Saw this on that 'other site', Theo: very interesting. It is too early to say, after only seeing one draft, whether Tangini will become Bellichick The Second in terms of drafting, but after the first one it surely looks that way. Actually, I recall seeing a post or three on just this topic on a Pats board not long back. I'll post something there about it because you have quite a discussion going as compared to here.
Good post there, it's definitely interesting to see what Pats fans think of the subject. Here are some highlights Some highlights "1. In the first round, The Patriots do not take players that will be forced to be "the guy" right off the bat. What that means is that they usually have an aging veteran that is probably in his last year or so but can offer some guidance to the rookie. In turn, the rookie can get some solid playing time and learn the system while not having all the pressure put on him. Maroney-Dillon Wilfork-Washington Mankins-Light (I know that Mankins did indeed start from day one, but IIRC there were some injuries on the line, and with O-line it is better to get all the guys playing together from day one if possible. Watson-Graham Ty Warren-Bobby Hamilton, Anthony Pleasent, Richard Seymour Daniel Graham-Christian Fauria 2. The Patriots do not take players that project to play at another position. With the amount of money invested and the relatively short time that the rookies first contract is, the Patriots cannot and do not risk taking someone who has to learn a new position. The players that the Patriots take do not necessarily have to make a huge impact their rookie season, but they do need to step in and play a role, and by their second season they should be a major contibutor in the system. Guys who have to learn a new position and the complicated system the patriots run just isnt what they are looking for in a player in the 1st round.(This was disproved to an extent but still a thought)" "Belichick uses his first round picks on players that are hard to find. In other words, only 1-3 come out per year. 235 lb tight ends with soft hands and sub 4.5 speed are rare. 340 lb athletes who have the strength to play two-gap 3-4 are rare. 270 lb linebackers with good speed who can play the run and rush the passer are rare. There's a reason why his first round picks tend to be DL and TE, even though there may not be an apparent need for them."
