New England Patriots: 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Written April 8, 2009 by Black Widow

patriots-draft-projections-040809 To finish 11-5 last season after Tom Brady went down with a season-ending ACL tear in their season-opener was simply remarkable. Most years, 11 wins would have been good enough to get them in the playoffs. Matt Cassel emerged on the scene as one of the best young quarterbacks in the game by season’s end, and now that he’s off to Kansas City it’s time for Brady to run the show again. This team has an uncanny ability to adjust to adversity thrown their way. New England always seems to be a step ahead of the pack, accounting for potential pitfalls that may not be apparent for a couple years down the road. Whether it’s via draft or free agency, the Patriots maximize all franchise-building opportunities. NE Patriots Draft wants the Pats to go after a safety, but here are my top five draft needs for New England in 2009:

1.) Outside Linebacker - Adalius Thomas was limited to just half a season of work because of injury in ‘08, and Mike Vrabel was past his prime so the Patriots traded him away to the Chiefs. Considering the Pats’ sack production dropped dramatically last season after ranking second in the league in ‘07, some young blood at this spot would go a long way. ILB-OLB Gary Guyton showed potential last year, but none of the Pats’ outside linebackers from the ‘08 rookie class have shown much. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OLB Clay Mathews (USC).

2.) Offensive Tackle - The Patriots’ OL play dropped off a ton last season at all five positions, but its most glaring weakness was on the outside. Providing competition for ORT Nick Kaczur is particularly important. Though serviceable in the running game, Kaczur too easily gets bested by the terrific speed rushers in the NFL. OLT Matt Light’s play doesn’t match up with his reputation, and he could have the best coaxed out of him by a challenger and an eventual replacement. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OT Fred Roland (Duke).

3.) Cornerback - When the Pats decided to let Pro Bowler Asante Samuel leave for Philadelphia last season, they knew their cornerback corps would take a hit. They didn’t foresee just how much of a drop-off it would be, though. Their blend of young and past-their-prime veterans yielded a cascade of touchdown passes for opposing teams. Cornerback would be a top priority if they hadn’t sunk second and fourth round picks into the position last April, and New England doesn’t write off its draftees after a single disappointing year. Signing Leigh Bodden from Detroit and Shawn Springs from Washington in the offseason also makes the cornerback position less of a priority. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: CB Bradley Fletcher (Iowa).

4.) Tight End - The Patriots are coming to a realization that 2004 first-round pick Ben Watson won’t ever become a premier receiving option. Though he is as athletic as they come at the TE position, Watson lacks the natural receiving qualities that the best at the position possess. David Thomas has sticky hands and runs smooth routes, but he’ll never be confused with the Dallas Clarks and Kellen Winslows of the NFL in getting downfield. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: TE Cornelius Ingram (Florida), TE Shawn Nelson (Southern Miss).

5.) Inside Linebacker - Jerod Mayo earned ‘08 Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season, and is as good a young middle man as the AFC has to offer. His combination of quickness and strength through 16 starts last season meshed with his instincts to produce the best middle linebacker Bill Belichick has had in New England. There’s concern as to who will patrol the other ILB spot going forward, though. Tedy Bruschi’s possibly entering his final season, and the jury’s still out on Guyton. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: ILB Brian Cushing (USC).

Check back this season for NFL football picks from the Black Widow and our other top handicappers. If you have been having trouble making money betting the NFL over the years and can’t seem to be able to beat the NFL point spreads each week, then give our guys a try. Their football picks win and win consistently.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!

Comments

Got something to say?