Who doesn’t love fantasy football?  It’s great for a number of reasons, like the draft it’s self, the trash talking that’s involved, plus the bragging rights for you have for an entire year (if you’re lucky enough to win)!  There’s also no age limit to participate in most leagues, so it doesn’t matter how young or old you are.  I’ve seen and have been in leagues with kids as young as 6 or 7 years old playing with another parent.  All the way up to someone who’s in their 80’s or 90’s that’s doing it just for fun, for their love of the game, and basically just something to pass the time.

It doesn’t matter what draws you to fantasy football, as long as you find it and enjoy it.  Fantasy football won’t discriminate based on your sports background or lack of, since there’s no athletic ability involved in the game.  So who cares if you were a star athlete in your younger days, it means absolutely nothing when it comes to this.  The same goes for those of us who were geeks or nerds in school, people who never played sports growing up.  For the most part every one’s basically on the same level playing field when it comes to fantasy football.

Now when I say that everyone is pretty much on the same level playing field, it’s true for the most part.  It does tend to help you in the drafting of fantasy football if you know who a player/team is and how good (say Adrian Peterson, Tom Brady, Drew Brees) they’ve been in the past.  As opposed to just going down a cheat sheet (ranking of players by position) and calling a name (say Matthew Stafford, Matt Cassel or LaDainian Tomlinson) cause it sounds sexy!  Like I said knowing a team/player might help you draft better in most cases, but it doesn’t mean you’ve build yourself  a winning team.

Since anyone who’s ever done fantasy football will be able to tell, expect the unexpected to happen at any given moment.  Like Injuries!  They’re a part of the game, and they happen all the time.  They happen to the best in the game (Brady), all the way down the line to the rookies (Felix Jones and Rashard Mendenhall) and are devastating to a team when they happen.  Which is why knowing different players around the league will help make it easier for you to pick backup players to help your team, in case of an injury.

The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or the old pro (who’s won countless league titles) when it comes to fantasy football.  Just have fun, enjoy it and love it.  Not everyone starts off winning a championship in their first season, I certainly didn’t!  We learn from the mistakes that we all will make playing each season and improve from them.  That’s the only way you’ll ever become a better fantasy player!  Enjoy and get ready for the 1st of July is only 12 days away, which is when this years fantasy football kicks off.

I hate surprises.

Every offseason, about this time, I take a look at the Patriots’ roster and try to prepare myself for any potential Lawyer Malloy-type surprises come preseason cut-down time.

For those of you who don’t remember, Lawyer Malloy was surprisingly cut in the final week of the 2003 preseason. It was so shocking, most Patriots’ fans didn’t believe the initial reports. Some of us didn’t believe the story until we saw him the next Sunday destroying the Patriots in a Bills uniform.

Anyway, I refuse to let myself be surprised again by moves like that—too painful. So I put together this list every offseason to help avoid having that type of thing sneak up on me again.

Many factors weigh into a player getting released or traded, but the most common factors are cap number, performance, and age. If you’re old, you have a high cap number, and if your performance hasn’t lived up to your salary, you may find yourself on the next train up to Buffalo, or down to Miami, or New York—out of New England.

While looking at this season’s list of potential surprises, a few names jumped out at me.

Richard Seymour (cap savings if cut/traded: approximately $3.3 million)

Seymour was once the best defensive lineman on the team. He may be the third best defensive lineman on the 2009 Patriots. Seymour, when healthy, can still dominate. The problem is, he’s not healthy as often as the Patriots would like.

Combine the $3.3 million in cap savings with the injury history and Seymour could be moved before the season starts. He certainly won’t be cut, but a trade isn’t out of the question.

Jarvis Green (cap savings if cut/traded: approximately $2 million)

Jarvis Green is coming off an injury, entering the last year of his contract, and is a backup who’s being paid like a starter. The Patriots may decide dropping Green and re-signing Wilfork or Seymour is a better use of $2 million in cap space.

