Never Caught Short

So the Patriots have a starting five on the O-line and the rotation along the D-line all set. That's why half of the dozen draft picks selected over the two-day NFL Draft reinforce those units.

As for the need at linebacker, they got Tyrone McKenzie from South Florida. I was hoping for George Selvie, but I have to wait until next year for him.

Without a proven starter opposite Adalius Thomas, head coach Bill Belichick and his staff wait until the third round for a guy with 4.5 career sacks. Considering the Patriots as a team had 31 sacks last year, that's not giving the secondary much help.

Bill will put his trust in the crop of unprovens that total 13.5 career sacks. The coahces must be seeing something special in practice.

New England also has faith in RB Laurence Maroney. No one argues the talent. But he needs to be able to stay healthy through a full season and run aggressively. The dancing behind the line stuff is more than annoying.

It this a bit harsh? Possibly, but when the team's biggest question marks aren't addressed with urgency I get concerned.

There's a few picks I do like. DT Ron Brace should be a great fit and should be able to contribute now. Darryl Richard passes the eyeball test better than Myron Pryor. And WR Brandon Tate in the third is the best value because the former Tar Heel was rated a late first to second rounder.

The three O-linemen are wait and see guys. Sebastian Vollmer is a project while Rich Ohrnberger and George Bussey probably face a tough time making the field. They have to make the team first, though.

I hope this isn't a repeat of the 2007 draft where only two players made the team. The roster can't accommodate all 12 draftees, not even if the practice squad was expanded to 10 openings.

The first six are locks. Of the second half of the draft I'm gonna take a guess that Pryor, QB Julian Edelman and LS Jake Ingram should pack light for camp. Between Ohrnberger and Bussey, only one will make the practice squad at best. And Richard must perform well or he will be a casualty of the numbers game.

All that's left is shopping for rookie free agents, which shouldn't be taken lightly. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis and LB Gary Guyton both played well when they had the chance. Who's next to surprise? I already have my eye on RB Ian Johnson.