Admiring the Pats' selection of Maroney (1 Viewer)

[redman]

The Pats have rented Corey Dillon for a few years, and they even managed to squeeze another championship out of him before - apparently - the last gas left the tank last year.

They came in with RB once again being an area of need. With the 21st overall pick they drafted Maroney, who many believe was the second best RB in a draft that had four front line RB prospects. Pretty good value.

What I noticed though was what they did versus what many expected to occur before the draft. Consider this: Everyone "knew" that Bush was going to Houston - he didn't of course but he was still off the board very early. Everyone seemed to expect that the Colts, Steelers and Panthers, and possibly the Broncos, would snap up the remaining top three prospects, Maroney, Williams and White.

Notice anything about that group of teams? Three of them are among the Pats primary competition, year in and year out, for the conference championship. By selecting Maroney, the Pats not only addressed a need, they also deprived at least one of their primary competitors of a good player in an area of need. Very nice use of the pick.

 

[BlueOnion]

Maroney was just a great pick for them. Maroney is a great football player, a real good head on his shoulders and very coachable. I consider him another Kevin Faulk, with far more physical ability.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Maroney will be a great fit for the Patriots and their fans should be happy they got him.

Interesting point I read today. If Maroney's success was due to his o-line, why did he go in the first and his stud o-linemen in the 6th and later?

The answer is that Maroney's success is based on BOTH his talent and the players in front of him. His blockers went too low in the draft, IMO. Seems to me the Patriots have some pretty good blocking too. Once he's in the open field, he's a threat to take it to the house at any time. And he's bulked up since the end of the season.

 

[BlueOnion]

Patriots new two favorite play will be:

1) The sweep left with guards pulling for Maroney

2) Faking the sweep left and letting Brady roll out to the right looking for Graham on the drag route.

This play will be money for the Patriots.

 

[TheLaw]

Penn State shut his ### down!

 

[redman]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They don't play Penn State in the NFL, guy.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

 

[TheLaw]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just propping up my alma mater. Maroney kind of tailed off after that game though, no?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just propping up my alma mater. Maroney kind of tailed off after that game though, no?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Link

He struggled through an ankle injury the last half of the year. He also struggled through a moron coach that wore him down in order to save his job.

 

[TheLaw]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just propping up my alma mater. Maroney kind of tailed off after that game though, no?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Link

He struggled through an ankle injury the last half of the year. He also struggled through a moron coach that wore him down in order to save his job.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My bad. Just some to PSU for shutting down this stud.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just propping up my alma mater. Maroney kind of tailed off after that game though, no?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Link

He struggled through an ankle injury the last half of the year. He also struggled through a moron coach that wore him down in order to save his job.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My bad. Just some to PSU for shutting down this stud.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Props given.Looks to me like Washington and Cal shut down Bush too.

Notre Dame and Fresno State(!) shut down Lendale.

Point is, most backs have down days.

Doesn't change the fact that Maroney will be successful.

 

[Franknbeans]

Another Opinion...

Overrated: Laurence Maroney, Minnesota

Maroney is fast. Very fast. He rushed for 1,464 yards and 1,348 yards the past two seasons. Nothing wrong with that, right? But a whole lot of that yardage came from the speedster finding a crease -- he played behind one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football the past few seasons -- and exploding to the outside. Those gaping holes won't be there at the next level, and the closing defenders will be a step or two faster. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder will have to become a more physical runner, which was never his forte at Minnesota. In his first two seasons, that task fell to the bruising Marion Barber III. It should also be noted that Gophers coach Glen Mason's system has churned out one 1,000-yard rusher after another, of whom only Barber has made a dent in the pros. Maroney is probably his most athletic back to date, but a first-rounder? Questionable.

 

[Ridgelake]

FWIW, its been reported that Dallas wanted Maroney and had a trade worked out with the Jets at 29 to take him if he fell. Dallas would have traded Julius Jones and an undisclosed draft pick, probably #49 would be my guess, to get to 29. This obviously didn't happen as New England took him. But count Parcells as another coach who really liked Maroney.

 

[BlueOnion]

Another Opinion...

