New England Patriots: Should They Draft an Outside Linebacker in Round 1?

February 4, 2011   ·   Erik Frenz   ·   Jump to comments

As it does every year, the New England Patriots biggest needs and plans for success in the 2011 NFL draft will change all the way up to the very moment Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft announce their first pick.
 
One thing it always comes down to is value. The Patriots will always take the player they think gives them the most value with their pick.
The question becomes, how do the Patriots judge value?
Last year, the value of Devin McCourty was based on the fact that he was seen as a four-down player. He could contribute on defense for three downs, and then on special teams.
 
Do the Patriots judge value in 2011 in that same regard, of who can play the most downs? Or is it adjusted due to some different looks on defense this year?
Mike Reiss points out that the Patriots were in their sub package on 57 percent of their defensive snaps in 2010, while only coming out of the base 3-4 alignment on 40 percent of their snaps. The other three perce...

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