Pats draft re-cap

The Patriots did a alot of wheeling and dealing this weekend. They acquired two second rounders next year and sent corner/kick returner Ellis Hobbs packing. A move which surprised me. Ellis was a very good kick returner and a decent corner. But after signing Bodden, Springs and drafting Darius Butler it made Hobbs expendable. I liked Ellis, When most Patriots would give you a rude remark when asked for an interview, Hobbs was always ready to talk. The Patrick Chung choice for me is a filler for Rodney. He can learn from him and fill his shoes when his time is up. He is a similar player. One who can fill the box. Brace was a great move. I think you'll see Vince Wilfork walk at the end of the season. I think Wilfork is one of the best D-lineman in the game at stopping the run and will be paid like it. The Patriots don't play that game. Brace can now learn the system for a year. Get his feet wet and come in on 3rd and short and goal line situations. Darius Butler is a tough player against the run. I love when a cornerback isn't afraid to make a tackle. Sebastian Vollmer is a huge O-Tackle who could see early playing time on the right side. He could end up at left in a few years. He is still pretty raw and will only get better. Branden Tate was a first round prospect until he tore his ACL and MCL last season. Questions surrounded his character after failing a drug test at the combine. But that didn't seem to bother them taking him in the third round. The Pats other third round selection Tyrone Mckenzie was an excellent pick. He is a tackling machine and may be able to move inside in a 3-4 after playing outside linebacker in college. McKenzie had 18 tackles in a game against Pittsburgh in 2007. Rich Ohrnberger could be one of those picks like Dan koppen. He adds great depth to the guard position which needs it. I can see him becoming a starter in the future. He is also a great teammate. George Bussey is very similar to Ohrnberger in size and stats. Both top tier lineman in their conferences. I like these two picks and with Mankins future in question because of contract it was a smart move adding both players. Myron Prior was a 3 year starter at Kentucky. He isn't tall at 6'0'' but is 319lbs which could translate to the nose in a 3-4 adding more depth if he makes the squad. Long Snapper Jake Ingram out of Hawaii will battle for the Long snapper spot after Lonnie Paxton left for Denver. seventh round picks Julian Edelman of Kent and Darryl Richard will try and make the team. Edelman was a quarterback at Kent. I think they like his athleticism more than his throwing ability. His chance to make the team is more at kick returner. Richard is a D-lineman. He had an excellent four year career at Georgia tech. Winning numerous awards in many different seasons. At 6'4'' 290 he adds some depth at end. Jarvis Green and Richard Seymore have contracts up at the end of 2009. I give this draft a B. I think in a few years we will look back and see alot of the players from this years draft contributing to the team. with 4 to 6 potential starters.