2014 NFL Draft: Final Thoughts On What May Happen Later This Week
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick prior to a a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The countdown is nearly over.
After months of analysis, and speculation, the 2014 NFL draft is just one day away. Easily the biggest event of the offseason, the draft is pretty much the last time teams can really improve their rosters, barring trades, or potential surprise cuts.
When discussing what the Pats will do over the next couple of days, I have it broken down into three main groups.
1. Pursuing A Quality Tight End
2. Trading Down For Value
3. Drafting A Defensive Lineman For The Future
Now obviously there are other scenarios that could go down, especially with this year’s depth. But if I had to put money down on what Bill Belichick and company will do, it would be on one of those three things.
The biggest thing that draft analysts have talked about leading up to this draft, is the incredible depth at each position. The wide receiver position really sticks out, but the common thought among experts is just about every position is loaded.
With this in mind, I think this gives New England the perfect opportunity to address some needs that are looming large as the 2014 season slowly creeps closer. Aside from Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have no one to help take advantage of mismatches in the middle of the field. Fortunately, there are a few great prospects that could fill that need in this year’s draft. My personal favorite is Jace Amaro, but Troy Niklas is certainly capable as well.
If New England decides to go in a different direction, say their defensive line, there are plenty of good players in that area as well. Louis Nix III, Ra’Shede Hageman, Dominique Easley, and Stephon Tuitt are all guys that could help stabilize the middle of Bill Belichick’s defense.
The bottom line in all of this, is the draft is here. There is a ton of talent for the Pats to go after, in all levels of the draft. However It doesn’t matter what the Patriots do. The best part of this is one of the best events in all of sports is nearly upon us, and it means that football is closer to starting up again.