Patriots 2008 off season (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

Wow . . . I had Wheatley down as a 5-6th round pick. Guess they know more than other teams did. I think they could have had him way later than this.

 

[nerangers]

Wow . . . I had Wheatley down as a 5-6th round pick. Guess they know more than other teams did. I think they could have had him way later than this.

I was surprised...I thought for sure they would go Reggie Smith since he was still available. The Pats have the 6th, 15th, and 31st starting tomorrow...and Dan Connor is still on the board as well. I am thinking they could have gotten one of these guys round 2, and Wheatley would surely be there in the third round.Cornerback | Senior | Colorado Terrence Wheatley Height: 5-95/8 | Weight: 187 | 40-Time: 4.37 Strengths:Very fast with good quickness and a burst to close...A fantastic athlete with great agility...Smooth with fluid hips...Playmaker with good hands and ball skills...Smart with good instincts...Physical and always plays hard...Has special teams potential. Weaknessesoes not have the ideal size or bulk that you'd prefer...Needs to get stronger...A marginal tackler...He'll struggle when matched up against big pro wideouts...Has some pretty serious durability and health concerns...May not have a lot of upside. Notes:His father, Randolph, ran track at Arizona State...He was plagued by a wrist injury that required multiple surgeries early in his career...Probably profiles as more of a nickel or dime guy at the pro level...Good cover guy with solid intangibles who will be held back by his size...Will enjoy a nice career as a backup and special teamer.

 

[Boston]

I'm real pleased so far. The Pats added two young athletes to their back 8 which was by far their biggest need. If these two kids pan out it will be a huge plus for this team both this year and beyond. Since they addressed their holes the Pats are now in a position to go BPA as they are really free to go in any directions they want. With three #3's it should be real interesting tomorrow.

 

[twitch]

Wow . . . I had Wheatley down as a 5-6th round pick. Guess they know more than other teams did. I think they could have had him way later than this.

I was surprised...I thought for sure they would go Reggie Smith since he was still available. The Pats have the 6th, 15th, and 31st starting tomorrow...and Dan Connor is still on the board as well. I am thinking they could have gotten one of these guys round 2, and Wheatley would surely be there in the third round.Cornerback | Senior | Colorado Terrence Wheatley Height: 5-95/8 | Weight: 187 | 40-Time: 4.37 Strengths:Very fast with good quickness and a burst to close...A fantastic athlete with great agility...Smooth with fluid hips...Playmaker with good hands and ball skills...Smart with good instincts...Physical and always plays hard...Has special teams potential. Weaknessesoes not have the ideal size or bulk that you'd prefer...Needs to get stronger...A marginal tackler...He'll struggle when matched up against big pro wideouts...Has some pretty serious durability and health concerns...May not have a lot of upside. Notes:His father, Randolph, ran track at Arizona State...He was plagued by a wrist injury that required multiple surgeries early in his career...Probably profiles as more of a nickel or dime guy at the pro level...Good cover guy with solid intangibles who will be held back by his size...Will enjoy a nice career as a backup and special teamer.

This kid is about as quick as they come. 4.37 40time doesnt suck. Highly fluid hip turn and acceleration. Had a broad jump of 10'8" and a vertical of 37" which are incredible #s for a guy that size. And if you guys havent heard this kid interviewed yet, youre going to be shocked. shocked. he sounds like a HS science teacher. smart sounding kid. im looking forward to seeing this kid play on Sundays for sure. where the hell does do these guys dig these kids up?

 

[nerangers]

I'm real pleased so far. The Pats added two young athletes to their back 8 which was by far their biggest need. If these two kids pan out it will be a huge plus for this team both this year and beyond. Since they addressed their holes the Pats are now in a position to go BPA as they are really free to go in any directions they want. Should be real interesting.

Boston, so you do not view Wheatley as a second round reach? I understand filling needs, and following your draft board, but do you think between the next seven picks (six since the G-men already picked) someone would grab a CB that had a fourth/fifth round grade? I think they could have gone BPA now because their guy would have still been there. I am not saying the Patriots shouldn't have drafted him, I just think they could have tomorrow at #15 or #31.

