Another crack at No. 7
Another week means another chance to play general manager for the Patriots.
NFL.com is polling writers from each NFL city for a mock draft, and I was on the clock for New England's selection at No. 7.
Here is how the first six picks unfolded:
In this scenario, I went with Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston. The thinking is that Gholston would line up at outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment, improve the team's pass rush, and allow more flexibility to move Adalius Thomas inside at times.
In retrospect, one point I would have liked to make is that this is considered a deep draft for cornerbacks. While that remains a need area -- and I had selected Kansas CB Aqib Talib in an earlier draft -- it seems as if teams seeking a corner will find better value a bit later in the draft (late first round, second/third rounds).
EXTRA POINT: In Thursday's editions of the Boston Globe, WR Jabar Gaffney talks about his free-agent experience, and how he only considered one option -- a return to New England. The piece also notes that Georgia Tech DE Darrell Robertson is scheduled to make a pre-draft visit to Gillette Stadium.
Keep your eye on Derrick Harvey. Some "experts" say he is more pro ready than Gholston. It reminds me when the Pats selected Richard Seymour at 6. No where was that predicted in most mocks. I agree,they will not use #7 on a CB. If Ryan, slides watch for a trade out of 7, Carolina??
Wouldn't THAT be great? We get Gholston and the Jets take yet another quarterback when they already have two.
Very, very unlikely. That New York writer must be a Giants fan.
The Jet's won't draft a QB, it's for sure.
If Ryan is in for the Chiefs, they will draft him and Jets will draft Gholston.
I was thinking the same thing about the Jets pick. Why would they do that? Unless they could trade Ryan for a later 1st rounder and some extras, the Jets have much bigger holes than QB.
I do like the Gholston pick, as he would be a beast at OLB. Hoping he goes to Oakland or us, I don't want the Jets to get him.
Let’s not pencil in Gholston as a lock, good college player, but He was awful against LSU in the championship game and Florida the year before. Every year the so called experts start to move a guy 10 picks up the draft board in February and come April that same guy slides to the teens. Also, predictably any guy who could supposedly make the transition to inside or DE in a 34 defense is a good fit for the Pats (or a guy who looks like Tedy Bruschi) There are five of these guys each year and the Pats never take them.
Ryan isn't that bad of a pick for the Jets, considering what's left on the board. I think DE should still be their priority -- Kenyon Coleman has been a disappointment and Shaun Ellis is a poor fit in the 3-4 despite his size. But with Sedrick Ellis and Glenn Dorsey gone, and the inability to trade down in these mocks, the only viable options at #6 are Gholston and Ryan, and possibly Clady (assuming Woody would play RG for them).
Ryan isn't so far-fetched, considering that Pennington really isn't an option anymore and Clemens has been disappointing. After drafting Croyle last year, I doubt the Chiefs will be interested in Ryan -- although I think the Falcons would make the most sense.
Mike, has Tom Brady been attending the off season work outs? Have there been any notable absentees?
I think Mangini's job will be on the line this season since they made so many big moves at free agency and possibly a great pick at 6. If they go sub 8 i wouldn't be surprised Mangini gets the ax
ewwwwwwww...Ryan to the Jets. I would HATE HATE HATE that. The sad thing is that I was thinking about it last night watching Mel Kiper on ESPN.
yeah the jets are going to try and take vernon gholsten, because i bet eric manhinia reads our stuff to see what we say. probably is oh their interstead in vernon gholsten let's take him to ruin the patriots shot of winning. ha he's trying to catch up with us. yes tom has been in the work out go to patriots.com and watch the seymore interview they had tom working out.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com