Patriots finally pick an OLB

...and once again, I don't think anyone would've guessed this one. This is a position of need for the Patriots since Mike Vrabel was traded to Kansas City, but I don't think Tyrone McKenzie was high on anybody's draft boards. Clay Matthews and Larry English seemed to be the highest-rated players going into the draft.

But if there's been one clear message from Bill Belichick in this draft, it's that the players ranked in the higher rounds were overrated. He has obviously been marching to the beat of his own drummer, passing over, as Jamie put it, "a pass-rushing beast" in English to take McKenzie, whose scouting report is lukewarm.

The key may be the line "great footbal IQ". The Patriots are looking to replace not just a body but a leader in Mike Vrabel, although I think this pick shows the Patriots think someone further up the depth chart, like last year's draft pick Shawn Crable, will be stepping into that role.

Comments

[Brent]

Well finally an OLB, but McKenzie seems to be predicted to inside on the 3-4.

Yesterday and today sure looks like they could be using more of a 4-3 in 2009...

Not one pass rushing DE or OLB... the Pats must feel confident in signing Jason Taylor.