Mike Reiss

  (12:00 PM)

Hello and welcome to today's chat.

Mike Reiss

  (12:01 PM)

This will be a half-hour edition, just to dissect what happened yesterday, and what could happen today. My take: Most exciting first round in Bill Belichick era.

Mike Reiss

  (12:02 PM)

You never truly know with draft picks, but there is something refreshing about seeing Bill Belichick go up the board for two players he really liked. Easy to get fired up about that.

jb (west hartford)

Hey Mike, In your 2nd round mock draft posted on the patriotsblog you have Peter Konz falling to 48 and the patriots passing on him. I think Konz, as the top ranked C, would be a great value pick at 48 considering the concerns around koppen. Thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:03 PM)

JB, that's a fair thought. Konz seems like good value, although I'm not sure all teams are sold on him.

Professor Frink (Springfield)

I like the Hightower pick, he seems like a good player, but I'm having a hard time figuring how he'll be used. Is he gonna cut into Brandon Spikes' playing time? Rob Ninkovich's? Are they gonna rely on him to bring pressure off the edge? Maybe more of a traditional blitzer?

Mike Reiss

  (12:04 PM)

All over Professor Frink. My thought on Hightower -- don't try to put him in a box. Was asked about him at ESPNBoston Patriots draft preview in early April by a fan, and if that fan is reading, props to you. You nailed it. Said Hightower would be a good pick, I wondered if they needed him, and I was wrong. I didn't account for the versatility factor. Viewed him too much in a box -- as an inside guy. Can rush too. Think of him as a Swiss-Army knife.

Brandon Spikes (Belichick's Doghouse?)

Yo Mike, congrats on being a daddy. Another ILB? What does that mean for me and my man Fletcher?

Mike Reiss

  (12:06 PM)

It means that the competition increases, but you all should find your place on the roster. The Patriots are going to do different things on defense on a weekly basis, so let's not lock into one thought (e.g. the 3-4 defense). More options, more versatility, potentially leads to more desirable results. And, let's be honest Brandon, the first two years have been a little rocky at times for you. So truthfully, Hightower offers up a little insurance should things head in the wrong direction with you.

mike (dc)

Is it too much to hope the pats get a rde and the lsu safety they worked out in rd 2? That would be a perfect draft to me...

Mike Reiss

  (12:07 PM)

Very much a possibility, Mike. I didn't have Brandon Taylor in the second-round mock, which I worked on with fellow reporter Field Yates, but he very well could be in there. Nice thought.

Rob (Borough of Manhattan)

Hi Mike - First off, I have to say that I am really excited (for once) about what BB has done here in the first round. Impact players for that front 7 - gotta love that! I am starting to think though that perhaps BB is considering a permanent shift to a base 4-3 after taking Jones and Hightower. Jones seems to be more of a 4-3 end based on his measurables and Hightower was very good college player across a bunch of positions in the 4-3 (Mike, Sam, End). It would seem to me that you would probably get more out of those players in the 4-3 than in the 3-4 which requires some different skill sets. I know the Pats like to maintain flexibility in their defensive schemes but it sure seems that based strictly on personnel moves this offseason (thinking Fanene and Scott as well) that the days of the traditional Pats 3-4 defense may now be a thing of the past. What do you think?

Mike Reiss

  (12:09 PM)

Rob, what's not to be excited about? When a team trades up, it automatically generates that feeling. I don't think the reaction would be the same if the Patriots somehow traded down and got the same two players. As for the 3-4, 4-3, I'm not sure it's that relevant of a discussion. They will be multiple. Sure, they'll have a base they work out of (probably the 3-4), but given all the wrinkles within the scheme, there should be an opportunity to do a lot of different things depending on the opponent. And we shouldn't forget the sub packages were 65-70 percent of the snaps last season.

John F (Walpole)

Chance favors the bold and the draft moves by the Pats last night were refreshingly bold. I love both picks and the quality over quantity approach. I hope they stand pat in the second, draft two more good players and call it a day. They addressed depth via free agency and don't need a 7th round scrub who will likely get cut anyway.

Mike Reiss

  (12:09 PM)

Echoed by many, John.

MarkJ (Japan)

Any plan for Day 3?

Mike Reiss

  (12:09 PM)

If the Patriots don't have any picks (assuming they don't trade down), I might ask Bill Belichick if I can come into the draft room :)

AveMass (Longmeadow , Ma.)

