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Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter captain_amazing
- Start date
Kevin Byard is listed as a probable release by the Bears. All pro safety but he's 32 amidst his down hill slope that saw him released from the Eagles and (if) now Bears.
Still, if he's on the corner holding a sign "will work for food" Vrabel will definitely pick him up.
Later pick that Lebeau spotted and loved and then Vrabel did. Good guy, good leader all that but he's 32 and declining.
The shine about him (besides former all pro) is he is a coach on the field. You can't miss all his finger pointing and waving and hollering. He played a Polamalu role at times (despite not having the size) and would tap hips like shift this way. I could imagine a new coach wanting that on the field year one.
He's not worth 15 or whatever he made when he was a gem. Probably not worth 8 he made with the Bears. I'd guess he's a 1-2 mil guy that gets 4 because he's a Vrabel guy.
Still, if he's on the corner holding a sign "will work for food" Vrabel will definitely pick him up.
Later pick that Lebeau spotted and loved and then Vrabel did. Good guy, good leader all that but he's 32 and declining.
The shine about him (besides former all pro) is he is a coach on the field. You can't miss all his finger pointing and waving and hollering. He played a Polamalu role at times (despite not having the size) and would tap hips like shift this way. I could imagine a new coach wanting that on the field year one.
He's not worth 15 or whatever he made when he was a gem. Probably not worth 8 he made with the Bears. I'd guess he's a 1-2 mil guy that gets 4 because he's a Vrabel guy.
LSU tackle came out as knowledgeable and well spoken with people loving how he talks like a coach about the OL position.
However his arms are too short and everyone is comparing him to Skoronski of the Titans.
Despite a pressing ugly need at LT, Vrabel refused to play Skoronski at LT despite being the top rated T and drafted 4th or 5th.
I don't think there's any chance Vrabel goes down that road again. A guard that high is absurd and while it was presented as T or G to save face, Vrabel would make comments that he was always a guard. I'm confident y'all can cross Campbell off your list
However his arms are too short and everyone is comparing him to Skoronski of the Titans.
Despite a pressing ugly need at LT, Vrabel refused to play Skoronski at LT despite being the top rated T and drafted 4th or 5th.
I don't think there's any chance Vrabel goes down that road again. A guard that high is absurd and while it was presented as T or G to save face, Vrabel would make comments that he was always a guard. I'm confident y'all can cross Campbell off your list
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
If Ward, Carter, Hunter go top 3 and there’s no market for Sanders, we are in no mans land.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Campbell with a wingspan of 77” at 6’6” is almost comically short. I’m 5’11” and mine is 75”. Doesn’t happen very often, his wingspan is shorter than his height.
Boston
Footballguy
While I am all about complimenting Maye if that scenario happens, I think they take Graham who is very worthy of the #4 pick...he just doesn't play T or WR which is what we all want them to address but an elite interior D-lineman is still gold...the other option is McMillan...my guess is his value is still TBD until he runs his 40...while not a "can't miss" prospect like Chase if they feel he is a legit #1 WR that would still be a good pick...as we are seeing it is not easy to obtain a high-end WR so if they can check that box that would help their roster construction.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Graham weighed in pretty small at 290 odd pounds. Not a dealbreaker but pretty far off his listed weight of 320.
Boston
Footballguy
I actually didn't see that...yeah, you would like to see more than 296...just feels like nothing is going to come easy this offseason for the Pats...what happens with those two QBs is going to have a lot of influence with what unfolds.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Yeah. Be one thing if he was a chiseled 296 like Aaron Donald but he’s a doughy 296. The cap increase was about the worst thing that could have happened for them. Gonna have to get creative.
Boston
Footballguy
That and the fact there should be a lay-up pick at #4 but it may not be that easy.
Boston
Footballguy
Who are you targeting? Most fans want a T or WR but there doesn't appear to be a Tackle worthy of that pick.
Lansdowne
Footballguy
I’d go McMillan at that point. Gives them the X receiver they need without having to pay exorbitant amounts to get one by trade. I have to imagine the 2025 starting left tackle is getting signed in free agency, even if it’s not a big name guy. Vrabel said on Tuesday he wants someone to make contested catches and make it so Maye doesn’t have to have perfect ball placement.
