Patriots (1 Viewer)

[KarmaPolice]

Two RB's is a head scratcher. Other than that they took an OT, CB, RB, all positions of need, and walked out with another 1st and 2nd round next year...after only 3 rounds. Not sure what there is to not like.

It's tough to figure, not the sexy picks but I think you're right. OLine and CB help is huge (Bodden should be back as well), fresh legged RB's...Mallet could very well translate into a high pick as well if they decide to trade him (ala Cassell). Where's the WR and DLine helpthough?

Free agency down?

As a Pats fan, I've learned to sit back and go with it. The drafts are usually head scratchers for me. Last year I was thinking WTF are you taking 2 TEs for, now people are banging on them for taking 2 RBs when just about everything I read stated that was one of the areas they need to address. Honestly I don't know much about the RBs, but I like the other picks. Really thought they'd focus on the DL and LBs, but with Stroud coming in and getting a couple players back from injuries will help, and then there is FA where they always seem grab vet LBs that come in and play well.

Personally I don't mind the lack of WRs - there is still Welker and Edelman there and I would like to see what they have in Price and Tate. Combine them with the 2 TEs and they are fine with the receiving options.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Free agency down?

Trick question?Because currently it is, in fact, down.

 

[J Andersson]

I just get the feeling they're not huge fans of the draft class as a whole.

That and the fact that they've once again traded for future higher picks means they are agetting great value.As always they pick the players they like the most and they do not primarily draft for need.Being a Patriots fan I might be biased but once again sursprised with the outcome of the draft I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt.I really like Nate Solder (much more upside than Castonzo, whom I've watched a lot and he's unspectacular to say the least). The Dowling pick makes a lot of sense, I hope durability issues are past him. I love Shane Vereen, perhaps we could have picked him up a bit later. To be honest, I have no idea who that Ridley guy is, but I'm hearing some good things after a bit of research. The pick of Mallett is great value. If he bombs it's no big deal but the potential upside and the landing spot makes this an ideal situation. Still three picks left. Add to that that we acquired a first-rounder and a second-rounder for next draft. A draft that I think looks a lot stronger than this one.Did we adress all our needs? No. That's the downsideDid we get value? Very much so.The problem is that fans (myself included) are all about filling needs through the draft and also can't accept the fact that the player rankings teams have differ from those of Mayock/Kiper/McShay etc. Looking back at every draft things don't turn out the way they are supposed to. In summary I like the fact that the Patriots stay true to their beliefs and way of working the draft. Would I've picked some other guys? Probably, but us NE fans should be extremely thankful that it's BB and not me who's calling the shots.If it was a good draft remains to be seen.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

I love what Bill's done.Folks don't realize he DOES make his picks. NE has made FIVE picks in three rounds...and managed to add a 1 and 2 next year. Then they'll grab 5 or 6 longshots in the deep rounds, while adding another pick or two next year. Textbook...outstanding work because Bill refuses to reach, and will always accept value even if it means ignoring a percieved "need" temporarily.

The QB was VALUE...need was immaterial, although he DOES actually need a backup QB. Here's a guy who might be starting quality, worth taking in the thrid, even if he's a backup.

At RB....gimme a break. HUGE need position for NE. Law firm was never more then filler, and Woodhead is a dog and pony show...a nice trick player for a few plays a game but nobody you could count on to carry your running game. THEY HAD NOTHING ELSE! (Unless you count 40 y.o. unhealhty RBs on their last legs!) Now, they have a nice 1-2 punch, the trick guy in Woodhead, and still carry Law Firm as what he should be...deep depth. Most of us EXPECTED Bill to take two runners in this draft, one of them high. While 3rd round is a little higher than expected for the second, I think the value was appropriate.

OUTSTANDING work by the Pats, as usual.

I've got no problem with them drafting 2 RBs, but Ridley was a huge reach at that slot, imo.Castonzo over Solder would have made more sense. I like the Ras-I-Dowling pick.

in BB's presser after round 1, he indicated that they brought on a coach who came from colorado, & that dude raved about Solder.i also think NE's done well thus far, and expect them to load up on pass rusher lottery tickets today.

i think trading back every year to get better picks next year isn't a bad annual style. BB's credibility & job security allows him the luxury to manage the roster that way & it clearly works.

