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The NFL Draft Countdown is where we take a closer look at an NFL franchise to see what its transactions have been and what its needs are.
Franchise
- Draft Position: 22
- 2009 Season Result: 10-6 (1st in AFC East; Lost in Wild Card Round)
- 2009 Head Coach: Bill Belichick
- 2010 Head Coach: Bill Belichick (148-92; 15-5)
Key Transactions
- TE Benjamin Watson (to CLE)
- TE Chris Baker (to SEA)
- TE Alge Crumpler (from TEN)
- DE Jarvis Green (to DEN)
- DT Damione Lewis (from CAR)
Draft Picks
- 1-22
- 2-12
- 2-15
- 2-21
- 4-21
- 6-21
- 6-36
- 7-22
- 7-24
- 7-40
- 7-41
- 7-43
Analysis & Outlook
The Patriots had an up-and-down season with blowout victories (like against the Titans), close calls (like against the Ravens and the Colts) and humiliating defeats (like against the Saints). In the post-season, they were defeated quite handily by the Ravens, but this has given HC Bill Belichick more time to prepare for the upcoming season. Left without coordinators after the departure of DC Dean Pees, he’s looking to go solo. I think that’s just weird, but I’m sure they’re looking for someone who is a good fit for the organization.
Defensively, the Patriots need help. The front seven isn’t stable and with DEs Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green not around anymore and LB Junior Seau not very junior anymore, the Patriots need to develop in that area. They retained LB Tully Banta-Cain and signed FA DT Damione Lewis, but they’ll need some long-term solutions to bolster a lackluster pass rush. The Patriots also managed to retain CB Leigh Bodden who’ll continue to be a good example for their young CBs Darius Butler, Jonathan Wilhite and Tyrone Wheatley. On the back-end, S Brandon Meriweather had a Pro Bowl season and Pat Chung is still developing. The defense is clearly in transition and needs some more pieces to be future-ready.
Offensively, the Patriots are revamping their TE group. Both Ben Watson and Chris Baker have been let go, and Alge Crumpler was signed. Crumpler will be a blocking TE like in Tennessee and the Patriots will look for a new pass-catching TE in this year’s class, one that won’t cost them a first round pick I assume.
For the first round, I’m predicting the Patriots will trade up. They have three second round picks to play with and they can move up to get players like LB Rolando McClain and conversion guys Jason Pierre-Paul and Sergio Kindle. If they stay put, they have a shot at Brandon Graham and Brandon Morgan. With their slate of second round picks, they can land some seriously good players like DL Tyson Alualu, WR Eric Decker, TE Dorin Dickerson or S Myron Rolle. All could contribute right away. In third day, the Patriots will be busy with eight draft picks. Look for them to deal here and there to get some depth along the offensive and defensive line and some youth in the running and receiving corps.
The Patriots need to be more consistent on defense. An improved pass rush will help them greatly. They’re in quite a similar position as the Saints were in previous years, strong offense but shaky defense. There needs to be more creativity if they want to retain their grip on the AFC East.