The Show Goes On

After signing free-agent defensive lineman Marcus Stroud, Bill Belichick must now set his sights on improving the Patriots offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

While the football world at large optimistically pines for a resolution to the current work-stoppage crisis, front offices around the league have no choice but to continue to manage their teams and prepare as if the upcoming season will not be lost due to a lockout.

Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick is no exception.

Earlier this week, Belichick made his first free-agent signing of the offseason, inking 32-year-old massive defensive lineman Marcus Stroud to a two-year deal. Chosen 13th overall by Jacksonville in the 2001 Draft, Stroud is a three time Pro-Bowler (2003, 2004, 2005) who made a name for himself teaming up with John Henderson along the Jaguars defensive line for many years. Most recently, he spent the last two seasons playing for lowly Buffalo. In New England, Stroud adds some much needed beef to the Patriots defensive line of scrimmage. At 6'6'', 310 lbs, Stroud could very well line up beside Vince Wilfork to provide one of the more formidable run-stopping duos in the game. His bloodlines are rich as well, as Stroud starred for the University Georgia alongside former Patriot legend Richard Seymour.

However, while the revolving door of the NFL brought the Patriots Stroud this week, it also claimed former offensive line cornerstone Stephen Neal. Neal, a trusted guard on all three of the Patriots Super Bowl winning teams, called it a career earlier this week. After going undrafted in 2001, Belichick signed the former Cal-State Bakersfield wrestling champion and converted him into an offensive lineman. From 2001-2011, Neal played in 86 career games in the NFL (81 of which he started), all with the Patriots. While the 34-year-old Neal started the first eight games last season, he was put on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury in early December.

So, with the arrival of Stroud and the departure of Neal, Belichick must now take both into account when assessing the upcoming NFL Draft in April. While the Patriots bolstered their defensive line with Stroud, their offensive line took a hit with the retirement of Neal. And, while many Draft analysts like ESPN's Mel Kiper already had the Patriots using one of their first three picks on an offensive lineman, it is all but a certainty now with the departure of Neal and coupled with the fact that aging left-tackle Matt Light is entering his 11th season and All-Pro Logan Mankins remains disgruntled and could still be traded.

Following the logic and now glaring need for New England to re-invest in their thinning offensive line, here's a few players the Patriots could take with one of their top three picks in the upcoming Draft.

At 17th overall...

-Tyron Smith: Tackle, USC. 6'5'', 307 lbs. Powerful, athletic, great balance. Not the highest football IQ but possesses rare physical gifts that can't be taught.

-Gabe Carimi: Tackle, Wisconsin. 6'7'', 314 lbs. 2010 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in the nation. Punishing run blocker. Great size, strength, athleticism, smart. A Belichick-type player.

-Anthony Castanzo: Tackle, Boston College. 6'7'', 311lbs. Local boy, four-year starter. Quick,  great zone-blocker, especially in the screen game, which the Patriots love.

-Nate Solder: Tackle, Colorado. 6'8'', 319 lbs. Imposing physical frame. Quick, athletic, great leverage. Punishing run blocker and great pass protector. Might not be available at 17th overall.

At 28th or 33rd overall...

-Derek Sherrod: Tackle. Mississippi State. 6'5'', 321 lbs. Impressive in the Senior Bowl. Quick feet make him lethal against the blitz.

-Mike Pouncey: Center, Guard. University of Florida. 6'5'', 305 lbs. Younger brother of rookie Pro-Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey of the Steelers. Versatile, can play multiple positions along the offensive line. Passionate, aggressive. Great feet, quick hands.