2012 New England Patriots NFL Draft Q&A With James Christensen of NEPatriotsDraft.com
James Christensen is one of the good guys out there in the NFL Draft blogosphere, and he was kind enough to take some questions from NFL Mocks about the up-coming draft for the New England Patriots, the reigning AFC Champions. Be sure to check out Christensen’s site NEPatriotsDraft.com and follow him on Twitter @nepatriotsdraft.
1. What are the Patriots’ top needs going into the draft?
Super Bowl teams tend not to have a ton of pressing needs, but there are certainly some spots where the Patriots can add some youth and depth. Adding some dynamic players to the front seven and safety position on defense should be priorities.
"2. What players do you think best fit their philosophy in the early portion of the draft?"
With the defensive focus (3-4 or 4-3) in 2012 unknown at this point, I’ll have to go with some versatile prospects. Vinny Curry (DE/OLB, Marshall), Shea McClellin (OLB/ILB) and Fletcher Cox (DE/DT) all are versatile, productive players that show good work ethic and a love for the game.
"3. Who is primed to be a breakout player for the Patriots in 2012?"
I think running back Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are going to have huge years for the Patriots. Vereen pretty much had a redshirt year in 2011, while Ridley looked good other than a few fumbles. Each of them are going to be key in keeping opposing defenses honest.
"4. What sleeper prospect do you like best for the Patriots?"
One prospect that I’ve liked since August is a guy you can hardly call a sleeper anymore – Trumaine Johnson (CB/S, Montana). Not a whole lot of people knew about him until Matt Elder from BuffaloBillsDraft.com turned me on to him and we did a few write-ups. I think he is a natural fit as a free safety.
"5. What is a position that has decent depth already that could be upgraded in the draft?"
The offensive skill positions are all very deep in New England. That said, with the skill positions being absolutely stacked in the 2012 NFL Draft, with the exception of the tight end class, the Patriots could certainly find some value in the second and third rounds. Doug Martin (RB, Boise State) is a guy that I’d love New England to pick if he is available at pick 48.
"6. Are the Patriots candidates to trade up? If so, for what player(s)?"
I wouldn’t count them out of trading up. Quinton Coples (DE, UNC) and Fletcher Cox (DL, Mississippi State) are two elite front-seven prospects that I’m sure the Patriots would be interested in.
"7. Which team poses the biggest threat to the Pats in the division, and why?"
I’m going to go against the grain and say Buffalo. They have the start of a great defense and some interesting guys on offense. They are about 4-5 players from being a very good team.
"8. What would be your ideal first round for the Patriots?"
In our 2012 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Patriots selecting McClellin and Jayron Hosley (CB, Virginia Tech). While I would be happy with that first round, ideally I’d have the Patriots pick up a true game-changer like Cox or Coples.
Well, there you have it everyone. Be sure to check out James and his entire crew over at NEPatriotsDraft.com and follow them on Twitter! Always great NFL Draft insights throughout the year, and their network has some of the best small school evaluators on the web. James himself is also one of the best Iowa Hawkeyes draft prospect evaluators out there.