There were two behind-the-scenes stories – one that worked out in the Patriots’ favor, and one that did not -- which reflect how the draft is fluid and teams must adjust on the fly:
When the Patriots were on the clock with their first selection of the third round, 69th overall, they had settled on their draft choice. A team official phoned Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable and the connection was made. As Crable was about to be informed of the pick, the phone in the Patriots' draft room rang. It was the Chargers, wondering if the 69th pick might be for sale -- in exchange for a 2009 second-rounder and a 2008 fifth-rounder. The Patriots quickly processed the information and told Crable they were still interested in him and hoped he might be available with their next third-round pick (No. 78), but something had come up with a trade. They wished him well, wondering if they'd be speaking again. Nine picks later, the Patriots rang Crable's phone again -- this time to pick him officially.
In the fifth round, the Patriots were keeping a close eye on Nebraska defensive back Zackary Bowman and began working the phone lines in hopes of striking a deal to select him. A tentative deal was in place with the Jaguars at No. 143 if Bowman was available. It appeared as if things would work out, but the Bears snared Bowman at No. 142 and the deal was off.
Mike...
Who would make your list of potential free agent signings? Maybe it is alittle homerism, but if Jaime Silva is not picked by anyone I would love it if he found his way on the Pats preseason roster. Silva tends to make all of the big plays when one needs to be made. His measurables don't stand out, but he is a "football player". Like to hear your take...
Will
Jaguars picked at 155, Bowman was taken at 142 (not 152) by Chicago.
The Patriots did trade up to 153, though, as written below.
We traded up to 153 anyways. I guess we had 2 names in place. I would have been more happy with Bowman.
Hi Ravi. The Jaguars traded the pick to Dallas after the deal fell through.
--Mike
Damn, Zack Bowman would have been more exciting of a pick than slater. They are both projects but Zack can be more than a special teams player.
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