As the draft approaches, it's obvious that the Patriots need an outside linebacker that can effectively rush the quarterback and maybe another cornerback to add to the competition between Ellis Hobbs, Jonathan Wilhite, and Terrence Wheatley. Finding the kind of LB that would fit in New England will be tougher this year.
For the second year in a row it will be a defensive draft. Last year teams coveted players that could rush the quarterback after they witnessed how a dominant pass rush could protect a questionable secondary in Super Bowl XLII. This year it's not just about players that can get to the quarterback. All types of front seven defenders are desired as several teams will overhaul their defenses.
It's a side-effect of the numerous coaching changes. As assistants and coordinators rose to the lead new teams, they will shape their new team into the kind of team they want on both sides of the ball.
Some coaches walked into a situation where the team is already in the coaches' image (Eric Mangini to Cleveland, Raheem Morris in Tampa Bay), but others must go player by player and decide whom can play the new scheme and who to cut. For the teams that will completely overhaul their defenses, their change likely means they will be after the kind of players New England would be interested in.
For 2009, more teams will convert their defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Green Bay committed to the change as Dom Capers arrives as the new defensive coordinator. Already DE Aaron Kampman said he will switch from DE to OLB. Another team that is probable to change is the Denver Broncos now that Josh McDaniels is running the show. DE Jarvis Moss might be tailor-made to make the switch to OLB, but Denver has a lot of work to do before they have all the players in place to make a 3-4 work.
Those aren't the only teams that pose a threat to the Patriots' draft plans. Two teams might abandon the Tampa-2 defense made famous by former Tampa Bay and Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy.
Detroit and Indianapolis constructed their defenses with small LBs and D-linemen because speed was valued over girth. That probably won't be the case as Jim Schwartz (Lions) and Jim Caldwell (Colts) take over. The days of 5'11" LBs and linemen tipping scales at 270 pounds probably are over.
Schwartz, former coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, will bring in six-foot-plus LBs and possibly some DTs well above 300 pounds that can play aggressive. Caldwell is an offensive mind, but probably doesn't like watching his D get pushed around or be unable to stay healthy for a full season.
Finally there are the teams that were just plain bad on defense: Kansas City, Seattle, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and New Orleans are some examples of teams with major flaws that must be addressed. Whether they have to fortify the line D-line or tab versatile linebackers, a lot of players they select will drain the pool of defenders that fit New England’s mold.
Currently on the Patriots roster there are seven outside linebackers: Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd, Darrell Robertson, and Angleo Craig. After Vrabel and Thomas, is there anyone with starting ability? The Pats would like to add a player to the competition. But first they have to find the right player before the rest of the league gets him.
Keywords: Aaron Kampman, Adalius Thomas, Angelo Craig, Cleveland Browns, Darrell Robertson, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Dom Capers, Ellis Hobbs, Eric Mangini, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Jarvis Moss, Jim Caldwell, Jim Schwartz, Jonathan Wilhite, Josh McDaniels, Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots, Pierre Woods, Raheem Morris, Shawn Crable, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Terrence Wheatley, Vince Redd
