2012 New England Patriots NFL Draft Q&A With Musket Fire’s Joshua Gray

We are conducting Q&A with every editor around the FanSided NFL network for the NFL Draft season, and today we talked to Joshua Gray of Musket Fire, the New England Patriots’ blog. Here are his thoughts on the Pats in the up-coming draft.

1. What are your team’s top three needs heading to the draft?

DE, CB, and OT

"2. What is your team’s biggest offseason acquisition, and how will it affect draft strategy?"

Brandon Lloyd is our biggest move and it was a HUGE one. Partnering him with Tom Brady will really stretch the field and force the opposing defenses to respect the deep threat. By focusing on offensive free agents, this really sets the Patriots up for a defensive draft.

"3. Who would you mock to your team in the 1st round right now, realistically?"

With a GLARING need for a pass rush, and based on mock speculation, Chandler Jones is looking more and more like the guy.

"4. Which player from your team’s class of 2010 is going to break out in 2012?"

Brandon Spikes. He’s gotta stay healthy, but this could be a huge year for him.

"5. Who is your team’s best draft pick since 2002?"

Vince Wilfork. I know offensive players like Gronk get a lot of the glory, but Wilfork has been shutting DOWN the opposing teams chances to run up the middle since his arrival in 2004.

"6. Which division rival of your team are you most worried about in 2012?"

Hands down the Buffalo Bills. Offensively they are STACKED, but they’re defense is built for one reason, and one reason only: pressure Tom Brady.

"7. Which position could your team draft that would surprise everyone, but not your fan base?"

WR