Patriots 2008 off season (2 Viewers)

[David Yudkin]

And for whomever was asking me about the Pats cap situation, Yahoo! mentioned a couple of days ago that they were roughly $10.8 million under the cap.

How does the new rookie class factor into that number?

Rookies are people too. IIRC, as long as whomever they draft is one of the top 51 highest paid players on the team they would count against the cap once they sign them. So as far as I know they would have $10.8 million left to sign any additional free agents and their draft picks.

 

[Boston]

And for whomever was asking me about the Pats cap situation, Yahoo! mentioned a couple of days ago that they were roughly $10.8 million under the cap.

How does the new rookie class factor into that number?

Rookies are people too. IIRC, as long as whomever they draft is one of the top 51 highest paid players on the team they would count against the cap once they sign them. So as far as I know they would have $10.8 million left to sign any additional free agents and their draft picks.

Looking at the Pats current draft position (obviously subject to change) do you have a ballpark figure how much of their cap space will be eaten up with rookie contracts?

 

[David Yudkin]

And for whomever was asking me about the Pats cap situation, Yahoo! mentioned a couple of days ago that they were roughly $10.8 million under the cap.

How does the new rookie class factor into that number?

Rookies are people too. IIRC, as long as whomever they draft is one of the top 51 highest paid players on the team they would count against the cap once they sign them. So as far as I know they would have $10.8 million left to sign any additional free agents and their draft picks.

Looking at the Pats current draft position (obviously subject to change) do you have a ballpark figure how much of their cap space will be eaten up with rookie contracts?

I wouldn't even be able to venture a guess as to how much they would need to allocate to sign their draft picks. NE has also not announced any contract reworkings/extensions/modifications, so they could probably get access to more cap room if they were to do so.Realistically, I'm guessing the only noteworthy cap hits would be 1st and 2nd round picks. Anyone after that would probably only be a few hundred thousand per year (and some guys probably will not make the team anyway or fall in the top 51 highest paid players category).Based on last year, ADP was the #7 pick overall and carried a $2,040,000 cap hit. Brandon Jackson was taken as the second to last pick in the 2nd round last year and had a $475,000 cap charge.

 

[Boston]

And for whomever was asking me about the Pats cap situation, Yahoo! mentioned a couple of days ago that they were roughly $10.8 million under the cap.

How does the new rookie class factor into that number?

Rookies are people too. IIRC, as long as whomever they draft is one of the top 51 highest paid players on the team they would count against the cap once they sign them. So as far as I know they would have $10.8 million left to sign any additional free agents and their draft picks.

Looking at the Pats current draft position (obviously subject to change) do you have a ballpark figure how much of their cap space will be eaten up with rookie contracts?

I wouldn't even be able to venture a guess as to how much they would need to allocate to sign their draft picks. NE has also not announced any contract reworkings/extensions/modifications, so they could probably get access to more cap room if they were to do so.Realistically, I'm guessing the only noteworthy cap hits would be 1st and 2nd round picks. Anyone after that would probably only be a few hundred thousand per year (and some guys probably will not make the team anyway or fall in the top 51 highest paid players category).Based on last year, ADP was the #7 pick overall and carried a $2,040,000 cap hit. Brandon Jackson was taken as the second to last pick in the 2nd round last year and had a $475,000 cap charge.

Thanks for the info. Unless they make a trade for a veteran I really don't see them bringing in anyone else that carries a high pricetag (the pickings are slim in that department) It looks like there could be a lot more bargain shopping before the season begins.

 

[David Yudkin]

They may still try to land a veteran like Haggans, Law, Seward, and/or another WR (although who is left to target is a bit of a mystery). There could also be some other guys released around June 1st. Seau is also out there to consider. They will like try to go bargain basement for depth. I would not rule out a trade either . . .

 

[nerangers]

I would hate for Brown to become a Jet!

Patriots free agent wide receiver Troy Brown is visiting with the New York Jets today.The Patriots expressed to Brown during this offseason that he is not currently in their plans for next season and that he was free to solicit offers from other teams if he planned on returning for a 16th season. It was initially thought that the 36-year-old Brown, the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions with 557, would not even consider teams that would be slated to play the Patriots this season. However, visiting with the archrival Jets indicates Brown is willing to explore all options before deciding whether he wants to play again next season. Losing Brown to the Jets would be a tough blow for Patriots fans.

