With the Patriots having six of the top 100 picks at their disposal this coming weekend, the 2009 NFL Draft will be looked at five years from now by Patriot fans and NFL experts as one of two things. It will be either known as the bountiful harvest that allowed the Patriots to continue their high level of football into the second decade of the 21st century, or it will be known as a monstrous flop.

Here is who we feel would kickstart a rejuvenated Patriots dynasty:

#23 – Robert Ayers, DE/LB, Tennessee
In order to give new additions Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs a chance, the Patriots need to get to the Quarterback — exactly what Ayers is programmed to do.

#34 – Max Unger, OL, California
Unger can play every position on the line, which allows the Patriots to plug him in if Mankins, Neal, or Kaczur isn’t around in 2010. Unger could also take over Kaczur’s spot at RT.

#47 – Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Chung is built like Rodney Harrison and can play physical near the point of attack. His coverage skills need some polishing, but playing behind Sanders and Meriweather for a year will give him time to develop.

#58 – Pat White, QB/WR, West Viginia
Belichick will find a myriad of ways to use this athletic guy that just knows how to win football games.

#89 – Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois
We expect this pick to be used to move up in the 1st or 2nd round or moved into 2010, but if Williams is the pick, he is a highly athletic prospect that could play outside.

#97 – Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
While he struggled with grades at times, Greene is a strong inside runner that responds to the Belichick coaching tree. (Kirk Ferentz)

#124 – Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida
Would be amazing on the Patriot special-teams units and has the UCF pedigree to be able to perform in our 3-4 defense.

#170 – Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State
Pascoe is a bulldozer TE in the mold of Kyle Brady who can really act as a 3rd tackle.

#199 – Ian Johnson, RB, Boise St.
Patriot-style player that could be used a backup running back and special teams ace.

#207 – Thomas Morstead, P, SMU
Why not?

#234 – Julius Williams, OLB, UConn
The Patriots have shown interest in Williams and Belichick loves to try out OLB’s.

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The Patriots linebackers, much maligned by New England fans on nearly every draft day this decade, finally received a 1st day addition in 2008: Jerod Mayo. With their appetities whetted, Patriots fans now yearn for another young backer to continue the youth movement.

Losing Mike Vrabel, however, is no easy task to recover from. The addition of Tully Banta-Cain and the expected progression of Gary Guyton, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, and Vincent Redd softens the blow, but Patriot fans are looking for more; Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas are both on the wrong side of thirty years of age.

Draft Analysis:
Expect at least one of the Patriots first-day draft picks to address either the ILB or OLB position.

The following players have been worked out or interviewed by the Patriots:

OLB Connor Barwin
OLB Cody Brown
OLB Everette Brown
OLB Larry English
OLB Sherman Logan
OLB Henry Melton
OLB Lawrence Sidbury

LB Russell Allen
LB Stanley Arnoux
LB Jasper Brinkley
LB Brian Cushing
LB Moise Fokou
LB Zach Follett
LB Kevin Malast
LB Clay Matthews
LB Rey Maualuga
LB Tyrone McKenzie
LB Derek Nicholson
LB Dan Skuta
LB Jason Williams

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If there is any position that the Patriots tend to address in nearly every draft, it is the defensive line. Looking at the likes of Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, and Ty Warren, all first round picks, you begin to believe that this might be the position that the Patriots value most.

That being said, how much better can the defensive line get? Having three pro-bowl caliber players is a luxury few teams can afford, as the Patriots might find out next year. Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour will both be entering free agency next year, barring unforeseen circumstances such as a trade or a creative extension.

There is some depth on the line, as LeKevin Smith, Mike Wright, and Jarvis Green all have played well when called upon. Expect Jarvis Green to be looked at for a contract restructure sometime soon.

Draft Analysis:
With the future of two of the three cornerstones of the Patriots defense up in the air, expect the Patriots to jump at any player they feel can play in the 3-4 and presents good value. An example of this would be if B.J. Raji would fall past the Packers at #9 or Broncos at #12. If that would happen, expect Belichick to use some of his accumulated ammo from round 2 or 3 to swoop in and grab him. Sen’ Derrick Marks, Ziggy Hood, and Jarron Gilbert would also be good additions.

The following DL prospects have been interviewed or worked out by the Patriots:

DL Robert Ayers
DL Chris Baker
DL Rulon Davis
DL Alex Field
DL Josh Gaines
DL Jarron Gilbert
DL Adrian Grady
DL Lonnie Harvey
DL Terrence Knighton
DL Sammie Lee Hill
DL Evander Hood
DL Alex Magee
DL Sen’Derrick Marks
DL B.J. Raji

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