Just a hunch, but I don’t think the Patriots and Bill Belichick view the 2012 draft as highly as some others in recent years. Taking that hunch one step further, I think they’ll look to come out of it with a few must-haves (safety, front-seven help, dynamic returner) while hopefully positioning themselves well for 2013. All hunches, because no one truly knows what Bill Belichick is thinking, including many on his own staff.
Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
I have to agree with Reiss here, with the Pats not picking until the late-20’s it’s going to be all about who falls.