Patriots worked out Maryland WR Torrey Smith (1 Viewer)

[Hoss_Cartwright]

The New England Patriots have conducted a private workout with University of Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.A speedy junior, Smith ran the 40-yard dash between 4.37 and 4.41 seconds at the NFL scouting combine. The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder also registered a 41-inch vertical leap, a 10-6 broad jump and bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times.............

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20110315_source_patriots_worked_out_maryland_wr_torrey_smith

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I had the Pats take him in the message board draft we did a month or so ago.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I had the Pats take him in the message board draft we did a month or so ago.

Good call.

 

[Getinthemix]

What is the Pats track record of taking guys they work out? Are they one of the teams that uses the workouts as a smoke screen?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

What is the Pats track record of taking guys they work out? Are they one of the teams that uses the workouts as a smoke screen?

Hey you. Get off of my cloud. <_<

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

 

[J Andersson]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

Kind of agree. Especially if free agency is not happening before the draft they could be forced to draft more for immediate need than might have been the case if not. It's not out of question they adress WR but I don't see it happening until the second round at the earliest (probably a mid 2nd round pick obtained after a trade down in the first). Torrey Smith could be a guy they could like at that spot but not earlier imo. As hard as it is to believe, I've been wrong before though

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

I don't see the Pats every game, maybe only 5 or 6 games a year. From what I can see, WR is a pretty big need as well. They need someone to fulfill the Moss role. Green, Jones, Hankerson, Smith, etc. Any one of those guys would be valuable additions to the Pats.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

 

[griff321]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Or free agency. It's not like everyone on the roster has to be drafted lol. They seem to do pretty well plugging gaps there every year. Who knows what will be available, but if some of the restriction tags are lifted they could do quite well there this year.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Agree w/ that, figuring out a Patriots draft is kind of futile other than they will be active trading. That said, DE/OLB is as close to a chalk pick at 17 that I can see. At 28, I'd see an interior OL pick and 33 will get moved due to the value of the pick after round 1. A desperate team (Carolina?) will want to move back up and grab a falling player still on the board.

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

How does this work; do the teams still workout a player in front of coaches and staff at their facility, but if they then draft that player, they can't communicate with him until a new CBA is reached?

 

[Spike]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Agree w/ that, figuring out a Patriots draft is kind of futile other than they will be active trading. That said, DE/OLB is as close to a chalk pick at 17 that I can see. At 28, I'd see an interior OL pick and 33 will get moved due to the value of the pick after round 1. A desperate team (Carolina?) will want to move back up and grab a falling player still on the board.

I think you've nailed what the Pats will do. Or, at least, I hope you have!

 

[DropKick]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Or free agency. It's not like everyone on the roster has to be drafted lol. They seem to do pretty well plugging gaps there every year. Who knows what will be available, but if some of the restriction tags are lifted they could do quite well there this year.

They've struggled at this position, IMO. Moss is history. Welker has been hurt and takes a pounding. A couple other guys are Welker clones (not a bad thing - but similar in size/role) Branch is 32? Jury still out on Tate but I don't think he has met expectations. The "vets" they've grabbed in recent years - Galloway and Holt - have flamed out. When I watch them, I've thought they lacked a physical WR; some very good WRS have come into the league in recent years. So far, NE hasn't hit on any.

 

[womb]

Now that the TE is position is covered, I hope the Patriots stick with what they do best: Draft OL, defense, or trade down. The success rate in those areas is significantly higher.

I think WRs can be handled through FA acquisitions or trades. The servicable RBs that can fit the system can be found further down the draft if need be.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

Now that the TE is position is covered, I hope the Patriots stick with what they do best: Draft OL, defense, or trade down. The success rate in those areas is significantly higher. I think WRs can be handled through FA acquisitions or trades. The servicable RBs that can fit the system can be found further down the draft if need be.

Agreed, with 2 great receiving TE's on the roster, WR seems less of an issue.

 

[V1LL]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Or free agency. It's not like everyone on the roster has to be drafted lol. They seem to do pretty well plugging gaps there every year. Who knows what will be available, but if some of the restriction tags are lifted they could do quite well there this year.

When I watch them, I've thought they lacked a physical WR; some very good WRS have come into the league in recent years. So far, NE hasn't hit on any.

They hit on 2 last year; Gronkowski and Hernandez

 

[captain_amazing]

What is the Pats track record of taking guys they work out? Are they one of the teams that uses the workouts as a smoke screen?

IIRC, I heard on patriots football weekly that in the past few years the pats have not drafted anyone they have had private workouts with.

 

[DropKick]

Sorry to be Debbie Downer Andy, but there is too much of a need at critical positions than WR. Neal retired and Mankins status is unsettled, so it's not even a long shot to grab a WR, or Ingram for that matter too.

The reason the Patriots are a great franchise is because they don't follow the "identify biggest need, draft said need" methodology. They draft good football players and if they feel Smith is a good one, it shouldn't surprise in the least.They have something like 97 picks in this year's draft (three in the first 33). They can take guys to replace Neal and Mankins later in the draft. Neal himself was undrafted.

Or free agency. It's not like everyone on the roster has to be drafted lol. They seem to do pretty well plugging gaps there every year. Who knows what will be available, but if some of the restriction tags are lifted they could do quite well there this year.

When I watch them, I've thought they lacked a physical WR; some very good WRS have come into the league in recent years. So far, NE hasn't hit on any.

