(Sports Network) -

1 - Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (6-1, 242); 2 - Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado (5-10, 187); 3 - Shawn Crable, DE/OLB, Michigan (6-5, 245); 3 - Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State (6-5, 225); 4 - Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn (5-9, 185); 5 - Matt Slater, WR/KR, UCLA (6-0, 198); 6 - Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska (6-3, 235)

Analysis: It's hard to question the Patriots' evaluation of players given their success, but the board says they reached for each of their first two picks. Mayo has injury issues and might not be a perfect fit in the 3-4, while Wheatley doesn't project as a guy that can solve the team's depth issues at corner any time soon. New England might have been better off staying at No. 7 and taking Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin. Crable and Ruud (the brother of Buccaneer Barrett Ruud) were both system picks, with Crable lining up at outside linebacker and Ruud potentially helping inside. The selection of O'Connell puts current backup Matt Cassel (in the final year of his contract) on notice. Wilhite might eventually develop into the next Asante Samuel (another fourth-rounder), but will serve as a nickel candidate to start off. No selection of a running back, receiver, or o-lineman means Tom Brady's supporting cast will be identical to last year's unit.

Bottom Line: Looks like they reached for a few players, but given their track record of evaluation, we'll give Pats the benefit of the doubt.

Grade: B