 

[nerangers]

Would love to see Vernon Gholston as a Patriot, but I just do not see him sliding to the #7 spots (personally I don't think he gets past the Jets - I currently have him going to the Rams, but could slide as far as #6))

The Patriots had a private workout with Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston in Columbus, Ohio this morning.

Gholston (6-3, 266) is considered one of the top prospects in the NFL draft. While he played defensive end at Ohio State, he would most likely project to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment. Gholston would also be a key part of sub packages, where his pass-rush capabilities would further be utilized.

At the NFL combine in February, Gholston showed his strength by totaling 37 repetitions on the bench press (225 pounds), tying for the top mark of any player at any position.

This morning's private workout most accurately indicates that the Patriots are still seeking more information on Gholston before setting their draft board. -- Boston Globe

 

[Boston]

Looks like the Pats worked out Gholston. Anything can happen but the guess is if the Pats want him they may have to trade up a few spots. Since no one thinks they'd trade up that means they'll probably do just that as they always seem to do the unexpected. Mike Reiss alluded to it the other day but the fact the Pats are only bargain shopping in free agency may mean they plan on using the high pick because they'll be taking on a very healthy salary (besides the fact there's been so many foolish contracts this offseason).

Pats work out Gholston

Link|Comments (3) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff March 19, 2008 03:05 PM

The Patriots had a private workout with Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston in Columbus, Ohio this morning.

Gholston (6-3, 266) is considered one of the top prospects in the NFL draft. While he played defensive end at Ohio State, he would most likely project to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment. Gholston would also be a key part of sub packages, where his pass-rush capabilities would further be utilized.

At the NFL combine in February, Gholston showed his strength by totaling 37 repetitions on the bench press (225 pounds), tying for the top mark of any player at any position.

This morning's private workout most accurately indicates that the Patriots are still seeking more information on Gholston before setting their draft board.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

 

[nerangers]

guess you can't have enough CBs in the fold when you lose players like Samuel, Gay, and Wilson. I still think the Patriots try to trade down in the draft and go after a CB...if unable to trade down, it will just end up being the best player available.

Free-agent cornerback Fernando Bryant is visiting with Patriots officials and is likely to sign a contract with the team.Bryant’s visit was initially reported by the web site profootballtalk.com on Wednesday evening.Bryant’s expected signing appears to be linked to new Patriots special assistant/secondary coach Dom Capers. Bryant played under Capers for two seasons with the Jaguars in 1999-2000, when Capers was Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator.In his time with the Jaguars (1999-2003) and Lions (2004-2007), Bryant has played in 110 career regular-season games, with 109 starts.The 5-foot-11, 184-pound Bryant enters his 10th NFL season in 2008, having suited up for the Jaguars (1999-2003) and Lions (2004-2007).-- boston globe

 

[Workhorse]

I like Bryant as a player if the Pats got him on the cheap. He's a capable starting DB but has had problems staying healthy.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I don't see the Pats taking Bryant at #7.

My call is Ryan Clady 1st option, Gholston 2nd.

Trading down is always in vogue for BB, trading up is not likely, imo.

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't see the Pats taking Bryant at #7.My call is Ryan Clady 1st option, Gholston 2nd.Trading down is always in vogue for BB, trading up is not likely, imo.

I don't think Clady will grade out high enough to be worth a #7 pick. I also don't think that NE really needs another LT.

 

[Bri]

The New England Patriots signed free agent cornerback Fernando Bryant, a former first-round draft pick who has played nine years with Jacksonville and Detroit.

“Adding a cornerback with Fernando’s experience and production is a good opportunity for us,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

Bryant, 30, started every game for the Lions last year and had 76 tackles — the most since his rookie season — while tying a career-high with a pair of interceptions. The 5-foot-10, 184-pound cornerback from Alabama has seven interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles in his career.

The Patriots lost two of their top free cornerbacks last season to free agency: Asante Samuel to Philadelphia and Randall Gay to New Orleans. Ellis Hobbs is the only one remaining from that group.