 

[IZ4]

Wow . . . I had Wheatley down as a 5-6th round pick. Guess they know more than other teams did. I think they could have had him way later than this.

I was surprised...I thought for sure they would go Reggie Smith since he was still available. The Pats have the 6th, 15th, and 31st starting tomorrow...and Dan Connor is still on the board as well. I am thinking they could have gotten one of these guys round 2, and Wheatley would surely be there in the third round.Cornerback | Senior | Colorado Terrence Wheatley Height: 5-95/8 | Weight: 187 | 40-Time: 4.37 Strengths:Very fast with good quickness and a burst to close...A fantastic athlete with great agility...Smooth with fluid hips...Playmaker with good hands and ball skills...Smart with good instincts...Physical and always plays hard...Has special teams potential. Weaknessesoes not have the ideal size or bulk that you'd prefer...Needs to get stronger...A marginal tackler...He'll struggle when matched up against big pro wideouts...Has some pretty serious durability and health concerns...May not have a lot of upside. Notes:His father, Randolph, ran track at Arizona State...He was plagued by a wrist injury that required multiple surgeries early in his career...Probably profiles as more of a nickel or dime guy at the pro level...Good cover guy with solid intangibles who will be held back by his size...Will enjoy a nice career as a backup and special teamer.

This kid is about as quick as they come. 4.37 40time doesnt suck. Highly fluid hip turn and acceleration. Had a broad jump of 10'8" and a vertical of 37" which are incredible #s for a guy that size. And if you guys havent heard this kid interviewed yet, youre going to be shocked. shocked. he sounds like a HS science teacher. smart sounding kid. im looking forward to seeing this kid play on Sundays for sure. where the hell does do these guys dig these kids up?

They found this pick in the OR.

 

[twitch]

Wow . . . I had Wheatley down as a 5-6th round pick. Guess they know more than other teams did. I think they could have had him way later than this.

You know, DY, I like both of the picks. But Im with you. I felt like Mayo went about 8-10 picks ahead of his slot(dont know how you felt about his slot there), and Wheatley may have gone a full couple of rounds ahead of schedule. They both look like great players, so Im pretty psyched about adding the youth and speed. It teaches us a little about what we all think of how important 'value' is. Sometimes if your guy is still on the board, just take him and worry about value later. great to know they have 3 early picks tomorrow. sets up for a pretty solid overall draft.

 

[nerangers]

Anyone think the Patriots target Kellen Davis in round three? I think they had him in for a visit.

Tight End | Senior | Michigan St. Kellen Davis

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262 | 40-Time: 4.60

Strengths:

Has terrific size and a large frame with room to bulk up further...Understands how to use his body to his advantage...A great natural athlete...Good ball skills...Runs well after the catch...Displays potential as a blocker..Still has considerable upside.

 

[David Yudkin]

This kid is about as quick as they come. 4.37 40time doesnt suck. Highly fluid hip turn and acceleration. Had a broad jump of 10'8" and a vertical of 37" which are incredible #s for a guy that size. And if you guys havent heard this kid interviewed yet, youre going to be shocked. shocked. he sounds like a HS science teacher. smart sounding kid. im looking forward to seeing this kid play on Sundays for sure. where the hell does do these guys dig these kids up?

IIRC, there were 12 or 13 CBs that ran sub 4.4 40 times available this year. 4.37 is not horrendous but probably close to the norm. He may turn out to be a great pick, but he certainly did not receive rave writeups heading into the draft.I certainly would give BB/Pioli the benefit of the doubt as they know a lot more than the rest of us. Still seemd like an odd pick, as I believe they could have waited until tomorrow afternoon to get hte same guy.

 

[David Yudkin]

Anyone think the Patriots target Kellen Davis in round three? I think they had him in for a visit.Tight End | Senior | Michigan St. Kellen Davis Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262 | 40-Time: 4.60 Strengths:Has terrific size and a large frame with room to bulk up further...Understands how to use his body to his advantage...A great natural athlete...Good ball skills...Runs well after the catch...Displays potential as a blocker..Still has considerable upside.

