Drafting for the Patriots

Wouldn't you love to draft for your NFL Team? While the draft is on, I like imagining that I am in the war room making the pick while the Patriots are on the clock. I try to think about the type of Player the Patriots would pick based on talent, character, and need, and then draft them. I usually have players I want the Patriots to draft, so if they are available, they get drafted. Needless to say, Bill Belichick and I never see eye to eye! LOL

Bill Belichick's Draft:
Jerod Mayo OLB
Terrence Wheatley CB
Shawn Crable OLB
Kevin O'Connell QB
Jonathan Wilhite CB
Matt Slater WR
Bo Ruud OLB

The Patriot drafts are never considered sexy, but they always address the needs at hand. This draft addressed the issues at LB and CB, while adding speed to the team.

This is how my New England Patriots draft turned out. Maybe Bill will allow me in the war room next year!

10 CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (always thought this was the Patriots first round target)

Naturally athletic and very smooth...Great height with long arms and some growth potential...Very good timed speed with a burst to close...Instinctive and breaks on the ball quickly...Terrific agility...Playmaker with exceptional ball skills...Aggressive and confident...Was pretty productive at his level...Also an excellent kick returner. --nfldraftcountdown.com

62 ILB/OLB Dan Connor (slides to you in the second round - nice value)

Above average athleticism...Reliable tackler...Will deliver the big hit...Physical and aggressive...Adequate timed speed...Has sideline-to-sideline range...Does a solid job in coverage...Smart with excellent awareness and instincts...Versatile...A hard worker and leader...Intense and competitive with a non-stop motor...Tough...Has a lot of experience against top competition...Productive...Great program pedigree. --nfldraftcountdown.com

78 OLB/DE Bruce Davis (possible early reach, but great player)

Very athletic...Good timed speed...Outstanding quickness with a burst to close...A terror off the edge...Very active with a non-stop motor...A team leader with great intangibles...Rangy and makes plays in pursuit...Versatile and has played both DE and OLB...Extremely productive..Would dominate games at times...Nice Bloodlines. --nfldraftcountdown.com

94 CB Tyvon Branch (coin-toss between him and Justin King)

Has terrific size and bulk...A great athlete....Outstanding timed speed...Tough and physical...Will come up and support the run...A reliable tackler...Smart with a great football IQ...Good instincts and awareness...A respected team leader...Three-year starter with a lot of experience...He should also contribute as a special teams ace. --nfldraftcountdown.com

129 TE Kellen Davis (Every Patriots draft needs a TE)

Has terrific size and a large frame with room to bulk up further...Understands how to use his body to his advantage...A great natural athlete...Good ball skills...Runs well after the catch...Displays potential as a blocker..Still has considerable upside. --nfldraftcountdown.com

153 QB Josh Johnson (worth a flyer)

Good height with the frame to get bigger...Excellent athleticism and speed...Very accurate with good touch and timing...Arm strength is adequate...Solid throwing mechanics with a quick release...Can buy time in the pocket and is a threat to run when necessary...Smart with a good football IQ....Was extraordinarily productive and dominant at his level...Confident...Tough...A good leader with top intangibles. --nfldraftcountdown.com

197 RB Mike Hart (How is he still on the board?)

Natural runner with great vision and instincts...Has good balance..More quick than fast...Aggressive runner...A decent blocker...Reliable hands and can be a weapon out of the backfield...Rarely fumbles...Real productive...Tough and strong...A hard worker...Extremely competitive...Smart....A team leader with excellent intangibles. --nfldraftcountdown.com

My draft addressed the need for LBs and CBs as well, while adding some depth at TE, QB, and RB. Belichick's draft though will net him some Pro-bowlers, and probably another Super Bowl Trophy!

My NFL Mock Draft Mockery!

Many people posts Mock drafts, but not too many review where they went wrong. In my mock draft, I predicted 23 of the 31 rookies going in the first round correctly (meaning they were taken somewhere in the first round). Trades definitely change the look and feel of this draft though! The fact that no Wide Receivers went in the first round definitely sent my mock down the wrong path. I had four going in the first round! oops! I knew it was a weak WR class, but not that weak! So here is where I went right, and where I went wrong.

Right Team, Right Player:

• Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
• St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
• Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
• New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
• New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
• Kansas City Chiefs: Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
• Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
• New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

Right Need, Wrong Player:

Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
I had Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida
I had Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

Chicago Bears: Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
I had Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

San Francisco 49ers: Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina
I had Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn

Predicted Trades:

Correct:
• Predicted the New England / New Orleans Saints trade
• Predicted Kansas City would move their #17 pick up
• Predicted Atlanta would move back into round 1

Incorrect:
• San Diego did not trade away their first round pick
• Detroit and not Buffalo was Kansas City’s trading partner
• There were a lot more first round trades than predicted

Coin Toss Picks (team could have gone either way based on pressing need):

New England picked Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
I picked Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU

Baltimore picked Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
I picked Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

Cincinnati picked Keith Rivers, LB, Southern Cal
I picked Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.