Stephen Neal (cap savings if cut/traded: approximately $2 million)

Stephen Neal is the reason the Patriots need a thousand backup offensive guards on their roster. The guy is never healthy. When he’s healthy, he’s a decent guard. But he’s not worth the cap hit, especially if he’s not playing. Should the Patriots find a replacement in training camp or preseason, Neal’s roster spot is certainly in jeopardy.

Nick Kaczur (cap savings if cut/traded: approximately $1.8 million)

The problem here is that there’s nobody else on the roster who can play right tackle. The bigger problem here is that Nick Kaczur can barely play right tackle himself. Personally, I’d take the $1.8 million in cap savings and line up the fattest guy I can find at right tackle and tell him to just stand in the way. After all, it takes just as long to run around a stationary fat guy as it does to run around Kaczur.

Maybe longer.

Tedy Bruschi (cap savings if cut/traded: approximately $1.4 million)

This may be blasphemous, but Bruschi is my most-likely candidate to end up Lawyer Malloy-ed at the end of the preseason. I love Tedy, as does most of New England, but he has some serious issues working against him.

1. His performance has drastically declined over the last few years.
2. He’s probably the fourth best inside linebacker, from a talent standpoint, on the team (behind Jerod Mayo, Paris Lenon, and Gary Guyton).
3. $1.4 million is a lot of cap space for the fourth best guy at a position.
4. He doesn’t give you anything on special teams anymore, and the fourth best inside linebacker should be a decent special teams player.

Belichick loves Bruschi, but we know how he works. If the Patriots are a better team with $1.4 million in cap space and no Tedy Bruschi than they are with Tedy Bruschi, then the veteran inside linebacker is as good as gone.

Thanks from the gang over at BleacherReport.com who once again sent this along my way.  It looks like they’ll keep sending them along this way and I’ll keep posting them for all of you (Patriots fans) to enjoy!

This was sent my way from the gang over at BleacherReport.com and I thought I’d pass it along to all of you.  It’s all about quarterback Tom Brady’s arsenal of weapons he’ll have at his disposal going into the 2009 NFL season.  With Brady under center once again for the New England Patriots this season, the NFL and the rest of the 31 teams had better watch out!  He’s back, refreshed, relaxed and ready to propel the Patriots back to the top this season.

Tom Brady looked a little bit like a fat kid in a candy store as he took the field for the first time since tearing his ACL last October.

No, Brady hasn’t put on weight during his recovery. He just truly looked wide-eyed and on a bit of a sugar high after participating in OTA drills at the Patriots’ training camp this week.

In an upcoming story by Sports Illustrated Peter King, Brady described himself “as confident as anyone could be that I’ll be ready to play, back to playing normally, when the season starts.”

“I’ve done everything I could to push myself, sometimes too hard. Right now, I’m doing everything. Literally everything. There’s nothing I can’t do.”

That confidence, along with Brady’s showing at this week’s first full team practice, has his teammates equally “buzzing.”

ESPN reporter Wendi Nix reported that Brady’s teammates were “re-energized” after watching Brady throw and that Brady himself was “upbeat and confident.”

And confident he should be. Brady finds himself with some sweet offensive options as he enters the 2009 campaign.

Brady should feel like Charlie Bucket finding the Golden Ticket after the team added running back Fred Taylor, wide receivers Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, and tight ends Chris Baker and Alex Smith to an offense that scored 410 points (25.6 p/g) last season.

In Taylor, who was signed as a free agent after 11 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Patriots are getting a power runner with breakaway speed to complement their existing stable of rushers.

Coupled with running backs Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk, the Patriots should add to a running attack that compiled nearly 2300 rushing yards a year ago.

Though he won’t be expected to shoulder the entire load as he did in his years with the Jaguars, Taylor claims there is still a lot left in his tank.

“I’ve always said I’ll run until the wheels fall off. Drive this car, get rotations, you’re going to keep pushing, because if those tires come off you’re in trouble. I’m going to keep going forward.”

“I want to learn the playbook so I don’t have to hesitate,” explained Taylor.