They will definitely take a TE in the 3rd with one of their picks.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.

Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

 

[nerangers]

Mike Reiss had this on Wheatley as well...

Wheatley (5-9 1/2, 187 pounds) leaves Colorado third on the school's all-time interceptions list (14) and tied for seventh in pass deflections (29). He also has kickoff return experience, ranking second in Colorado history for kickoff return yards (1,350) and kickoff returns (56). He set single-season records in 2007 for the most kickoff returns (37) and yards (919).

 

[David Yudkin]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

Maybe the heart surgery scared them off.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher

Wasnt in Belichick who said "Dont give me a defensive player who cant tackle, what am I going to do with him?"

 

[Pat Patriot]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

Maybe the heart surgery scared them off.

What are you talking about?

 

[rabidfireweasel]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.

Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

Maybe the heart surgery scared them off.

What are you talking about?

He had minor heart surgery

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

Maybe the heart surgery scared them off.

What are you talking about?

Groves had heart surgery in March.The Steelers took a long look at him also. Which is why the Jags traded right in front of them in the 2nd.But I also think the Pats and Steelers may have removed him from their boards. At least for day one.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I have warmed up to the Mayo pick but Wheatley was a bit of a head scratcher. I was calling for them to trade up for Groves once it got to pick 50. We could have easily trumped the Jax offer if we wanted to.Shefter said he knew of at least 3 teams that had removed Groves from their boards because of character concerns. Could the Pats have been one of those teams? I thought they really liked him.

Maybe the heart surgery scared them off.

What are you talking about?

Groves had heart surgery in March.The Steelers took a long look at him also. Which is why the Jags traded right in front of them in the 2nd.But I also think the Pats and Steelers may have removed him from their boards. At least for day one.

Thanks. I wasnt aware of the heart surgery.

 

[Boston]

I'm real pleased so far. The Pats added two young athletes to their back 8 which was by far their biggest need. If these two kids pan out it will be a huge plus for this team both this year and beyond. Since they addressed their holes the Pats are now in a position to go BPA as they are really free to go in any directions they want. Should be real interesting.

Boston, so you do not view Wheatley as a second round reach? I understand filling needs, and following your draft board, but do you think between the next seven picks (six since the G-men already picked) someone would grab a CB that had a fourth/fifth round grade? I think they could have gone BPA now because their guy would have still been there. I am not saying the Patriots shouldn't have drafted him, I just think they could have tomorrow at #15 or #31.

If Wheatley's the guy they wanted than taking him was the way to go. No need to get cute and risk losing him. If the Pats have him rated high chances are someone else does to and all it takes is one other team to like him and you can lose him.IMO the theme of this first day was filling defensive holes with playmakers. Both Mayo and Wheatley have the ability to make plays which is something this D needs more of. Their presence also gives them more depth and if guys like Hobson and Bryant step up this D will be in very good shape.

 

[Boston]

Lombardi on the NFL Network just said he thinks Mayo will be the Rookie-of-the-Year next year. That wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

[nerangers]

If Wheatley's the guy they wanted than taking him was the way to go. No need to get cute and risk losing him. If the Pats have him rated high chances are someone else does to and all it takes is one other team to like him and you can lose him.

IMO the theme of this first day was filling defensive holes with playmakers. Both Mayo and Wheatley have the ability to make plays which is something this D needs more of. Their presence also gives them more depth and if guys like Hobson and Bryant step up this D will be in very good shape.

Thanks Boston...it is the fact that someone else might have him that high as well that escapes me at times.

 

[Boston]

Alright boys...day one addressed the needs. A big third round would really be huge. Add in two or third quality players with cheap salary cap numbers and the Pats would really be sitting pretty. Nothing would surprise me either, they're capable of doing anything today.

 

[bosoxs45]

I'm hoping they get a guy like Mike Hart.

