Allen impact
ANALYSIS
One potential area to monitor -- which could impact the Patriots' decision with the No. 7 overall draft choice -- is the Kansas City Chiefs possibly trading DE Jared Allen. The Chiefs confirmed that they have spoken with clubs about Allen, a top pass rusher.
So how could that impact the Patriots?
If the Chiefs do trade Allen, it could alter what they target with the fifth overall selection, thus having a trickle-down effect on those picking directly after them.
With Allen and 2006 first-round pick Tamba Hali as ends in their 4-3 alignment, the Chiefs have not been expected to target an end in the first round. So for those considering scenarios in which Ohio State's Vernon Gholston might fall to the Patriots at No. 7 -- he's a pass-rushing end who projects to outside linebacker for New England -- the Chiefs' activity with Allen will be important to monitor.
If Kansas City does trade Allen, and Gholston is on the board at No. 5, they might determine he is better value than an offensive lineman (arguably their top need). The Chiefs could then pick an offensive lineman with the first-round pick they would likely acquire in an Allen deal.
what about the Patriots trading the #7 pick for Allen?
Nice analysis Mike. ...
Gholston doesn't really fit well with a 4-3 defensive team. He is undersized.
They would be better off drafting someone like a Brandon Albert, while drafting either Philip Merling or Derrick Harvey at 17.
Gholston, however, will go to Oakland at 4. Mark it down.
Why are we so interested in an OLB early? Don't we have Vrabel and A. Thomas? I know they're both old, but the ILBs are basically dead, and even though Thomas can play inside, he's obviously much better outside.
I don't get it. Unless it's all a smokescreen, and they go CB and ILB early, which would make much more sense.
Hobson isn't the answer inside, obviously.
I'd bet money if I had any that they don't take an OLB in the 1st 3 rounds. Any takers?
Allen's a rockhead but very talented. Chef's should suck it up and keep him, with Herm's careful blend of love and guidance he may get his act together. That's about the only strength position they have.
Pat's will draft the best fat guy available OL or DL. Fatties win championships.
the chef's should trade him to us for a sack of magic beans. they arent going anywhere anyways
Mike C.,
I'll take your bet any day of the week. It seems as if you are part of the camp that thinks The Pats are or should take a CB at #7, and yeah, it'd be great to replace a lost Pro-Bowler with a blue chip CB, but at #7 the unproven rookie would demand almost as much money as the proven champ. Not to mention that Asante was a 4th round pick himself.
And then ILB, there just really isn't anyone there who deserves the #7 pick -- Connor? Not worth it? Rivers? Talented but not smart enough to anchor the NFL's most complicated 3-4 D (scored BADLY on the pre-draft intelligence test). The good ILBs are more projects that are gonna get picked in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, like Mayo, Bell, and Lofton.
Getting a stud like Gholston or Harvey in round 1 and moving AD Thomas back to the inside (where we picked him up for to begin with) would pay immediate dividends.
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