Overrated: Laurence Maroney, Minnesota

Maroney is fast. Very fast. He rushed for 1,464 yards and 1,348 yards the past two seasons. Nothing wrong with that, right? But a whole lot of that yardage came from the speedster finding a crease -- he played behind one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football the past few seasons -- and exploding to the outside. Those gaping holes won't be there at the next level, and the closing defenders will be a step or two faster. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder will have to become a more physical runner, which was never his forte at Minnesota. In his first two seasons, that task fell to the bruising Marion Barber III. It should also be noted that Gophers coach Glen Mason's system has churned out one 1,000-yard rusher after another, of whom only Barber has made a dent in the pros. Maroney is probably his most athletic back to date, but a first-rounder? Questionable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is probably some truth to this; here are some counter-points:1) The Gopher offensive linemen went no higer than 6th in the draft, so they didn't grade out all that well.

2) Maroney is solid at finding a crease and already had that NFL ability to be a patient runner and setting up his blocks.

I think Maroney will be a great pro.

 

[Urine_Idiot]

Another Opinion...

Overrated: Laurence Maroney, Minnesota

Maroney is fast. Very fast. He rushed for 1,464 yards and 1,348 yards the past two seasons. Nothing wrong with that, right? But a whole lot of that yardage came from the speedster finding a crease -- he played behind one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football the past few seasons -- and exploding to the outside. Those gaping holes won't be there at the next level, and the closing defenders will be a step or two faster. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder will have to become a more physical runner, which was never his forte at Minnesota. In his first two seasons, that task fell to the bruising Marion Barber III. It should also be noted that Gophers coach Glen Mason's system has churned out one 1,000-yard rusher after another, of whom only Barber has made a dent in the pros. Maroney is probably his most athletic back to date, but a first-rounder? Questionable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He may be overrated, that is to be seen, however, my would be that the Patriots will be using CD to smash the short yards and grind out the game with Mauroney coming in as relief/situational work. This makes sense as the very fast guy will be that change of pace that the Pats so dearly need. Kevin Faulk, while good on the flats, screens and leaks doesn't really do much as runner for me. That said, my pick would have been D'angelo Williams but the more I check on Mauroney, the more I become OK with the pick fitting into the system. The Pats O-line should be pretty solid with Light/Koppen coming back @100% so long as last year's rookies don't go sophmoric slumping on them. It certainly will be an interesting position to watch in camp and preseason this year, by no means will I be focusing with the rose colored binoculars. I personally see this pick of LM paying off in a couple years when the Pats make a hard push to win a couple more superbowls. But who knows, they could get some lucky breaks and unexpected production this year and be right back in the whole thing. This long in the tooth deal with their Defense is a bit overrated IMO, if they were younger, the critics would probably be presenting a "young good defense that needs experience" But a good opposing view point, Frankenbeans.

 

[TLEF316]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

 

[Franknbeans]

But a good opposing view point, Frankenbeans. 



<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not mine but I haven't heard or read much negative about Maroney and really, this opinion piece isn't that negative either, more of a devils advocate.

 

[10993]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A Jets fan dogging a Pats pick?Shock! Awe!

 

[MarshallPlan]

 

[Family Matters]

Patriots new two favorite play will be:

1) The sweep left with guards pulling for Maroney

2) Faking the sweep left and letting Brady roll out to the right looking for Watson on the drag route.

This play will be money for the Patriots.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Correction.

 

[BlueOnion]

Patriots new two favorite play will be:

1) The sweep left with guards pulling for Maroney

2) Faking the sweep left and letting Brady roll out to the right looking for Watson on the drag route.

This play will be money for the Patriots.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Correction.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[Kit Fisto]

Hmmm....

Parcells, Belichick and Shanahan all like Maroney.

BlueOnion and some Jets fan don't.

I wonder who's opinion matters more?

 

[Patoons]

Hmmm....

Parcells, Belichick and Shanahan all like Maroney.

BlueOnion and some Jets fan don't.

I wonder who's opinion matters more?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I saw of Maroney- I was impressed. Thought it was a great pick for the Pats, unfortunately... Barber had success with the 'Boys and Barber's senior year, Maroney outplayed him. Definitely a plus for him, IMO.

 

[Mad Cow]

Is this the thread where everyone shows up and confesses their man love for the supreme intelligence of the Pats front office?