Arizona picked Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
I picked Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Tampa Bay picked Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
I picked DeSean Jackson, WR, California

Dallas picked Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
I picked Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Buffalo picked Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
This still might have been Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State had my predicted trade happened

My Predicted First Rounders that missed:

• Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
• DeSean Jackson, WR, California
• Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
• Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
• James Hardy, WR, Indiana
• Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
• Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
• Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn

Actual First Rounders in the NFL 2008 Rookie Draft:

• Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware
• Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
• Sam Baker, OT, Southern Cal
• Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech
• Laurence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal*
• Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
• Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas*
• Jerod Mayo, OLB, Tennessee*

* Only three could I see going in the first round

Miscellaneous:

I did have QB Joe Flacco going to the Baltimore Ravens, just not in the first round! I also had QB Chad Henne going to the Miami Dolphins.

My Final Mock Draft:
1 Miami Dolphins Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
3 Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4 Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5 Kansas City Chiefs Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
6 New York Jets Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
7 New Orleans Saints (from New England) Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
8 Baltimore Ravens Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9 Cincinnati Bengals Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
10 New England Patriots (from New Orleans) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
11 Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo) Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
12 Denver Broncos Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13 Carolina Panthers Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
14 Chicago Bears Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
15 Detroit Lions Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
16 Arizona Cardinals Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
17 Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City) Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
18 Houston Texans Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19 Philadelphia Eagles Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers DeSean Jackson, WR, California
21 Washington Redskins Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
22 Dallas Cowboys Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
23 Pittsburgh Steelers Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24 Tennessee Titans James Hardy, WR, Indiana
25 Seattle Seahawks Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26 Jacksonville Jaguars Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
27 Atlanta Falcons (From San Diego) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
28 Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
29 San Francisco 49ers Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn
30 Green Bay Packers Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
31 Patriots Forfeited
32 New York Giants Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

That's All Folks!!!

Patriots Draft: Day 2 Picks and Surprises

Patriot fans were probably shocked when they traded their first third-round pick, 69th overall selection, to the San Diego Chargers, especially with LB Dan Connor and S Reggie Smith still available. The Patriots get a 2009 second-round pick and the Chargers' 2008 fifth-round pick (160th overall).

With the 78th overall selection, the Patriots selected DE/OLB Shawn Crable, in the third round. The Patriots like to have options at linebacker, and Crable gives them more flexibility.

Crable has excellent size and a big frame with long arms...Very athletic...Fantastic timed speed...Nice quickness and agility...Strong and powerful...Terrific pass rusher and blitzer...Makes a lot of plays behind the line...Offers some versatility...He does an adequate job in coverage...Still improving and has upside...Had a big senior year. Nfldraftcountdown.com

With the 94th overall selection, the Patriots selected QB Kevin O'Connell, in the third round. This move surprised many Patriot fans. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had traveled to San Diego to work out O'Connell privately, so this pick should not be that much of a surprise.

O’Connell has excellent size and a big frame...Terrific athleticism...Great timed speed...Arm is strong enough to make all the throws..Nice touch and timing..Is mobile enough to buy time in the pocket and make plays with his feet...Can throw on the run...Hard worker...Very competitive...Team leader...A lot of experience...Has a ton of upside. -- Nfldraftcountdown.com

With the 129th overall selection in the draft, the Patriots selected Auburn CB Jonathan Wilhite, at the end of the fourth round. At 5-foot-9 1/2 and 185 pounds, Wilhite is considered undersized for the position, although his movements are said to be fluid and he excels in zone coverage, which is often what the Patriots play.

Wilhite has good athleticism...Great speed and quickness...Excellent feet...He has fluid hips to turn and run in coverage...Pretty tough and physical..Has good body control...Very aggressive with a terrific motor...Has a lot of experience against elite competition. --Nfldraftcountdown.com

Another surprise for the New England Patriot Fans…the Patriots have traded up in the fifth round, to the 153rd overall selection and draft UCLA S/WR Matt Slater. The Patriots sent their 2008 fifth round pick (160) and 2008 seventh-round pick (238) to Tampa Bay for the Buccaneers' fifth-round pick (153). Slater might seem like a reach, but then again, Slater indicated the teams he visited with were the Steelers, Buccaneers, Texans, Giants, Jets, Bears and Jaguars, so he was on the radar. Slater made his mark in college on special teams, but also has experience at Safety and Wide receiver.

