Did you know the NFL draft is next Thursday? Do you care?
Yesterday the NFL released schedules for all 32 teams including the Patriots (obviously). Let’s take a look.
The Pats have four 1PM games all season. Two on the road and two at home. The home games are so late in the season that they could be moved to night games as they fall in the “flex” part of the schedule. The team also has two Sunday night and two Monday night games.
They play the AFC West, the NFC East, and because of their 14-2 record last year they get the Steelers and Colts.
Again do you care?
With the NFL currently locked out, something like the schedule being released just doesn’t have the same impact. Typically this time of year would have us looking at the schedule and going down the list, “Win, loss, win, win…this team should be like 13-3.”
The Pats are also prepping for next Thursday’s draft. The draft is one of my favorite events. Well, it used to be. I liked the draft on Saturday starting in morning. I would grab some adult beverages and just watch the draft all day. Then they had to go and switch it. They made the first round on Thursday night, the second and third rounds on Friday, and then four through seven on Saturday.
The Pats actually have been hosting potential draft picks and that includes the 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram Jr (above). Many have him as the top running back coming out of college. At the same time many have him falling into the teens which would have him falling to the Patriots. The question would be, would the Pats draft a running back in the first round?
Last time they did that they got a good rookie season out of Maroney who was sharing time with Corey Dillon, but it was downhill after that. He developed an extreme case of Sandyvagititus and was shipped off to the Broncos this past season.
At the same time, are you comfortable heading into the season with Woodhead and Green-Ellis as your running backs? I’m not even thinking of Faulk, Morris, or Taylor because I think between the three you may get four games total.
Personally I want to see the Pats solidify the offensive line so that they’re making holes for the running backs and more importantly protect their franchise quarterback (signing Mankins would certainly help that). I still want them to draft a defensive end that can rush the passer on the other side. After they address those two needs, they can draft a running back. Even a wide receiver if they want.
Bottom line, I want the Pats to keep their picks, draft high picks, and build a championship team. That’s of course if they play football next season. I’m not holding my breath,