They hit on 2 last year; Gronkowski and Hernandez

They have good TEs, but there were stretches when Hernandez rarely saw the field. Fantasy wise, I expected him to blow up when Moss left. Thought they might use him like a WR. Didn't happen. How good would a stud WR look on that team? At a minimum, it would give the offense more diversity and free up Welker as well.

 

[Aznflyer14]

Why would Patriots target Torrey Smith when they have a similar type of player in Brandon Tate. He has serious speeds to stretch the field and provides vertical passes. Tate just need to accumulate more game experiences and increase in discipline in route-running.

 

[Donnybrook]

Looking at the injury history of the Patriots wideouts, it would seem unwise if they didn't take a WR with one of those draft picks.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

I could see the Pats taking a WR early in the draft, but it just doesn't seem as urgent a need as the OP suggests..

They have picks:

First round - 1.17, 1.28 (17, 28)

Second round - 2.01, 2.28 (33, 60)

Third round - 3.10, 3.28 (74, 92)

Fourth round - 4.28 (124)

Fifth round - 5.28 (156)

Sixth round - 6.28 (188)

I don't know where the compensatory picks fall..

But it looks like to me, they have plenty of opportunity to grab a WR in the first 3 rounds. I'm not sure taking a WR in the first will be a priority. If Smith is the best player available at some point in the first 2 rounds they may, but I think that's the only what he ends up in NE.. Smith is more likely a second round guy, and likely mid to late..

 

[pantherclub]

I wish the Pats would trade the 2nd round pick back to Carolina for Steve Smith.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

I wish the Pats would trade the 2nd round pick back to Carolina for Steve Smith.

That would be nice, but can't happen.. And likely wouldn't happen if it could. Smith is not worth a pick that early. Maybe a 3rd at best..

 

[Bri]

I could see the Pats taking a WR early in the draft, but it just doesn't seem as urgent a need as the OP suggests..They have picks:First round - 1.17, 1.28 (17, 28) Second round - 2.01, 2.28 (33, 60)Third round - 3.10, 3.28 (74, 92)Fourth round - 4.28 (124)Fifth round - 5.28 (156)Sixth round - 6.28 (188)I don't know where the compensatory picks fall..

As I understand it, the CBA would affect Pats ability to trade.1.17 is surely going to be BPA. Torrey might be that. Ingram might be that. The T from Colorado, one of these QBs....it creates the perfect atmosphere for trading. No other team can sit there and safely say the Pats won't take this position or that position. 2.01 is an excellent spot to take a G. The top Guards and Centers often fall into the second (sometimes third) round. If you go with "top 3" it's even later of course. If the Pats want interior linemen, they are set up very well to not only get one but get one of the best. I don't like how many TEs the Pats have picked over the years as a drafting theory. However, they've done fairly well with it. There's been so many I don't think anyone can be surprised anymore if they take one.Again, I would love to see how BB uses Randall Cobb and it's purely selfish fan entertainment as to why I hope they'll take him.My prediction is DeMarco Murray to the Pats. Feel free to pencil it in for whichever pick you want.I think the Pats are a very difficult spot for a rookie to go to. They've only recently changed from going with retreads to going with rooks. What's a BB type player mean to you? I think that greatly limits the number of potential players the Pats can draft. That's where many mocks fail.If there's a kid that didn't hit the books, didn't practice much and everyone claims is the second coming ummm he simply won't be a Patriot. You can bank on that.In order to figure out who the Pats are going to draft, I think the first thing one needs to do is decide which of these kids are sincerely ready to go to work.I also believe this is but one reason why the Pats trade so much. Their type of player simply wasn't there and they're refusing to reach. They're good enough, and an attractive enough destination for free agents, that they don't have to draft any one player or position. While the BB type player may limit them, otherwise they're in an extremely fortunate position on draft day.

 

[Carolina Hustler]

1.17 is surely going to be BPA. Torrey might be that.

I can't see Torrey going that high..I only know what I've read and what I've seen in high lights, but he doesn't seem like a first round talent to me. And I could certainly be wrong, but it doesn't seem like any of the annalists have him going that high either.

 

[Sidewinder16]

1.17 is surely going to be BPA. Torrey might be that.

I can't see Torrey going that high..I only know what I've read and what I've seen in high lights, but he doesn't seem like a first round talent to me. And I could certainly be wrong, but it doesn't seem like any of the annalists have him going that high either.

This is the impression I've had, as well, that Smith is generally considered a high to mid 2nd-rounder.

 

[womb]

Is Torrey Smith perceived to be better than Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas?

Do the Patriots have a greater need at receiver this year than last year?

Is the Taylor Price project over?

Is the Brandon Tate project over?

Is the Julian Edelman project over?

I can not answer most of that, but I do hope that not all of them have yes answers.

I hope that Patriots choose to have enough depth in OL to keep Brady upright and give hime another second, rather than another target. I also hope that the Patriots rather choose to have enough talent to knock a QB or RB down behind the line of scrimmage. Or how about another CB across from McCourty?

 

[Bri]

1.17 is surely going to be BPA. Torrey might be that.

I can't see Torrey going that high..I only know what I've read and what I've seen in high lights, but he doesn't seem like a first round talent to me. And I could certainly be wrong, but it doesn't seem like any of the annalists have him going that high either.

This is the impression I've had, as well, that Smith is generally considered a high to mid 2nd-rounder.

you guys are right,

 

[JPeso]

Is Torrey Smith perceived to be better than Dez Bryant or Demaryius Thomas?

Not even in the same conversation.