Boston
Footballguy
As long as they think he is a legit #1 I have no issues with that and agree about not having to make a trade or give up big $ to get a #1 WR...would definitely make them more flexible going forward with their roster construction...hopefully they like what they see with his pro day.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
IMO, they should pick Hunter or Carter. If they are both already off the board, then I would be in favor of trading with a QB needy team (as one of them would still be available at 4). I don't see a OT worthy of the pick, nor do I think there would a WR worth that pick either. McMillian is getting hyped in an otherwise weak WR class. If he was in last year''s class, he probably would have been an early second round pick (he has the same grade as McConkey and he went 2.02). He could easily have been the 6th WR drafted last year. For him to go almost a full round earlier doesn't make sense. I guess if they stood pat and took Graham, I wouldn't hate it. But I wouldn't love it either.
I also am much more in favor of them trading picks for established players. Their drafts of late haven't been that great, and teams hoard picks (with most of them not working out). As an example, if they traded a 5th for Samuel and a 4th for Kupp, that would still leave them tons of money to sign FA OL help and still draft another OT. Bang. Instant surge in offense.
I also am much more in favor of them trading picks for established players. Their drafts of late haven't been that great, and teams hoard picks (with most of them not working out). As an example, if they traded a 5th for Samuel and a 4th for Kupp, that would still leave them tons of money to sign FA OL help and still draft another OT. Bang. Instant surge in offense.
They drop weight for the testing.
A lot of interviewers follow up with what's your playing weight and ask for a fun story of what they'll feast on after the combine
I want Hunter or Carter. If neither is available, I hope they can trade down.
What @Anarchy99 said ^^
What @Anarchy99 said ^^
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
What about a curveball of moving up not down. If they could move from 4 to 2 or 3 for the #69 pick and maybe a later swap or pick next year, do you do it?
Boston
Footballguy
I think they have too many holes to make that type of move...especially if it involves picks next year...they are going to get a very good player the big issue is it might not be a T or a WR which they desperately need...if Carter or Hunter are there that is most certainly a very appealing option...if they aren't that means either Ward or Sanders are on the board so a trade-down could be a possibility and probably make a ton of sense...I do think McMillan could be in play if he lights up his pro day but right now it feels like #4 is a stretch for him but unfortunately it feels that is the case with almost everyone.
OT Armand Membou is climbing up the board. Had a great combine.
I could see him being a target if they trade down a few spots.
I do NOT want them taking WR Tet that high. No no no.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
One thing I heard that is very worrisome is that upper management / ownership is said to be very leery of bringing in outsiders with no ties to the organization and making them the highest paid players on the team. That would definitely limit the options for free agent signings or trade acquisitions. I forgot who reported on this, but it sounds like they are concerned that guys on the roster will be peeved at not getting the money that the new guys get, and ownership would hesitate to shell out tens of millions of dollars for a complete unknown. There aren't a ton of ex-Pats and ex-Titans out there, so that would definitely be limiting the talent pool.
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
That is a very limiting stance if true.
I am not personally targeting/scouting anyone ( I'm sure the Pats have lots of people better suited for that than me).
It is just that OT is a big need for them. Let's try to keep that shiny new QB upright and clean.
It looks like a couple OTs might be in the top 10 - 15 area. I would not consider it to be a terrible reach.
Again, preference would be to trade down Maybe the 9-11 pick.
But if you can't find a trade partner, your choice is best player available (which you may not want or need),
or reach for a player you need.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
As far as Campell goes in terms of taking him at #4 (or moving down a couple spots and taking him there), IMO, he's another one that is rated higher because of the lackluster talent availble in this draft than in other seasons. NFL.com has him rated as a prospect with a 6.44 grade. Guys with similar scores in recent drafts and where they went . . .
2024
Olumuyiwa Fashanu - 6.45 (11)
Amarius Mims - 6.42 (18)
Tyler Guyton - 6.41 (29)
2023
Broderick Jones - 6.44 (14)
2022
Charles Cross - 6.44 (9)
2021
Christian Darrisaw - 6.45 (23)
Tevin Jenkins - 6.42 (39)
Campell seems like someone that would normally go in the teens or twenties on draft day . . . not 4th overall. IIRC, he's the 15th ranked prospect on NFL.com (admittedly just one source that may not be the same as other places).
The Titans took the first OL player in the 2023 draft in Peter Skoronski. He's started every game since then, but I am not sure he's gotten rave reviews. From what I can tell, he's been decent but not one of the best OL players from that draft. Not sure Vrabel would want to go there again.
