Patriots & Bills 2007 Draft Picks
Marshawn Lynch Impresses Buffalo as New England Grabs Meriweather
The New England Patriots drafted for depth as the Buffalo Bills had more immediate needs with the departure of stafters on both sides of the ball.
New England Patriots
Rookies rarely are forced into important playing time in their first year for the Patriots, but if they are expected to produce when the opportunity presents itself. 1st round pick Brandon Meriweather may be able to create an opportunity to get on the field early because of his versatility. Skilled at both the free safety and cornerback positions, the not only can Brandon serve as a backup to Artrell Hawkins, but he can fill in for Asante Samuel if need be. Kareem Brown has an opportunity to get into the rotation at defensive tackle as the only Vince Wolfork returns with significant experience.
Tackle Clint Oldenburg will have ample time to sit and learn from a steady veteran offensive line, but better be ready if his opportunity arises. Linebacker Justin Rogers will have to hit the playbook hard to learn the intricacies of Coach Belichick’s defensive sets, he has the size to be a player, and behind this aging group of linebackers, Justin had better learn quickly. Mike Richardson will add depth to the secondary as a reserve corner. The pick of running back Justise Hairston may turn out to be the jewel of the draft for the Patriots, if Justise can hold on to the ball, he may find himself backing up Laurence Maroney by week 8.
The final three picks, tackle Corey Hilliard, guard Mike Elgin, and linebacker Oscar Lua appeared destined for the practice squad as they need more time to develop.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have quite a few holes to fill and with their seven draft picks, management hopefully has filled quite a few of the holes. The biggest holes were in two positions, running back and linebacker. The Bills addressed their biggest weaknesses in the first two rounds by drafting Marshawn Lynch and Paul Posluszny. Don’t believe the hype of Buffalo going to a two-back attack with the A-Train, Anthony Thomas, and Lynch. Marshawn will be the starter as soon as the ink dries on his signed contract (barring any kind of holdout). Lynch, already accomplished at catching the ball out of the backfield, 34 catches last year at Cal, Marshawn should be able to make the necessary adjustments to the next level.
The Bills expect Paul Posluszny to step into the middle linebacker position as the other players at that position aren’t as talented as Paul. This move will help Paul as he plays a little too stiff to be exposed as an outside backer. He should excel in this role because one thing we know about Posluszny, is that he is very tough and stout at the point of attack.
The third round pick, Trent Edwards, had an injury filled college career; he’ll be third string next year taking pictures holding a clipboard holding a visor. Fourth round running back, Dwayne Wright, is a talented prospect that may push the A-Train out the door in a year or two. Safety, John Wendling, may be a good player that never sees the field playing behind emerging star Donte Whitner at strong safety. Fullback, Derek Schouman, will most likely move to tight end, he may see some playing time as the leading receiving tight end for the Bills had a meager 23 catches. C. J. Ah You, is an interesting prospect, relying mostly on his speed as an undersized defensive end, it will be hard for him to get on the field.
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