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Patriots, centers & the draft

Email|Link|Comments (8) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 12, 2009 06:00 AM

(Seventh in a position-by-position look at the Patriots leading into the draft)

Personnel: Dan Koppen, Al Johnson, Russ Hochstein, Billy Yates, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell

Short-term need: Minor. The Patriots return the same personnel from 2008, with the addition of Johnson (1 year deal, $950,000) in free agency.

Long-term need: Minor. Koppen, the starter, is signed through 2011.

Quick hit: With nose tackles Kris Jenkins (Jets), Marcus Stroud (Bills), Vince Wilfork (Patriots) and Jason Ferguson (Dolphins) in the division, centers in the AFC East have their work cut out for themselves. The ability to shotgun snap is crucial in the Patriots' attack (Connolly struggled in the 2008 preseason), and smarts are imperative to make the line calls and necessary adjustments.

Prospects that could be on the radar in the draft or rookie free agency: Rob Bruggeman (Iowa), Antoine Caldwell (Alabama), A.Q. Shipley (Penn State), Max Unger (Oregon), Eric Wood (Louisville)

* Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide used as reference

Monday -- Quarterbacks

Tuesday -- Running backs

Wednesday -- Wide receivers

Thursday -- Tight ends

Friday -- Offensive tackles

Saturday -- Offensive guards

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8 comments so far...

I'm not thinking that drafting a center will be much of a priority.Left Tackle that would be another story entirely...

Posted by Sportsbozo April 12, 09 06:41 AM

Koppen is one of the top half-dozen centers in the league. And when he has to take a seat, Hochstein doesn't miss a beat. As a matter of fact, Russ has been plugging in holes in the middle of the line for years and does a great job. There will be people here who say otherwise, but this single, specific position is as solid as anything on the team.

Posted by Dan April 12, 09 09:17 AM

I agree with Bozo that LT would be a nice position to strengthen, and I'm sure they will take somebody with a later pick and see whether he can develop. Light is a good, and sometimes very good LT, and will be fine for now. LT is not the top priority for 2009.

Posted by JT April 12, 09 10:10 AM

The top 3 centers can all move all the offensive line and are very versatile. We need to take into account the ability to play other positions and flexibility as well. I think it is almost certain one will be drafted to be used for depth and injury. Center is an excellent class this year and I can see one being selected in the 2nd round.

Posted by david_brazil April 12, 09 10:16 AM

long term need at backup center is high. Hochstein and Johnson are both on 1 year deals. Connolly can be upgraded. My best guess is the pats will draft a center who can also play guard. Giving them to play that player at guard next year if Neal or Mankins leaves, but also the flexibility to move back to center if needed.

Posted by Andy M April 12, 09 10:50 AM

hey Mike - regarding the "quick hitS"
are you suggesting AFC East Centers don't have their hands full with Wilfork? Seems to me he's the most "beastly of the 4...

Posted by stop Newport, RI corruption April 12, 09 12:40 PM

Wilfork's name has been added there. Thx.
--Mike

Posted by Mike Reiss April 12, 09 01:47 PM

Center who can play guard makes sense. Alex Mack, California. They need to cue up some young blood. Koppen get's toasted by big nose tackles.

Posted by Willy April 12, 09 08:28 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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