The New England Patriots are in a position to tie as their Independence Day did not go as predicted. The New England Patriots’ 48th season ended with an incredible 18-1 score, right before they won the final game against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. What can be said about the Patriots’ strategy? Given that they only lost to the Giants by three points, you can’t really argue that the team should be completely restructured. Sometimes there’s just bad luck in the air, and fate apparently denied the Patriots their freedom in the Super Bowl. In 2008, the team will try to play another undefeated season, this time winning the Super Bowl that many feel they deserved in 2007.

One of the biggest clues to your success in 2008 will be the NFL Draft. Their draft season got off to a slow start, as the league penalized them for using video equipment to record a team’s signs during a September 9, 2007 game against the New York Jets. (As if he had to resort to Spygate to beat the Jets?) The Patriots had to give up their original first-round pick, which would have been the 31st overall pick due to the loss of the championship. However, the team has managed to score some successful talents early in the season.

The team will add linebacker Jerod Mayo from the University of Tennessee, as well as linebackers Shawn Crable from Michigan and Bo Ruud from Nebraska. The team has also acquired two strong cornerbacks in Terrence Wheatley from Colorado and Jonathan Wilhite from Auburn. Quarterback Kevin O’Connell will also play for the Patriots from San Diego State. Finally, there’s safety Matt Slater of the University of California, Los Angeles. Additionally, the team signed 13 undrafted agents following the NFL draft.

What was the fan reaction to the team’s NFL draft picks? Reaction was mixed with Terrence Wheatley, as he is relatively small at 5’9, 187 pounds but still maintains great running speed. While some describe this election as outreach, others believe it was to fill a position of need. As for Jerod Mayo, insiders say the team changed their selection but still received a player who fit their system. There has been high praise for O’Connell, as he was considered one of the sleeper picks in the Draft. Other players brought less excitement, as many of the most promising new talents have already been snapped up by other teams. Fans were surprised to see Shawn Crable, an outside linebacker, chosen instead of a defensive end. Many also questioned the signing of Jonathan Wilhite, who is largely untested, starting only six games during his senior year.

The draft focused attention on seven players who will make or break New England next season. New England doesn’t have much to be ashamed of, practically nothing to lose, but plenty of motivation to win. Fans agree that while New England’s draft picks were unexpected, their overall chances look very good. Even if New England were to finish with one more loss than they did in the 2007 season, they still have a lot to be proud of, having proven to be one of the most dominant teams of the decade.

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