 

[Boston]

Watching the Pats offseason right now is like watching a detective show. You get a lot of clues but you still don't know how it will end up.

The secondary is adding bodies slowly but surely. Bryant is a nice addition. He's not a star but he has a chance to be a solid contributor and should be an upgrade over Gay. They have also added Webster and Sanders at CB and Tank Williams at safety. Richardson could also be in the mix as he showed a little something prior to his injury. The problem is you just don't know what you have in these guys. They could all work out and this unit could actually be deeper (I'm not saying better because Samuel is a big loss) than last year or they could follow in the footsteps of Tory James and Greg Wesley and not even make it out of camp.

Another key question in the secondary is what position will Merriweather play. There's a lot of talk about him playing CB next year. If that's the case than CB suddenly has him, Hobbs, Bryant, Webster, Sanders and Richardson competing for playing time. Not an all star group by any means but if Merriweather makes the adjustment cleanly it could be unit that holds it's own. On the flipside, Eugene Wilson was rumored to be moving to CB for about three years and that never materialized so who really knows where Merriweather will end up.

One other note about the secondary...all the signings are one year deals. Does that mean they will be obtaining long term depth in the draft or are they just keeping their salary cap fexibility?

It's interesting to note that nothing has been added to LB so far. Something has to give here. As of now they are a Vrabel or Thomas injury away from big trouble at a very important position. There's no big names in free agency (with the exception of Haggans who's solid but I wouldn't call him a big name) so any impact players will have to come via trade or the draft. This unit has to be addressed at some point. The only guy on the roster who could potentially help is Pierre Woods but I don't think anyone has a clue as to whether he factors into their plans or not.

 

[David Yudkin]

One other note about the secondary...all the signings are one year deals. Does that mean they will be obtaining long term depth in the draft or are they just keeping their salary cap fexibility?The only guy on the roster who could potentially help is Pierre Woods but I don't think anyone has a clue as to whether he factors into their plans or not.

The Pats reconfigure on the fly. They have added a lot of DBs in the hopes that some of them pan out. They are only signed for a year to minimize their exposure cap wise if they get released before the season starts (meaning they don't take much of a hit if any). If they signed multi-year deals with bigger signing bonuses they would have to start taking on dead cap money to release them. It also allows them to still consider adding someone like Ty Law (although that is more of a long shot than a few weeks ago).As for Woods, as the roster is configured today there seems to be a plan to get him some more playing time. Of course, one more snap a game would be more playing time, so I'm not sure what that translates to. Of course, if they went out and signed a FA linebacker, traded for another, and drafted a third that plan could quickly be revised and Woods again be an after thought.

 

[Boston]

One other note about the secondary...all the signings are one year deals. Does that mean they will be obtaining long term depth in the draft or are they just keeping their salary cap fexibility?The only guy on the roster who could potentially help is Pierre Woods but I don't think anyone has a clue as to whether he factors into their plans or not.

The Pats reconfigure on the fly. They have added a lot of DBs in the hopes that some of them pan out. They are only signed for a year to minimize their exposure cap wise if they get released before the season starts (meaning they don't take much of a hit if any). If they signed multi-year deals with bigger signing bonuses they would have to start taking on dead cap money to release them. It also allows them to still consider adding someone like Ty Law (although that is more of a long shot than a few weeks ago).As for Woods, as the roster is configured today there seems to be a plan to get him some more playing time. Of course, one more snap a game would be more playing time, so I'm not sure what that translates to. Of course, if they went out and signed a FA linebacker, traded for another, and drafted a third that plan could quickly be revised and Woods again be an after thought.

Agreed on both points. The bottomline is there's still a lot of work to be done in their back eight and until camp starts and we see what they have on their roster it's all a guessing game.

 

[David Yudkin]

I do find it interesting that the Pats #1 receiver in 2006 (Caldwell) is having trouble even getting a job these days. Not sure if the Pats would consider him for depth at this point if he were cheap (and coming off a 15 catch, 141 yard season I can't see how he would demand much $$$).

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I do find it interesting that the Pats #1 receiver in 2006 (Caldwell) is having trouble even getting a job these days. Not sure if the Pats would consider him for depth at this point if he were cheap (and coming off a 15 catch, 141 yard season I can't see how he would demand much $$$).

