REMEMBER: PLAYER DEVELOPMENT IS KEY (If I was Tim Couch, I would sue the Browns Organization for killing his career). They threw him in too fast and he never recovered. Anyway, The Pats are only getting better and better. Continually making a push for another ring. This is what is happening in Cleveland, just watch, you will see. I told my wife a year or two ago. I wish we could just FF to 2008 so that the fans can finally ssee what Savage and Crennel are building here. With that said:

Defense:

Safeties: We currently have Pool and Jones who I think will be an excellent tandem for years to come (I hope Jones improves his coverage skills though), but we also have Justin Hamilton who will provide great depth. I believe he will be a great playmaker and also a great situation player as well (especially with his size and football intellect)

Corners: Leigh Bodden was injured for a lot of the season. He will suprise people. Daven Holly is young and he did suprise. he came on strong at the end of last year. Remember all the injuries the Pats went through on defense that one year and a bunch of nobodies stepped up. Who was the DC for them? Oh yeah Romeo. How far did they get in the playoffs? oh yeah, SB champs. Noone is saying that Wright is a shut down corner (if there even is such a thing anymore), but he will provide quality depth and a definite upgrade from Ralph Brown. Don't forget about Demario Minter, who was also injured last year. He is yet another playmaker. I do hope they draft another CB on Day two though!!

Linebackers: Andra Davis, D'Qwell Jackson, Kameron Wimbley, Leon Williams. These players are solid people. Just because DQ did not have 15 sacks, does not mean his run stopping ability is not legit. These players will continue to get better, especially with a revamped DL to shake them loose. Also, Peek provides great depth. Some people were against this pick. He didn't fit the system in Houston. Just watch what he does on passing situations (especially next year). This does not even take into account McGinest (I agree, his best days are behind him, but his leadership and experience will help these rookies mature faster (go to TC and see how he helps the players develop their hand and foot work). I believe that this is team's strongest position.

Devensive Line: Here is the major problem. But do you seriously think that they don't know that?!?!? Don't be suprised if we draft at least 3 DL. Roye and Washington WILL be there. Are they past their prime...yes. Again, depth; but more importantly more leadership and experience for the young corp that we will have. Also, I think we will have one or two free agents sign before the draft. Robaire Smith would be nice!

Offense:

Offensive Line: OK. Here is how I see it. Shaffer will be MUCH better next year (Remember he was a right tackle in ATL) because he is getting a better feel and, more importantly, he will not have to help prevent Andruzzi from getting burnt. Steinbach will make this entire line better. Fraley is not Bentley, but he is STILL an upgrade from how Faine played in CLE. He, again, will improve because 1) he will be here for TC this year and 2) he, again, won't have to make up for Andruzzi. Quote me on this "TUCKER WILL BE BACK, AND HE WILL PROVE HIMSELF". Now if he is at RG or RT, I don't know. I don't think anyone does yet, not even Marshall. However, he can still play, and he is good depth. Isaac Sowells and Kelly Butler WILL SUPRISE. Both will be much better depth than we have ever had on the OL. One may even crack the starting lineup and, with the supporting cast, will produce. I also believe we will pick up at least one other OL in the draft! Oh, another important point. Almost all these guys, if not all, are versatile. Not Butch Davis' "versatile". But seriously versatile. They will be able to move around and still gel. Even with an injury. If Bentley ever sees the field again........LOOK OUT. (It may even turn this position into the team's strength. (yes, I said it). Also, picking up gandy or Mahan would be nice!

Wide Reciever: Edwards did drop alot of balls, I know (I watched them all with disgust as well). Don't let it fool you. He is a playmaker. He just came off the surgery and anyone will tell you that with that kind of injury it takes a year until the guy is back to normal. "what does that have to do with the drop balls." Nothing! I agree, that is disappointing, but Chandler will definitely help with that. I am not taking the blame off of Braylon. He has to improve that. But, I watched how horrible Robiskie was with these players at TC. Of course they all liked him. He never got an their ass about anything.......ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE PLAYERS NEVER TUCKING THE BALL IN AS SOON AS THEY MAKE A CATCH. (Sorry that is my major pet peeve when I go to camp. Anyway, Braylon will improve. We also have JJ, who is a solid #2. and Travis Wilson is a player. Do not question him. He was great in camp. He is still learning. Cribbs is also a solid #4. Good Depth here also.

Tight End: I don't care what anyone says. I am glad we kept him. Yes, he is a talker, but at least he shows up to play. I have always said, we need an ASSW#*% on this team. People can feed on his energy. We all hate Ray Lewis (I still think he is also very overrated) but HE DOES pump up his teammates. I see K2 taking a leadership role more in 2007. He will also show that a microfracture surgery does not mean you can't come back at 100%. He is and will be a probowler in this league. Dinkens and Heiden have proven they can get the job done if K2 falls. Again, more depth

Runningback: say what you will, but be very careful when you tell a 27 year old 240lb smashmouth rb, with only a one-year contract based on incentives, who is only two years out of incarceration that he is washed up. That is a VERY BIG CHIP. Not to mention he also want to land a multi-year contract and break the bank. Not to also mention, he will be going up against the team that gave up on e him twice a year. Believe me when I tell you, He WILL PRODUCE!. Terrelle Smith, Vickers, Harrison, Wright all provide depth and very good spells for the starters.

Quarterback: We will see what happens here, I guess. This position is a question mark. Not because I don't think Frye or Anderson have what it takes, but because they have never had the OL to help them shine. You can't tell how high a plane will fly if the runway is full of potholes. However, I don't think it matters. All the QB in this system will have to do is make the short dump offs and, when it is time to go deep, he doesn't have to be 100% perfect due to the size and athletism of the wideouts. However, we are even starting to aquire depth here.

who do I think we will draft, I don't know. But I can take a guess at the positions for each round: No basis or research on this, just another dumb Butch Davis Type "good feeling". (However, for round one, I truly belive that Savage will be happy with either Thomas, AD, or CJ).

#1 - Calvin Johnson (he is my pick), AD, JT
#2 - OT Joe Staley would be nice here
#3 - DL
#4 - RB
#5 - CB
#6 - DL
#7 - DL

I must note that 80% of me believes the #1 pick will be traded for more picks. I seriously doubt we will pick at the number 3 overall. But, if we do, we could use the talent.

Again, I would also like to see a QB, DL, and OG pick ed up before the draft

That is all I have really. Does this post even matter..........probably not. It is just my two cents. Will most of you rip it apart............probably. Who am I anyway, right. I never played football, outside of junior high (one of my biggest regrets actually). What do I know? But at least I got this out of my system. Take it as you will.........I just hope my predictions are right. Thank you for your time.

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