 

[BusMan]

Notice anything about that group of teams?  Three of them are among the Pats primary competition, year in and year out, for the conference championship.  By selecting Maroney, the Pats not only addressed a need, they also deprived at least one of their primary competitors of a good player in an area of need.  Very nice use of the pick. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with most of your post except this last part. Everyone knows the Pats do a great job in every facet of the game/league, but you're essentially arguing that the Patriots lost in the playoffs sooner than their "primary competition" so they could get a higher draft pick. I'm pretty sure thats not the case. And I seriously doubt the Patriots would pick someone just so some other team couldn't. But I see your point, you're excited. My guess is that the Broncos would have selected a running back if it was an "area of need". Guess Shanny is comfortable rolling with Dayne and Bell.

 

[3C's]

RB was not an area of "need" for the Steelers. They traded up and passed on White and Williams. The Colts also passed on White. It's possible that they (Colts) would have taken Maroney had he been there.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Is this the thread where everyone shows up and confesses their man love for the supreme intelligence of the Pats front office?





<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See, why's it even gotta be like that? This isn't a Patriots-can-do-no-wrong thing. Go stir the pot somewhere else.

This is a thread about Maroney, who many (MANY!) think was the 2nd best RB in the draft. He just happened to be a great pick for NE at 21 when many expected him gone earlier.

 

[djcolts]

Is this the thread where everyone shows up and confesses their man love for the supreme intelligence of the Pats front office?





<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See, why's it even gotta be like that? This isn't a Patriots-can-do-no-wrong thing. Go stir the pot somewhere else.

This is a thread about Maroney, who many (MANY!) think was the 2nd best RB in the draft. He just happened to be a great pick for NE at 21 when many expected him gone earlier.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't agree that Maroney was slated to be picked earlier than 21 in most mock drafts. Most expected an RB run in the 20s - possibly starting with the Pats - so unless the Broncos picked an RB with the 15th pick the run wasn't predicted to start until either the Pats or later in most mocks.

 

[Bad_Mo]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Speaking of the Jets, I heard some muttering about them not wanting to give up their (second) first and second to go after Leinhart. Something about them offering their second 1st and 3rd. If that is true, you should focus your negative comments on the Jets message board.I'd rather have Leinart than Mangold if I were a Jets fan.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Getting back to the original post...

I had acquired Maroney before the draft and was scouring the mocks to see where he might land and then when New England was on the clock the that exact thought occurred to me -- New England can grab a replacement to Dillon and maybe force a run on RBs to deny better backs to the Colts, Jets and Broncos. Then they did it!

So long as Maroney is the right guy, it was a great move. Given Belickick's track record, I'll trust his judgement.

 

[Patoons]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Speaking of the Jets, I heard some muttering about them not wanting to give up their (second) first and second to go after Leinhart. Something about them offering their second 1st and 3rd. If that is true, you should focus your negative comments on the Jets message board.I'd rather have Leinart than Mangold if I were a Jets fan.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd rather Mangold.

 

[Preacher 1]

Here's an opinion from someone who knows a bit about running the ball...

The Denver Broncos had a tremendous weekend, acquiring both receiver Javon Walker from Green Bay and quarterback prospect Jay Cutler in the draft on Saturday. Yet, coach Mike Shanahan sounded jealous in his comment to SI.com's Peter King when discussing Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, New England's first-round pick.

"I loved him," Shanahan told King. "I think the Patriots got a steal, an absolute steal. I think he's going to be the best back in the league."

High praise for Maroney, when you consider Shanahan still has the right to be bitter about a Gophers' experience -- drafting D-back bust Willie Middlebrooks with the 24th overall pick in 2001.

http://www.startribune.com/508/story/405358.html

 

[Spike]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Speaking of the Jets, I heard some muttering about them not wanting to give up their (second) first and second to go after Leinhart. Something about them offering their second 1st and 3rd. If that is true, you should focus your negative comments on the Jets message board.I'd rather have Leinart than Mangold if I were a Jets fan.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 1.29 and a 2nd for Leinart? Not nearly enough.

 

[Ozymandias]

I doubt that "depriving their competition of a player" enters much into the thinking on draft day.

