Random Thoughts (April 23, 2010)

The first round of the NFL Draft was disappointing for Patriots fans. Dez Bryant, the star wide reciever from Oklahoma State, dropped to the Pats at pick 22 but Bill Belichick traded down two spots to 24. Bryant was still available at 24 but Belichick traded down a second time to 27, allowing the Cowboys to select Bryant. Belichick finally drafted Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty. McCourty adds depth to the so-so Patriots secondary. He joins Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, and Terrence Wheatley at cornerback. Springs has clearly lost a step and neither Wilhite or Wheatley have impressed in their first two years so adding another cover guy does fill a need. The problem is that the Patriots did not fill more pressing needs such as a pass rusher or a playmaker on offense. Belichick does hold three picks in the second round (44, 47, and 53) and one in the third round (90) to fulfill those needs but passing on Bryant and Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle could come back to haunt the Pats this fall... The Celtics will attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead on the Heat in their first round series tonight while the Bruins will look to eliminate the Sabres in their first round series. Although neither team has a realistic shot at a championship this spring, the early round success both teams have enjoyed so far have made for some good memories. The star of this excitement has been Tuuka Rask, the young Bruins goalie. Rask has led the B's to some thrilling wins over Buffalo and their star netminder Ryan Miller. As long as Rask continues to stand on his head, the Bruins can keep wishing about hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup in June... Despite their terrible start, the Red Sox should still be a playoff team come October. Their pitching has started slowly but a rotation of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, and Daisuke Matsuzaka - who returns from the disabled list next week - is too talented to struggle for an entire season. The one true worry is their lack of offense. That would be fixed by adding another bat - ahem, Adrian Gonzalez - but until then, the pitching will carry the team back to the top of the AL East... Enjoy Mark Recchi tonight...