 

[munchkin]

Two RB's is a head scratcher. Other than that they took an OT, CB, RB, all positions of need, and walked out with another 1st and 2nd round next year...after only 3 rounds. Not sure what there is to not like.

It's tough to figure, not the sexy picks but I think you're right. OLine and CB help is huge (Bodden should be back as well), fresh legged RB's...Mallet could very well translate into a high pick as well if they decide to trade him (ala Cassell). Where's the WR and DLine helpthough?

Free agency down?

As a Pats fan, I've learned to sit back and go with it. The drafts are usually head scratchers for me. Last year I was thinking WTF are you taking 2 TEs for, now people are banging on them for taking 2 RBs when just about everything I read stated that was one of the areas they need to address. Honestly I don't know much about the RBs, but I like the other picks. Really thought they'd focus on the DL and LBs, but with Stroud coming in and getting a couple players back from injuries will help, and then there is FA where they always seem grab vet LBs that come in and play well.

Personally I don't mind the lack of WRs - there is still Welker and Edelman there and I would like to see what they have in Price and Tate. Combine them with the 2 TEs and they are fine with the receiving options.

The Patriots had a very young team last year and with the injuries to Warren, Wright, Pryor and eventually Brace players deep on the depth chart Deaderick, Love, Fletcher and others had a chance to see more of the field than the coaches likely hoped for but it gave tham a chance to evaluate their growth potential. It appears that they saw more to their performances than many of us did. Add the growth of Spikes (up to his suspension) and the apparent development (to them) of Cunningham and they must feel the pieces to address the problems on defense are there. The addition of Dowling could go a long way to solidifying the secondary. The guy hasn't stepped on an NFL field yet so it remains to be seen how effective he will be but they could have the makings of a really physical DB corp. They scouted Ahmad Black pretty heavily. It will be interesting to see if they add him to the mix today or look at taking Sam Acho. Without a 4th round pick I don't know if either is in reach however.Coaches coach and fans fret; that's the nature of the beast.

 

[AngryPatriot]

Well said and I agree that they probably feel pretty good about Cunningham and others. There's no doubt they have done a pretty masterful job of retooling, transitioning toward youth and still winning 14 games. My one criticism would be just playing the draft board, being aware of others rankings, so to not pick a player that would be available later. Wouldn't this just give them even more "VALUE" "VALUE" "VALUE"? lol What do I know. Patriots are going to be excellent again and the slightly seasoned defense should be even better (ranked #8 last year!).

 

[fsufan]

Pats fans.

you could have Dez and Ingram on your team

 

[pollardsvision]

Pats fans.

you could have Dez and Ingram on your team

Maybe I missed something, but why would anyone expect the Pats to burn a 1st round pick on a RB? They've been the poster child for NOT wasting 1st round picks/money on RBs. They ignored that philosophy in '06 and that just served as another lesson in why it's not bright to do it.

 

[AngryPatriot]

Dez? I'll take McCourty, thank you.

Ingram? Sure, but he's played as much as Dowling, Vereen or Ridley. And we get a #1 pick next year. I am of the mind that the Pats COULD USE a big #1 type- but they NEEDED a good corner. Dez being kicked out of malls doesn't help your case either.

 

[Harry Manback]

The Mallett pick was a pure value pick. Even if Brady plays for another 10 years, Mallett will get interest over time. The more years he is exposed to the best coaching available the better.

Kevin O'Connell

You think Kevin O'Connell had anywhere near the talent and potential of Ryan Mallett?

 

[fsufan]

maybe it is time you Pats fans except the BB magic is over.

 

[ImTheScientist]

lol pats fans....all the sudden they love mallet when the same dudes probably ripped him last week. Face it...your draft hasn't been good.

 

[patrickmcgroin]

Not a Pats fan, but this is BB we are talking about. He knows what he is doing.

 

[PewterFan]

Not a Pats fan, but this is BB we are talking about. He knows what he is doing.

Exactly. The Patriots could've drafted a Punter in the 2nd round and I wouldn't question it.

 

[Harry Manback]

maybe it's time our fans what?

 

[fruity pebbles]

the Ridley pick is the only one that really baffles me.

 

[Abrantes]

the Ridley pick is the only one that really baffles me.

 

[Concept Coop]

the Ridley pick is the only one that really baffles me.

The draft committee gave him a 2-3rd round grade. He is a talented kid. It wouldn't surprise me if it comes out that a few teams valued him this high.