"I've finally found my niche," Slater said in the piece. "In my mind, special teams is about relentless effort. I thought about all the hard times I've been through here, and said, 'Now I have a chance, let me make the most of it. These last few years, I felt like I've had an opportunity to leave my mark on the program, and that's in the form of being a great special teams player. But I'll take it how I can get it." -- Press Enterprise

With the 197th overall selection of the draft, the Patriots selected Nebraska LB Bo Ruud, in the sixth round.

LB Bo Ruud has been a starting linebacker the past two years at Nebraska. He finished an outstanding Nebraska career during the 2007 season, his third consecutive year as a starter. Ruud developed a knack for being around the football throughout his career and by the end of 2007 he joined his older brother, Barrett, and father, Tom, among the top 30 tacklers in Nebraska school history. – huskers.com

New England Patriots Complete Draft:

ILB Jerod Mayo
CB Terrence Wheatley
OLB Shawn Crable
QB Kevin O’Connell
CB Jonathan Wilhite
WR Matt Slater
OLB Bo Ruud

In addition, the Patriots acquired the San Diego Chargers 2009 second round draft pick

Like most New England Drafts, it might not be flashy, but it addresses the current needs of the team. I still wish the Patriots had targeted some of the players that were on my draft board (players like QB Josh Johnson, TE Kellen Davis, OLB Bruce Davis, and RB Mike Hart).

Patriots Draft CB Terrance Wheatley

With the 62nd pick overall, the Patriots draft CB Terrence Wheatley

Cornerback | Senior | Colorado Terrence Wheatley
Height: 5-95/8 | Weight: 187 | 40-Time: 4.37

Very fast with good quickness and a burst to close. A fantastic athlete with great agility. Smooth with fluid hips. Playmaker with good hands and ball skills. Smart with good instincts. Physical and always plays hard. Has special teams potential. Note of concern: He was plagued by a wrist injury that required multiple surgeries early in his career

On second-round pick Terrence Wheatley, Coach Bill Belichick said "Terrence Wheatley was a really good player for Colorado. He is smart. He has played multiple positions, both inside and outside. He returns kicks. I think he can contribute in a number of different spots. He is a very athletic guy and had a very productive career at Colorado."

The Patriots might have reached with this pick, considering players like S Reggie Smith and OLB Dan Connor were still available. It would be hard to believe that a player like Wheatley would not be available to the Patriots in the third round, where the Patriots have pick #6, #15, and #31.

Patriots Draft ILB Jerod Mayo

The Patriots trade the 7th overall pick to the Saints!

The Patriots traded the 7th overall pick and their fifth-round pick (164). They receive the Saints' first-round pick (10) and the Saints' third-round pick (78th).

With the 10th pick overall, the Patriots draft ILB Jerod Mayo

Inside Linebacker | Junior | Tennessee Jerod Mayo
Height: 6-11/4 | Weight: 242 | 40-Time: 4.54

Mayo is very athletic and physical player. He has excellent timed speed and quickness. Reliable tackler and will deliver the big hit. Smart with good awareness and instincts and has a non-stop motor. He is fluid and smooth in coverage. A versatile and productive player, the type the Patriots like.

On first-round pick Jerod Mayo, Coach Bill Belichick said "He's a physical player, good against the run. He's a smart kid. Played all three positions for Tennessee, so he has some versatility."

You're Mocking Me! Here is to the NFL Draft!

Like thousands of other crazy NFL fans looking forward to the 2008 NFL Rookie Draft, I too figured I would post my final two Mock drafts for the fun of it. One includes trades, and one does not. Cheers, and I hope your team gets the player(s) you want!

Straight up:

PICK TEAM Player, Position, Team
1 Miami Dolphins Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
3 Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4 Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5 Kansas City Chiefs Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
6 New York Jets Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
7 New England Patriots Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
8 Baltimore Ravens Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9 Cincinnati Bengals Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10 New Orleans Saints Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
11 Buffalo Bills Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
12 Denver Broncos Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
13 Carolina Panthers Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
14 Chicago Bears Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
15 Detroit Lions Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
16 Arizona Cardinals Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
17 Kansas City Chiefs Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
18 Houston Texans Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19 Philadelphia Eagles Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers DeSean Jackson, WR, California
21 Washington Redskins Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
22 Dallas Cowboys (from Browns) Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
23 Pittsburgh Steelers Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24 Tennessee Titans James Hardy, WR, Indiana
25 Seattle Seahawks Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26 Jacksonville Jaguars Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
27 San Diego Chargers Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
28 Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
29 San Francisco 49ers (from Ind.) Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn
30 Green Bay Packers Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
31 Patriots (forfeited) Forfeited
32 New York Giants Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

Trades:

This one has a few trades in it to keep it interesting. I could see the Patriots trading down a few spots with either the Broncos or the Saints. I can also see the Chiefs possibly trading up that first round pick they received from the Vikings with the Bills who want to trade down. The Chargers only have one pick in the first four rounds, and the Falcons have plenty of picks for trading up again into the first round. I was surprised that Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee and Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas didn’t fit into my first round here. I am guessing someone will just have to trade up to get them! *smile*

PICK TEAM Player, Position, Team
1 Miami Dolphins Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2 St. Louis Rams Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
3 Atlanta Falcons Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4 Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5 Kansas City Chiefs Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
6 New York Jets Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
7 New Orleans Saints (from New England) Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
8 Baltimore Ravens Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9 Cincinnati Bengals Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
10 New England Patriots (from New Orleans) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, TSU
11 Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo) Branden Albert, OG, Virginia
12 Denver Broncos Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
13 Carolina Panthers Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
14 Chicago Bears Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
15 Detroit Lions Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
16 Arizona Cardinals Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
17 Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City) Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
18 Houston Texans Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19 Philadelphia Eagles Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers DeSean Jackson, WR, California
21 Washington Redskins Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
22 Dallas Cowboys Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
23 Pittsburgh Steelers Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
24 Tennessee Titans James Hardy, WR, Indiana
25 Seattle Seahawks Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
26 Jacksonville Jaguars Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
27 Atlanta Falcons (From San Diego) Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
28 Dallas Cowboys Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
29 San Francisco 49ers Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn
30 Green Bay Packers Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
31 Patriots (forfeited) Forfeited
32 New York Giants Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

Patriot Quick Hits

Week ending April 25th

NFL Draft News:

The good news: The Patriots have each member of their starting line under contract for at least the next two seasons. Starting right guard Stephen Neal though has been battling injuries in recent years, so it is possible that the guard position could be addressed in this year’s draft. Who knows, maybe the Patriots take OG Branden Albert (Virginia) with the 7th pick?

Speaking of the Draft, there is a very good chance the Patriots go with a Cornerback in the first round. Most likely candidates: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee), Leodis McKelvin (Troy), or Mike Jenkins (South Florida). Antoine Cason (Arizona) could also be in the mix if the Patriots trade down.

Player News:

The Patriots have reached a contract agreement with tight end Marcus Pollard. Pollard enters his 14th season in 2008. Pollard is also 36-year-old! He caught 28 passes for 273 yards and 2 touchdowns last season with the Seahawks. He previously played for the Colts (1995-2004) and Lions (2005-2006).

The Patriots have signed veteran free agent defensive lineman Kenny Smith. Smith was previously with the Patriots at training camp in 2007 but was cut before the season began.

Team News:

Associated Press Dave Goldberg reports NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he will keep an open mind on the issue of Spygate. Goodell is prepared to punish the New England Patriots again if his meeting with former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh uncovers a tape made of the St. Louis Rams walkthrough practice before the 2002 Super Bowl.

Why did Zach Thomas turn down the Patriots? Agent Drew Rosenhaus said on a radio interview with 560-AM "Being a loyal Dolphin, and he'll always be a Dolphin, it would have been very difficult for him [to play for New England]. He did not want to alienate his fans, and really, I don't think he wanted to compete against the Dolphins."

NFL Draft: Who makes the first round grade?

Who is going round one? Who is sliding to round two?

Here are forty-four players that have been drafted round one in many mock drafts around the country. Good players always slide to the second round though. Here is how I have the top players at each position ranked and what round they will be most likely drafted in.

Quarterbacks:
QB Matt Ryan Boston College 1
QB Brian Brohm Louisville 1
QB Joe Flacco Delaware 2
QB Chad Henne Michigan 2

Running backs:
RB Darren McFadden Arkansas 1
RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois 1
RB Jonathan Stewart Oregon 1
RB Felix Jones Arkansas 2

Wide Receivers:
WR Devin Thomas Michigan St. 1
WR DeSean Jackson California 1
WR Limas Sweed Texas 1
WR James Hardy Indiana 1
WR Mario Manningham Michigan 2
WR Malcolm Kelly Oklahoma 2

Offensive Tackle/Guard:
OT Jake Long Michigan 1
OT Ryan Clady Boise St. 1
OT Chris Williams Vanderbilt 1
OT Jeff Otah Pittsburgh 1
OT Gosder Cherilus Boston College 1
OT Sam Baker USC 2
OG Branden Albert Virginia 1

Defensive End/Tackle:
DE Chris Long Virginia 1
DE Vernon Gholston Ohio St. 1
DE Derrick Harvey Florida 1
DE Phillip Merling Clemson 1
DE Calais Campbell Miami (FL) 1
DE Quentin Groves Auburn 2
DT Glenn Dorsey L.S.U. 1
DT Sedrick Ellis USC 1
DT Kentwan Balmer North Carolina 1
DT Trevor Laws Notre Dame 2