“I don’t want to feel like a rookie out there. So I listen, I’ve always been coachable. Whatever I gotta do, I gotta do it. But it starts with learning the playbook.”

**For the rest of the story just click bleacherreport and enjoy!**

I actually had a few moments of peace and quiet for once in my life over the last few weeks.  So I thought I’d take a few moments and try and catch up on some of the happenings around the NFL.  After browsing a few stories this is one story I came upon and I couldn’t help myself.  I just had to pass it along to you as  it seems this is how some of the NFLers like to pass the time during the off-season.  That is when they’re not demanding more money and stardom, it seems they like to play the role of jailbird from time to time, as proven by the following.

Police Blotter’s from around the country:

4/2/09: Browns - WR Donte’ Stallworth is charged with DUI manslaughter.

4/5/09: Bengals - CB Leon Hall is arrested and charged with DUI.

4/11/09: Bills - S Donte Whitner is arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

4/25/09: Chargers - LB Shaun Phillips is charged with misdemeanor battery.

5/3/09: Saints - WR Biren Ealy and TE Kolomona Kapanui are arrested on various charges, including obscenity, disturbing the peace by being drunk in public, and lewd conduct.

5/6/09: Bucs - WR Anthony Mix is indicted for having sex with a minor.

5/14/09: Bills - FB Corey McIntyre is arrested for misdemeanor exposure of his sexual organs.

5/18/09: Texans - G Brandon Walker is arrested for DUI.

5/24/09: Dolphins - DE Randy Starks is arrested for aggravated battery on a police officer.

After reading this and being utterly appalled from it, the next thought that popped into my head was.  Are they trying to PISS OFF Roger Goodell?  Has the league not been watching and learning from past idiots such as Pacman Jones, Michael Vick and Matt Jones!  Do they think Goodell is just going to sit back and do NOTHING about this?  I for one don’t think so, and it’s only a matter of time until we know what the ramifications are for these men. 

Since taking the reins as commissioner Goodell has been very strict and stern when it comes to players acting like idiots.  It’s safe to assume that most, if not all of them will be facing some kind of fine and or suspension, based upon the outcome of their individual cases.  Although in the case of Donte’ Stallworth (DUI manslaughter) it might not be up to good ole Roger to punish him, as the justice system could handle all of it.

Across the country Memorial Day festivities are underway, as people race to kickoff the “unofficial” start to the summer.  Gatherings are currently taking place as friends and family and all our loved one’s are coming together for parties and barbecues in hoards.  Boats that had been sitting idly in their docks have been primed, cleaned and waxed, as they prepare to hit the open seas and lakes.  People have been dusting the cob webs off their grills and barbecues, filling the propane tanks and stock piling on their charcoal pellets as it’s time to FIRE THEM UP!

It’s what America needs, especially at this time with the recession taking it’s toll, not only on the economy, but the millions upon millions of our people.  They’re people who have and are being been affected by the downfall on a daily basis.  Today being Memorial Day is one day where people CAN and WILL gather and forget their problems or struggles.  Even if it’s only for for a few short hours, they can let it all go and just enjoy the moment.  But wait, that’s not all Americans will be celebrating and rejoicing about on this very special day, it’s also a time for remembering as well!

As we cannot forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting OUR freedom, freedom that so many take for granted these days.  Yes, I’m referring to the men and woman who ARE and HAVE served this great country of ours throughout the years.  Those who put their lives on the line, the one’s that have laid their own life down and made the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy, in their sleep at Pearl Harbor and throughout all of WWII.  From the trenches in Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam, including those that fought in Panama, the Gulf War during Desert Storm.  Plus the millions in the armed services who are currently protecting OUR freedom and the freedom of those who are less fortunate than us in foreign countries, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and numerous other unknown hot-spots.

