The Patriots needed to get younger, faster and more physical in the back seven, and they accomplished their plan, beginning with the selection of Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo — a smart, tough, physical and versatile inside ’backer. Wiry OLB Shawn Crable needs to mature physically but brims with potential. He makes up for his lack of spatial awareness by bringing exceptional closing speed into the offensive backfield — his 28½ tackles for loss ranked second nationally in ’07. The Patriots’ LB-heavy draft culminated in the selection of try-hard Bo Ruud. Unlike his brother Barrett, who plays middle linebacker for the Bucs, Bo will play outside. Cornerback was the Patriots’ biggest need, but a lack of early first-round value convinced them they could wait until pick No. 62 to grab one. Undersized Terrence Wheatley had an injury-riddled college career but plays tough. His speed, instincts and man-cover skills give Belichick more flexibility to blitz. Jonathan Wilhite’s size and durability concerns are similar to Wheatley’s, but he adds depth to the underwhelming CB stable. The selection of Kevin O’Connell in Round Three is a sign that Matt Cassel, a free agent after this season, may be too expensive to keep around. Matt Slater, Jackie Slater’s son, has exceptional kick-return ability but virtually zero WR experience.