BB was in rare form at his post draft presser -taking DOURNESS to a new level. I noticed you were almost the only reporter even attempting to ask follow-up questions - so TY for that . I especially enjoyed BB's answer to your "Where do you see Hightower playin' ? BB " On Defense ".QUESTION : Where do YOU see BB best using Hightower ?

Mike Reiss

  (12:11 PM)

Let's cut BB some slack here. Not a big deal. As for Hightower, think versatility. Could be inside in the 3-4 on early downs and moving to edge position on third down. Could play outside on early downs. Lot of different things they can do. No need to pigeon-hole it just yet. In fact, Bill Belichick himself might not have all the answers himself.

Percy Pringle (medfield ma)

Hi Mike first off I love the Belichick finally cashed in his chips and improved the defense. when it comes to the two picks in the second round, my first thought is that BB will trade one of them for a third and a fourh; but wouldn't it make more sense to stay in the second and pick two guys that have second round talent? why trade back for less talent?

Mike Reiss

  (12:13 PM)

Percy, I think the moving back just gives you a few more options in terms of possible other trades, and also allows you to secure a player you might want to work with, but aren't sure about, at a more reasonable salary. If they don't like what's there in the second, that would be a reason to go back as well.

Alex (El Paso, TX)

Nick Collins just got released, do you think the pats would take a look after the draft?

Mike Reiss

  (12:13 PM)

Alex, Collins is a medical situation, if I'm not mistaken. Would think Yeremiah Bell would be more likely.

Ben (Brooklyn)

Love the Hightower pick. I'm not sure why folks are so high on Spikes. He is poor and coverage and lacks range. He's not a three down player. Plus we've seen Patriot LB's (Bruschi, Vrabel) excel in multiple positions. Hightower looks like he could follow in their footsteps.

Mike Reiss

  (12:14 PM)

Ben, I like Spikes. Thought he was their best defender in the Super Bowl. That said, he hasn't played the full 16 in each of his first two seasons. Has already had a suspension. Knee injury. So it comes down to reliability. This protects them a bit.

James T (Boston)

Hi Mike, with only two second round picks left, how many selections do you see the Pats end up making when all is said and done?

Mike Reiss

  (12:15 PM)

Looking into the crystal ball ... let's say one second-rounder, one third-rounder, and one fifth-rounder. Just a guess.

Dave (RI)

Any truth to the story that Devin McCourty is moving to safety?

Mike Reiss

  (12:15 PM)

Dave, I am not aware of it. My sense is that McCourty is working on both positions, and is prepared for either one. I don't think he knows at this point.

Dennis (CA)

I have to think BB felt a little more comfortable moving up this year than last year because he knows he has a full training camp to train these guys up. Last year, he seemed to be drafting more for a year later. Thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

Dennis, I think this might be overthinking it a bit. Here is the thing about Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower -- these players not only fit the unique qualifications of what the Patriots look for in scouting football players, but they are the type of players/people Belichick wants in his program. There aren't many of them out there. I think that's why he was so fired up to trade up. Rare opportunity here.

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

So I guess what I'm saying is that if both players were there last year, in the same situation, I think he would have pounced as well.

Julian (Revere, MA)

Mike, do you thing BB will role the dice with Janoris Jenkins?

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

I'll guess no.

Steven (Brooklyn)

I am jacked up about the picks last night, but I'm still worried about D-line. After Vince, there is a giant-sized drop-off and I think we need more bodies. Is the value there in round 2? Or is secondary more appealing in this area of the draft?

Mike Reiss

  (12:18 PM)

Brandon Thompson of Clemson is one player who could fit as a bigger DL. There are others still out there -- Worthy, Still, Reyes. Could be value there, depending on scheme fit.

James (Ng)

Mike, do you think that BB looked at the roster, saw little chance for rookies to make it and decided to go quality over quantity?

Mike Reiss

  (12:19 PM)

James, I think he looked at his team, which made 33 selections over the 2009-2010-2011 drafts and signed more free agents than any team in the league this year, and said, "I have the middle class accounted for, now it's time to focus on the elite." Best place to find the elite, at most reasonable prices, is the draft.

Gurari (Boston, MA)

Hi Mike, Thanks for all the coverage this off-season. With Jones and Hightower in the mix, do you see Carter being signed to a two or three year deal if he rehabs successfully?

Mike Reiss

  (12:19 PM)

I'd think it's another one-year, because of the injury.

peter (austria)

Hey mike,what do you think of one of the Guards Silatolu, Osemele and a bigger DB like Trumaine Johnson who can play a little Safety fpor the second Round.greets peter

Mike Reiss

  (12:20 PM)

I slotted them Brandon Boykin because he'd fill two roles in one -- depth at slot CB and dynamic returner. I like him better than Johnson. Not crazy about the guards outside of Ben Jones, who factors in at center as well.

