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Patriots Day 2 review and rookie free agents

With their last pick of the 2008 NFL Draft the Patriots finished the day with another Linebacker by choosing LB Bo Ruud from Nebraska in the sixth round.

In a draft that was considered deep in linebacker and cornerback the Patriots seemed to address their need by taking 3 linebackers and two cornerbacks.

When starting off the press conference after the draft Coach Bill Belichick joked,

“Who would have ever thought you would be covering a Bill Belichick draft with no offensive linemen, defensive linemen, or tight ends taken?”

For the first time since 2000 the Patriots did not select these positions during the draft. It makes you wonder if there are other options as there is still the need for a blocking tight end and a few players to rotate in the defensive and offensive lines during training camp.

On Day 2 the Patriots added OLB Shawn Crable, QB Kevin O’Connell, CB Johnathan Wilhite, WR/Special Teamer Matt Slater and as mentioned OLB Ruud with their lat pick.

So the Patriots have taken a step to address their concerns at defense and Dean Pees and Dom Capers must be happy to bring in the youngster into the Patriots fold and build up the young talent for the next generation behind the young and talented defensive line.

The pick of O’Connell have a few people wondering why the Pats chose a QB so high, but to be honest our depth at QB is not the best and selecting O’Connell has value for the team as a short term back and possible replacement for Brady if not a bargaining chip to trade away Cassell, Guttierez or O’Connell down the road.

As for undrafted rookies signed by the team as Free Agents NEPatriotsDraft.com has this lsit so far: LB Vince Redd (Liberty), P Mike Dragosavich (NDSU), DE Chris Norwell (Illinois), TE Jon Stupar (Virginia), C Ryan Wendell (Fresno St.) and RB Kenny Cattouse (Troy).

DraftDaddy.com has the same list as NEPatriotsDraft.com but with one addition in OT Josh Coffman (East Carolina).

These signings do not cover everything the Patriots need, but should provide a bit of rotation and competition during training camp.

Overall not the best draft day, but looks much better then 2007.

IN BILL WE TRUST!!

This entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 10:46 am and is filed under AFC East, Cornerback, Dom Capers, Jerod Mayo, Josh McDaniels, Dean Pees, Safety, Linebacker, Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez, New England Sports, Boston Sports, Scott Pioli, Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau, MVN, Patriot Nation Blogs, Patriots Draft, NFL News, Patriot Act, Patriots Organization, New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, Defensive Backs, Defensive Line, Offensive Line, Draft. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.