Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 7
I've enjoyed letting you guys do the heavy lifting for the Mock Draft thus far, but the Patriots pick is all mine. With the seventh pick, I'm going to select Sedrick Ellis, defensive tackle out of USC. Let's explain this thing in bullets.
If Ellis and Gholston are on the board, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Jets took Ellis. They are still thin on the line, and he has the flexibility to play either position in a 3-4. This is just a hunch, but I think Ellis has the consistent production and love for the game that the Jets and Patriots look for. They are less impressed with workouts.
Defensive line is an area of strength for the Patriots, but you can never have too many great linemen. The Patriots shocked the draft by taking Vince Wilfork in 2004, the third straight first-round they took a lineman. That worked out pretty well. It's now been four years, and I don't think it's so crazy to replenish their talent at the position for the future. Ellis can make the entire rotation better in 2008, and grow into stardom slowly like Ty Warren. The Patriots make their decisions with the long view in mind, and Ellis provides the best value on this board.
2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
Comments
Greg, what's your email again?
Posted by: Ryan | April 4, 2008 04:38 PM
GRosenthal@Rotoworld.com. Next pick will be monday.
Posted by: gregg | April 4, 2008 05:42 PM
Good pick. Way to go against the grain and pick something besides a CB that everybody else says the Pats will take. That's just more CBs that will slide down the board to the 'Boys. Yeehah!
Posted by: b roo | April 4, 2008 07:06 PM
Did you want that pick sent to you on Monday then? Or is before hand alright?
Posted by: Ryan | April 4, 2008 07:25 PM
Who do you give to the team that has everything???
I agree with this on the basis of best-player-available. Seems like a no-brainer if Ellis falls. Otherwise USC's Rivers is a possibility as the best of a relatively light LB class. I also concur that there should be value at CB in later rounds.
Posted by: Chad Ferguson | April 5, 2008 03:46 PM
Nice break down of the position and well thought out.
The pats definately always draft best player available so Ellis it is, but trading out is an option, if they want that CB.
Just a thought but no ones considering a qb somewhere to add depth to brady considering Cassels fill in role durring the year was almost comical.
Posted by: abruzzi | April 7, 2008 11:17 AM