Who is this country hasn’t know a veteran at some point in our lives?  If I had to guess and answer, I’d say just about everyone in this country has met or known a veteran at some point in your life.  It might have been someone in your family from long ago, someone you’re married to now or it’s possibly YOU the person who’s reading this.  No matter who that person is we need to take a few moments and call them, visit them, e-mail them, it doesn’t matter how you do it, just THANK THEM!  Thank them for all they have done for each and everyone of us around the country.

So from myself to all of you past, present and future soldiers, I’d like to thank you for all that you do on a daily basis.  For myself on a personal note, Memorial Day will always be an important day, as I’m a veteran of the Gulf and other conflicts that happened during the 90’s!  So I know what it’s like to be gone, away from loved one’s and friends for months at a time, and I also know what you go emotional while being gone.  For those of you that I know personally who are currently overseas at this time (Sam and Shannon) please take care of yourselves, the troops around you and come home safely.

Enjoy the activities throughout the day, please be careful and remember utilize a designated driver if you’re drinking, since we would all like to get home safely, and in one piece.  One final thing, don’t forget to THANK a veteran, at least one of us throughout the day, for everything they have and will continue to do in protecting America’s freedom.  THANK YOU - GOD BLESS - BE SAFE - AND COME HOME TO YOUR LOVED ONE’S VERY SOON!

The New England Patriots have added another weapon to their offensive arsenal, as they traded for Alex Smith.  No, it’s wasn’t the San Francisco 49ers quarterback,  it’s the other same named Smith that played tight-end for theTampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Patriots sent a 2010 fifth round draft pick to the Bucs, in exchange for Smith who became expandable after they traded for Kellen Winslow.  So now if you happen to scroll through the teams current roster you notice something that’s very interesting, they’re stockpiling tight-ends!  After the trade for Smith, the Patriots officially have six tight-ends on their roster as they have Ben Watson, David Thomas and Tyson DeVree left over from last year’s team.  Plus they signed Chris Baker and Brad Listorti, who both were free agents earlier in the off-season.

More than likely the Patriots will only carry three at the most, which just off the top of my head I’d say would be Watson, Baker and Smith as the obvious choices.  But then again this is New England we’re talking about and nothing is ever a given.  Could they surprise us and decide to carry more?  It could happen, especially if a player like Listori or DeVree show they can produce in other areas, like special teams.  It might also spell the end of the Watson era in a Patriots uniform, as his history of injuries and fumbleitis are well documented.  If that was to happen and the Pats released or traded Watson, it opens up a roster spot for either DeVree or Listorti on either the roster or practice squad.

Personally I like Watson as a player when he’s healthy, as he provides a big body for quarterback Tom Brady to look for down the field and near the goal-line.  Then you have Thomas, who’s used more as a blocker in the offense than he is in catching the ball, and you recall two key mistakes made between them last season.  Which resulted in the Patriots losing two very pivotal games to the Jets and Colts in November due to their errors.  So you have to wonder if either of their “costly” mistakes will come back to haunt them this off-season and possibly result in their release, in light of the Patriots signing Baker and trading for Smith.  So Patriots fans let’s hear you thoughts or comments on this subject, good or bad it doesn’t matter just sound off!

Just a quick recap so far on the action concerning the NFL’s best team, the New England Patriots, on Day 2 of the draft.  The Patriots and Bill Belichick, have continued trading and jumping all over the draft boards.  Here’s a breakdown of the day’s activities up to this point.  WARNING - It’s a tad confusing so be patient!

Patriots Day 2 Trades:

Pats sent the #73 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in exchange for the Jags 7th round pick #232 in 2009 plus a 2010 2nd round pick.

Pats sent the #89 pick to the Tennessee Titans, in exchange for a 2010 2nd round pick.

Patriots then sent CB Ellis Hobbs to the Philadelphia Eagles, in exchange for the Eagles 137th and 141st picks this year.

Patriots then traded the 137th and 141st picks they received from the Eagles (in the Hobbs deal) to the Baltimore Ravens, in exchange for the Ravens 123rd pick and 198th picks this year.