I think teams look at the talent level of an individual, assess their needs, see whether a player has talent that would fit with their needs, and draft accordingly. It would be foolish to take a player you didn't think was talented, or which didn't fit your needs, just so you could screw another team (which might not take him anyway).

 

[thatguy]

Penn State shut his ### down!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But Penn State knew that the Gophers couldn't throw the ball. I think at one time I counted 14 guys in the box against him. Add in that PSU had an outstanding defense last year and it's no wonder he had a down game.I think Tom Brady is at least marginally better than Bryan Cupito.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just propping up my alma mater. Maroney kind of tailed off after that game though, no?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. Link

He struggled through an ankle injury the last half of the year. He also struggled through a moron coach that wore him down in order to save his job.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My bad. Just some to PSU for shutting down this stud.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Props given.Looks to me like Washington and Cal shut down Bush too.

Notre Dame and Fresno State(!) shut down Lendale.

Point is, most backs have down days.

Doesn't change the fact that Maroney will be successful.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did this become a fact?

 

[thatguy]

Hmmm....

Parcells, Belichick and Shanahan all like Maroney.

BlueOnion and some Jets fan don't.

I wonder who's opinion matters more?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Parcells and Shannahan liked Clarett, too, FWIW.

 

[BlueOnion]

Hmmm....

Parcells, Belichick and Shanahan all like Maroney.

BlueOnion and some Jets fan don't.

I wonder who's opinion matters more?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maroney was just a great pick for them.  Maroney is a great football player, a real good head on his shoulders and very coachable.  I consider him another Kevin Faulk, with far more physical ability.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[10993]

Here's an opinion from someone who knows a bit about running the ball...

The Denver Broncos had a tremendous weekend, acquiring both receiver Javon Walker from Green Bay and quarterback prospect Jay Cutler in the draft on Saturday. Yet, coach Mike Shanahan sounded jealous in his comment to SI.com's Peter King when discussing Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, New England's first-round pick.

"I loved him," Shanahan told King. "I think the Patriots got a steal, an absolute steal. I think he's going to be the best back in the league."

High praise for Maroney, when you consider Shanahan still has the right to be bitter about a Gophers' experience -- drafting D-back bust Willie Middlebrooks with the 24th overall pick in 2001.

http://www.startribune.com/508/story/405358.html
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's quite a quote. He really thinks Maroney will be the #1 back in the league? I think that would shock the hell out of Belichick if that happened.

 

[Kit Fisto]

I consider him another Kevin Faulk, with far more physical ability.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry man, it was the "another Kevin Faulk" comment. I don't see that as much of a compliment.

 

[Urine_Idiot]

But a good opposing view point, Frankenbeans. 



<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not mine but I haven't heard or read much negative about Maroney and really, this opinion piece isn't that negative either, more of a devils advocate.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey frankenbeans-Hope that I didn't come across as getting in your face about your post...I just was pointing out that it is a decent D.A. piece and one to take into consideration, thanks for posting.

Personally, I will be picking LM if he is still available at 1.05 which I doubt that he will be...

 

[msommer]

The Pats have rented Corey Dillon for a few years, and they even managed to squeeze another championship out of him before - apparently - the last gas left the tank last year. 

They came in with RB once again being an area of need.  With the 21st overall pick they drafted Maroney, who many believe was the second best RB in a draft that had four front line RB prospects.  Pretty good value. 

What I noticed though was what they did versus what many expected to occur before the draft.  Consider this: Everyone "knew" that Bush was going to Houston - he didn't of course but he was still off the board very early.  Everyone seemed to expect that the Colts, Steelers and Panthers, and possibly the Broncos, would snap up the remaining top three prospects, Maroney, Williams and White. 

Notice anything about that group of teams?  Three of them are among the Pats primary competition, year in and year out, for the conference championship.  By selecting Maroney, the Pats not only addressed a need, they also deprived at least one of their primary competitors of a good player in an area of need.  Very nice use of the pick. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I noticed that only two of them actually drafted a running back in the first or at all - so it seems that the other two teams were not affected at all by the Pats...

