Reports: Pats Trying To Work Way Into Top 10

Tip of the hat to Pro Football Talk for finding Peter King's report that the Patriots are making calls trying to find a way to get into one of the top 10 spots in the draft to find someone who can fill their myriad needs. The only reason to move up in such an aggressive way, especially when the Patriots usually hate to guarantee that kind of money to unproven players, would be to get a specific player or two. As such, don't expect the Pats to pull the trigger on any deal until their potential trade partner is on the clock--and their targeted player is still on the board. Who then, might they be targeting? Some have thrown out the name of Brian Cushing or Rey Maualuga, both of whom have appeared on draft boards mighty high, although I don't think either is a top 10 guy simply because in terms of measurables I don't see it with them. Peter King suggests it might even be an offensive player. Unless he means a tackle, which I also don't think they need, I also don't really see it. Pettigrew, the best TE in the draft, probably won't even go top 20. They don't really need a tackle, although some quality depth there never hurts in a rough-and-tumble league like the NFL. Quarterback is certainly not an option, not in the top 10 anyway with the kind of money they'd be paying a potential backup-to-the-backup by drafting him that high and unless they're going after Beanie Wells (which would make getting the 8 or 9 pick pointless when they could get him at 13 or 14, easily...and for less money) there's no point. My guess is they're then targeting a guy like Tyson Jackson or Brian Orakpo who, in all likelihood, have little real chance of falling much further than 6 or 7. Jackson could go top 5 because of his versatility. Orakpo could do with some extra size if he's going to play DE in a 3-4 but the Patriots do have the very real concern of replacing Richard Seymour to deal with in the next few years and he's an ideal fit while still leaving the possibility he could be a passing-down rusher as a LB in the 5-technique (outside edge of tackle). King says he's hearing talk that the Pats tried to move into 8 with Jacksonville and were rebuffed. My educated guess is they're trying to move into 8, above the Packers at 9, because they expect the Packers to draft the guy they're going after (since the Packers are shifting to a 3-4 defense, like the Patriots, and will want to anchor that with a DE or OLB who can rush the passer and seal the edge against the run). It could be Maybin, Orakpo, or Jackson. I think they'd take any of those guys, trying to move into 8 if there's just one left or moving into 10 with the 49ers (assuming Sanchez is gone and the 49ers will want to get multiple picks for their spot) if two of those 3 are left, letting the Packers decide which one they want and taking what's left if they have to. I like Maybin here. I agree with King that Tyson Jackson from LSU is the most versatile DE in the draft, and "versatile" is pretty much the key word when it comes to Bill Belichick's draft strategy, but I think Maybin has the better potential as a pro and would fit the Patriots system--both on and off the field--perfectly. To borrow Scouts Inc.'s take on Maybin's character (Insider only but if you don't have Insider, get it, probably the best value there is): "Very mature for his young age. Had to grow up in a hurry after mother died from birth complications when Aaron was six years old. He is a natural leader ? both vocally and by example. Non-stop motor is infectious. Great football character. Not aware of any off-the-field issues." Sounds like a guy Belichick would be okay investing heavily in, especially given his talent level, too. Come back later tonight on draft day eve to see our report on the history of the #23 pick in the NFL draft and what type of players it has produced over the years.