So the Patriots have again set themselves up very well for next years 2010 draft with all of their wheeling and dealing.  As the Pats have three (3) - 2nd round picks piled up for now, their own, the Titans and the Jaguars in next years draft.  The rich just keep getting richer, which for the Patriots and their fans is a very good thing.  Since early reports are predicting next year’s draft to be deeper than this year’s crop of draftees.

With the NFL Draft back in full swing on Day 2, I would love to be able to sit back, relax and watch it all.  But that won’t be the case on this day, as much as I would too, it’s not happening.  So I wanted to take a few moments and remind all the fans of the New England Patriots, that WE still have 7 picks coming throughout the day!  Unless of course Bill Belichick and the rest of the brain trust decide to work more of that trading power, they’ve been showing off recently.  With selections coming at the 73rd, 83rd, 89th and the 97th picks, the Pats will be quite busy. 

But wait that’s only the 3rd round picks that we have, there’s more still to come later on in the draft’s final day.  We also have picks left in the 5th - (170), the 6th - (207) and the 7th - (234).  We all know anything and everything could happen today and we might ship those picks out, for something either this year or possibilitynext year.  So what’s in store for us today, no one knows at the moment but time shall tell us.  My only hope is that we land a linebacker or two at some point in the process.

For now enjoy the day, the draft and all it’s glory.  As for myself I need to run and take care of the kiddies.  I’ll have much more on the draft and of course, the Patriots moves coming over the course of the next few days and weeks.  So come on back and check it out, and remember these words and repeat after me, “In Bill We Trust”!

10:00 - Feel free to post your comments on how you think the Patriots did with their four picks today!  Doesn’t matter if they’re good, bad or indifferent, let’s hear what YOU the fans think! 

9:55 - Well that’s a wrap folks, the shows over for today.  But no worries the draft starts back up tomorrow starting at 9 am EST.  Hope that you enjoyed it and have a great night!  I’m out of here………

9:48 - What in the world is the NFL Network, doing?  That was just to darn funny to watch.  Think they some more of that going on for day 2 on Sunday. 

9:45 - Correction that’s now 4 players selected on Day 1 from UCONN.

9:42 - With only three picks left in round 2, I have to say I’m beat.  My entire body aches and is killing me.  But it’s been worth it as I’ve had a blast in doing this.

9:37 - Would you of ever thought that UCONN (3 total) would have the third most drafted players at the end of the first day.  Never in a million years would I have thought that if you were to ask.

9:24 - With a selection that I’ve never heard about before the Patriots, with their 4th pick of the draft select OL Sebastian Vollmer from Houston.  I will say he’s a BIG guy who should be a nice addition to have on the O-line protecting your quarterback.

9:04 - I’m just a little confused here, did the Cowboys actually trade that pick or are they just that slow in making a decision.  OK, it was made known the Cowboys actually traded with the Bills.   

8:59 - LMAO, how dumb are the Dallas Cowboys, looking right now?  They get their chance to select a player after missing out in the first round (trade with Lions for Williams) and what do they do, they screw it up and have to pass.  If the Cowboys aren’t one of the biggest jokes in the NFL, I have no idea who is.

8:45 - Max Unger - OT from Oregon, who many projected as a late first rounder was just selected by the Seahawks.  Some good news for him he doesn’t have to leave the West coast to join the team, lol!

8:37 - I’m just curious as too why a few players have fallen as far as they have in the draft.  To name a few they would Everette Brown (Panthers), Eben Britton (Jaguars) and Connor Barwin (Texans).

8:26 - And with the 41st pick in the draft the Patriots got their man in Darius Butler the CB from UCONN.  I love this pick and I’m very happy they got him.  Our secondary will be much improved come the start of the season, thanks to this pick-up and the free agency signings.

8:20 - With their second pick (thanks to Oakland) the #40th pick overall the Patriots select DT Ron Brace from Boston College.  For more on Brace and the newest Patriots player follow the link………  Patriots are back on the clock with their pick they acquired from the Packers trade earlier.

