Patriots/NFL Draft

The Patriots are almost done drafting, having just made a selection at No. 211. Barring any trades, they only have one more pick, No. 247. After trading the No. 110 pick to the Oakland Raiders for Randy Moss, the Patriots have made seven picks so far today. With thanks to Scouts Inc. and ESPN.com, here is a quick breakdown of each player. 4th Round (No. 127): Kareem Brown, DT, Miami, FL, 6-4, 290 lbs. Brown is a good athlete and has potential but has been inconsistent in his college career. He did record 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2006 so he has shown the ability to make plays. Playing next to another former Hurricane, Vince Wilfork, could get Brown to realize his potential. 5th Round (No. 171): Clint Oldenburg, OT, Colorado State, 6-5, 296 lbs. There was no information on Oldenburg but consider that the Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is well known for developing low round/undrafted free agents (Dan Koppen, Joe Andruzzi, Stephen Neal). Oldenburg may be worth keeping an eye on at training camp. 6th Round (180): Justin Rogers, ILB, Southern Methodist There is less on Rogers than there is on Oldenburg. However, ESPN.com has Rogers listed as an inside linebacker but when his name appeared on ESPN after being selected, he was listed as a defensive end. I'm not sure where he plays -- will have to wait for the Herald and Globe tomorrow to find out. 6th Round (No. 202): Mike Richardson, CB, Notre Dame, 5-11, 189 lbs. Richardson is the third straight Patriot selection to have no info posted on ESPN.com. However, the Fighting Irish defense was not particularly impressive last year so I'm not sure how he will fit. Looking to be positive for a second, maybe Charlie Weis has given his former boss a hidden gem. 6th Round (No. 208): Justise Hairston, RB, Central Connecticut State I'm not shocked that Hairston is pretty much unlisted over at ESPN.com. Interesting that on the television he was listed as Justise Hairston but ESPN.com has his first name as Justin. I hope that I'm wrong but I doubt it will ever matter. 6th Round (No. 209): Corey Hilliard, OT, Oklahoma State, 6-5, 308 Hilliard will be another project for Scarnecchia. Has a reputation as a mean drive blocker who is limited athletically. An ideal right tackle, possible lining up next to new tight end Kyle Brady? He could also see time at guard. 7th Round (No. 211): Oscar Lua, ILB, Southern California, 6, 238 Lua replaced Lofa Tatupu in the Trojan defense and made a name for himself against the run. The scouts say he is limited athletically and his 4.85 time in the 40 doesn't disprove that. Maybe it's the name (actually, it is the name), I hope he makes it in New England. Overall, I like what the Patriots did this weekend. Brandon Meriweather has had some trouble both on and off the field but Belichick obviously thinks that will be of no concern and his talent and production at Miami make me believe he will make an instant impact for the Pats (Dallas Clark will not out run him in the secondary). In the later rounds they took some chances. Kareem Brown hopefully can develop into a player who can add depth to the defensive line, something that former second round pick Marquise Hill has failed to do. Both Rogers and Lua could be given the chance to make the roster as special teams players and develop into a player in the future. Both of the offensive lineman -- Oldenburg and Hilliard -- could help a unit that is in need of depth. I also like the two major trades the Patriots made. I like trading the No. 28 overall pick to the 49ers for the No. 110 pick this year (which was used to get Moss) and a first round pick in 2008. I like where the 49ers are going but I still think that pick will represent more value in 2008 than it did in 2007. The Moss trade seems to be another stroke of genius by the New England organization. Moss has some issues but in only giving up a fourth round pick, the Pats are not taking a major gamble. I also think that the professionalism of the team will make Moss a positive contributor.