 

[twitch]

Im hoping they pick up someone's 2nd rounder next year and add a 5th round pick. These guys are just funny. Now, let's see if NE can work a miracle and turn that 2nd and 5th into Jason Taylor and a re-worked 2 year contract.

 

[David Yudkin]

Now, let's see if NE can work a miracle and turn that 2nd and 5th into Jason Taylor and a re-worked 2 year contract.

I think Peyton Manning has a better chance of starting for the Pats next year than they have in acquiring Jason Taylor. NO WAY does Parcells allow NE to get Taylor.

 

[twitch]

Now, let's see if NE can work a miracle and turn that 2nd and 5th into Jason Taylor and a re-worked 2 year contract.

I think Peyton Manning has a better chance of starting for the Pats next year than they have in acquiring Jason Taylor. NO WAY does Parcells allow NE to get Taylor.

Parcells can worry about other teams or he can worry about his own. And I guarantee you if NE offers him a 2nd a 5th, that the Tuna would be all over it. Im not saying NE wants to do that or will, but no way would BP turn down those 2 picks. NO WAY.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I'm starting a petition to get the Patriots to give #56 to Crable. He is the second coming of LT.

[/finishes off the koolaid]

 

[David Yudkin]

I think I missed something (cause I'm not watching the draft). Didn't NE have three 3rd rounders heading into today? I thought they had their own, Oakland's, and New Orleans'. I see that SD made a pick in the spot I thought NE had . . . what did they get back for that pick?

 

[Pat Patriot]

I'm starting a petition to get the Patriots to give #56 to Crable. He is the second coming of LT.[/finishes off the koolaid]

How about the second coming of Andre Tippett? I'd take that.

 

[Boston]

So far, so good. The Pats continue to add youth and athleticism to their back 8. They now have Mayo, Crable and Hobson to bolster their LB position. Add them to Thomas, Vrabel, Bruschi and possibly Seau (and Pierre Woods depending on what they think of him) and they are now in much better shape than they were at the end of the 2007 season.

The San Diego deal is a nice manuever. They add a #2 next year (and a #5 this year) in a draft that they should get some solid compensatory picks after losing Samuel, Stallworth and Gay. They're doing a nice job addressing today while keeping an eye on tomorrow.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I think I missed something (cause I'm not watching the draft). Didn't NE have three 3rd rounders heading into today? I thought they had their own, Oakland's, and New Orleans'. I see that SD made a pick in the spot I thought NE had . . . what did they get back for that pick?

they got SD 5th this year and 2nd in 2009

 

[David Yudkin]

Must say I didn't expect them to take a QB in the 3rd.

 

[Bri]

So far, so good. The Pats continue to add youth and athleticism to their back 8. They now have Mayo, Crable and Hobson to bolster their LB position. Add them to Thomas, Vrabel, Bruschi and possibly Seau (and Pierre Woods depending on what they think of him) and they are now in much better shape than they were at the end of the 2007 season.

What happenned to all the young LBers don't mesh well with BB's scheme they prefer more experienced ones.....that stuff?

 

[Bri]

Must say I didn't expect them to take a QB in the 3rd.

Can they trade one now then

 

[twitch]

Charlie Casserly had an interesting explanation on NFLN for the O'Connell pick. Thinks he's a talented QB that would either make the roster as a QB3 of QB2, or NE would let other teams see him in the preseason with the hopes that he shines, and then they'd move him for an '09 pick. Casserly suggested he could potentially have '09 1st round value, but I cant imagine that. Im sure theyd be thrilled with a 2nd if that ended up being the case. But in watching minimal film of this kid, he's probably better than either of our backup guys right now, so I have a feeling we may have just found Brady's backup for the foreseeable future.

 

[Bri]

Must say I didn't expect them to take a QB in the 3rd.

Remember Chuck Long, David? http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/kevin-o'connell?id=371

Seems like he's turned into a pretty good coach for QBs

 

[Pat Patriot]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.

It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

 

[Bri]

Bill's going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

It would sure make more sense if a player was traded before the pick. IE Suppose Cassell is traded to the Pack, then this pick fits. Now though it might/likely hurts their backup QBs trade value.

