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Patriots, DEs & the draft

Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff April 14, 2009 05:00 AM

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

Personnel: Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Le Kevin Smith

Short-term need: Minor. The top of the depth chart returns from 2008.

Long-term need: High. Seymour, Green and Smith are entering the final year of their contracts.

Quick hit: In the base 3-4 defense, the ideal defensive end has defensive tackle-type size (6-5, 310), long arms and strength to play the 5 technique (lined up over the shoulder of the offensive tackle). An unsung position of sorts which helps control the line of scrimmage.

Prospects that could be on the radar in the draft or rookie free agency: Rulon Davis (California), Pannel Egboh (Stanford), Jarron Gilbert (San Jose State), John Gill (Northwestern), Ziggy Hood (Missouri), Tyson Jackson (LSU), Will Johnson (Michigan), Everette Pedescleaux (Northern Iowa)

* 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
  • Sunday -- Centers
  • Monday -- Nose tackles

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    6 comments so far...

    1. I really want Gilbert at #34...he looks like a Seymour clone to me. Watching clips of the Sr Bowl practice he would beat lineman with speed moves one play and then beat them with a jarring hand strike/bull move the next. Rare to get a guy with this speed/power combo in this size. I think he will be available at #34 but can't see him lasting more then a few picks after that.

      Posted by jaredk April 14, 09 07:23 AM

    1. I really like Jarron Gilbert as well. He has unusual abilities if they translate to the pros and I think they will. I do not think he'll be there at pick 34. I can't find 33 players to put in front of him. Don't go by the draftnik mocks or by media mocks for that matter - I think the pros have him in the first round, too much upside there to make it to 34.

      Posted by joe April 14, 09 09:52 AM

    1. I could see this guy being grabbed at 34 if he's there...I'm kinda doubting Seymore is going to be re-signed & they HAVE to have a replacement for him if that happens...

      also - not that it means much - but has anyone else noticed Centers & Nose Tackles are both 7th in this series?

      Posted by stop Newport, RI corruption April 14, 09 10:51 AM

    1. I agree with you joe and jaredk. I think the Pats have to do something to get this guy without giving up their 1st round pick assuming he's there. I think lots are going to happen before and on draft day. It should be an entertaining day for sure.
      Bally.

      Posted by balisarius April 14, 09 10:56 AM

    1. If tyson jackson is still on the board at 23, I believe the patriots should at least take a good look at him. He along with Gilbert look like they could become dominant or at least good starters in the Pats 3-4 defense. But who is to say that the pats wont resign seymour. Afterall, he did have one of his best seasons statistically in his career.

      Posted by Matt from RI April 14, 09 01:38 PM

    1. Trade up & take Andre Smith 2 protect Brady

      Posted by Lippy April 24, 09 05:39 PM
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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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