After the Daniel Graham and Ben Watson experiments didn’t pan out, Bill Belichick went back to the drawing board last year. He brought in veteran Alge Crumpler, who emerged as a great run blocker and team leader. However, his best work came in the draft when he stole two first-round talents with second- and fourth-round picks.

Former Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski was a red-zone stud and played at a pro bowl level in the second half of the season.

And Aaron Hernandez, one of three Florida Gators selected in 2010, was a real matchup nightmare in the beginning of the season.
While I highly doubt the Pats address the tight end position in the draft, here are the top-five prospects in a weak tight end class:

1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame: Often compared to Todd Heap, Rudolph would remind many of Gronkowski. At 6-foot-6, 259 pounds, he is a big matchup problem for safeties and is fast enough to outrun most linebackers. While he has medical red flags because of a torn hamstring, he could be a steal in the second round similar to Gronk. He was a big weapon for Jimmy Clausen in 2009, catching 33 passes in only nine games while adding 28 in six games in 2010.

2. Luke Stocker, Tennessee: While he won’t blow anyone away with his timed speed, Stocker is more of a do-it-all type of player who would be a solid player at the next level. He has good size (6-foot-5, 258 pounds) and strength (27 reps) to go along with average speed (4.71). He is a good run blocker and decent pass catcher, improving his catch total every year. He is probably a third- or early fourth-round pick.

3. D.J. Williams, Arkansas: Playing in the SEC, speed is the name of the game. Although he’s undersized at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Williams is very athletic. He ran a 4.59 forty and compares to Hernandez and Dustin Keller as h-back types at the next level. He was extremely productive in the best conference in college football, finishing as the NCAA’s all-time leader in receptions (147) and receiving yards (1,817) by a tight end. He could come off the board in the third round.

Matt Spaeth (PIT)

I will preface this by saying that I think the chances of the Patriots acquiring another tight end with Gronk, Hernandez and Crumpler already on the roster are remote at best. However, if they do sign someone, it would likely be a tough blocking TE who could contribute in short-yardage situations. Spaeth was overshadowed by Heath Miller in Pittsburgh, but he’s a serviceable TE in his own right.

Daniel Graham (DEN)

Graham is more valuable as a blocker than as a receiver. He’s also quite familiar with the system as a former Patriot. Because Denver’s incoming coach Jon Fox values good blocking tight ends, I think it’s probably likely that he stays in Denver.

Donte Rosario/Jeff King (CAR)

Carolina signed Jeremy Shockey this offseason to give their young quarterback (whoever that might be) an effective safety valve in the passing game. Rosario and King are both above average run-blockers and were part of the reason for Carolina’s success on the ground the past few seasons. At least one of these two will likely be available and would suit the only available role for another TE in New England.

David Thomas (NO)

Thomas was originally drafted by New England before being traded to the Saints. He played well down the stretch for the Saints in relief of Shockey. He’s an underrated player who could start for a number of teams. If the Saints don’t resign him, he won’t have any trouble finding a new home.

Leonard Pope (KC)

Pope also fits the mold of an adequate pass-catcher whose primary value is as a blocker. He is still young at 27 and would be an effective player in goalline packages.

Each week leading up to the draft, the Foxboro Blog crew will spend a week breaking down a position on the Patriots' roster.  We'll start with a quick overview and then move onto a discussion involving potential draftees at that spot as well as free-agents that the Patriots may pursue.  Up this week are the tight ends...

2010 Recap:  After an abysmal performance in 2009 from the tight end position, Bill Belichick decided it was time for wholesale changes.  He completely revamped the roster by signing veteran free-agent Alge Crumpler and drafting two promising prospects in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  These new additions revitalized the New England offense, as the tight end corps went from being utterly impotent, to perhaps the most impressive part of the Patriots' attack. 

The two rookie tight ends had very productive, but very opposite seasons.  Early in the year, it was Aaron Hernandez, the NFL's youngest player, who was burning past opposing defender and racking up yards.  Unfortunately, he was hampered  with a hip injury towards the end of the year, which caused his production to dip.   In almost a complete contrast to Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski started the year slowly, but then picked up steam as the year went on.  By the end of 2010 he was arguably Tom Brady's top red zone target, hauling in 7 TD receptions in the final 8 regular season games.  It was an impressive run that put him on the cusp of being named to the Pro Bowl. 

