News Flash: The Patriots select Laurence Maroney with their 1st round pick (#21). The 5’11�, 217-pound running back rushed for nearly 4,000-yards in 3-seasons at the University of Minnesota. He is considered by many to be the 2nd best back in the draft behind Reggie Bush.
Draft Update: Hanging Chad: The Patriots trade a 2nd and a 3rd round pick to Green Bay to move up in the 2nd round and select Wide Receiver, Chad Jackson out of the University of Florida. Jackson was expected to be taken in the first round, and many prognosticators had the Pats taking him with their first selection
Teddy’s Take: Love the picks! Absolutely love them!
Once again, Bill Belichick surprised everyone, going offense with his first 2-picks. Maroney was a natural fit for the Pats, so much so that hardly anyone expected him to be the pick. He fills a big need as Corey Dillon, Kevin Faulk and Patrick Pass are all getting a bit long in the tooth. At worst he’s an insurance policy should Dillon not be able to rebound from an off year. At best, he’ll be the workhorse running back Tom Brady can count on for years to come. One bonus; Maroney was someone the Colts were thought to be very interested in.
Jackson is a steal where he was chosen. Like Maroney, he helps fill an obvious need with the departure of David Givens. Coming from Florida, he’s well versed in offensive football and has blazing speed, running a 4.35 in the 30.
Belichick and Scott Pioli still have some work to do to plug the holes left by free agency and the team still isn’t as good as the one that limped off the field in Denver. However, the rebuilding process is far from complete, with 8-more draft picks on the board and some decent free agents still roaming the market. Expect linebacker to be the next position the Pats focus on.
If nothing else, today’s moves assure Brady some weapons to work with for the foreseeable future and make the Pats offense young and dangerous again. There will be a lot of fresh young faces at training camp, and even if youth isn’t served in 2006, the Patriots are well-positioned to compete in 2007 and beyond.
Give New England an A+ for day one of the NFL draft.
What’s your take on the Patriots draft? Were you surprised the defensive-minded Belichick went offense with his first two selections? Is there someone else you’d rather they’d taken?
Comments (2)
Not only did they fill some holes on the offensive side, but they took the best players available regardless of their needs. With the Pats, everything is calculated, and with Belichik mentioning the LB position being very deep in this draft, only tells you the the Pats will select a quality LB or two with their remaining picks, as you've already mentioned. Thus, continue their winning ways. But then again, was there ever any doubt?
Posted by T2 | April 30, 2006 1:02 AM
Posted on April 30, 2006 01:02
Ted,
I was not as surprised that the Pats too Larry- Moe. I was surprised he was still there when they picked.... I think it was a good draft for the Pats filling 2 needs at RB,and WR..but another TE....???? for the 3rd round pick...It doesn't seem like the Pats even use the 2 great TE they have to their ability...I see a trade of a TE to fill another need on the roster. What's the scoop on the kicker they drafted...????
Christo
Posted by CHRISTO | May 1, 2006 10:44 AM
Posted on May 1, 2006 10:44