2024
Olumuyiwa Fashanu - 6.45 (11)
Amarius Mims - 6.42 (18)
Tyler Guyton - 6.41 (29)
2023
Broderick Jones - 6.44 (14)
2022
Charles Cross - 6.44 (9)
2021
Christian Darrisaw - 6.45 (23)
Tevin Jenkins - 6.42 (39)
Campell seems like someone that would normally go in the teens or twenties on draft day . . . not 4th overall. IIRC, he's the 15th ranked prospect on NFL.com (admittedly just one source that may not be the same as other places).
The Titans took the first OL player in the 2023 draft in Peter Skoronski. He's started every game since then, but I am not sure he's gotten rave reviews. From what I can tell, he's been decent but not one of the best OL players from that draft. Not sure Vrabel would want to go there again.
Boston
Footballguy
Where did you hear that? I find it incredibly tough to believe…this is not the Brady era Patriots or the Bruins with Ray Bourque…their roster sucks and there is no way they could possibly be thinking this way and if they are I don’t think Vrabel would have taken this job…no way are they worried what Kyle Duggar or Mike Owenu thinks…no way.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
It was on one of the radio stations. They ran it in their news recaps . . . not attributed to anyone in particular. They never specified who said they were going to be reluctant to bring in / sign guys to big money that they didn't know. The lead in was "after the combine, Patriots appear to be hesitant to sign guys they don't know well to big money deals . . ." This may have been something they were concerned about over the years, so maybe that's been one of the reasons they haven't made any big moves. That's just a guess on my part.
There was brief discussion after, only saying what I just said . . . they prefer players that played in NE or with Vrabel in TEN. They also discussed that for the most part, they would likely be out on older free agents (or soon to be free agents) in general. So unlikely to have any interest in Cooper, Diggs, Mack, etc. who probably want to get paid.
Went on to discuss that they would prefer to adapt the 2000 free agency model (turn over the roster with a lot of players with potential upside, but hungry, lesser-known players on reasonable contracts). Also mentioned that the roster makeup they wanted was a pivot from the bigger, hard to move, gap filler players to smaller, faster, more agile players with mean streaks that hit hard. Said Barmore may not be a fit for what they want to run defensively. Apparently, they inquired about DK Metcalf, but they probably were just kicking the tires.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Seriously. No way we can pay anyone more than Michael Onwenu……….cause he’s so good.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Yeah, Membou is now being mocked to the Pats in a couple I’ve seen. Sounds like he’s more RT than left but he’s only 20 years old.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Not sure how the Saints are going to attack things to get under the cap. They would eat more cap space than they would save in releasing or trading their higher paid guys. Not sure who would be a good pickup if the math would work. Most of their players are already the wrong side of 30 and expensive. We talked about Olave earlier. As you said, he’s not over paid but is a concussion away from potential retirement. NOS may have to extend guys and stat adding dummy years to space out the cap hits.
Dynasty
Footballguy
Trading down should not be an option as long as there is a reasonable possibility that two quarterback are taken in the first three picks.
Very recent media reports suggest that all three teams ahead of the Patriots are inclined to pass on Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter in order to deal with their quarterback issues.
Ian Rapoport is saying he's confident the Browns will use their #2 pick to select the best quarterback available.
Ian Rapoport Is Confident About Browns’ Plans With No. 2 Pick
There are also reports from the New York Media that the Giants want to use their #3 pick on a quarterback.
Report: Giants' 'preferred path' is drafting a QB at No. 3 overall
And the Titans apparently liked their interview with Cam Ward
Titans Very Impressed By Rising QB
Very recent media reports suggest that all three teams ahead of the Patriots are inclined to pass on Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter in order to deal with their quarterback issues.
Ian Rapoport is saying he's confident the Browns will use their #2 pick to select the best quarterback available.
Ian Rapoport Is Confident About Browns’ Plans With No. 2 Pick
There are also reports from the New York Media that the Giants want to use their #3 pick on a quarterback.
Report: Giants' 'preferred path' is drafting a QB at No. 3 overall
And the Titans apparently liked their interview with Cam Ward
Titans Very Impressed By Rising QB
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Sanders stock has said to have been sliding. Carter has a foot issue that could eventually end up needing foot surgery if it continues to be an issue (although they say he doesn't need it now). I am guessing Ward and Hunter will go in the Top 3 picks (and likely Carter). If Carter is there, does anyone worry about the stress fracture? Probably not. The bigger question is if Sanders is still on the board, then what (say the Top 3 are Ward, Hunter, Carter)?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I don't think anyone would suggest otherwise. This year, based on NFL.com, Ward is ranked 24th, Sanders 59th, and Dary 110th in their prospect rankings. Based on the last 5 drafts, Ward would have graded out as the 5th, 4th, 4th, 5th, and 4th best QB in each of those drafts. Sanders would have been one spot behind him . . . but that normally would have been pretty far removed from the first QB selected.