 

[rzrback77]

:whoosh:

maybe it's time our fans what?

Except that the BB magic is ovah

 

[Harry Manback]

:whoosh:

maybe it's time our fans what?

Except that the BB magic is ovah

:whoosh:

 

[bostonfred]

maybe it is time you Pats fans except the BB magic is over.

Define over. Do you think they win fewer than 10 games? Do you think they make the playoffs? Do you think they make it out of the first round of the playoffs?

 

[rzrback77]

maybe it is time you Pats fans except the BB magic is over.

Define over. Do you think they win fewer than 10 games? Do you think they make the playoffs? Do you think they make it out of the first round of the playoffs?

Define except

 

[cvnpoka]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

 

[thehornet]

maybe it is time you Pats fans except the BB magic is over.

accept it isn't.

 

[Harry Manback]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

I'm a huge Pats fan, and love BB, but who's to say he won't trade away those?I mean, I get that this years draft class isn't stocked with DEs, but I wish we got Cam Jordan rather than trading those picks. We'll see.

 

[Harry Manback]

maybe it is time you Pats fans except the BB magic is over.

Define over. Do you think they win fewer than 10 games? Do you think they make the playoffs? Do you think they make it out of the first round of the playoffs?

Define except

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

the Ridley pick is the only one that really baffles me.

Agreed, just don't get that one,seems they could have gotten him much l8r.I am fine w Solder pick, he could very well become a rock solid lt for years to come (would have been fine w Costonzo, Jordan, Ingram).Downling appears to have superior talent and the only question is durability; I am already pessimistically thinking Terrence Wheatley redux. If he had a broken a bone and knee probs in both HS and college I think he is a high inj risk, why not take the inj risk on a LB like Carter (would have lso liked R. Williams, Brooks Reed).Vereen, np with them taking a him, but would have preferred Williams.Ridley, wtf, I just don't get it and I pray there is a lot more there than meets the eye (would have preferred L. Hankerson among others).Mallet, pure value pick, Bledsoe II with potential drug/char issues (yikes!). I hope he can keep his nose clean long enough to get good trade value for him.Draft is ok, stock piling picks for next year is never sexy, but it does give them quantity which they need since they miss on so many picks (just like most teams).Just crushed that they couldn't draft potential replacements for Ninkovich and TBC who are not starting calibre players.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

 

[cvnpoka]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

I'm a huge Pats fan, and love BB, but who's to say he won't trade away those?I mean, I get that this years draft class isn't stocked with DEs, but I wish we got Cam Jordan rather than trading those picks. We'll see.

its almost a certainty that he will trade those haha

 

[cvnpoka]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

there would be no criticism of the patriots if they were sitting on solder, dowling and vereen right now. or even solder, vereen and mallet. ppl are punishing them for having extra picks right now. the patriots just got 5 players in the first 3 rounds and they are sitting on 3 extra picks in next years first 2 rounds. i dont see how this isnt a huge win, even if you disagree with a few of the specific choices.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I'm loving this draft. BB knows defensive talent better than just about anyone. He either has his eyes on a couple late diamonds in the rough (Herzlich), or he's happy with the development of what he has. He might also be eying free agency when it's finally available to tap into.

As already stated, the RBBC is here to stay, and BJGE was never going to be anything more than a placeholder. Getting a young power back and complementing him with a scat-back who has great hands helps keep the pressure off Brady immensely, and opens up the field for those fantastic young TE's.

Adding Mallet was a great pick as far as value goes. If Brady sticks around awhile, the Pats could trade him ala Matt Cassell and get a good return, or groom him to be the heir apparent.

And they always pay it forward to the next draft.

"Winning"

 

[Boston]

Many of these posts (both pro and anti Patriot) just don't make too much sense to me:

*First of all I can't really say the Pats are closer to a championship in 2012 after going into the draft with two #1's, two #2's and two #3's...the Pats absolutely ignored the weakest part of their team which is their front seven defensively and their pass rush specifically...sorry but I'm just not buying the idea that their wasn't one player in the top three rounds that could help them in this area...the bottomline is the Pats WILL NOT win another title until they upgrade their pass-rush...if this happens in free agency than I will gladly shut the hell up but right now it's incredibly frustrating because it is so freakin' obvious...they are turning into the Colt teams of a few years ago...