John Scaliti (Westfield, NJ)

Do you think that there's a possibility that the Pats draft a CB w/ one of their 2 remaining picks and employ Dowling at safety?

Mike Reiss

  (12:21 PM)

Possible on the CB, but think it would be McCourty moving to S, not Dowling, in that scenario.

Geoffrey Barlow (Burlington, Vermont)

Hey Mike, ... WOW. This is exactly what most fans wanted. They wanted to see the addition of difference makers to the front 7. I personally think Jones could end up being Willie McGinest 2.0 and Hightower is just so interesting. Where will he play? Who knows? In Hightower I see someone like Brian Urlacher and even Brandon Spikes, but he has the ability to rush from the edge as well. I dont think that there has ever been a player with his unique skill set. I imagine that both of these players will offer some sort of special teams ability as well, particularily Hightower. But more importantly I believe that this bolsters the teams number 1 need which was front 7 help and NOT defensive backfield help, although many will disagree with me.

Mike Reiss

  (12:22 PM)

Thanks Geoffrey. Gravy fries at Nectar's out in Burlington to celebrate.

Kevin F. (Framingham,MA)

Hi Mike. Random thought. If the Pats do not end up having a Pick on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7), do you think the Patriots may start signing some NFL Veteran free agents ahead of some of the other teams still getting their ducks in a row while working Day 3 of the draft? I can see the Pats using the extra time Saturday to negotiate for that extra RB (like Joe Addai). Also the lack of draft choices may help the Pats convince some of the undrafted free agents to come aboard since they will have less competition than say a team with 7 to 10 draft choices coming to camp. I'm sure the Pats would prefer to have the picks, but maybe they can use the situation to their advantage as well.

Mike Reiss

  (12:22 PM)

No need to wait, Kevin. Yeremiah Bell and those RBs (Addai/Hightower/Grant) would be a few to watch.

Janoris Jenkins (N Alabama)

Bill I'm sitting here waiting on you're call. Will you pick me?

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

Wouldn't rule it out, but my hunch says no.

carlos (biddeford me)

Wow ! What would you say the wow factor of pats draft so far -1 being least -10 the most -also,will lack of picks make pats a more desirable landing place for un-drafted free agents ? Carlos

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

Carlos, I think the Patriots are desirable regardless because those players know they will be coached well and there is a strong history of practice squad development.

Craig Teleski (Worcester, MA)

LOVED the first round Mikey. But for once I am actually a little bit nervous about the reprecussions of the trading up. In trading up twice, we gave up both our 3rd round and 4th round picks. Now the Pats only have two picks left in the entire draft and they are both in the second round. This will be a very interesting day. Do the pats trade one or both of these picks to try and get some later rounds to balance things out? Do they trade future picks to get some later round help? Do they make both picks and simply end their draft? Do they trade up AGAIN? Do they trade a current player for later picks? It will be very interesting to see. I personally wouldnt be suprised if any of these scenarios unfolded. My guess is that they will trade at least 1 of them and probably both. Thougts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:25 PM)

Haven't been called Mikey in a while, Craig, but I'll allow it based on the excitement of the moment. Let me quell your fears: Don't sweat the trade up. A team can't have it all. They gave up a few mid-round picks for a chance to develop two elite talents. Based on where the team is at this point, and the depth around it, that looks like a sound decision. On what comes next, could see them trying to parlay one of these 2s into something different...

Branden (Nashua)

Not sure how you can't love that draft. What would be your grade for the Pats in the 1st round?

Mike Reiss

  (12:25 PM)

Not a big grade guy, Branden, but considering what the topics of stories were leading into the draft, and the way it unfolded, I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't say it was brilliant.

Samuel (Hingham)

Mike, what do you think the chances are that the Pats are interested with Boise St. safety George Iloka? He is a big, long and rangy safety who offers both "off-the-chart" measurables and intangibles. He also displayed some versatility in college, having played some snaps at corner.

Mike Reiss

  (12:26 PM)

Good name to keep on the radar, Samuel. I could see the interest. Thanks.

Eric (MA)

As for the 2nd round, I'd like to see the Pats turn those 2 picks into a few later picks and target S Markell Martin, OkSt; WR Joe Adams/Jarius Wright, Ark; and CB Ron Brooks, LSU. They can be had in rounds 3-5 I'm sure so I'd like to see those picks multiply now.

