Patriots cowboy up

Page 7 of 8 -- How good do you think Mike Cloud is and is he the answer?
-- Randy Trudelle

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A: I know he's hungry. I know he feels he's never had a chance to prove himself. He's older, has experience, knows his way around the league, so maybe he can use that knowledge and wisdom and become a good player. He was terrific last Sunday. A lot of scouts believe he doesn't have the blazing speed to be an effective NFL starter, but maybe he'll finally get the chance to prove them wrong.

Nick - Love the mailbag. About how much do the Patriots, or any other NFL team, spend on a typical road game. I mean on air fare, hotel, food etc.. The reason I ask is I'm thinking the Pats could skip the annual Denver trip this year, which looks like a Monday night blow-out, and use the money on a free agent. Plus, there'd be no injuries, bad coaching decisions to second guess or staying up past midnight on a work night.
-- Bob Donahue

A: Don't think the league would go for that. I've heard a few other people suggest this. Some of them were serious.

Do you think that the Pats would be in need of depth at Guard, or Offensive tackle? In the upcoming draft, I know that the Pats will select a good RB that should be their future, but there always seems to be o-line question marks. I like Woody, I like Light (even though he has problems with some speed rushers) and I like what limited action I have seen of Koppen and Neal. But those guys, to be honest, would be better served as backups. The Pats are one quality guard and tackle short of a good offensive line. This will need to be addressed next year because we are going to say goodbye to Andruzzi and Compton after this year. Everyone screams for getting a top flight WR (6'2" or above), but I think if we got a good tackle and guard added in, we could really run the ball if we wanted to, and that is exactly what this offense and especially Tom Brady needs. Klemm just isn't the answer, and I can't really say that Kenyatta Jones is either.
-- Dave

A: They're always on the lookout for a big man on offense, but their philosophy is to not expend a first-rounder unless it's a pressing need. They spent a second-rounder on Light and Klemm because at the time, they felt they didn't have a suitable replacement at that spot.

In your opinion with all the draft picks that the Patriots have for 2004 what do you think is the No. 1 need at this point. Also what position have you heard is the deepest in the draft. This is my fourth email since you started your mailbag hopefully this one will reach you.
-- Nathaniel Broadway   Continued...