*Now is not the time to stockpile future picks...Brady is 34 and the Pats are coming off a 14-2 season...they are right on the doorstep of another title or two in the next 3-4 years...cash in your assets and take advantage of having a once in-a-generation QB.

*The Pats need more top-end talent...they have plenty of depth, grinders and solid players...they need difference-makers...right now they are too dependent on their system...when it's working they are unbeatable but when it's off they don't have enough studs to bail them out...right now it doesn't appear they have added any studs.

*Drafting two RBs makes sense when you consider they probably only have two on their roster (Woodhead and Benny)...if one or both those picks pan out that would really help diversify the offense...drafting Mallet makes sense because of where you got him...the Pats are probably his best bet to mature and he could turn into a big-time backup or a great trading chip down the line...my issue isn't with these picks individually because they all make sense...it's that as a group they helped contribute to ignoring other more pressing needs.

*My biggest issue with the Pats draft was it appears they went into with the thought that obtaining 2012 picks was the most their most important issue...instead of dealing away the #28 and drafting a CB at #33 I would have liked to see them be more aggressive and come out of this draft with three #1's...something like Solder, Jordan and Kerrigan...or whatever trio would make an immediate impact...

*All this being said there's a reason Patriot fans say "in Bill we Trust"...the guy has taken a franchise that used to be a joke and kept them as a championship contender for over a decade...he can be absolutely maddening and I don't agree with everything he does but there is no one else I would rather have running this franchise...there are times you just have to trust his formula and this is definitely one of those times...

 

[Warrior]

Two RB's is a head scratcher. Other than that they took an OT, CB, RB, all positions of need, and walked out with another 1st and 2nd round next year...after only 3 rounds. Not sure what there is to not like.

What's not to like? How about using a high pick on a QB when you have a top-2 QB already. How about not drafting a pass rusher when that's your BIGGEST need?definition of 'homer'

 

[timschochet]

I thought you guys really liked Hoyer?

 

[Boston]

I thought you guys really liked Hoyer?

From all reports they do...my guess is they really like Mallett at that point in the draft (i.e. it's a pure value pick)...also between Hoyer and Mallett they maybe able to flip one in the near future...also, I'm not sure when Hoyer's contact is up...

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

LOL, another TE.

 

[Burning Sensation]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Good blocker, Crumpler replacement? Move to OT?

 

[PatsFanCT]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Crazy. But he is an evil scientist. Maybe he'll switch him to LB.

 

[Boston]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Good blocker, Crumpler replacement?

That's what he sounds like but I was under the impression Crumpler would be back...he was very highly regarded by the staff and players as a veteran leader...I guess it wouldn't be draft until BB drafted a TE...

 

[Burning Sensation]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Crazy. But he is an evil scientist. Maybe he'll switch him to LB.

Oh, im sure he knows what he is doing, i just dont know what it is. I liked taking the two RB's, with BJGE a FA, they needed someone other than Vereen and Woodhead. I just thought TE was a position they wouldnt have to worry about for 10 years.

 

[The Ref]

I think everyone is missing a big concept here. The draft pick value chart that was created back in the 90's by the Cowboys is not how BB sees the value of the picks. If the Patriots got to select where there picks are sloted in the draft (and could not trade out of said spot) I'm convinced that they would pick somewhere in the mid 30's. The fact of the matter is any player that is taken in the top 10 gets huge money that is generally reserved for top level veterans. I think the Patriots see having to sign a rookie to that type of contract is a big risk where they see signing a player in the second round for modest money as an opportunity. Next year there will most likely be a rookie cap. I would not be surprised if you see BB start to make first round picks and in some cases trade up because first round players will be viewed as a relative opportunity instead of a risk because the contracts will be smaller.

LOL - they just drafted ANOTHER TE.

 

[Plaid Boxer]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Good blocker, Crumpler replacement?

That's what he sounds like but I was under the impression Crumpler would be back...he was very highly regarded by the staff and players as a veteran leader...I guess it wouldn't be draft until BB drafted a TE...

Crumpler was signed to a 2 year contract. Who is to say without an off-season program he comes back in perfect playing shape? What if he decides to call it quits? What if they just really liked Smith?

 

[renesauz]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

there would be no criticism of the patriots if they were sitting on solder, dowling and vereen right now. or even solder, vereen and mallet. ppl are punishing them for having extra picks right now. the patriots just got 5 players in the first 3 rounds and they are sitting on 3 extra picks in next years first 2 rounds. i dont see how this isnt a huge win, even if you disagree with a few of the specific choices.

