2009 Patriots Draft Targets: Vol 1.

I know… the draft is a hell of a long time away.  However, being the draft geek that I am, I thought I would take a quick look at some of the prospects that could be on the Patriots radar come April.  The draft board will change so much from now to then, but I thought I’d just do a rundown of some possible first round prospects for the Patriots.

Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech

I understand Johnson probably won’t be around at 32 (or late first round), but he would be a nice fit on the outside.  Johnson would probably project as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, but his size and skillset would definitely allow him to put his hand down at times.

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

The Patriots still have a need at cornerback, and Moore can fill that void.  He is a tad undersized, but he certainly is a ballhawk.

Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

I only mention Davis because I think he is going to be a superstar cornerback.  He likely goes top 10 or 15, although he would definitely be worth trading up for.  At 6′, 205 lbs, he is a physical specimen with top-end speed and great ball skills.

Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

Could Robinson be the potential replacement for Stephen Neal?  Robinson is a unique physical specimen who is a solid all around blocker with great strength, footwork, and potential.  He could probably come in and start immediately.

Terrance Taylor, NT, Michigan

Taylor is the truest nose tackle in the 2009 class.  He’s a beast.  At 6′, 320 lbs, he will be able to clog any hole, registering 55 tackles as a Junior.  While Wilfork is still in his prime, Taylor would make an amazing backup, and consider the fact that Wilfork has a contract expiring after 2009 that could become an issue.

Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

Spikes is another one of those versatile linebackers that plays all LB positions in college.  He would likely project as an inside linebacker in the Patriots system, but has the height to work on the outside as well.  The Patriots would likely groom him for a year until Bruschi retires, and then insert him into the starting line-up.  Imagine a starting lineup that had Mayo, Spikes, Crable, and Vrabel/Thomas.

Ciron Black, OT, LSU

Black is a talented tackle who would be a great fit as the right tackle on the Patriots’ line.  If Black is available when the Patriots pick, the 6′5″, 315lb lineman might be too hard to pass up.  The Patriots certainly need to address the o-line in the ‘09 draft, and Black is a top prospect.

This list is just a short list of players.  I’m going to look at a lot more in the coming months.  But a few positions of need look to be cornerback, wide receiver, right guard, and right tackle.