Mike Reiss

  (12:27 PM)

You're all over it, Eric. Adams/Wright and Brooks would be on my radar.

JoaoGA (Lisbon, Portugal)

Hi Mike, what's your input on how yesterday's draft will influence Ninkovich's and Cunningham's status. Each obviously had a very different impact last season, with Nink coming to is own and Jermaine not producing, but will this inevitably cut into Nink's numbers (via Hightower) and maybe pull Cunningham out of contention altogether (via Jones - Trevor Scott already there and the team being high on both Carters)? Thanks

Mike Reiss

  (12:28 PM)

Ninkovich will be fine, and just may have his playing time trimmed a bit, which could actually help him. 82.3 percent is a lot for him, which was his number in 2011. Cunningham is on the roster bubble IMO. Has to bounce back. Seemed to lose something last season.

ronfromwestroxbury (NYC)

Has anyone asked BB whether he would have made the two deals under the old rookie wage scheme?

Mike Reiss

  (12:29 PM)

I thought about asking him last night, and then common sense took over. I don't think the wage scale was a big factor. The low to mid 20s were a value area regardless of the wage scale. I will try to confirm that thought with him at a better time.

J-H (Central New York)

Mike, I'd just like to briefly thank you for all the great work you do, congratulate you on your new cover 2 scheme at home and ask my first official question on your chat. I loved the aggressive nature of BB and company last night. I do wonder if they could've gotten one of their guys without needing to trade, but they must've known other teams were interested. Regardless, do you think, (as I hope), that they use one of their 2nd round picks and trade the second pick to the 3rd or 4th and pick up something next year? What do you see as a need now? I'd like to see them possibly find a CB, a WR (Jeffery/Adams/Wright) and maybe some future OL help. What are you hoping the Pats get out of these two days?

Mike Reiss

  (12:30 PM)

Thanks J-H. Very nice of you. This is a passion , and something I'd be doing if I wasn't working. So it's not really work, if that makes sense. Detroit at 23 was a candidate for Jones IMO, and the Ravens at 29 seemed hot for Hightower. So I think it was too risky. As for trading one of the 2s, I think we're all in agreement that could be a good move.

Mike Reiss

  (12:31 PM)

Going to take a few more...

Brian (Oxford, CT)

No chance BB just makes the picks as scheduled, and heads for a boat Saturday instead?

Mike Reiss

  (12:31 PM)

Even if he makes the picks, I don't think he'll be on the V Rings boat. Too much work to do studying who goes where and how it all fits together. The information could be valuable down the road.

pr (nyc)

Where does Jones play when the Pats go into the bse 3-4 defense? is he even on the field?

Mike Reiss

  (12:32 PM)

OLB would be my guess.

Joe (Pembroke)

Hi Mike, would you have made the same two picks as BB did at those spots?

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

Hightower surprised me a bit, only because I viewed him as more of a Spikes-type player. But I was wrong. He can rush too. So my limited knowledge of Hightower led to a flawed pre-draft analysis. It happens.

James (NSA Souda Bay, Greece)

hello Mike from all the way in Greece with the US Naval Security Detatchment here. Are the Pats looking at S or CB at all here in the second round? i've heard many people saying if Jenkins falls to us at 48 to snatch him but i dont think hes worth the trouble hes got off field? what do you think?

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

Thanks for what you do, James. I could see CB/S in this second round. Jenkins a bit too risky for me.

Vikram (Boston)

Mike, I know Chris Rainey is someone you were keeping an eye on? Do you think patriots can find a way to draft him?

Mike Reiss

  (12:34 PM)

I could see it, Vikram.

Dennis (CA)

Thanks for the thoughts Mike. Always appreciated. I'm taking a page from the Pats here and doubling down: How much fun was this first-round draft? Loved the fast movement and trades and it was over in 3 hours!

Mike Reiss

  (12:35 PM)

Let's end on this one, and maybe I can circle back and grab a few more later, and post in the blog. I'm scrambling a bit today after a late night. The draft seldom disappoints me. Last night was some of the most fun I've had, not just from a Patriots perspective, but from an NFL perspective. Lot of wheeling and dealing. Great stuff.

Mike Reiss

  (12:36 PM)

Usually our chats are one hour, but since today's was an added chat, we kept it to the 30 minutes. Stay tuned for more chats ahead.

Mike Reiss

  (12:36 PM)

Have a great day and we'll check back in from Gillette for round two.