Caldwell had way too many dropped balls in big situations for my taste. The one play where the opposing team failed to line up ANYONE across from him and he dropped the ball was a Buckner moment.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

I do find it interesting that the Pats #1 receiver in 2006 (Caldwell) is having trouble even getting a job these days. Not sure if the Pats would consider him for depth at this point if he were cheap (and coming off a 15 catch, 141 yard season I can't see how he would demand much $$$).

I don't see it, unless an injury happens. The have Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Jackson, Washington and Aiken and may add a second day wr to add some cheap multiyear depth to the equation.

 

[David Yudkin]

I do find it interesting that the Pats #1 receiver in 2006 (Caldwell) is having trouble even getting a job these days. Not sure if the Pats would consider him for depth at this point if he were cheap (and coming off a 15 catch, 141 yard season I can't see how he would demand much $$$).

I don't see it, unless an injury happens. The have Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Jackson, Washington and Aiken and may add a second day wr to add some cheap multiyear depth to the equation.

Aiken and Washington are special teams specialists and Jackson is essentially a complete unknown. IMO, that leaves Moss, Welker, and Gaffney as reliable options. The fact that they have brought in other WRs to evaluate should be all you need to know that they are still considering adding someone else at the WR spot.

 

[Boston]

Count me as someone who believes they need to add one more veteran to their WR unit. If Moss were to get hurt this unit would get very average, very quickly. We know what we have with Welker but he's also much more effective when he's playing with other top players because the D has a hard time matching up with him. Gaffney is solid. Yet, after that there's nothing you can count on. Jax has done nothing in two years and while we all hope there's upside there you can't count on it. Both Washington and Aiken are special teams demons. I find it hard to believe that the Pats have big plans for Washington at WR when he didn't catch one pass in 16 games on a record setting offense.

I'm not saying Caldwell is the answer here. I think he had a good 2006 season considering he was way overmatched asa #1 and would only be a #4/#5 on this team. Regardless, adding another WR (whoever it is) that's around as good as Gaffney would give them depth should Moss go down or Jax officially busts.

 

[David Yudkin]

I'm not saying Caldwell is the answer here. I think he had a good 2006 season considering he was way overmatched asa #1 and would only be a #4/#5 on this team. Regardless, adding another WR (whoever it is) that's around as good as Gaffney would give them depth should Moss go down or Jax officially busts.

In case anyone was confused, I am not saying Caldwell is the answer or that the team even has an interest in him. All I am contemplating is if they don't find someone else if he might still be in their Rolodex.

 

[David Yudkin]

Shows you want I know. I sent off a quick email and am now being told the Pats are not currently exploring other WRs, they're apparently happy with who they have, and they are not expected to add anyone else. So it does not look like they will be signing or trading for anyone (although there's always the draft but they clearly have more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball). Looks like what you see is what you get . . .

 

[David Yudkin]

Forgot to mention that at this point it doesn't sound like there are any set plans at receiver in terms of who sits where on the depth chart and who will "start" and lineup where on the field. Look for NE to draft another TE and Plan B will be to sign/trade for one. I would not be shocked if they used one of their 3rd round picks on a TE, possibly Martellus Bennett from Texas A & M.

 

[Bri]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

 

[David Yudkin]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

 

[Bri]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Titans website a while back(a month?) Calvin Watkins Dallas Morning News, Wyatt from the Tennessean...some decent sources.It was Pats, Lions, and Cowboys and now Millen has recently said they're not interested

links in this thread

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=385967

 

[phthalatemagic]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Yes they do. He can get into shootouts with Brandon Merriweather. He can smoke some herb with Andrews and Faulk. He could even smack down a few hos with Randy Moss. Maybe what you should ask is if Pacman ready for the Patriots off field issues?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Yes they do. He can get into shootouts with Brandon Merriweather. He can smoke some herb with Andrews and Faulk. He could even smack down a few hos with Randy Moss. Maybe what you should ask is if Pacman ready for the Patriots off field issues?

Ridiculous.Your sig reveals your farcical nature.

 

[David Yudkin]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Titans website a while back(a month?) Calvin Watkins Dallas Morning News, Wyatt from the Tennessean...some decent sources.It was Pats, Lions, and Cowboys and now Millen has recently said they're not interested

links in this thread

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=385967

Notice you mentioned Tennessee and Dallas sources . . . but no NE sources.