The players with the most similar / closest grade to Ward in those drafts were:
2024 - Bo Nix (12th overall)
2023 - Anthony Richardson (4th overall)
2022 - Kenny Pickett (20th overall)
2021 - Mac Jones (15th)
2020 - Jordan Love (26th overall)
The players with the most similar / closest grade to Sanders in those drafts were:
2024 - Bo Nix (Pick 01.12)
2023 - Will Levis (Pick 2.02)
2022 - Desmond Ridder (Pick 3.10)
2021 - Mac Jones (Pick 1.15)
2020 - Jacob Eason (Pick 4.16)
I get it . . . teams will reach for a QB. But Sanders doesn't really come close to being a Top 5 pick grade wise. Guys like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance were considered Top 10-15 prospects overall. The only QB over the past 5 years that was an uber reach was Penix. IIRC, everyone else carried a first-round grade (even if they should have been mid- to late- first round picks). Mac Jones was right on the fringe of having a first-round grade.
That may or may not prompt teams to rethink taking Sanders right after Ward. He probably isn't worth it there, but desperate times call for desperate measures for QB needy teams.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
If Hunter and Carter are gone and there’s no good trade offer to move down, I’m really starting to warm up to Membou at 4.
If no Hunter or Carter, and you can trade down to LV at 6 I'd do it.
Good chance Membou is there anyway or maybe Graham.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
DK Metcalf officially requests a trade and Seahawks are going to explore it. Patriots should be all over this.
You'd think.
Although all Breer has to say is something along the lines of "McDaniel's prefers more technical route runners and DK just kinda runs down the field."
I wonder if that's all BS. I bet D. Maye would love throwing to DK on the boundary.
C. Kirk released as well. Although...meh.
Thuney to Chicago for a 5th? Interesting. At 32, I can understand the Pats passing on that kinda deal.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
They obviously have the firepower to get him. Just need to make sure he’ll be happy coming here.
Boston
Footballguy
If you bring him in (which would be nice) they gotta do it with a new contract in place...not worth the risk and distraction it will create if not.
Kirk is interesting...he is solid and would not cost anything in draft capital...would really like him if he came in with DKM or someone of that caliber...that would be a nice fit in that type of role...Jakobi Meyers name is being tossed around...that would definitely be an upgrade over what they currently have.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
What’s he going to cost for a pick? That high 2nd?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
From what I remember about the sports radio talk discussion on Metcalf, I thought that one of the reasons they didn't get past the kicking the tire stage was that Metcalf didn't sound all that enthused to play for NE. Metcalf has expressed wanting to play for a win now team. The discussion also mentioned some concern about whether they could get Metcalf to sign a muti-year extension. It didn't sound like there was a lot of hope of getting DK to come to NE.
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Kraft...
Footballguy
I think we need to resign ourselves to the Christian Kirk, Keenan Allen, Tyler Lockett tier. I see the absolute ceiling at WR as Kupp and maybe Diggs 
With the main deterrent being big time players(or as close as we get in free agency/trade market) just don't want to come here at the moment. Lots of good QBs and Coaches out there(and teams with plenty of money on the table) that don't represent an F rated franchise by the players(plus Mass tax, crap stadium location, weather yadda yadda) I love living here BTW just not ideal for attracting NFLers when you no longer have the Brady/Bill affect in your back pocket.
With the main deterrent being big time players(or as close as we get in free agency/trade market) just don't want to come here at the moment. Lots of good QBs and Coaches out there(and teams with plenty of money on the table) that don't represent an F rated franchise by the players(plus Mass tax, crap stadium location, weather yadda yadda) I love living here BTW just not ideal for attracting NFLers when you no longer have the Brady/Bill affect in your back pocket.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Curran mentioned they likely won't be in on Diggs or Cooper.I think we need to resign ourselves to the Christian Kirk, Keenan Allen, Tyler Lockett tier. I see the absolute ceiling at WR as Kupp and maybe Diggs
With the main deterrent being big time players(or as close as we get in free agency/trade market) just don't want to come here at the moment. Lots of good QBs and Coaches out there(and teams with plenty of money on the table) that don't represent an F rated franchise by the players(plus Mass tax, crap stadium location, weather yadda yadda) I love living here BTW just not ideal for attracting NFLers when you no longer have the Brady/Bill affect in your back pocket.