Linebacker:
OLB Keith Rivers USC 1
ILB Jerod Mayo Tennessee 1
ILB Dan Connor Penn St. 2
ILB Curtis Lofton Oklahoma 2

Cornerback/Safety:
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee St. 1
CB Leodis McKelvin Troy 1
CB Mike Jenkins South Florida 1
CB Antoine Cason Arizona 1
CB Aqib Talib Kansas 2
S Kenny Phillips Miami (FL) 1
S Reggie Smith Oklahoma 1
S Tyrell Johnson Arkansas St. 2
S DaJuan Morgan North Carolina St. 2

New England Press Statement on Matt Walsh

The Patriots released the following statement with regards to Matt Walsh and the Meeting with the NFL:

"The New England Patriots are pleased to learn that Matt Walsh is finally willing to come forward to meet with the NFL. We are eagerly anticipating his honest disclosures to Commissioner Goodell next month and the return of all the materials he took during his time of employment. We fully expect this meeting to conclude the league’s investigation into a damaging and false allegation that was originally levied against the team on the day before this year’s Super Bowl.

It is important to note that there has never been a confidentiality agreement restricting Matt Walsh and no legal protections were ever necessary for him to speak to the NFL, to media outlets or to anyone else regarding his employment with the Patriots. He demanded to be released from responsibility for his statements, and after a frustrating and lengthy negotiation period, a settlement has finally been reached. Walsh has been granted a significant number of privileges through this agreement, none of which the Patriots or the NFL were obligated to give.

At all times, we cooperated fully with the league’s investigation and stand by our initial public statement from Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008: The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false.

The Patriots’ organizational focus at this time is on the NFL Draft and preparing for what we hope will be an exciting 2008 season. We will have no further comments regarding Matt Walsh at this time."

The Patriots also reported that this will be the only statement coming out from the Organization and that they are concentrating their efforts on the upcoming draft this weekend.

NFL Draft: The QB Crystal Ball...

With no clear-cut #1 Quarterback on the board, it is hard to predict where the top four Quarterbacks Matt Ryan (Boston College), Brian Brohm (Louisville), Joe Flacco (Delaware) and Chad Henne (Michigan) could end up. Let’s take a look at teams that could use help at the quarterback position and the possibility of drafting one on day 1.

Miami: It is hard to get a good feel for QB John Beck’s abilities based on last season, especially since a supporting cast was non-existent during the four games he started. Parcell’s could go for a QB in the 2008 draft, but it will not be in the first round. A QB like Joe Flacco or Chad Henne could be available when Miami picks again in the second round. Miami looks to favor Henne over Flacco.

Atlanta: The Falcons are expected to draft a QB within the first two rounds, especially since they have four picks within the first forty-eight. The Falcons could either draft the top QB at the #3 pick, or bundle some draft picks to move back into the first round to acquire one. QB Chris Redman will most likely be the starter this season for Atlanta, which will allow a newly drafted quarterback to come up to speed. Look for the Falcons to address the need for a DT in the first round, and trade back into the round to get a quarterback like Brian Brohm.

Kansas: Some feel that Brodie Croyle is the franchise QB of this team; others feel the Chiefs will draft a QB in the first two rounds. It is tough to imagine the Chiefs not addressing the need at OT position first. Then again it might be tough to pass on a quarterback like Matt Ryan to build the future of the Chiefs around. If Jared Allen is traded, Kansas could have bigger needs than a QB, or additional draft picks to get one later in the draft. This one trade could totally change the drafting plans of the Kansas City Chiefs!

Baltimore: QB Steve McNair is now retired, and Kyle Boller has not been the answer to the Raven’s QB question since being drafted. Troy Smith played well in short duty last year. If QB Matt Ryan is there at the 8th pick, the Ravens could have their franchise QB of the future. Ryan would be considered a steal for the Ravens at #8, but Brohm would be considered a reach. Funny since Brohm would have been a top five pick in last years draft.

Carolina: QB Jake Delhomme is coming off a serious elbow injury. Matt Moore is the only other QB waiting in the wings as of right now. It might not seem like a pressing need, but Delhomme is 33 and the Panthers could be looking for a possible long-term upgrade. It is not likely that the Panthers would draft a QB in the first round, unless Ryan slipped to them. A second round QB could be a possibility though.

Chicago: The Bears hope that QB Rex Grossman turns the corner this year, but it is possible they draft a QB if the right one is available at the right time. Chicago needs help at OT and RB. Quarterback would only be if Ryan falls this far. A good second round graded QB might not be out of the question though.