8:15 So anyone care to guess what’s happened in the last 10 minutes or so?  I’ll tell you and it’s not gonna surprise you in the least, the Pats traded with Oakland.  Pats get their 40th pick in the 2nd round, in exchange for the Pats 47th pick and also a 4th and 6th rounder.  It’s the master at it again, and that’s why he’s the best in the business!

8:00 - You can scratch ole Rey Rey’s name off that list also, the Bengals just plucked him with the 38th pick.  Can we say Everette Brown, maybe?

7:55 - So who’s next for the Pats?  With LB James Laurinaitis from Ohio State and also Alphonso Smith the CB from Wake Forest are off the boards.  But hey the crazy man from USC Rey Maualuga is still sitting around unemployed, do the Pats take a chance and pick him?

7:45 - For more on the Patrick Chung, selection by New England, just click on the link and read till your hearts content.

7:37 - That was a quick and a much unexpected pick by New England, as they went and selected Patrick Chung, the SS from Oregon.  So they decided not to go the pathoflinebacker early with their picks.  It’s all good as the Pats and Belichick know what they are doing.

 7:35 -Ok, I’m back from my little break, sorry had to move and get away from the computer for a bit.  And look at this it’s the Patriots on the clock, for the first of four picks in the secondround.

7:08 - I’m about to break for a few but before doing that I wanted to inform you on the Patriots-Packers trade.  The Pats get the Packers 2nd round pick (#41) and also GB’s picks in the third at #73 and 83.  NE also gave the Packers their 5th round pick which is pick 162.

7:00 - In a bit of a surprise the Bills select Eric Wood, C from Louisville.  That’s an interesting pick but from the reports this is a kid that can play some ball.

6:54 - So who saw this one coming, lol?  That’s right the Pats have again traded this time with the Green Bay Packers.  Full details once they are made known, until then I hope that your enjoying the draft!

6:49 - The Patriots are once again back on the clock.  Do they go with the DE/TE from Cincinnati, LB from USC, or select a UCONN man here?

6:42 - So the Pats just received the Ravens first round pick #26 and a 5th rounder this year in the trade.  It’s not bad but why make the deal that puts you behind the Miami Dolphins, who have the 26th pick.

6:34 - We just traded with the Baltimore Ravens!  For what I have no idea it hasn’t been announced yet.  ARGHHHHHH! (Note to self need to relax and breath deeply)

6:30 - The Patriots are now on the clock.  Could they be selecting Michael Oher, with this pick?   

6:22 - It’s time to get nervous as the Patriots are only 2 picks away from being on the clock.  Who’s on their radar, is it a sleeper or a well known player?  Time shall tell very soon, sit back try and relax and enjoy it, LOL!  So who’s thinking that the Browns might actually keep this pick and select someone?  Any takers on that bet…….

6:13 - This is getting great to watch and find out when and will the Browns ever pick in this draft.  As they just traded again (for the 3rd time) with the Philadelphia Eagles, in exchange for the 21st and 195th picks in the draft.  The Eagles just turned that into another toy for Donovan McNabb, as they selected Maclin.

6:01 The Browns have done it again, they’ve traded with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and most likely will still get their man they are after.  Browns get the Bucs 19th and 191st pick!  Bucs the QB they wanted in Josh Freeman, the QB from Kansas State.

5:54 The  Cleveland Browns are back up, let’s see if they hold onto this pick or decide to trade it away again.  Look for Jeremy Maclin, the WR from Missouri, to possibly be their pick!

5:42 - This is becoming very interesting as a few of the targeted players the Pats had their “eyes” on are still sitting on the board.  Only eight more picks till New England makes the first of eleven picks in this draft.  In Bill we trust, LOL!

5:33 - Oh Joshy, what the heck are you doing with your first draft for the Denver Broncos?  You just took Knowshon Moreno, the RB from Georgia, why would you do this?  You just signed like 2-3 RB’s during the free agency period.  Can’t wait till they pick again at #18.