While the rookies garnered much of the attention and stats, it would be an absolute crime to gloss over Alge Crumpler's impact in 2010.  Not only was he an unsung hero in the blocking game, but by all accounts, he was a tremendous mentor to both Gronkowski and Hernandez.  Crumpler made a point of taking the two rookies under his wing and teaching them how to survive in the NFL.  I think it's safe to say that the huge leap forward the Patriots saw at tight end in 2010 was a direct result of Crumpler's hard work and mentorship. 

Not to be lost in all the praise, is also the fact that major gaffes by the tight ends played a role in two of the Patriots' three losses.  In Week 9 against Clevelend, Gronkowski botched the return of New England's first kickoff, resulting in a fumble.  Then with the opportunity to bring the game close right before halftime, Gronkowski fumbled the ball at the goal line, preventing the Patriots from hanging up seven points.   In the playoffs, it was Alge Crumper who dropped a touch down pass from Tom Brady early in the game.  The Pats were forced to kick a field goal and were unable to get the early lead they had wanted to put some serious pressure on New York.  The Jets were able to maintain their confidence, and, well...  let's just move on.

Would it surprise you if the Pats used a first- or second-round pick on a defensive back? Would you support the move?

Jason:  I actually had them taking a corner with their late 2nd rounder in our Foxboro Mock, so it wouldn't surprise me in the least. I could easily see the Pats taking a corner early in the draft, and I would stand and applaud that move since it would help shore up a position of weakness last year. The Patriots have been pretty good against the run in recent years, and they only figure to get better with a young front 7 getting another full season under their belts. Where they have struggled most is getting off the field on third down. While a pass-rusher could help in that regard, another good corner couldn't hurt either.

Even though the owners locked out the players on Friday, there will still be a NFL Draft to talk about. So, once again, we take a look at different prospects the Patriots could be taking on April 28th. But, will they be at Radio City or at the NFLPA party?

brunoboys.net

Pick #28 - DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Their Take: Kerrigan is just the kind of defensive end/outside linebacker “tweener” with strong intangibles that Bill Belichick can get the most out of (Mike Vrabel anyone?). New England needs to upgrade their outside pass rush and with 25.5 sacks over the last two seasons, Kerrigan looks to be a good fit. Moreover, his work ethic and other intangibles are in synch with the “Patriot way” of doing things. If Kerrigan falls this far, it’s only because other teams view him as a player without the huge upside of others at his position.

My Take: I am not a fan of the hybrid DE/OLB kind of players. Kerrigan has been as high as pick number sixteen on a lot of mock drafts, but I think Aldon Smith or Akeem Ayers who we have discussed before are better picks for New England than Kerrigan. In the Big Ten, he had a productive last season at Purdue, but how much of the upside that he has is going to be seen right away, which is what New England needs in 2011. I like the pick, but wouldn't love the pick from a pass rushing potential. To quote Mel Kiper Jr. , maybe a nice value pick.

cippinonsports.com

Pick #28 - DL Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

My Take: Wilkerson is a name that is quietly creeping up draft boards. He has great athleticism and he is a solid five technique defensive lineman who could sure up the run defense for the Patriots. At the combine, he ran a 4.96 40 yard dash, which is pretty agile for a defensive lineman. He is a strong tackler and at 315 pounds and 6"5, it would be very tough to block him. I would like this pick late in the first round.

FantasyCPR.com

Pick #17 - OL Tyron Smith, USC

My Take: If New England does not retain Matt Light, this is a guy who has not been hyped up that can come right in and contribute. Smith came into the combine and gained more healthy weight to get him to 307 pounds and has an arm span of 36 inches, which is incredible. He also has played in the Pac-10 in a pro style system while shutting down another first round prospect in Cameron Jordan of Cal earlier in the year. If Light leaves, Smith can play left tackle while Vollmer can move to right tackle, a position where he is familiar with.

Patsdraft.com

Pick #28 - DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

Their Take: Top rated player at the Pats top need position. He is just too good a player to be available here come Draft day, but stranger things have happened. Pats have some extra picks and can afford to take a chance on a guy who was truly great in 2009 and played terrible in 2010 do to injury.

My Take: This is another value pick that I could see Belichick taking a chance on. Clayborn was dominant during Iowa's 2009 run to the Orange Bowl. But, he might have stayed in school a year too long. Injuries and ineffectiveness hurt his stock in 2010, but he has natural ability to get after the quarterback. The question is can he still get by lineman on a first move when he is 100%. We know his potential and upside, but can he actually bring production like the 11.5 sacks he had in 2009 to the table? This is a player I would rather take early in Round Two rather than with a first round pick.

