Finding Bargains

At least we know New England will not have a problem signing their draft picks before training camp.

In the past I'd be parked in front of the tv watching every pick and waiting in anticipation for the Patriots' selections. So I could imagine the scenario as commish Roger Goodell steps to the podium and announces:

"With the 23rd overall pick, the New England Patriots select...to trade their pick to Baltimore."

Balloon deflated. But hey, at least I only have to wait three picks before the Pats make a first round pick.

"With the 26th overall pick, the New England Patriots select...to trade their pick to Green Bay."

At that point I'd be up in arms wondering what were they thinking.

Two words: bargain shopping. I'm not saying these players are bustas. But half the players are projects. The only player linked to the Pats was CB Darius Butler. The other prospect that could contribute now is DT Ron Brace. Otherwise, I'm not wild about S Patrick Chung and OT Sebastian Vollmer. Chung can hit and play the run, but is a liability in pass coverage. and Vollner sounds like a year or two project for the right side.

Outside linebacker? No one on the current roster has me convinced they can be the starter opposite Adalius Thomas. Of the candidates between Pierre Woods, Tully Banta-Cain, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd, and Angelo Craig, Crable is the favorite by default. Woods doesn't pass rush well, Banta-Cain is a liability in pass coverage, Redd and Craig are unknowns, and Crable never saw the field before going on injured reserve.

The secondary will be a battle royal now that these two rookies enter the competition. It's possible one of two corners drafted last year won't make the team. Either that or Shawn Springs and Tank Williams move on.

For what it's worth, at least RB Shonn Greene is still available. Other names that interest me for day two are TE James Casey and DT Jarron Gilbert. As for the draft picks, their profiles are below.

S Patrick Chung

DT Ron Brace

CB Darius Butler

OT Sebastian Vollner