Minnesota: Some say the Vikings need a quarterback. Brad Childress drafted Tarvaris Jackson, so it is not likely Childress feels he needs another starting QB. It does not mean the Vikings could not add some help at the quarterback position though. Don’t expect to see one of the top four in a Vikings Uniform. Then again, no one thought the Vikings would draft a running back in the first round last year.

Green Bay: With Brett Farve retiring and Aaron Rogers’s an unproven commodity, backup QB help could definitely be addressed via the draft. Remember, Rogers was drafted in this same fashion! With no real pressing needs, Green Bay could get a real bargain for a backup quarterback in the first round.

Final Predictions:
Matt Ryan (Boston College): Round 1, Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Brohm (Louisville): Round 1, Atlanta Falcons (trade back into round 1)
Joe Flacco (Delaware): Round 2, Baltimore Ravens
Chad Henne (Michigan): Round 2, Miami Dolphins

Patriots News and Notes

week ending April 19th, 2008

NFL Draft News:

The Patriots hosted TE Jermichael Finley (Texas) on a pre-draft visit April 17. At 6-foot-5, 243 pounds, Finley is coming off a season in which he caught 45 passes for 575 yards and two touchdowns.

The Patriots are making final preparations for the draft. Belichick commented "We’re kind of plugging along here. There are still a lot of loose ends to tie up, but that’s kind of the way it usually is at this time of year. Get the few last visits coming in this week, and then next week it’s kind of the time we talk a little draft strategy and try to finalize some of the grades and make some of the comparisons of situations that might present themselves – kind of re-evaluate the trade charts and stuff like that. I think the process is going along like it normally does.”

Belichick also compared this years draft to 1991 in which there does not appear to be a clear-cut No. 1 choice.

Patriot Player News:

ESPN.com unveiled its Top 50 draft steals. Current New England Patriot Players that made the list were 1) QB Tom Brady (6th round, 2000), 10) S Rodney Harrison (5th round, 1994) and 47) WR Troy Brown (8th round, 1993).

Team News:

The Patriots did not put out an offer sheet for Carolina LB Adam Seward. April 18th was the deadline. The Patriots seemingly liked Seward, who projected to inside linebacker in their 3-4 alignment, but the question was at what price.

Veteran punter Scott Player is set to sign a contract to join the Patriots. Note of interest: Player is the last player in the NFL to wear the single-bar Helmet.

The Patriots hosted free agent DE Darrion Scott (Minnesota Vikings) on April 17.

The Patriots visited with free-agent punter Mitch Berger on April 16. The 35-year-old Berger first punted in the NFL in 1994, with most of his work coming in domes. He punted in five games for the Cardinals last season.

Good news for the Patriots and their 2008 schedule: No opponent on the schedule is coming off a bye week!

Will the Patriots stay on the west coast in between games? The Patriots will play San Francisco (October 5th), followed by a game at San Diego (October 12th). The same goes for Seattle (December 7th) and Oakland (December 14th).

The Patriots will open at home, against the Chiefs, on Sunday, Sept. 7 (1 p.m.).

Patriots News and Notes

NFL Draft News:

The Patriots are scheduled to host LB Jerod Mayo (Tennessee) on a visit at Gillette Stadium on Friday, April 11. The 6-foot-1, 242-pound Mayo, who enters the draft after his junior season, projects to inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

The Patriots are hosting LB Curtis Lofton (Oklahoma) on a pre-draft visit. The 6-foot, 246-pound Lofton would project to inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

The Patriots hosted CB Patrick Lee (Auburn) on a pre-draft visit. At 6-feet, 194 pounds, Lee is considered one of the sturdier corners in this year's class.

The Patriots hosted DE Vernon Gholston (Ohio St) on a pre-draft visit at Gillette Stadium on April 9th. Gholston (6-3, 266) would project as an outside linebacker in the Patriots' base 3-4 defense, potentially improving the team's pass rush.

The Patriots are scheduled to host DE/OLB Quentin Groves (Auburn) on a pre-draft visit at Gillette Stadium. At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Groves would project to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment.

Rookies that have visited or scheduled to visit the Patriots: DE/LB Cliff Avril (Purdue), CB Antoine Cason (Arizona), DT Glenn Dorsey (LSU), DE/OLB Vernon Gholston (Ohio State), DE/LB Quentin Groves (Auburn), DE/LB Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan), CB Patrick Lee (Auburn), LB Curtis Lofton (Oklahoma), LB Jerod Mayo (Tennessee), RB Darren McFadden (Arkansas), CB Leodis McKelvin (Troy), LB Keith Rivers (USC), DE/LB Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State), CB Aqib Talib (Kansas), CB Terrell Thomas (USC), CB Terrence Wheatley (Colorado)

Patriot Player News:

WR Troy Brown does not sound like he is ready to retire just yet. "I haven't come to an answer to that question yet. I'm not in a hurry to make any decisions. We'll just see what happens in the next few weeks, months, whatever it takes to make up my mind."

