New England Patriots: Revisiting and Grading the 2009 NFL Draft
By Hal Bent
Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Rich Ohrnberger (72) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round #123 overall: Rich Ohrnberger, Guard
Ohrnberger has turned into a solid depth lineman in the NFL. A backup guard at the end of the 4th round is solid value; unfortunately, after after being developed to contribute from the Coach Scar School of Blocking, Ohrnberger has been a valuable cog for Arizona and San Diego, not New England. Ohrnberger was the draft pick the Patriots received for starting cornerback Ellis Hobbs who was traded to Philadelphia.
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED:
The two best players drafted in this range of the draft both were signed by New England after having been released by their other teams: wide receiver Austin Collie (#127 overall to Indianapolis) and guard Tyronne Green (#133 overall to San Diego). The Chicago Bears also got wide receiver Johnny Knox at #140 overall. Most players were of the Kenny McKinley (wide receiver for Denver #141 overall) variety. He played eight games on special teams in 2009 and was out of football
GRADE: C