NFL Betting Guide

The New England Patriots have had a relatively quiet offseason thus far, focusing much of their energy on resigning their own players.  This may be a result of the many early round picks they own in the upcoming draft.  Thanks to past trades with Jacksonville and Tennessee, the New England Patriots are the owners of four picks in the top 53.

Over the past two years, the Patriots have struggled with the pass rush.  Fortunately, this draft is loaded with NFL ready defensive players, and they will likely select one of them with one of their first picks.  Additionally, Ben Watson will be leaving the team after spending the past five years as a Patriots tight end.  As a result, the tight end position is a very pressing need for them.

It is expected that the Patriots will take Michigan’s Brandon Graham with their first round pick (22^nd overall).  Graham played DE in college and is expected to play OLB in the pros.  He led the nation in tackles for a loss last season and is expected to make immediate contributions.

If Graham is unavailable, the Patriots will take a look at Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma).  He is the top-rated tight end of his class and he would be a nice replacement for Watson.  Quarterback Tom Brady is in need of all the weapons he can get as a result of WR Wes Welker’s recent rotator cuff surgery.

Their next two picks fall close together in round 2 (44^th and 47^th).   Damian Williams (WR, USC) would be a nice pickup at number 44 as the Patriots seek to upgrade at the WR position opposite Randy Moss.  Jason Worilds (DE/OLB, Virginia Tech) is another pass rusher who will likely be available at number 47.  The Patriots will look at him as another answer to their pedestrian pass rush.