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Belichick wrap

Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 16, 2008 04:32 PM

FOXBOROUGH -- A few other points from Bill Belichick's press conference today:

  • 1) How the change from 15 minutes to 10 minutes per pick will affect the first round. "I think it’ll be interesting to see how that goes," Belichick said, noting that some trades with first-round picks require more time to consummate because of more details involved, and thus those details might have to be worked out earlier. "That 10 minutes, I know when you’re waiting for somebody else to pick, it seems like it’s a long time. [But w]hen it’s your pick and you’re on the clock, those 10 minutes seems like about 45 seconds sometimes."

  • 2) No big change with linebackers for teams that play 3-4 alignments. Asked how this year's linebacker class stacks up to classes the past few years -- specifically for teams which play the 3-4 -- Belichick said it was about the same. Teams that play the Patriots' style of 3-4 generally find it challenging to find linebackers who are big, strong and fast enough, as few college teams, if any, play that style. The last few years have been generally lean in this area.

  • 3) Corner class a bit deeper. Belichick's thoughts on the cornerback crop? " Probably more names and a little more depth," he said. "Whether that translates into more players or not, I don’t know. There will probably be more guys drafted. Whether they’re able to perform to an NFL level, we’ll see."

  • 4) A look deeper at pre-draft visits. Belichick was asked about hosting prospects on pre-draft visits and what the ratio was between genuine interest and gamesmanship. "I don’t know. 85-15? 90-10?" he responded. "The two main reasons for bringing a player in are: No. 1, for a physical examination and No. 2 just to spend more time with the player and that’s sometimes based on … We’ve had a number of players in from the west coast. We usually always do that. It’s hard to get to all the players on the west coast for us, between myself and Scott Pioli and Nick [Caserio] and the scouts that scout out there. It’s easier to hit some of the other places around here, one way or another, than it is to get out there."

  • 2 comments so far...
    1. I think everything is lined up for the Pats to draft a LB early this year, with a deep corner draft and an early 1st Rd pick. Whether that be staying at #7 and picking Gholston or Long if they are still on the board or trading down 2-4 spots and taking Rivers. I'm not saying don't take a guy like Dorsey or Ellis if they are still there but don't overdraft for a corner or a guy like Harvey.

      Posted by Nikos April 16, 08 10:11 PM
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    1. awsum job BB - way to say a bunch of nothing about absolutely everything...keep up the good work, the other teams hate it when that happens - LOL

      Posted by stop Newport, RI corruption April 18, 08 09:18 AM
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