(a) First they got a solid LT for the future, but one who, as a rookie, won't be an improvement on the solid one they have now. Net effect: No net benefit to the team in 2011.
(b) Then they pass on multiple OLB/DL options in the areas of deepest need and trade their late first round pick for another late first round pick next year. Net effect: No net benefit to the team in 2011.
(c) With the first pick of the 2nd round they take an injury-prone (and I mean injury prone) CB who projects as a nickel back. Net effect: Could be a nice upgrade in 2011, if he stays healthy.
(d) With their 2nd pick of the 2nd round they select a solid, Kevin Faulk-type 3rd down back to replace Kevin Faulk, but oops! They already have a Kevin Faulk-type 3rd down back to replace Kevin Faulk. Okay, admittedly Vereen is bigger than Woodhead, but you get the idea. So call it a lateral move (pun intended) to round out the ranks. Net effect for 2011: Aside from adding depth, marginal benefit to the team in 2011.
(e) With their 1st pick of the 3rd round, the Pats pick Stevan Ridley, a 5'11 225 downhill, between-the-tackles RB. Oops, sounds a lot like...Bejarvis Green-Ellis. Oh yeah, Green-Ellis is about 10 lbs lighter. Net effect for 2011: Aside from adding depth, marginal benefit in 2011.
(f) With their 2nd pick of the 3rd round, the Pats select....Ryan Mallet? Ryan Mallet? Huh? Not to mention the side show going along with it...
The Bottom Line: After making six picks in the first 3 rounds of the draft (who thought they would do that??), the Pats have done incredibly little to improve the team for the coming season. And you really have to be a genius to pull THAT off!
