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New England Patriots: Best option with the 32nd pick?

By Dan Salem

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They may be Super Bowl champs, but after an offseason of losses the New England Patriots have holes to fill in the NFL Draft. What’s their best option with the 32nd pick? Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD:

With the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…?

Coming off of a wild and exciting Super Bowl win, the Patriots actually have a number of clear holes on their roster. With the release of Vince Wilfork, New England has a need along the interior of the defensive line. Darrelle Revis‘ departure also leaves a gaping hole in the defensive backfield.

And on offense, despite the team’s prolific scoring, there is a dire need for some skill-position help. That may be in the form of a top talent running back, although that is less likely. Rather, it could be a down-field threat at wide receiver or even a bigger body to balance out the Amendola and Edelman types.

The Pats are famous for trading down. However, the move seems unlikely to occur at the 32nd overall pick. Other teams are less inclined to trade back up to 32 for a player they want because they will then be forced to haggle on a first-round contract for someone who could be likely had one selection later. So if NE holds onto its selection, who do they go with?

A1) Eddie Goldman, DT
A2) Mike Bennett, DT
B1) Devin Smith, WR
B2) Devin Funchess, WR
C) Kevin Johnson, CB

Do they take a defensive tackle? Goldman has a bit of a higher grade, but Bennett proved his destructive worth last year at Ohio State.

Do they take a wide receiving deep threat like Devin Smith or the 6-5 Devin Funchess?

Or, does New England go with the cornerback to try to fill the void left by Revis?

At the back end of the round, there are many more choices available of players who could slot into that value. It’s tricky, but make a choice.

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver

Brandon LaFell

(19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

DAN:

The Patriots always seem to have holes on paper, yet they disappear when the team hits the field in September. That being said, a major reason New England won the Super Bowl last season was because Darrelle Revis filled a hole in their defensive secondary that had been plaguing the team for years come playoff time.

I’m not one to jump to a fast and swift conclusion without first weighing all the options. Even with the loss of Revis, cornerback is not the Patriots biggest hole or most pressing need. They currently have ten years experience at corner (Logan Ryan and Kyle Arrington) and thirteen years experience at safety (Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty) on their roster. New England would be smart to draft a cornerback, but not in the first round. That takes Kevin Johnson off the board.

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I’m also avoiding a first round wide receiver for much the same logic, plus Tom Brady. The Patriots have excelled with lesser name wide receivers over the years, so it makes little sense to pick one in the first round when a second or third round receiver will do just fine on this team. Tom Brady can throw to anyone who is fast and can catch. Listening and fitting into the system are also critical. Although the Devins are tempting, I say New England must pass.

This leaves the defensive line as a position of need and where the Patriots must go with the 32nd pick. Both Goldman and Bennett are solid players and both played for dominant, big name schools last season. But I’m going with the bigger, taller player who just happens to be graded higher. Bennett is 6’2″ and 293 pounds out of Ohio State, while Goldman weighs in at 6’4″ and 320 pounds out of Florida State.

Eddie Goldman is the pick for New England at 32. If we are talking about replacing Vince Wilfork, then go with the biggest man available. Coming out of Florida State provides a history of solid coaching pedigree. Add in the extra height and I like Eddie on the Patriots.

Next: Pats grab a receiver in latest Mock Draft

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