 

[Tom Cody]

I know he was hurt for most of last season but I wonder if the Pats have plans to utilize David Thomas more in the passing game. Watson is clearly the #1 TE option there but I think Thomas has some definite upside and could be sneaky effective in their offense.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I know he was hurt for most of last season but I wonder if the Pats have plans to utilize David Thomas more in the passing game. Watson is clearly the #1 TE option there but I think Thomas has some definite upside and could be sneaky effective in their offense.

I agree. I really think Thomas will play a bigger rolein the Patriots offense in 2008.

 

[David Yudkin]

I know he was hurt for most of last season but I wonder if the Pats have plans to utilize David Thomas more in the passing game. Watson is clearly the #1 TE option there but I think Thomas has some definite upside and could be sneaky effective in their offense.

I agree. I really think Thomas will play a bigger rolein the Patriots offense in 2008.

Pats need another TE and will look to draft one. If no one strikes their fancy they will sign a FA that is a big body to block.

 

[Bri]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Titans website a while back(a month?) Calvin Watkins Dallas Morning News, Wyatt from the Tennessean...some decent sources.It was Pats, Lions, and Cowboys and now Millen has recently said they're not interested

links in this thread

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=385967

Notice you mentioned Tennessee and Dallas sources . . . but no NE sources.

Well Pacman is from the Tennessee teamNo opinion of whether you'd like the Pats to get Pacman? You just want to attempt to discredit the validity of a report by Jim Wyatt and Calvin Watkins?

 

[David Yudkin]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Titans website a while back(a month?) Calvin Watkins Dallas Morning News, Wyatt from the Tennessean...some decent sources.It was Pats, Lions, and Cowboys and now Millen has recently said they're not interested

links in this thread

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=385967

Notice you mentioned Tennessee and Dallas sources . . . but no NE sources.

Well Pacman is from the Tennessee teamNo opinion of whether you'd like the Pats to get Pacman? You just want to attempt to discredit the validity of a report by Jim Wyatt and Calvin Watkins?

While I respect the professional opinions of the writers you mentioned, the people I know on the Patriots side of the ledger have told me that they have not seen anything to indictate the Patriots have shown any interest in acquiring Pac Man. None. Not even a whisper. To the point where it has not even been discussed. I would think that if this had any legs, there would be some discussion making the rounds internally.

 

[Pat Patriot]

A Pacman possible trade seems to be down to the Patriots or Cowboys. Would you want him on the Pats? It seems they'd only need to offer a late round pick

I don't really believe the Pats are interested in Pac Man. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I understand they need help at CB, but Jones' off field issues don't really mesh with the team's chemistry. I will certainly see if I can dig up anything else, but I find the supposed Pats involvement curious.

Titans website a while back(a month?) Calvin Watkins Dallas Morning News, Wyatt from the Tennessean...some decent sources.It was Pats, Lions, and Cowboys and now Millen has recently said they're not interested

links in this thread

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=385967

Notice you mentioned Tennessee and Dallas sources . . . but no NE sources.

Well Pacman is from the Tennessee teamNo opinion of whether you'd like the Pats to get Pacman? You just want to attempt to discredit the validity of a report by Jim Wyatt and Calvin Watkins?

While I respect the professional opinions of the writers you mentioned, the people I know on the Patriots side of the ledger have told me that they have not seen anything to indictate the Patriots have shown any interest in acquiring Pac Man. None. Not even a whisper. To the point where it has not even been discussed. I would think that if this had any legs, there would be some discussion making the rounds internally.

I'll respond to the Pacman question. I dont want him on the Patriots. I'm not naive enough to think that a team stocked with choir boys is going to win the championship but Pacman Jones is a bad guy. I do not want this guy on my team no matter how good he is.I never had a problem with Dillon or Moss but I think Pacman is a whole different level than these guys.

 

[David Yudkin]

I looked around, and the Pats are not the ones fueling the Pacman to NE talk . . . it's Pacman and his agent. He apparetnly said NE is on the list of teams he wants to play for. BUt the Pats don't appear interested. Here's the LINK to the story.

