Patriots Could Be Dancing With the Stars

As predicted, the Patriots got help in the 2009 NFL Draft for their Defensive Backfield (picking-up 2 players including Darius Banks from UConn); the Offensive Line (3 players with upside), as well as, selecting a young Wide Receiver to develop. However, the Pats did not pick-up a pass-rusher which could be telling for a team that finished 26 out of 32 in the league and also traded OLB Mike Vrabel in the off-season.

This could mean that pass-rushing veteran Defensive End Jason Taylor may be leaning towards signing soon with the Patriots -Or- perhaps a trade with Carolina for Defensive End Julius Peppers could still be in play. Aside from compensation, the only concern for All-Pro Peppers becoming a Patriot is that his salary would upset the pay scale of veterans like Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork which may be one of the reasons why the Pats selected DT Ron Brace of Boston College in the second round of the NFL Draft.