 

[Boston]

So far, so good. The Pats continue to add youth and athleticism to their back 8. They now have Mayo, Crable and Hobson to bolster their LB position. Add them to Thomas, Vrabel, Bruschi and possibly Seau (and Pierre Woods depending on what they think of him) and they are now in much better shape than they were at the end of the 2007 season.

What happenned to all the young LBers don't mesh well with BB's scheme they prefer more experienced ones.....that stuff?

The same thing that happened when everyone said they don't draft RBs early or Guards early. They showed you can't pigeonhole them and anything is possible on draft day. They have a glaring need at LB and they had no choice but to address it thru the draft. I'm sure BB would have loved to fill these holes with veterans but that probably wasn't feasible. Also, as BB said (and I'm paraphrasing)...they have liked some LBs before but were not in a position to get them since they did not have an early pick.

 

[Boston]

Charlie Casserly had an interesting explanation on NFLN for the O'Connell pick. Thinks he's a talented QB that would either make the roster as a QB3 of QB2, or NE would let other teams see him in the preseason with the hopes that he shines, and then they'd move him for an '09 pick. Casserly suggested he could potentially have '09 1st round value, but I cant imagine that. Im sure theyd be thrilled with a 2nd if that ended up being the case. But in watching minimal film of this kid, he's probably better than either of our backup guys right now, so I have a feeling we may have just found Brady's backup for the foreseeable future.

There's no way they can flip him after a few preseason games for a #1. That's asinine for Casserly to say (and I like Casserly and hope I'm dead wrong as well). I believe Cassel's deal is up this year (next year at the latest) and my guess is they see this kid taking over that role. If he does show a lot of development in the next year or two than he could be trade bait as that is not an unusual scenario in the NFL. Yet, right I have to believe that they are projecting him to be Brady's primary backup starting in 2009.

 

[twitch]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

I really want to agree with you, but I just dont see Cassell really having much value. He's never really played. Didnt even start in college. There's not much quality film to watch or production to take comfort in. He's done nothing but been a backup dating back to HS. But with O'Connell on the roster as a backup, Im sure if they could trade Cassell for MickeyD's value meal right now theyd do it. I have zero faith in him as a backup of any kind.

 

[Bri]

So far, so good. The Pats continue to add youth and athleticism to their back 8. They now have Mayo, Crable and Hobson to bolster their LB position. Add them to Thomas, Vrabel, Bruschi and possibly Seau (and Pierre Woods depending on what they think of him) and they are now in much better shape than they were at the end of the 2007 season.

What happenned to all the young LBers don't mesh well with BB's scheme they prefer more experienced ones.....that stuff?

The same thing that happened when everyone said they don't draft RBs early or Guards early. They showed you can't pigeonhole them and anything is possible on draft day. They have a glaring need at LB and they had no choice but to address it thru the draft. I'm sure BB would have loved to fill these holes with veterans but that probably wasn't feasible. Also, as BB said (and I'm paraphrasing)...they have liked some LBs before but were not in a position to get them since they did not have an early pick.

Good point

 

[Boston]

Bill's going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

It would sure make more sense if a player was traded before the pick. IE Suppose Cassell is traded to the Pack, then this pick fits. Now though it might/likely hurts their backup QBs trade value.

In all honesty I don't believe Cassell has shown enough to have other team's want to give up quality assets with the thought of him being a starter. I see the Pats sitting tight on him one more year because he knows their system far better than the other two QBs on the roster and than probably moving on with the hope that O'Connell (or Guiterrez) take over as the #2.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

I really want to agree with you, but I just dont see Cassell really having much value. He's never really played. Didnt even start in college. There's not much quality film to watch or production to take comfort in. He's done nothing but been a backup dating back to HS. But with O'Connell on the roster as a backup, Im sure if they could trade Cassell for MickeyD's value meal right now theyd do it. I have zero faith in him as a backup of any kind.

When I say move Cassel, I mean for a sixth or a seventh. I expect him to be showcased heavily. NE could also keep 4 QB's this year if they think that Guttierez is not ready to be the QB2.

