safety is a necessity, because Harrison probably won't play past next year, if he plays next year at all.

I'm not going to predict who will be taken until it's draft season, because that's not really my area of expertise.

How about actually narrowing it down to two positions down from every single position with a vacancy:rolleyes:

[brady_branch]

Well, I said safety. That's one. A linebacker is also a need. Aside from Tully Banta-Cain, each starter will be 30 or older within ten days of September 1st next year (Rosevelt Colvin turns 30 on September 6th), and they probably won't last too many more years. So the two first-rounders should be a strong safety, and an inside linebacker, IMO. As I said, I don't know exactly who should be picked, but these are the positions that will need filling in a couple years.

[efin98]

Well, I said safety. That's one. A linebacker is also a need. Aside from Tully Banta-Cain, each starter will be 30 or older within ten days of September 1st next year (Rosevelt Colvin turns 30 on September 6th), and they probably won't last too many more years. So the two first-rounders should be a strong safety, and an inside linebacker, IMO. As I said, I don't know exactly who should be picked, but these are the positions that will need filling in a couple years.

Thank you, that's all I wanted.

[Maroneyfor6]

I always thought good safeties can be a dime a dozen, and with the signing of Thomas, they don't need a LB yet. Maybe they should just get another CB or D linemen, just to solidfy the defense.

[brady_branch]

With the Thomas signing, I'd say that WR is now the primary need, followed by SS and FB. Dwayne Jarrett, Simeon Rice, and Brian Leonard are names that pop into my head of people who would look good in a Pats uniform.