People keep saying they need to make instead of trade picks, but they ARE making picks...more picks than anyone else, and usually more in the first 4 rounds, year in, year out, than anyone else. It's BRILLIANT.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

there would be no criticism of the patriots if they were sitting on solder, dowling and vereen right now. or even solder, vereen and mallet. ppl are punishing them for having extra picks right now. the patriots just got 5 players in the first 3 rounds and they are sitting on 3 extra picks in next years first 2 rounds. i dont see how this isnt a huge win, even if you disagree with a few of the specific choices.

People keep saying they need to make instead of trade picks, but they ARE making picks...more picks than anyone else, and usually more in the first 4 rounds, year in, year out, than anyone else. It's BRILLIANT.

More isn't always better. I thought this was the year they should have moved up to take a stud like AJ Green or Julio Jones. Instead they're the same Patriots.

 

[PatsFanCT]

LOL, another TE.

i dont get it.

Crazy. But he is an evil scientist. Maybe he'll switch him to LB.

Oh, im sure he knows what he is doing, i just dont know what it is. I liked taking the two RB's, with BJGE a FA, they needed someone other than Vereen and Woodhead. I just thought TE was a position they wouldn't have to worry about for 10 years.

Mayock and the boys just spit-shined it to make it look like a good pick. Gronk is more of a WR, so by getting Lee, who they said is the best blocking TE in the draft, it frees up Gronk to spread out. Who knows? There still seems to be a bit of Defensive talent left, but the Pats only have two pick left, but they're not until the end of the 6th and one in the 7th.He must be eying free agency big time.

 

[Burning Sensation]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

there would be no criticism of the patriots if they were sitting on solder, dowling and vereen right now. or even solder, vereen and mallet. ppl are punishing them for having extra picks right now. the patriots just got 5 players in the first 3 rounds and they are sitting on 3 extra picks in next years first 2 rounds. i dont see how this isnt a huge win, even if you disagree with a few of the specific choices.

People keep saying they need to make instead of trade picks, but they ARE making picks...more picks than anyone else, and usually more in the first 4 rounds, year in, year out, than anyone else. It's BRILLIANT.

More isn't always better. I thought this was the year they should have moved up to take a stud like AJ Green or Julio Jones. Instead they're the same Patriots.

Is that bad?

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

if im not mistaken, for next year the patriots gained the saints 1st and 2nd rounders and the raiders 2nd rounder. seems detractors are underrating that.

Always getting next year's picks isn't going to help your team if you're taking questionable RBs back to back and a QB that's useless sitting behind a HOFer not ready to retire. Now I guess they could turn him for another pick later since that's what they do best.

there would be no criticism of the patriots if they were sitting on solder, dowling and vereen right now. or even solder, vereen and mallet. ppl are punishing them for having extra picks right now. the patriots just got 5 players in the first 3 rounds and they are sitting on 3 extra picks in next years first 2 rounds. i dont see how this isnt a huge win, even if you disagree with a few of the specific choices.

People keep saying they need to make instead of trade picks, but they ARE making picks...more picks than anyone else, and usually more in the first 4 rounds, year in, year out, than anyone else. It's BRILLIANT.

More isn't always better. I thought this was the year they should have moved up to take a stud like AJ Green or Julio Jones. Instead they're the same Patriots.

Is that bad?

I don't think they've drafted all that well recently before 2010.

 

[cvnpoka]

More isn't always better. I thought this was the year they should have moved up to take a stud like AJ Green or Julio Jones. Instead they're the same Patriots.

cant argue with this perspective in general. but, in practice, it cost a pretty penny to acquire these guys. look at what the falcons gave up and then add something to it.

 

[shortbow]

I was really hoping they would move up and reach for either green or jones, and I expected if Ingram was there with either of their first rounds they would take him.

Well im not BB.

That being said, im pleased with the draft, I would like to see them draft a DT or DE and a WR with their last two picks, im expecting bill to agressively go after the FA market as soon as its possible.

Opinions on Vereen and Ridley? Idk anything about either of them, ive seen some highlights thats about it, Vereen looks like he can catch anything out of the backfield.

Also Lee Smith the TE from Marshall they drafted is pretty sick compliment to Gronk and Hernandez, looks like crumpler is on his way out (3 years ago)

Ochocinco please.