 

[Bri]

I looked around, and the Pats are not the ones fueling the Pacman to NE talk . . . it's Pacman and his agent. He apparetnly said NE is on the list of teams he wants to play for. BUt the Pats don't appear interested. Here's the LINK to the story.

Is there something wrong with me asking fans of a team whether or not they'd like a player on their team?Is there something wrong with Jim Wyatt? Is he not a credible source from which to discuss a topic in the shark pool?

Is there something wrong with Calvin Watkins? Is he not a credible source from which to discuss a topic in the shark pool?

I figure the answer to all is no yet can't figure out why you'd stamp out any discussion by trying to belittle the source. Did you read your reaffirming source? It does state that they've expressed a cursory interest.

Though the Patriots have been described in prior reports as having shown a measure of interest in Jones, there’s no evidence their curiosity has ever advanced beyond cursory.

So Jim Wyatt and Calvin Watkins say the Pats(among other teams) have expressed an interest. Now Tomasse, from the Boston Herald-a NE paper as you requested, has said they expressed a cursory interest.Is it OK with you now if I get people's opinion whether they'd want this guy on the team?

Bad day David? What gives

 

[ratbast]

I would say heck for cheap, go for it, if they didnt just deal with cameragate. Now, image control needs to be re-established again.

No Pacman for me.

 

[David Yudkin]

I looked around, and the Pats are not the ones fueling the Pacman to NE talk . . . it's Pacman and his agent. He apparetnly said NE is on the list of teams he wants to play for. BUt the Pats don't appear interested. Here's the LINK to the story.

Is there something wrong with me asking fans of a team whether or not they'd like a player on their team?Is there something wrong with Jim Wyatt? Is he not a credible source from which to discuss a topic in the shark pool?

Is there something wrong with Calvin Watkins? Is he not a credible source from which to discuss a topic in the shark pool?

I figure the answer to all is no yet can't figure out why you'd stamp out any discussion by trying to belittle the source. Did you read your reaffirming source? It does state that they've expressed a cursory interest.

Though the Patriots have been described in prior reports as having shown a measure of interest in Jones, there’s no evidence their curiosity has ever advanced beyond cursory.

So Jim Wyatt and Calvin Watkins say the Pats(among other teams) have expressed an interest. Now Tomasse, from the Boston Herald-a NE paper as you requested, has said they expressed a cursory interest.Is it OK with you now if I get people's opinion whether they'd want this guy on the team?

Bad day David? What gives

Why am I having a bad day? Pacman and his agent are the ones suggesting the Pats have an interest. The TEN and DAL papers are taking what the agent says verbatim and running with it. The Pats accepted their iniaital phone call and have basically said "no thank you" and have not pursued it further. Suggesting that "it's down to the Pats and Cowboys" makes it sound like NE is actually pursuing Jones when from the people I know in NE and from what I have followed through the local media that is not the case. Jones is the one that wants to play in NE, but IMO NE is not interested in him based on what I have been following. I'm not preventing anyone from forming their own opinions on what is happening with Jones, nor am I blocking them from expressing their opinions on the board.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I would say heck for cheap, go for it, if they didnt just deal with cameragate. Now, image control needs to be re-established again.No Pacman for me.

Just to clarify. I'm against Pacman Jones not from an image standpoint but just for the pure fact that he is a bad guy and would be bad for the team. I believe in talent first but chemistry second. It is not good having a guy like Pacman on your team.

 

[twitch]

I would say heck for cheap, go for it, if they didnt just deal with cameragate. Now, image control needs to be re-established again.No Pacman for me.

Just to clarify. I'm against Pacman Jones not from an image standpoint but just for the pure fact that he is a bad guy and would be bad for the team. I believe in talent first but chemistry second. It is not good having a guy like Pacman on your team.

Pat, I couldnt agree more. And I'll say this with absolute certainty. Bob Kraft may trust his lead men in personnel, scouting and management as much as any owner in the league. But he would without a doubt VETO a Pacman Jones acquisition. After what he's seen his team go thru this past year. That guy will never in a million years play for New England because Mr. Kraft would never allow it. Pretty much end of story.

