AFC East
New England Patriots Draft Preview
By Ehrich Rose
Apr 19, 2008, 10:43

With the draft countdown now at under seven days, teams are getting serious and finalizing their draft boards and their draft day scenarios. The not quite unbeatable Patriots are looking to make the minor adjustments this off-season that will allow them to invite the NFC Champions to their super bowl party, rather than having to politely decline their invitations to a back to back raucous NFC celebration again next year.

Offense:

From both a team and fantasy perspective, the offensive side of the ball does not have many chinks in their armor. Their only real off season loss was WR #3 Donte Stallworth. Who although productive, was certainly not a key. They also have Jabar Gaffney and Kelly Washington ready to step into his shoes.

As the number one offense in the league last year, there were many fantasy standouts including Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and all of the offensive lineman. The running game remains a bit disappointing finishing a pedestrian 12th in the league. Their leading rusher Maroney finished 23rd in the league with 835 yards. Even Justin Fargas of the Raiders was able to eclipse the 1,000 yard plateau. This lack of production is difficult to gauge since, the Patriots often chose to pass instead of run. As a result, it is arguable that Maroney’s lack of production is more a reflection of lack of opportunity rather than lack of talent. After all he did average 4.5 yards per carry and scored six TDs.


Defense:

Defense wins championships, which is why the unbeatable Patriots were not. For several years, their defense has continued to age and slow down. Furthermore, this team that wore down on the game winning NY Giants Super Bowl drive lost their best defensive player when CB Asante Samuel opted to leave the AFC and join the Eagles. Their LB corps is in need of major renovation. Roosevelt Colvin is gone, Teddy Bruschi is no longer the player that he once was, and Junior Seau although a Hall of Famer in waiting, would be better served if he started his HOF five-year eligibility clock this year, rather than to try and postpone by playing one more year. Not surprisingly, their needs in the draft are defined by defense, defense and defense.

Draft Prediction:

7th Pick: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
62th Pick: Tracy Porter CB Indiana
69th Pick: Tavares Gooden ILB Miami
94th Pick: Donald Thomas OG UCon

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