2007 Results: 18-1, Lost in Super Bowl to NYG
\n2008 Projected Cap Status: $8,270,090 under the cap <\/p>\n
2007 Season Recap: <\/p>\n
If you followed the NFL only casually, you might believe the following sentence is written in error: The New England Patriots have the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Sadly for everyone who does not root for the Pats, that’s not a misprint. Were it not for their punishment in the infamous “Spygate” scandal, the team that game within one game of a perfect season would have two first-round picks. In fact, the team would have held three of the top 31 overall picks. <\/p>\n
The Patriots 2007 season was simply astounding, from their remarkable run at perfection to their gripping battle with the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. The regular-season numbers posted by the prolific, record-setting offense are mind-boggling. They averaged 411 yards and nearly 37 points PER game, amassing 6,580 total yards. <\/p>\n
Tom Brady threw for 4,806 yards and 50 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. He completed nearly 70% of his passes (68.9) with 398 completions. Randy Moss led the league in receiving touchdowns and Wes Welker tied for the lead in receptions. The defense held up its end of the bargain, that unit was seventh best in yards allowed per game.
\nSo it’s an odd thing to say that a team that went 18-1 has needs or holes, but, as the Giants demonstrated, the Patriots are (somewhat) mortal. <\/p>\n
Team Needs: <\/p>\n
Linebacker – The Patriots use a 3-4 defense and its linebacking corps, while solid, is old by NFL standards. All-Pro Mike Vrabel is entering his 12th season, standout Tedy Bruschi is entering his 13th season and the team released Rosevelt Colvin and Oscar Lua. Look for the team to use the draft to add youth and depth at this position. <\/p>\n
Cornerback – All-Pro CB Asante Samuel departed for Philadelphia via free agency as did Randall Guy, taking nine of the teams 19 total interceptions with them. The team also lost Eugene Wilson and Ellis Hobbs struggled badly in the Super Bowl. <\/p>\n
Safety – Rodney Harrison’s play has slipped of late and given his age (35) and injury history, the team has to be considering his eventual replacement. Free agent Eugene Wilson signed with Tampa Bay. The team used first-round pick Brandon Meriweather at safety but he is inexperienced. The team signed six-year veteran Tank Williams but could still use some depth at this spot. <\/p>\n
2008 Draft Picks: <\/p>\n
First round: 7th overall
\nSecond round: 31st overall
\nThird round: 69th overall
\nThird round: 94th overall
\nFourth round: 129th overall
\nFifth round: 164th overall
\nSixth round: 197th overall
\nSeventh round: 238th overall <\/p>\n
Free Agency Status: <\/p>\n
UFA:
\nWR Troy Brown
\nLB Tedy Bruschi (resigned)
\nWR Jabar Gaffney (resigned)
\nCB Randall Gay (signed w\/Saints)
\nLB Larry Izzo (resigned)
\nS Mel Mitchell
\nWR Randy Moss (resigned)
\nC Lonie Paxton (resigned)
\nCB Asante Samuel (signed w\/Eagles)
\nCB Chad Scott
\nLB Junior Seau
\nWR Donte\u2019 Stallworth (signed w\/Browns)
\nWR Kelley Washington (resigned)
\nDB Eugene Wilson (signed w\/Bucs) <\/p>\n
RFA:
\nDL Mike Wright (resigned) <\/p>\n
RELEASED:
\nTE Kyle Brady
\nDL Rashad Moore (signed w\/Falcons)<\/p>\n
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Stephen Zorio<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"