Last night was the start of the NFL draft. And event, as I’ve told you, that is one of my favorite events of the year.
Coming into last night the Pats had two first round picks and a lot of needs. They need a pass rusher. Being the worst team on third down in the league defensively last year proved that. They also need offensive line help as the Mankins situation is a questions mark, Stephen Neal retired, Matt Light is an aging free agent, and with the exception of Vollmer is getting older.
It could be argued that the team needs running back and corner help. Really linebacker (which they drafted a lot of last year), tight end, and quarterback were positions they didn’t have to look at.
And with the 17th pick in this year’s draft the Pats select, Nate Solder OT from Colorado. So how do I envision this playing out? I say that Vollmer moves to the left side and this guy starts as a rookie at the right side. You let Matt Light replace Mankins at guard since he’s getting older and Mankins gets traded. That’s just one version of what I see. But I would rather Mankins on the team than Light. Someone tell the Krafts to “Pay him. Pay that man his money.”
Then with their second pick they traded out of the first round. They snagged the Saints late second rounder this year and what is sure to be a very late first rounder next year. Now the move makes sense when you’re trading with Oakland or SanFran but two late firsts? I’m just not that excited.
The good news is there’s plenty of pass rushers left on the board as well as running backs. I would envision the Pats drafting one of each as well as another offensive lineman in the second and third rounds.
As the weekend progresses look for them to take a flier on a QB which has been their MO the past few seasons in the later rounds.
I’m not going to grade, they drafted a need. But they better address their other needs tonight.
