[Lefty Noob]

In the crazy landscape of the NFL, a guy like USC RB LenDale White, who was once likely going to be a Top 10 pick, now is projected to slide past No. 20 because of the Edgerrin James and Jamal Lewis signings. In fact, Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports has him going to the Patriots!

According to Robinson: "With Corey Dillon on the downward slope of his career, it doesn't look like the Patriots will be picking up his contract option after next season. Memphis' DeAngelo Williams might be sitting here, too, but White is the better fit. He gives the Patriots another power runner to groom in the mold of Dillon. White fits the system and could step in as the starter in 2007."

That would certainly be an awesome pick for New England, but Belichick's team does have a lot of other holes to fill. Think they'll pick White or go another way?

[Wizard of Os]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

...According to Robinson: "With Corey Dillon on the downward slope of his career, it doesn't look like the Patriots will be picking up his contract option after next season. Memphis' DeAngelo Williams might be sitting here, too, but White is the better fit. He gives the Patriots another power runner to groom in the mold of Dillon. White fits the system and could step in as the starter in 2007."

That would certainly be an awesome pick for New England, but Belichick's team does have a lot of other holes to fill. Think they'll pick White or go another way?

Awesome is the word for this pick...the hometown hype now seems to be favoring versatile linebacker/end Manny Lawson of North Carolina State. I am a huge advocate of more secondary help, but with the reacquisition of Tebucky, this could be put on the back burner. Still, it's tough to pass on Tye Hill.

Despite the Gramatica signing, current wisdom has the Pats drafting Ohio State kicker Josh Huston, whom they've worked out.

Is the world ready for offense-heavy Patriots? Will Brady soon routinely be pitching five touchdowns a game as defense is completely forsaken with draft picks consisting of White, Huston and a couple of tight ends? So fascinating to see what The Master's going to come up with...

Cheers.

[Lefty Noob]

Lawson would be a good pick, especially to replace Willie McGinest. They could use the secondary or running back help, too, so you really couldn't argue with Hill or White either (although there have been issues raised about White lately). It's kind of hard to get a read on exactly what will happen that far into the Draft, really, and its even harder to try and get into Belichick's mind.

[DrCool]

I think the biggest weakness that needs some high draft pick attention is running back. There are a lot of good running backs and if White isn't available when they pick they can still get some good value in the second or third round.

If I were a Pats fan I would be a bit worried though. Seems like their core of players is getting kind of old or are leaving via free agency. I think they have maybe 1 more year where they are potential 12 game winners then they will drop off for a few years while they rebuild. Will be interesting to see what the next couple years hold.