65. Panthers – Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

66. Bengals – Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

67. Broncos – Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina

68. Bills – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada

69. Cardinals – Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas

70. Browns – Marcus Gilbert, T, Florida

71. Cowboys – John Moffit, G, Wisconsin

72. Saints – Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

73. Texans – DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

74. Patriots – Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State

Hunter would provide the Pats with a home-run threat who can catch the ball out of the backfield and runs well, too. He is on the short side at 5’7 but is a solid 200 pounds with 4.4 speed. His explosion, quickness and ability to pass block would make him a great fit in this offense.

Meriweather often took bad angles, failed to wrap up and didn’t make many game-changing plays.

However, 2009 second-round pick Pat Chung stepped up and looks to be a future Pro Bowl player.

The Pats have a ton of depth at the position with veteran James Sanders and youngsters Josh Barrett, Sergio Brown and Brett Lockett. They could also bring back Brandon McGowan and/or Jarrad Page, which would give the team a lot of bodies.

Yet, it wouldn’t be out of the question to take a safety in the mid rounds of the draft since it seems a foregone conclusion Sanders and Meriwieather will be gone after 2011.

And with the lack of top-end talent in this year’s draft class, there could be late-round steals available.

Here are the top five safety prospects to look out for:

1. Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahama: An unheralded two-star recruit, Carter leaves Oklahama as one of the top safety prospects in the draft after piling up 210 tackles and eight interceptions during his career. He has good size at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds and ran a 4.57 at the combine. His versatility to play both safety positions would make him a classic Bill Belichick-type player. Carter is regarded as a big hitter who can also be a classic centerfielder. He could be an option with the second second-round pick or early in the third.

2. Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa: While he isn’t the most athletic player on the field, Sash is tough and intelligent. He was a consistently productive player since his freshman year, racking up 216 tackles and 13 interceptions in his three-year career. He is an average athlete (4.62 forty), but plays with intensity and always seems to be around the ball. He might never be more than a third safety with special teams capabilities, but he is a guy that will be a vocal leader. Could get a look with one of the fourth-round picks.

Atari Bigby (GB)

The Packers have three starting-caliber safeties, and Bigby is the only one not currently under contract. I don’t expect the Pats to spend big money on the safety position due to the number of safeties they already have on the roster. Bigby is about as high up the charts as I’d expect the Patriots to be willing to pay, but a player at a reasonable age (29) with his experience will probably expect a better payday than he'll get with the Pats.

Dashon Goldson (SF)

Glodson played through an ankle injury at the end of last season, and it showed in his poor performance. He could come as a bargain due to his poor play down the stretch, but at just 26 years old, he has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him. He could end up being one of free agency’s best bargains if a team can get him on the cheap.

Brodney Pool (NYJ)

Pool was the best safety for the Jets last season, and he has the versatility to play either safety position. In addition to being a pretty good player at a fairly young age (27), he could help provide some insight on some of the nuances of the Jets defense that seemed to have Brady’s number in New England’s playoff loss.

Eugene Wilson (HOU)

Wilson is familiar with New England after spending five years in Foxboro. He was a serviceable but unspectacular starter until injuries and inconsistency really started to bleed into his production. Signing somebody like Wilson who is familiar with the system and can provide depth could allow the Pats to wheel and deal with their current crop of safeties who will be in a contract year in 2011.

Melvin Bullitt (IND)

Bullitt lost most of the 2010 season to a shoulder injury, and that certainly cost him a few million this offseason. He’s a borderline starter whose primary value to New England would be to provide depth and contribute in sub packages.

Each week leading up to the draft, the Foxboro Blog crew will spend a week breaking down a position on the Patriots' roster.  We'll start with a quick overview and then move onto a discussion involving potential draftees at that spot as well as free-agents that the Patriots may pursue.  Up this week are the safeties...

2010 Recap:  Perhaps no position had more Patriots fans jumping for joy and also pulling out their hair than saftey last season.  Case in point:  James Sanders' game-winning interception against the Colts, and Brandon Merriweather running into Devin McCourty, freeing up James Jones for a TD against Green Bay.  Even when the safeties weren't playing "safety", they could envoke polar-opposite emotions.  For example, Patrick Chung, who elated fans by blocking two kicks against Miami, also botched the fake punt against the Jets in the playoffs.   For a threesome that featured a Pro Bowler in Merriweather, a seasoned veteran in Sanders, and the most-improved Patriot from the 2009 rookie class in Patrick Chung, one would have thought we'd have seen more consistency.  Yet, all season long we saw the sublime being followed by the stupid.