 

[twitch]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

I really want to agree with you, but I just dont see Cassell really having much value. He's never really played. Didnt even start in college. There's not much quality film to watch or production to take comfort in. He's done nothing but been a backup dating back to HS. But with O'Connell on the roster as a backup, Im sure if they could trade Cassell for MickeyD's value meal right now theyd do it. I have zero faith in him as a backup of any kind.

When I say move Cassel, I mean for a sixth or a seventh. I expect him to be showcased heavily. NE could also keep 4 QB's this year if they think that Guttierez is not ready to be the QB2.

Id take a 6th or 7th. I cant see us keeping 4 Qs though, unless one was on the practice squad. Someone's moving on. Have you watched a little of O'Connell yet? He's got some good qualities. He's big, stands tall, shows the poise, checks down on his reads pretty well, nice arm and he can scramble.

 

[ROCKET]

Call me crazy but I wonder if BB and Pioli though that the Jets might have been targetting O'Connell?

It would make even more sense to grab him if that were the case. I think it's obvious the Jets could use a young qb prospect and they removed one from the board.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

I really want to agree with you, but I just dont see Cassell really having much value. He's never really played. Didnt even start in college. There's not much quality film to watch or production to take comfort in. He's done nothing but been a backup dating back to HS. But with O'Connell on the roster as a backup, Im sure if they could trade Cassell for MickeyD's value meal right now theyd do it. I have zero faith in him as a backup of any kind.

When I say move Cassel, I mean for a sixth or a seventh. I expect him to be showcased heavily. NE could also keep 4 QB's this year if they think that Guttierez is not ready to be the QB2.

Id take a 6th or 7th. I cant see us keeping 4 Qs though, unless one was on the practice squad. Someone's moving on. Have you watched a little of O'Connell yet? He's got some good qualities. He's big, stands tall, shows the poise, checks down on his reads pretty well, nice arm and he can scramble.

Just highlights, which is perhaps the least useful indicator for looking at a QB.

 

[Morton Muffley]

I've been reading some of the scouting reports on the Patrilot's draft selections and with the (obvious) exception of O'Connell I keep seeing the same phrases:

- plays with a mean streak

- immediate special teams contributor

That pretty much sums up the prototypical NE draft pick. You can throw out all that stuff about NE never does this and NE never does that, but it seems that the above characteristics are non-negotiables.

 

[twitch]

Bills going to have to explain this pick.It usually takes a couple of years of Preseason success for a QB to be traded for anything of value. Hasselback was with GB for 2 full years before he was traded. I just dont buy the trade value. If anyone had Kevin O'Connell on their radar screen then they could have traded this pick for a #2 next year.

I think is is pretty simply. They have odged a bullet over the last few years not having to play anyone but Brady. Brady was hurt in the Superbowl, and they have no one they trust behind him to play any significant downs. QB's get hurt all the time. Spending a third on competent quality back-up is nothing to sneeze at. I think Casserly is off base though. I think they keep O'Connell and look to move Cassel in the preseason.

I really want to agree with you, but I just dont see Cassell really having much value. He's never really played. Didnt even start in college. There's not much quality film to watch or production to take comfort in. He's done nothing but been a backup dating back to HS. But with O'Connell on the roster as a backup, Im sure if they could trade Cassell for MickeyD's value meal right now theyd do it. I have zero faith in him as a backup of any kind.

When I say move Cassel, I mean for a sixth or a seventh. I expect him to be showcased heavily. NE could also keep 4 QB's this year if they think that Guttierez is not ready to be the QB2.

Id take a 6th or 7th. I cant see us keeping 4 Qs though, unless one was on the practice squad. Someone's moving on. Have you watched a little of O'Connell yet? He's got some good qualities. He's big, stands tall, shows the poise, checks down on his reads pretty well, nice arm and he can scramble.

Just highlights, which is perhaps the least useful indicator for looking at a QB.

I understand. We're just seeing some actual potential from that minimal footage, which is more than I see from our current QB2, because no such highlights exist.