Patriots Draft

Although my mock draft was an unmitigated disaster, the Bill Belichick/Scott Pioli/New England Patriot draft was a complete success. In the first round, at pick No. 21, the Patriots grabbed Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney. Maroney is slated to be the back of the future in New England as he begins what should be a productive apprenticeship under Corey Dillon. His 2005 season -- the only year Maroney started for the Gophers -- produced 1,464 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the two previous seasons -- splitting time with current Dallas Cowboy Marion Barber III -- Maroney ran for 1,348 yards and 12 TD's (2004) and 1,121 yards and 10 TD's (2003). This was a great pick for both the present and the future. In the second round, the Pats grabbed Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson. They traded up to pick No. 36 to grad this productive pass catcher that they almost took at pick No. 21. Jackson had 900 receiving yards in 2005 and scored 9 TD's. He is known for his terrific hands and is a great addition for the receiver-thin Patriots. The Patriots then added Texas tight end David Thomas in Round 3 and Tulsa tight end Garret Mills (who will probably be converted to fullback) in Round 4. Both are solid pass catchers who will provide All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady with more options in the passing game. Also in Round 4, the Pats took Memphis kicker Stephen Gostkowski. The 2005 Conference USA special teams player-of-the-year may be the replacement for Patriot legend Adam Vinatieri. Let's just hope he can make some clutch kicks. In the fifth round, New England selected mammoth (6'7, 363) California right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan. O'Callaghan was thought by many to be the best right tackle in college football in 2005 and with that position a question mark for the Pats, expect him to make a play to start as a rookie. Rounding out the draft, the Pats acquired Florida defensive end Jeremy Mincey, Notre Dame guard Dan Stevenson, Nebraska defensive tackle Le Kevin Smith and Baylor safety Willie Andrews. Now, it would be idiotic to grade this draft -- these guys haen't even played a snap in mini-camp yet. But the players taken should help form another solid Patriot draft class.