The Patriots have signed free-agent LB Victor Hobson to a one-year deal on April 7th. Hobson, 28, played outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 alignment the last two years.

Team News:

The Patriots 2008 Schedule is as follows:

Pre-season
• Thursday, Aug. 7 -- Ravens at Patriots (7:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, Aug. 17 -- Patriots at Buccaneers (8 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 22 -- Eagles at Patriots (7:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, Aug. 28 -- Patriots at Giants (7 p.m.)

Regular Season
• Sunday, Sept. 7 – Chiefs at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
• Sunday, Sept. 14 – Patriots at Jets (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
• Sunday, Sept. 21 – Dolphins at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
• Sunday, Sept. 28 – Bye Week
• Sunday, Oct. 5 – Patriots at 49ers (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
• Sunday, Oct. 12 – Patriots at Chargers (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
• Monday, Oct. 20 – Broncos at Patriots (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, Oct. 26 – Rams at Patriots (Fox, 1 p.m.)
• Sunday, Nov. 2 – Patriots at Colts (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
• Sunday, Nov. 9 – Bills at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
• Thursday, Nov. 13 – Jets at Patriots (NFL Network, 8:15 p.m.)
• Sunday, Nov. 23 – Patriots at Dolphins (CBS, 1 p.m.*)
• Sunday, Nov. 30 – Steelers at Patriots (CBS, 4:15 p.m.*)
• Sunday, Dec. 7 – Patriots at Seahawks (NBC, 8:15 p.m.*)
• Sunday, Dec. 14 – Patriots at Raiders (CBS, 4:15 p.m.*)
• Sunday, Dec. 21 – Cardinals at Patriots (Fox, 1 p.m.*)
• Sunday, Dec. 28 – Patriots at Bills (CBS, 1 p.m.*)

* Subject to flexible schedule

NFL News: New Logo for a New Season

Being revealed at this year's 2008 NFL Rookie Draft will be the new NFL shield logo.

The changes to the shield include:

1. A re-designed football graphic
2. A reduction of the number of stars that appear on the logo to eight
3. A new style of font in which the letters “NFL” appear

Note: The eight stars represent the eight NFL Divisions

This is the first time the shield has been modified since 1980.

Lucky #7 - Predicting the Unpredictable!

With the NFL Rookie draft quickly approaching, what will the Patriots do at the 7th pick overall? The Patriots two greatest needs going into the draft are LB and DB. In looking at the draft though, neither of these positions has a rookie grading out that high. By the 7th pick, it is possible that the following rookies will already be off the draft board:

Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Chris Long, DE/OLB, Virginia
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

If the draft does unfold this way, the Patriots could start entertaining offers from teams like the New Orleans Saints or the Denver Broncos, both who could use a player like DT Sedrick Ellis from USC. Many have Ellis sliding to the Cincinnati Bengals at the #9 pick since it is not likely he would be drafted by the Patriots or the Ravens. Therefore, for a team that needs a DT to acquire him, you need to get in front of that pick. The Bengals might need to move up a few spots themselves to ensure drafting one of the two top DTs in the draft.

This kind of trade would work out well with the Patriot drafting plan: acquire the player you have targeted later in the draft while saving money in the process. At picks 10 - 12, the Patriots could still acquire a player like CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (TSU), CB Leodis McKelvin (Troy), DE Derrick Harvey (Florida) or OLB Keith Rivers (USC).

Prediction: Past drafts have shown that the Patriots are not big fans of investing heavily at the LB position early, but are more likely to groom lower round picks. Look for the Patriots to attempt to trade back about five to ten spots then draft one of the top Cornerbacks in the first round, while addressing the need at Linebacker later in the draft.

Note on how the 7th overall pick was acquired: The San Francisco 49ers traded their first-round selection in 2008 to the New England Patriots, as well as the 110th overall selection in 2007 (traded to the Oakland Raiders for Randy Moss) in exchange for the 28th overall selection in 2007 (used to select Joe Staley)

Tainted Dynasty: Going forward, while waiting

Two months have come and gone since the Boston Herald reported Matt Walsh’s illegal video taping regarding the St. Louis Rams walk though prior to Super Bowl XXXVI. Two months and yet no evidence has been presented to the NFL or to the Patriots organization verifying the allegations. The Patriots organization would like to move on, but the Spygate issue still lingers on.

