One day after the Patriots re-signed Randy Moss, they brought back another key piece to their receiving corps by signing WR Jabar Gaffney to a one-year, $2 million contract.
The Patriots also shored up a small part of their secondary by signing CB Jason Webster. The 5-foot-9-inch, 187-pound cornerback may be small in stature but he makes it up with his play. He should be a nice fit for the Pats and should replace Randall Gay quite nicely, especially if he stays healthy.
Even after these moves, I can't help but think the Patriots are far from done in free agency.
Looking at the free agency market, here are a few of linebackers I think that could wind up in a Patriot uniform:
- Michael Boley - Falcons - Boley is experienced, athletic, and very versatile. He's an every-down player who is strong, but best in when is in space and rushing the passer. Think a poor man's Adalius Thomas. Because he's a Restricted Free Agent (RFA), the Patriots would have to give something up to get him.
- Clark Haggans - Steelers - Haggans is a converted Defensive End out of college, and excels in the 3-4 defense, which the Patriots run. He is also an 8 year veteran, which could be appealing to the Patriots. He is a high-motor guy and is very strong. Because he is a UFA he wouldn't cost the Patriots anything other than the cost of the contract.
- Junior Seau - Patriots - Seau knows the system with the Patriots and should he come back, he would be a great veteran for a young drafted linebacker to learn from. Playing in the NFL for 18 years, Seau can still hit and rush, although he has lost a step he does his best to make up for it with his heart.
The Patriots look to have a nice mix of the veteran leadership with skillful, young, athletic players. Their # 7 pick overall in the upcoming Draft could be very interesting, and it is all dependant upon the other teams in front of them as to what the Patriots do.
The way I see things today, the top 7 picks should go like this:
- Miami - Chris Long - DE - Virginia - Some are saying Matt Ryan goes here, and I can see that, but the Dolphins just signed QB Josh McCown. Perhaps the Big Tuna is going to stick to his word and not let go of Jason Taylor...but if he trades him for a QB he can get a much younger version of Taylor and still get a QB. Long has the pedigree and genetics to be a freak in the NFL. The Combine solidified those feelings.
- St. Louis - Jake Long - OT - Michigan - Marc Bulger needs protection and Jake Long provides it. He's a huge beast of a Tackle and is super strong. The Rams hope Jake Long doesn't go to Miami, but if he does I am sure they are fine taking the "other" Long.
- Atlanta - Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College - Falcons owner Arthur Blank needs some good news, and no one is crossing their fingers more than Arthur in hoping Ryan doesn't go # 1 to Miami. Ryan has the tools to excel at the next level, and should be a solid QB for years to come. He has a tendency to sometimes force balls into tight spaces sometimes, but a guy that just retired had a knack for that as well...
- Oakland - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas - If there is one thing that Al Davis loves it's making a splash. He loves taking McFadden here, and although he could go with Dorsey to replace freshly retired Warren Sapp, McFadden is the sexier pick. And Al Davis likes sexy. Just look at those glasses!
- Kansas City - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas - Big corner with a lot of speed, but is still pretty raw. With a defensive minded coach in Herm Edwards I don't see that being a problem. And running a 4.4 40-yard dash is never a problem either. It makes sense, especially after Ty Law is gone now.
- New York Jets - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU - Signing Kris Jenkins means nothing other than providing depth. Dorsey was originally projected as a # 1 overall, but has slipped a bit due to concerns about his health. At the same time, I would not be surprised if Mangini decided to grab Vernon Gholston here, especially since everyone is talking about how a great fit for the Patriots he would be. Yes, Mangini would take Gholston here out of spite (and need, of course).
- New England - Vernon Gholston - DE - Ohio State - Gholston is a beast: he has speed, size, and versatility. He is a DE by nature, but would fit really well as an OLB in the Patriots' 3-4 defense. He has the work ethic as well and is extremely strong. It also helps that he was rated very high by many scouts, and not just on the physical side.
It's still very early to tell how things will pan out, but that is part of the fun of this, right?
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