 

[redman]

Notice anything about that group of teams?  Three of them are among the Pats primary competition, year in and year out, for the conference championship.  By selecting Maroney, the Pats not only addressed a need, they also deprived at least one of their primary competitors of a good player in an area of need.  Very nice use of the pick. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with most of your post except this last part. Everyone knows the Pats do a great job in every facet of the game/league, but you're essentially arguing that the Patriots lost in the playoffs sooner than their "primary competition" so they could get a higher draft pick. I'm pretty sure thats not the case. And I seriously doubt the Patriots would pick someone just so some other team couldn't. But I see your point, you're excited. My guess is that the Broncos would have selected a running back if it was an "area of need". Guess Shanny is comfortable rolling with Dayne and Bell.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where did I say they lost on purpose? I didn't say that or even mean to imply it. I don't even minutely suspect that that's true. I'm simply pointing out what they did given their circumstances on draft day. Oh, and I'm a 'Skins fan so I don't give a rip either way. I was just admiring what I viewed as a slick move.

 

[redman]

The Pats have rented Corey Dillon for a few years, and they even managed to squeeze another championship out of him before - apparently - the last gas left the tank last year. 

They came in with RB once again being an area of need.  With the 21st overall pick they drafted Maroney, who many believe was the second best RB in a draft that had four front line RB prospects.  Pretty good value. 

What I noticed though was what they did versus what many expected to occur before the draft.  Consider this: Everyone "knew" that Bush was going to Houston - he didn't of course but he was still off the board very early.  Everyone seemed to expect that the Colts, Steelers and Panthers, and possibly the Broncos, would snap up the remaining top three prospects, Maroney, Williams and White. 

Notice anything about that group of teams?  Three of them are among the Pats primary competition, year in and year out, for the conference championship.  By selecting Maroney, the Pats not only addressed a need, they also deprived at least one of their primary competitors of a good player in an area of need.  Very nice use of the pick. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I noticed that only two of them actually drafted a running back in the first or at all - so it seems that the other two teams were not affected at all by the Pats...
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're exactly right. That third one did not in fact draft Maroney.

 

[redman]

Is this the thread where everyone shows up and confesses their man love for the supreme intelligence of the Pats front office?





<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See, why's it even gotta be like that? This isn't a Patriots-can-do-no-wrong thing. Go stir the pot somewhere else.

This is a thread about Maroney, who many (MANY!) think was the 2nd best RB in the draft. He just happened to be a great pick for NE at 21 when many expected him gone earlier.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't agree that Maroney was slated to be picked earlier than 21 in most mock drafts. Most expected an RB run in the 20s - possibly starting with the Pats - so unless the Broncos picked an RB with the 15th pick the run wasn't predicted to start until either the Pats or later in most mocks.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed. Odd draft that way, but some very good RB's, maybe even top-10 picks in other years, were passed over until the 20's simply because there are a lot of lesser teams that have areas of greater need or who already have who they consider to be their franchise RB.

 

[BlueOnion]

I consider him another Kevin Faulk, with far more physical ability.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry man, it was the "another Kevin Faulk" comment. I don't see that as much of a compliment.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No problem. I like Kevin Faulk as a football player, I just think he is physically limited. I see Maroney as a Kevin Faulk football player with almost no physical limits.

 

[Bad_Mo]

i saw maroney play about 5 or 6 times this year. Every time, i was thoroughly unimpressed. He was constantly stopped at first contact, and i often saw him brought down in the backfield by defensive backs. Personally, i thought his backup was a better player.

Im glad the jets didnt get him, and i have no problem with him being the heir apparent in New england. They will regret taking him over deangelo williams

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Speaking of the Jets, I heard some muttering about them not wanting to give up their (second) first and second to go after Leinhart. Something about them offering their second 1st and 3rd. If that is true, you should focus your negative comments on the Jets message board.I'd rather have Leinart than Mangold if I were a Jets fan.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The 1.29 and a 2nd for Leinart? Not nearly enough.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Could have been their 3rd too. I heard the comment on a NE radio show.Even if it were the 2nd and 3rd.....I woul dbe very tempted to do it to get your franchise QB.

 

[Workhorse]

According to an interview with Brady over at Patsfans.com, Peyton and Brady have talked about the Maroney pick:

He also said he spoke with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who told him the Patriots "stole" the Colts' running back [Laurence Maroney] in the draft.