Get to Know the Patriots: NEPartiotsdraft’s James Christensen
James took some time to answer a few questions I posed for him (and he was also cool enough to participate in our two round Group mock from a number of different sites (being released soon).
The Patriots went 14-2 last year, but lost to the New York Jets in the playoffs. With numerous picks in the upcoming draft, including the first pick in the second round which they get a night to wheel and deal with, the Patriots will be major players in the upcoming draft. Let’s find out what James knows.
1) What are the Patriots biggest needs?
The Patriots have a host of small needs, but nothing that really jumps off the page at you. They did finish 14-2 last year. That said, their defensive line and outside linebacker depth was razor thin last year. The offensive line also needs an injection of youth and depth, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Logan Mankins, Matt Light, and Nick Kaczur.
2). How many picks do you think the Patrios will actually keep this year?
I’d be surprised to see the Patriots make more than 8-9 picks, and a few of those guys might have trouble making the 53. Especially if their is a “Rookie Wage-Scale” included in the CBA by draft day, this could be a year where the Patriots take quality over quantity.
3)How have the draft classes off the last two years come along?
The 2010 draft class may prove to be one of the best classes in Patriots history. Impact picks on offense (Gronkowski, Hernandez) , defense (McCourty, Cunnighman, Spikes), and special teams (Mesko) really make for a good haul.
The jury is still out on the 2009 draft class. Sebastian Vollmer and Pat Chung have had good seasons so far, but Darius Butler and Ron Brace have certainly under-performed. If Brandon Tate can emerge in 2011, that would certainly help things.
4) What are some of the players that Pats fans really want with their copious picks
The pass rush is always on the minds of Patriots fans, who have had to watch the Patriots pass on guys like Clay Matthews, Lamarr Woodley, and others the last few years.
They might be in luck this year though, as there are a ton of DE’s and OLB’s available to aid in sacking the quarterback.
JJ Watt, Muhammad Wilkerson, Aldon Smith, Robert Quinn, and Ryan Kerrigan are popular picks on message boards right now.
5). You’re a big draft guy and do a lot of scouting.. Who are some of your most underrated and overrated players?
If you would have asked this question a few months ago, we would have told you Muhammad Wilkerson and Cam Jordan were underrated, although now the secret is kind of out on those guys. Watch out for some small-school cornerbacks like Korey Lindsay (SIU) and Justin Rogers (Richmond).
We think that Von Miller is incredibly over-rated. We pegged him as a late 1st-early 2nd round guy early this year, and are sticking to our initial evaluation. He will probably go Top 10, but we just don’t see it.
6) Do the Patriots focus on certain types of players in the draft?
From what we’ve been able to ascertain, the Patriots have some distinct measurables they look for at certain positions – length at OLB for example. The interview process, and determining whether football is important to a prospect, are other themes that often come up.
7). Tell our readers how the Patriots front office functions who’s calling the shots on the draft?
Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio are starting to form a partnership like the Pioli/Belichick team that brought home some rings early last decade, but in reality, it is Belichick’s war-room.
8). Do you think the Patriots will consider a high draft pick on a QB soon to be the future replacement for Brady?
I think that this year would be one too early, but the Patriots have never shied away from taking a shot in the 3rd round. It didn’t work out on Kevin O’Connel, but if a guy like Christian Ponder or Colin Kaepernick starts to drop, they might try it again.
9). Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning. Who is better (not a draft Q, but still one that needs to be asked)
It’s splitting hairs – they are both great at what they do. When in doubt, we look at their fingers. Manning has nine naked ones, while Brady only has seven.
10). I live in Rochester, NY and the Bills are always on T.V. ….can they Borrow BB for a year so I can see some competitive games?
Good luck with that…
11). Tell us about your site and why people should check it out.
NEPatriotsDraft.com is the premiere place to go to learn, analyze, and converse about the NFL Draft as it relates to the New England Patriots. We hold mock drafts, discuss prospects, and much more. Come join the fun!
For fans of all NFL teams, NEPatriotsDraft.com is THEE place to go for undrafted free agent information. Minutes after the draft until weeks later, we have all the latest information, all in one convenient place.
12). Anything else to add…??
Thanks for the opportunity.
Check James out at nepatriotsdraft.com.
And follow us on twitter @NFLMocks
Previous Team Expert interviews:
Bleeding Green Nation (eagles)
Josh Buchanan of JB Scouting (Entirely non-fbs prospects)
Kansas City Chiefs
St. Louis Rams 3k TurfhshowTimes
Brian Galliford of Buffalo Rumblings (Bills)
Ed Valentine of Big Blue View (New York Giants)