5:23 -Well it was fun while it lasted, but the Crabtree watch is officially called OFF!  Thanks to the San Francisco 49ers, as they just scooped the talented WR off the boards.  In other news it’s only 13 more picks till the Patriots are on the clock, unless we trade up for someone special.

5:15 - With some good news the Green Bay Packers, have selected BC’s own B.J. Raji with the #9 pick.  Congrats and best of luck to you Raji.  You’ll always be a BC man in the hearts of Bostonians.  The Crabtree watch is still in progress……. stay tuned for more later, unless the 49ers feel sorry for him and grab him at #10.

5:07 - Is Michael Crabtree, this year’s version of Brady Quinn?  Someone has to be in this draft and he’s looking like the front runner for the time being.  I can’t believe he’s still on the board with the 9th pick coming up in moments.

5:00 - Did anyone see the look on Darrius Heyward-Bey’s face?  When they announced him going to the Oakland Raiders, it’s freak-in priceless!  That will be a YouTube video within moments.

4:47 - The Jets traded their 17th and 57thpicks along with 3 players for the Browns pick at #5.  Someone just got hosed and it wasn’t Mangini and the Browns!

4:41 - The first TRADE of the day involves the Jets and the Browns!  Looks like the Jets will get their man as Mark Sanchez, is on the phone and putting his jacket on in the green room.  It won’t make a difference for the Jets they’ll be a bottom dweller in the AFC East next season.

4:27 - LMAO, at the Kansas City Chiefs, as they just reached and took Tyson Jackson from LSU!  Wow KC fans even though they have Matt Cassel as their QB, just better get use to having a very high draft pick for the next few years!

4:13  - Do we have OUR first trade of draft day coming up.  The Rams are taking way to much time to make this selection.  All that time for Jason Smith, come you have got to be kidding me.

4:04  - 41.7 million is just ridiculous if you ask me.  The guy hasn’t proven a thing at the NFL’s level.  They need to really start capping the contracts the rookies can get.  WOW did you hear all the BOO’s from the crowd, I love it!

4:00  - It’s draft time finally!  Let’s kick this off and get things going, it’s been to long of a wait for this event to arrive.  Roger Goodell, is on his way to the podium.

3:45 PM - The draft kicks off in 15 minutes, we all ready know who the Detroit Lions are selecting as it was announced late last night.  So Matt Stafford, QB from Georgia is officially off the boards….. St. Louis Rams you’re on the clock from the opening bell!

With the 23rd pick in today’s 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots, select ________________?  The name of the lucky recipient will be filled in at some point later this afternoon or evening.  Until then we can only speculate and guess, just like the rest of the world’s been doing.  Or we could call ourselves an “expert” and make their pick for them, just like these individuals did.

Here’s a list of WHO the experts have selected for the Patriots:

1. Peter Schrager - Fox Sports -RB Knowshon Moreno - Georgia

2. Chris Steubet - Scout.com - LB Clay Matthews - USC

3. Todd McShay - ESPN - LB Clay Matthews - USC

4. Mel Kiper - ESPN - RB Donald Brown - UCONN

5. Charles Davis, Steve Wyche and Pat Kirwan - NFL.com - LB Clay Matthews - USC

6. Bucky Brooks - NFL.com - TE Connor Barwin - Cincinnati

7. Evan Silva - Rotoworld.com - DE Connor Barwin - Cincinnati

That’s just a quick look at who might be possibly joining the Patriots after they make their first of eleven selections in the 2009 NFL Draft.  In my opinion any or all of those players would be a great selection for New England.  But there’s one very important thing people are forgetting, it’s Bill Belichick, and his knack for finding that diamond in the rough player. 

With Belichick calling the shots as he’s done in the past draft’s anything can and could happen today.  They might trade up or down, they could select someone out of the blue, we just never know.  Remember he is the MASTER when it comes to the draft.  Who are we to second guess him, since he’s never steered us wrong before!  IN BILL WE SHALL ALWAYS TRUST - GO PATRIOTS!