Patriots Chairman/CEO Robert Kraft and Coach Bill Bilichick were both in attendance at the Annual NFL Owners Meeting. Both also addressed Spygate with the media.

Kraft said concerning Matt Walsh: “A newspaper made a damaging allegation about the so-called Matt Walsh affair. I believe it is something that never happened. If so, why wouldn’t [two months later] anything have come out? But, we live in a society where people can make any kind of allegations. But then, it has to be substantiated.”

Kraft also stated, “He [Walsh] never signed any confidentiality statement with us, so as far as I’m concerned, I don’t know why he doesn’t just come out and speak.” Kraft continued, “Allegations were made and why it took five - six years to come out, and then two months after it’s come out, there is nothing … you folks decide why that hasn’t happened."

During the special privilege session of the meeting, Kraft addressed his fellow owners, as well as each of the other 31 NFL coaches, offering the organization's apology for the "Spygate" saga and the fallout it has caused the NFL.

Coach Tony Dungy, who was present, said "I thought it was very, very sincere and heartfelt, and I appreciated what he had to say."

"I think it's a wonderful thing for Mr. Kraft to do," said Colts president Bill Polian. "I personally don't think it was necessary, but that's just typical of the kind of class he has.” Polian further stated, "I certainly appreciate everything that Mr. Kraft and his family have done for the league. They have made the league a much better league since they have been members of it and certainly, from one man's point of view, he does not need to apologize for anything."

Coach Bill Belichick tried to put a positive spin on aftermath of Spygate. The Patriots have re-organized their operation since the team was fined for their illegal videotaping procedures. “I’d say going forward, as difficult as dealing with some of this situation has been, we’ve taken it as a positive and done a lot of things in our organization to reorganize a number of things, in terms of making sure everything is being done on a more efficient and more accountable basis, to make sure a situation like this never comes up again.”

As a final note, Kraft acknowledged that he is not over the loss of Super Bowl XLII. When questioned if he felt the franchise's previous three Super Bowls were tainted in any way, Kraft answered, “I think we’ve covered the subject. We broke a rule the first week of the season and were penalized very heavily, and look what happened after that game. To me, that says more than anything."

As you can see, the Patriots are moving on while the Lawyers for the NFL and Walsh continue to work toward a resolution.

Note: The title Tainted Dynasty is only a reflection of the continuing Spygate saga and not of the New England Patriot Players and all of their accomplishments over the last seven years.

Patriots News and Notes

Week ending April 5th

NFL Draft News:

The Patriots will host DE/OLB Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan) on a pre-draft visit. At 6 feet 5 inches, 273 pounds, Jones would most likely project to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment.

The Patriots will host CB Antoine Cason (Arizona), on a pre-draft visit. The 6-foot-1-inch, 191-pound corner intercepted five passes last season, returning two for touchdowns and scored twice more on punt returns. He was also the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top collegiate defensive back. This is his second meeting with the Patriots.

The Patriots are scheduled to host RB Darren McFadden (Arkansas) on a pre-draft. Some might consider this a smoke and mirror move by the Patriots. You cannot rule out McFadden going to the Patriots though. "Any team that drafts him knows it is getting a special player,” said McFadden’s agent, Ian Greengross. "There is no question in my mind that Darren is the best player in the draft.”

The Patriots are holding a private workout with DE/LB Marcus Howard (Georgia). At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Howard could play defensive end in some 4-3 schemes but would be a linebacker for 3-4 clubs like the Patriots.

Additional Rookies scheduled for pre-draft visits with the Patriots: CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa), CB Terrell Thomas (USC), LB Keith Rivers (USC) and DE/LB Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech)

The NFL awarded its 2008 compensatory draft choices and as expected, the Patriots did not receive any.

Patriot Player News:

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said that the Patriots made a shrewd move in inking CB Fernando Bryant. The Patriots signed the nine-year veteran on March 20, with the sides agreeing to a one-year deal with a base salary of $730,000. Marinelli suggested that Bryant's departure from Detroit was not performance-based but due to salary cap considerations. Bryant carried a $4 million salary cap charge for the Lions.

Team News:

At the Annual NFL Owners meeting, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed his fellow owners, as well as each of the other 31 NFL coaches today, offering the organization's apology for the "Spygate" saga. "I thought it was very, very sincere and heartfelt, and I appreciated what he had to say," said Coach Tony Dungy. "I think it's a wonderful thing for Mr. Kraft to do," said Colts president Bill Polian. "I personally don't think it was necessary, but that's just typical of the kind of class he has.”

There is no national opener scheduled for the Patriots week one of the NFL Season.

The Patriots are likely to open the 2008 season at home though with a 1 p.m. game. The eight home opponents for 2008 are the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs.