Huh? I know you're a Pats fan Kool-aid. give me some info. Whats the scoop on this kid? WOrth a roster spot?Lool he's the key to your fantasy season, is who he is.But you can still probably get the jump on huggins
haha...sorry, I was joking.it's actually possible the guy has some value down the road, but it's just kind of funny how reactionary people can be.he's gettin' scooped up for about the same reason people are drafting rgIII, while they largely ignored cam --- I think it's a case of missing the wedding and trying to cash teh funeral.they feel benny basically 'came out of nowhere', so they think this kid is the next benny.he's gettin' some positive camp buzz as a between the tackles guy, while vereen reports haven't been all that enthusiastic, and bear in mind draft spot never guarantees production -- see my namesake.so, if you don't buy into vereen, bolden pretty much becomes the handcuff for ridley, meaning he might be an injury, or a couple fumbles, away from being the lead back on one of the top offenses in the nfl -- an offense where another undrafted guy popped off 24 td in the last 2 years.edit:I think the question of drafting him really just comes down to your roster size, as with a lot of these depth chart guys.if you had a huge bench it probably wouldn't be the worst thing you could do, especially if you're in some kind of keeper or dynasty.Huh? I know you're a Pats fan Kool-aid. give me some info. Whats the scoop on this kid? WOrth a roster spot?Lool he's the key to your fantasy season, is who he is.But you can still probably get the jump on huggins
I'm not really sure what you mean by that.anyway, I think ridley's gonna be pretty studly, and there is definitely competition for him as far as playing time, which is why he will be undrafted in most fantasy leagues, just like the nfl.You guys think it means any more or less that the Patriots gave him a chance?
They seem to be a team that does homework and gets the best out of people and they aren't a team with a definite stud RB on their team.
On the other hand, they haven't had a great FF RB in a while and there seems to be a host of other RBs to contend with.
So true a lot of times..love that. Thanks for the info. With it being the Pats, it DOES give me some thought to ponder because they do seem to be a team that is less rigid on playing (or not playing) a guy just because he was drafted (or wasn't) in a particular round.haha...sorry, I was joking.it's actually possible the guy has some value down the road, but it's just kind of funny how reactionary people can be.Huh? I know you're a Pats fan Kool-aid. give me some info. Whats the scoop on this kid? WOrth a roster spot?Lool he's the key to your fantasy season, is who he is.
But you can still probably get the jump on huggins
he's gettin' scooped up for about the same reason people are drafting rgIII, while they largely ignored cam --- I think it's a case of missing the wedding and trying to cash teh funeral.
they feel benny basically 'came out of nowhere', so they think this kid is the next benny.
he's gettin' some positive camp buzz as a between the tackles guy, while vereen reports haven't been all that enthusiastic, and bear in mind draft spot never guarantees production -- see my namesake.
so, if you don't buy into vereen, bolden pretty much becomes the handcuff for ridley, meaning he might be an injury, or a couple fumbles, away from being the lead back on one of the top offenses in the nfl -- an offense where another undrafted guy popped off 24 td in the last 2 years.
edit:
I think the question of drafting him really just comes down to your roster size, as with a lot of these depth chart guys.
if you had a huge bench it probably wouldn't be the worst thing you could do, especially if you're in some kind of keeper or dynasty.
oh yeah, there are all kinds of undrafted and late round guys who contribute on the pats --- draft position just gets you in camp, not in games.check this outThanks for the info. With it being the Pats, it DOES give me some thought to ponder because they do seem to be a team that is less rigid on playing (or not playing) a guy just because he was drafted (or wasn't) in a particular round.
Are you kidding me? Maybe in the late rounds and UDFAs...but they're horrible in the early rounds.You guys think it means any more or less that the Patriots gave him a chance?
They seem to be a team that does homework and gets the best out of people and they aren't a team with a definite stud RB on their team.
On the other hand, they haven't had a great FF RB in a while and there seems to be a host of other RBs to contend with.
Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1061150970RB Brandon Bolden’s bid has legs
By Tom Layman | Sunday, August 5, 2012 | http://www.bostonherald.com | N.E. Patriots
Photo by John Wilcox
FOXBORO — Brandon Bolden might be the latest undrafted free agent to surprise in Patriots [team stats] training camp, but don’t tell that to his former running backs coach at Ole Miss.
Derrick Nix watched Bolden grow from an unheralded recruit to a productive back in the Southeastern Conference during their four years together. Bolden has had his ups and downs — highlighted by a fumble in the early sessions — in his first taste of an NFL camp, and Nix believes the Patriots just may have something with the pick-up of his former pupil.
“Before he left here I told Brandon, ‘If you go out and take care of your business I wouldn’t be surprised if you came out being a starter before the year is over up that way,’ ” said Nix, who spent time with the Atlanta Falcons organization as an offensive assistant coach in 2007. “He’s a great character kid and he loves football. I wish I had him right now, I know that.”
Bolden had by far his most productive season during his junior year at Ole Miss, when he averaged 6.0 yards per carry and totaled 976 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 12 games. Nix said he saw a more improved running back in camp for Bolden’s senior season, but an ankle injury in the opening game against BYU derailed his 2011 campaign.
For the season, Bolden finished with 472 yards on 96 carries with only four touchdowns. He fell completely out of the draft as a result of the injury and a suspension for violating team rules. The 5-foot-11, 220-pounder was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent in May.
“It hampered his game,” Nix said. “He’s got to be more of a physical type of guy. He has some agility, but he has to be a physical downhill type of guy. If you mess up the wheels on a car you aren’t going to roll right. You mess up the ankles on a running back and he is not going to be himself.”
So far Bolden is in the mix for carries with second-year players Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, as well as veteran Danny Woodhead. Bolden has seen time in camp as the second back behind Ridley in running situations and has worked with Tom Brady [stats] and the other quarterbacks out of the backfield in an effort to revitalize a screen-passing game that has been quiet the past few seasons.
Bolden, who had 76 receptions (six touchdowns) in college, knows he still has a lot to learn in his first NFL camp. He is trying to keep his head down and take advantage of an opportunity whenever his number gets called.
“It’s getting in the playbook and learning as much as you can and bringing it to the field,” Bolden said after Friday’s practice session. “At camp there is a lot more urgency now. That’s for everybody. We are just trying to get better.”
Which doesn't say much for Bolden. Best case scenario for Bolden is DJ Ware. Career 3rd-stringer with passing down skills. RB3 fill-in if Ridley/Vereen ever goes down.haha...c'mon, mandaniel thomas is a poor man's daniel thomasthe poor man in question being the guy who drafted him
I wonder if people had the same types of opinions about Arian foster a few years ago? Seems like its so easy for us to throw cliche out there ( and I'm as guilty as they come....just throwing it out there to see what people remember thinking of foster because of his situation ).'Xue said:Which doesn't say much for Bolden. Best case scenario for Bolden is DJ Ware. Career 3rd-stringer with passing down skills. RB3 fill-in if Ridley/Vereen ever goes down.haha...c'mon, mandaniel thomas is a poor man's daniel thomasthe poor man in question being the guy who drafted him
I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 3-4 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
Carolina IS running a 4-3Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 4-3 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
Whoops. Meant 3-4 in the first sentence. Rest of my post didn't make sense with the 4-3 there. Thanks.Carolina IS running a 4-3Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 4-3 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
lombardi has connections to people and information that guys like you and me don't have... he's been apart of front office on multiple teams and has connections with many more. so you don't like his opinion, fine... but to say he's making stuff up and doesn't know anything is absolutely ridiculous. sure the guy says some strange things... like calling the law firm a special back but your "he doesn't know anything" ran't couldn't be more false.Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 3-4 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
So you trust every analyst in the country and everything they say? They all have connections. Have fun trying to figure out who's telling the truth every time. And he was basically a scout and finances guy...and he wasn't even good at the scouting part.lombardi has connections to people and information that guys like you and me don't have... he's been apart of front office on multiple teams and has connections with many more. so you don't like his opinion, fine... but to say he's making stuff up and doesn't know anything is absolutely ridiculous. sure the guy says some strange things... like calling the law firm a special back but your "he doesn't know anything" ran't couldn't be more false.Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 3-4 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
Brandon Bolden was by far the Patriots’ best and most successful RB against the Saints. Good power and vision.
no, i don't. but i think you knew that already.So you trust every analyst in the country and everything they say? They all have connections. Have fun trying to figure out who's telling the truth every time. And he was basically a scout and finances guy...and he wasn't even good at the scouting part.lombardi has connections to people and information that guys like you and me don't have... he's been apart of front office on multiple teams and has connections with many more. so you don't like his opinion, fine... but to say he's making stuff up and doesn't know anything is absolutely ridiculous. sure the guy says some strange things... like calling the law firm a special back but your "he doesn't know anything" ran't couldn't be more false.Michael Lombardi is a horrible analyst. He doesn't know anything...he reads a few things off the internet and then makes his own #### up. He probably read the Bolden hype that happened a little last week and just put his own two cents in...which usually sucks.He's also the one that said Carolina would switch to a 3-4 because of Rivera. He's too stupid to know that Rivera has run the 4-3 more than the 3-4 and that there's more of a chance that he'll run the 46 than the 3-4. Then he edited his statement after everyone laughed at him, saying that he meant they were putting in more 3-4 looks...which is stupid since they already did it last year so there's no difference. One of the worst analysts.I'm startin' to drink your Kool-Aid, Larry! Just saw this! I'm shamelessly working a single-handed Bolden campaign...LOL.NFL Network's Michael Lombardi issued a "fantasy sleeper alert" for Patriots undrafted rookie RB Brandon Bolden on Inside Training Camp Live.I'd say if you're in any of those 10 buck mfl leagues bolden is definitely the pat back to own.
"From what I'm being told, I think he has an opportunity to be a special running back much like BenJarvus Green-Ellis," said Lombardi, "And I have a feeling he's pushing Stevan Ridley." Lombardi's connection to Bill Belichick leads to plenty of inside scoop, but he also tends to relentlessly hype Patriots backup types. Bolden did garner early-camp praise from beat writers, though we've seen nothing to suggest he's putting heat on Ridley for the lead back role.
It's not just Lombardi. The Pats are having him run with the 2nd team offense. That says something: they like him. And the Patriots have no loyalty to Ridley - he was essentially put on IR after a few fumbles, despite being fresher and more productive than BJGE. If he isn't the guy, he will ride the pine. There is "something to see here". There is potential for Bolden to get carries this year, and even, while maybe not likely, start some games.So you trust every analyst in the country and everything they say? They all have connections. Have fun trying to figure out who's telling the truth every time. And he was basically a scout and finances guy...and he wasn't even good at the scouting part.
went to Ole Miss. His game is similar to BGE's, but he's more athletic. I was surprised he went undrafted to tell you the truth
He is DJ Ware right now. I see no reason to think that is all he COULD ever be. He's an exciting flier right now.Best case scenario for Bolden is DJ Ware. Career 3rd-stringer with passing down skills.
IMO, he's going to be the 4th RB and will be playing special teams and spelling Ridley a few snaps at best, barring injury. The only player he beat was Addai...nothing to write home about.Bolden fumbles: Undrafted RB Brandon Bolden has been one of the surprises in camp but he didn't help himself when he became the first RB to fumble in training camp. That got him a penalty lap.
Is he a player to watch? Yes...but the hype train needs to slow down.Bolden's eight career fumbles in under 600 career touches in college isn't a reassuring number
I take it this is a south park reference, but it just sounds terrible.now if I could just figure out who is the coon....
This situation is gonna be indescribable. You can't even describe the situation that you're about to get into the situation.Seems like the more I read about this kid, and from what everyone posts, I get the sense that this isn't a situationwhere any back is "entrenched". Maybe an opportunity or fumbling issues, etc would open the door.In general, it just doesn't sound like a situation where talent is obviously the difference here. Not saying any of them have the same talents. Just that maybe there are different roles for all and the patriots are willing to use whomever gets on a positive roll.
Well that clears that up.This situation is gonna be indescribable. You can't even describe the situation that you're about to get into the situation.Seems like the more I read about this kid, and from what everyone posts, I get the sense that this isn't a situationwhere any back is "entrenched". Maybe an opportunity or fumbling issues, etc would open the door.In general, it just doesn't sound like a situation where talent is obviously the difference here. Not saying any of them have the same talents. Just that maybe there are different roles for all and the patriots are willing to use whomever gets on a positive roll.
I pick Arian Foster, Priest Holmes, or Willie Parker, please.I fully acknowledge that the chances of him being one of the above are maybe 100 times less likely than him never starting a game in the NFL. But that's what dynasty leagues are about: capitalizing on every potential for value. If Bolden is ever even a handcuff, he has value to capitalize on. If he is ever BJGE, he is an absolute homerun. There is no value in talking in such absolutes; no value in writing him off. There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Bolden - the writing is on the wall. Sure, it could never amount to anything, but again, it does no value to ignore the positive signs.'Xue said:Ladell Betts, Keiland Williams, etc. Take your pick. Might be a nice handcuff for Ridley/Vereen owners, that's about it.
Except the people paid to write, are writing home about him.'whatadai said:IMO, he's going to be the 4th RB and will be playing special teams and spelling Ridley a few snaps at best, barring injury. The only player he beat was Addai...nothing to write home about.
That's just it: What is a "realistic" level?A few years ago, the "realistic" level for Foster was "Next year, people are going to be talking about this guy as a #1 overall draft pick". But it went largely ignored.just trying to perform due dilligence...maybe uncover a gem if there is a gem to be found.agreed. We just need to keep the hype to a realistic level. Otherwise you will get another mammoth sized thread (Danario Alexander, Jackie Battle, etc).
I am valuing him as a late 2nd round pick; worth a bit more than that to the Ridley owner. I think he has a good shot to be the handcuff, and an outside shot to start at some point during the year.That's just it: What is a "realistic" level?A few years ago, the "realistic" level for Foster was "Next year, people are going to be talking about this guy as a #1 overall draft pick". But it went largely ignored.just trying to perform due dilligence...maybe uncover a gem if there is a gem to be found.agreed. We just need to keep the hype to a realistic level. Otherwise you will get another mammoth sized thread (Danario Alexander, Jackie Battle, etc).
You and me both!This is my first year with Sunday ticket. Does anyone know if they are showing all of the pre-season games live?very excited to see him in action tonight!!
I wasn't evaluating college players during Foster's, Holmes', and Parker's time. So I can't say what I thought about them.Foster is overrated as a pure runner. I've stated as such in other threads. He is a great receiver though. He doesn't have any special physical attributes, but what makes him great is his mental attributes.Holmes played behind one of the best O-lines of all time. Guess what? It was a ZBS just like the Texans.I don't know much about Parker's Steelers line, so I won't comment.I pick Arian Foster, Priest Holmes, or Willie Parker, please.I fully acknowledge that the chances of him being one of the above are maybe 100 times less likely than him never starting a game in the NFL. But that's what dynasty leagues are about: capitalizing on every potential for value. If Bolden is ever even a handcuff, he has value to capitalize on. If he is ever BJGE, he is an absolute homerun. There is no value in talking in such absolutes; no value in writing him off. There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Bolden - the writing is on the wall. Sure, it could never amount to anything, but again, it does no value to ignore the positive signs.'Xue said:Ladell Betts, Keiland Williams, etc. Take your pick. Might be a nice handcuff for Ridley/Vereen owners, that's about it.
I absolutely respect you using your eveluation of Bolden as a prospect to define his value. I will say this, however. Average runningbacks can have value. Below average runningbacks can have value. The Patriots turned a below average talent, in BJGE, to a RB2. In otherwords, even if you are right, and Bolden will never be a good talent, in the NFL - I still have to question actively ignoring signs that he is impressing one of the best staffs in pro-sports.I wasn't evaluating college players during Foster's, Holmes', and Parker's time. So I can't say what I thought about them.Foster is overrated as a pure runner. I've stated as such in other threads. He is a great receiver though. He doesn't have any special physical attributes, but what makes him great is his mental attributes.Holmes played behind one of the best O-lines of all time. Guess what? It was a ZBS just like the Texans.I don't know much about Parker's Steelers line, so I won't comment.
No, I believe the Pats/Saints game will replayed on Saturday afternoon on Directv.You and me both!This is my first year with Sunday ticket. Does anyone know if they are showing all of the pre-season games live?very excited to see him in action tonight!!
They typically do something like 64-65 games but will show the games already played as re-airs, without the deadtime between plays so you can actually watch 2-3 games back to back in about 1.5 hours.You and me both!This is my first year with Sunday ticket. Does anyone know if they are showing all of the pre-season games live?very excited to see him in action tonight!!
You can gain value by ignoring hype. Ignoring hype on one player based on the analyst and jumping on the bandwagon of another player because of hype from another analyst could help you greatly. You could be wasting a roster spot with Bolden, which could go to another player who's being hyped up by an analyst with a better record and better knowledge of the game.I pick Arian Foster, Priest Holmes, or Willie Parker, please.I fully acknowledge that the chances of him being one of the above are maybe 100 times less likely than him never starting a game in the NFL. But that's what dynasty leagues are about: capitalizing on every potential for value. If Bolden is ever even a handcuff, he has value to capitalize on. If he is ever BJGE, he is an absolute homerun. There is no value in talking in such absolutes; no value in writing him off. There are plenty of reasons to be excited about Bolden - the writing is on the wall. Sure, it could never amount to anything, but again, it does no value to ignore the positive signs.'Xue said:Ladell Betts, Keiland Williams, etc. Take your pick. Might be a nice handcuff for Ridley/Vereen owners, that's about it.