FanHouse

While it's not completely surprising (at this point, none of the Patriots' potential draft-related moves should come as a shock; in theory, anyway), it's certainly something different: in NFL.com's Pat Kirwan's latest mock draft, New England will take ... guard Branden Albert. No, really.

Two weeks ago, Albert was pretty much penciled in as the Steelers next Alan Faneca and nobody had him going before the 23rd pick. And then, last week, NFL Network's Mike Mayock called Albert potentially the second best left tackle in the draft and the former Virginia linemen's (mock draft) value sky-rocketed. (ESPN's Mel Kiper now has Albert going fifth-overall to the Chiefs.)

Kirwan explains the pick:

Don't be surprised to see the Patriots look at their offensive line for two reasons. One, they gave up a lot of sacks and pressures in the Super Bowl; and two, Belichick has taken many big offensive linemen with his first-round picks. Albert can play guard or tackle. The Patriots did not sign any significant talent to help the offensive line so far in free agency.

Duly noted; I won't be surprised. For what it's worth, the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss was asked in his most recent mailbag about the likelihood New England might take an offensive linemen in the first round and here's what he said:

In 2005, I said "we don't know who the Patriots will select, but we can presume based on their history that it won't be a guard." Then they selected Logan Mankins. I learned my lesson after that one. Of the two tackles, I know they've looked very closely at Otah. So if they go tackle, he'd be my choice. But if I had to make a choice right now, I still think a front-seven player on defense will be the pick.

Which means, of course, that the Patriots will tell conventional wisdom to f-off and draft a punter seventh overall. (Hey, Chris Hanson was easily the worst player on the roster last year, and Ken Walter ain't walkin' through that door.)

Previously on FanHouse
Keep An Eye On: Branden Albert