 

[David Yudkin]

For those suggesting that the Pats draft OT Ryan Clady, he did not help his cause any by scoring a 13 on his Wonderlic test.

 

[Boston]

My thoughts on PacMan are pretty simple:

*From a pure football standpoint he'd be a great addition. He's a big talent that would come on the cheap since it sounds like he's willing to redo his contract. Adding him, Bryant, Webster and Sanders and a draft pick or two to Hobbs would give the Pats a better overall CB unit than last year and the total cost would probably be about 40-50% of what Samuel is making. He would also be a valuable asset on the return unit.

*The guy's a thug and I'd rather the Pats pass on him. I have no issues rolling the dice on questionable characters but Jones is more than a questionable character. He's trouble. Let someone else deal with his issues.

 

[nerangers]

For those suggesting that the Pats draft OT Ryan Clady, he did not help his cause any by scoring a 13 on his Wonderlic test.

very true...but Chris Williams or Jeff Otah on the other hand...Dan Pompei, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams scored a 32 on his Wonderlic test.Dan Pompei, of the Chicago Tribune, reports University of Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah scored a 28 on his Wonderlic test.Not saying that the Patriots should draft them, it is just interesting to see how certain players grade out.Saw that both Ryan and Brohm scored 32, Flacco 27, and Henne 22.

 

[nerangers]

Any truth to the rumor that the Pats are interested in Spikes? Could be a good pickup for the Pats.

Karen Guregian, of the Boston Herald, reports the New England Patriots are showing interest in unrestricted free-agent LB Takeo Spikes (Eagles), according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

 

[twitch]

For those suggesting that the Pats draft OT Ryan Clady, he did not help his cause any by scoring a 13 on his Wonderlic test.

He was on my short list of options for that 7th slot. Im not sure its a full-blown 86 situation. But if that score is any indication, it may as well be.

 

[nerangers]

came across this on the web to put the wonderlic in perspective:

The Wonderlic test has become best known for its use in NFL pre-draft assessments of prospective football players.

This assessment roughly corresponds to examples from Paul Zimmerman's The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football. According to Zimmerman, examples of average scores for each position are:

Offensive tackle - 26

Center - 25

Quarterback - 24

Guard - 23

Tight end - 22

Safety - 19

Linebacker - 19

Cornerback - 18

Wide receiver - 17

Fullback - 17

Halfback - 16

Pat McInally, a graduate of Harvard University, is the only football player to record a confirmed perfect score of 50.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Pat McInally, a graduate of Harvard University, is the only football player to record a confirmed perfect score of 50.

Sorry for the OT post, but couldn't let Pat McInally go by... always loved the guy:

McInally served as the Bengals punter from 1976 to 1985, and also saw some playing time as a receiver on offense. He led the league in net yards per punt in 1977(36.4) and in punting average in 1978 (43.1) and 1981 (45.4). He also has the distinction of being the first Harvard graduate ever to play in a pro bowl and a Super Bowl, both of which he did in the 1981 season.Due to suffering a series of concussions, the 6'-6", 210 pound McInally, who led the nation in receiving as a collegian in 1973, punted exclusively in the latter stage of his professional career. He finished his career with 700 punts for 29,307 yards, an average of 41.9 yards per punt. He also caught 57 passes for 808 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Have to love a punter who was sometimes the #3 WR as well.

 

[nerangers]

I would say heck for cheap, go for it, if they didnt just deal with cameragate. Now, image control needs to be re-established again.No Pacman for me.

Just to clarify. I'm against Pacman Jones not from an image standpoint but just for the pure fact that he is a bad guy and would be bad for the team. I believe in talent first but chemistry second. It is not good having a guy like Pacman on your team.

Pat, I couldnt agree more. And I'll say this with absolute certainty. Bob Kraft may trust his lead men in personnel, scouting and management as much as any owner in the league. But he would without a doubt VETO a Pacman Jones acquisition. After what he's seen his team go thru this past year. That guy will never in a million years play for New England because Mr. Kraft would never allow it. Pretty much end of story.

from boston.comPATS WON'T PURSUE PACMAN: When Pacman Jones's agent said last week that Jones would be interested in joining the Patriots, the words were construed by some as the team having interest in Jones. That is not the case. According to a league source, the Patriots will not pursue Jones.