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Fashion Cents Unveiled After Hours Live Free or Dine Off Track The Mother of all Blogs Raising Athletes The Pop Diner The Editor's Blog Web Notes On Assignment Hot Flash Granite Geek Inside NH Preps calendarAnother draft in the booksTom | 27 April, 2008 18:55 | (361)
Here’s a rundown of the Patriots 2008 NFL Draft, one in which they went predominantly with defensive and special team players. In fact, the only real true offensive player they took was a quarterback out of San Diego State, certainly not something they seem to need.It seems they finally have succeeded in, as Bill Belichick said tonight, getting “younger and faster on defense. I’ve been saying that for six years.”Meaning it’s easier said than done. FIRST ROUNDNo. 10: LB JEROD MAYO, 6-1, 242, TENNESSEEA solid choice with smarts (already has his degree) and versatility (played all three linebacker spots). Is an obsessive film watcher who can chase down running backs as well as drop back in coverage. May be suited more for the inside spot than outside in a 3-4 defense. SECOND ROUNDNo. 62: CB TERRENCE WHEATLEY, 5-9, 183, COLORADOMany had projected him to be a fourth or fifth rounder at best, but Wheatley has something the Patriots love: Speed (4.50 40 time). He also seems to be a ball hawk, third in school history with 14 career interceptions. Some feel he lacks strength and intensity, but the Patriots should handle that problem. THIRD ROUNDNo. 78: LB SHAWN CRABLE, 6-5, 243 MICHIGANA ‘tweener defensive end/linebacker who has shown some big play ability and has also played well against the pass. He’s got good pass rushing skills, and some feel he’ll be better off bulking up a bit to play defensive end where he can use those skills to the fullest. Case in point: He had 28.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage his senior year. No. 94, QB KEVIN O’CONNELL, 6-5, 225 SAN DIEGO STATEAdd him to the Matt Cassel backup club. First player in school history to lead the team in both passing and rushing in the same season. Passed for 1,950 yards and 19 TDs his final season and showed a strong arm, but also holds school career rushing record (1,312) and TDs rushing (19) by a QB. FOURTH ROUNDNo. 129, DB JONATHAN WILHITE, 5-11, 185 AUBURNSaid by many to have starting talent. Had 14 pass breakups in three seasons with three interceptions, and can also function well as a nickel back. Scouts like his ability in coverage, and what he lacks in speed he might make up for in technique. Main problem: Wasn’t deemed to be a starter, as he failed to start in 11 of his 34 career games. FIFTH ROUNDNO. 153, CB-WR MATT SLATER, 6-0, 198, UCLAPerhaps the most interesting pick of the entire Patriots draft, as Slater – son of Hall of Fame lineman Jackie Slater -- came into school as a wide receiver, then became a safety and a cornerback, and finally, in 2007, settled on being a kickoff return specialist for the Bruins and turned into a good one, with three TDs, tied for the lead in the nation. He also saw time on kick coverage units. Believe it or not, the Patriots traded up to get this guy. SIXTH ROUND NO. 197, LB BO RUUD, 6-2, 234 NEBRASKAThe first thing written about him in The Sporting News Draft Guide is “smart”, so you can see why he was attractive to the Patriots. He’s played both weakside and strongside linebacker, not exactly an agile player, but is said to read the quarterback well. Brother of Tampa Bay LB Barrett Ruud. But this Ruud looks like a backup, but you never know. He did return two passes for touchdowns last year. -- TOM KING
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