After shoring up the defensive secondary by picking Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty, the Patriots have some needs to address on both sides of the ball tomorrow.
Here is who we see them targeting:
Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
The Patriots will probably have to trade up from the #44 spot to land Kindle, but his pass-rush skills are greatly needed in Foxboro.
Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson
As with Kindle, Sapp brings some much needed pass-rush ability to the table. Unlike Kindle, however, Sapp could be there for us at pick #44.
Brian Price, DE, UCLA / Everson Griffen, DE, USC / Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Two guys from LA and a Gator with similar problems: taking plays off and questions about position fit. Not sure Price can dominate in the 5-tech, and not sure Griffen can play 3-4 OLB. Dunlap has off the field issues and loafing problems. That said, they are incredibly talented athletes.
Linval Joseph, DL, East Carolina
Joseph is a guy that can stop the run, whether he plays the 5-tech, 3-tech, or nose. Very strong at the POA.
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
To select Tate, the Patriots might have to trade up to pick #33 with the St. Louis Rams. If they can pull it off though, Tate is an explosive receiver that can instantly upgrade the WR position opposite Randy Moss.
Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss
Kevin Faulk 2.0 is an incredible football player, that just happens to be pretty tiny. If the Patriots feel like he can hold up, his versatility and elusiveness is top-notch.
Marcus Easley, WR, UConn / Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel / Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cinci
If the Patriots can’t get Golden Tate, either of these wideouts would provide some good value in the 3rd round. Both are absolutely fearless over the middle.
Koa Misi, DE, Utah / AJ Edds, OLB, Iowa
Both are very versatile guys, with Misi being able to play DE, OLB, and we feel SILB for the Patriots. Edds is a guy that can really cover, but will have to fit at either the MIKE or WILL to get picked.
