2003 Draft

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

While the Pats addressed their biggest need areas, there were some corners and outside rush linebackers available at #62 and #78 that I liked slightly more than Wheatley and Crable.  I also believe Slater would have been available in round 6 (and even free agency, but obviously the Pats didn't want to risk that given his fifth round selection), which would have resulted in the Pats getting a better player than Ruud, who I actually have a lower grade on than their college street free agent Guyton.

DRAFT PICKS

Mayo was a good and needed pick in round one.  He is an active linebacker with good speed, quickness and athleticism.  I thought he would fit best as a WILL in a 4-3 since he is at his best when the defensive line can engage blockers so he can roam free to make plays.  However, he can take on blockers and fight them off to make tackles so he will be just fine in the Pats' 3-4 defense.  Mayo will be a good player, but don't expect the next Patrick Willis.

Wheatley is a short corner with good speed, athleticism and change-of-direction skills.  He is quick enough to play the slot and has a good nose for the ball.  He is also a tough kid who plays injured and likes to hit.  That said, I thought Charles Godfrey, another tough kid, displayed better cover skills during Senior Bowl practices, is two inches taller and therefore matches up better outside. 

Crable was a defensive end in college and projects as an outside linebacker in the Pats' 4-3 defense.  While Crable has the pass rush skills to transition to that position, he lacks the athleticism and quickness to be anything more than a pass rusher in that defense.  He will have trouble dropping back in coverage.  Personally, I think Cliff Avril would have been the ideal pick here.

O'Connell caught my eye in a good way during the college post-season.  He is a tall, athletic kid, who throws well on the move and has the potential to be a starter in the NFL down the line (not that he'll get the chance with the Pats).  He should develop into a quality backup and could even bring value down the line in a trade.  I like his upside more than Cassell and Gutierrez.

Slater was on New England's radar, but I'm not sure if he was more than a minor blip with other teams.  The Pats thinking is that he is the next Troy Brown.  He has played both receiver and defensive back, is a good special teams player, and a very good return man.  Was this high for him?  Yes.  Does that mean it was a bad pick?  No.  Personally, I would have waited a round to select Slater (assuming he was a priority like he was for the Pats) and grabbed the talented but risky offensive lineman Carl Nicks.

Ruud is a player who may have a hard time making the team.  He projects inside and has good speed.  If he makes the team he should be a staple on special teams. 

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Green-Ellis is a strong, powerful back who could just steal a roster spot as a goal-line and short-yardage runner.

I like Guyton's potential more than Ruud's and expect him to pass Ruud on the depth chart during training camp.  Guyton is faster and a better athlete than Ruud.

Redd is ideal for the Pat's practice squad.  He has the speed and athleticism to play outside in the 3-4, but will need time to develop, and will need to get stronger.