Patriots targeting draft prospects

The Patriots have been quiet during free agency, this week they have been making the rounds visiting prospective draft candidates. If you look closely, you may be able to determine what area they are concentrating for the draft.

The Pats have been to USC to hold private workouts for linebackers Keith Rivers and Thomas Williams, as well as defensive end Lawrence Jackson.

USC has a strong defensive unit including defensive end Sedrick Ellis (a potential top ten pick) and cornerback Terrell Thomas.

Former Patriots Head coach and now USC head coach Pete Carroll has high expectations for his players.

"Our guys in the draft are all terrific kids," Carroll said in a phone interview. "They've been through a lot and have done nothing but win. They have very high expectations for themselves. The game matters a lot to them, and they're there for their team. They're going to be good picks in that regard. The way they work and how they study the game, you can just bank on all of these guys."

The Patriots have worked out Purdue linebacker Stanford Keglar. Most analyst predict Keglar as an inside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 defense and utilizing his size and speed to drop back in to coverage. Kelgar may be a good replacement for Tedy Bruschi.

The Patriots held a private work out with The Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston (nice website I found nepatriotsdraft.com). If Gholston is available at the No.7 pick, the Patriots would be able to utilize him as a pass rushing OLB and able to play as a down lineman in their 3-4 system. Gholston would join fellow alumn Mike Vrabel as a versatile DE/OLB type player the Patriots love to have.

If selected, Gholston would be the first DE/OLB by the Patriots since Willie McGinest was selected the first year Patriots owner Robert Kraft owned the team in 1991

Bill Belichick himself is in Florida and had a visit to the University of Florida and worked out defensive end Derrick Harvey. Harvey is a possible selection with the No. 7 pick and would most likely play as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 system.

After a quick review of the Patriots schedule and draft prospects interviewed and worked out, one may assume the Patriots are looking to build their draft board with a defensive mindset.

For those of you that like message boards on the draft check out this one on the Patriots I found in doing my research.

IN BILL WE TRUST!!