Quote:
Originally Posted by milkman
You do pick up some solid players, but at the end of the day, defense today needs playmakers in the second and third level, and the Patriots don't have that now, and haven't for a number of years.
Your best chance to pick up those playmakers come in the first round.
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It's not for lack of effort. Brandon Meriweather was a 1st round pick at Safety. Gone.
Darius Butler was a high 2nd. Bust.
Devin McCourty was a 1st. Great last year, not so great this year.
Leigh Bodden (free agent) was very solid for us in 2009. Lost last year to injury. This year, suddenly, BUST. Cut.
In addition to those guys, since 2003:
Wilhite (4th)
Wheatley (2nd)
Ras-I Dowling (first pick in 2nd round)
Pat Chung (second pick in 2dn round)
Ellis Hobbs (3rd)
Guss Scott (3rd)
Asante Samuel (4th)
So it's not lack of investment. It's poor choices.