Finding a gem in the WR free agency list (more realistic options) - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

***Deus Irae*** · 01-26-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

See, I wonder if I'm just not getting into a desparation mode where it's actually starting to make sense?

As much as I was insanely against the idea in the beginning, I think that it's going to take a guy like this, although maybe not with the character concern issues...

The prospect of him coming here on a cheaper deal with a high upside and good measurables for at least TC would be hard to pass up. A higher 2nd rd pick with extremely minimal risk, if any, should it come down to it.

If it doesn't work out, they should have a feel pretty early on as to his attitude/character concerns, and he could be released like the rest of the FA WR's who haven't worked out.

I don't think it's desperation mode as much as we're thinking "but if he comes to the Patriots, they can deal with him." After all, I can picture Mankins stuffing the kid into a locker the first time he got out of line.

Young would be an excellent addition, talent-wise, IMO, because he could learn the Branch role while also having that great speed of his own. I just don't think BB would want to risk the issues of having two major headcases in his WR corps, especially when one is a guy who's deliberately lined up wrong and has complained as publicly as Young has.

supafly · 01-26-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMC00

Them signing Hartline and Gibson would be imo the ideal signings at WR.

Gibson, while he hasn't put up huge numbers, he has been consistent with Bradford as his QB. McDaniels has a season of familiarity with him. He may not be that field stretching threat but he seems to be a guy that could fit into that go up and get it physical receiver category.

Gibson is a thought for sure, as is Avery's speed. My fear would be that Hartline may cost too much, and not produce to the effect that we'd need him to for that kind of money. While he's bigger at 6'2" and does have talent, I question his physicality at 180 lbs, and he has also only scored 1 TD in three straight years now. I think I'd personally pass on Hartline, but I wouldn't complain either.

***patsinthesnow*** · 01-26-2013, 04:19 PM

I'd rather two rookies than two JAGs, but that's just me.

DocHoliday · 01-26-2013, 04:21 PM

Don't forget Jeremy Ebert, Kamar Aiken, or Andre Holmes - though in the past the Patriots practice squad has been nearly useless for providing WR talent (last player to move and play a bit was old friend Underwood).

I suspect the Pats use them more as scout fodder to simulate players than anything else.

There's no way this team brings in Titus Young, especially if Welker leaves. Not enough vet leadership - Welker never struck me as a bold leader type even if he did stick.

supafly · 01-26-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patsinthesnow

I'd rather two rookies than two JAGs, but that's just me.

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

The main concern that I have is that I question how much they could produce in their first year in this specific system, as we've seen now multiple times and also one of the reasons why Belichick tends to look towards the middle/lower tiers of FA at the position. No doubt that we need a rookie WR here for this year and the future of the WR corps, but we also need someone to produce immediately.

And I'm not sure that I would consider all of those free agent WR's "jags" either. The potential for speed and physicality is surely there, and it was just a year ago that many posters here wanted names such as Devrey Henderson etc.

andrewgarrr · 01-26-2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

Meaning it probably won't happen...

supafly · 01-26-2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocHoliday

Don't forget Jeremy Ebert, Kamar Aiken, or Andre Holmes - though in the past the Patriots practice squad has been nearly useless for providing WR talent (last player to move and play a bit was old friend Underwood).

I suspect the Pats use them more as scout fodder to simulate players than anything else.

Yeah, as always they'll look to all possibilities at competition for every position, so it's nice to have those guys to look at in the offseason and TC, but I think that you also hit the nail on the head with the lower percentage of that happening too.

To be honest, I'm not even certain of the history or measurables with Aiken or Holmes, so that's something that I'll have to check out.

DocHoliday · 01-26-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

Yeah, as always they'll look to all possibilities at competition for every position, so it's nice to have those guys to look at in the offseason and TC, but I think that you also hit the nail on the head with the lower percentage of that happening too.

To be honest, I'm not even certain of the history or measurables with Aiken or Holmes, so that's something that I'll have to check out.

Holmes is 6'5 and 4.5. It's really too bad such few of these giant receivers make it in the NFL, since if they can pull it together they're nearly always monsters.

supafly · 01-26-2013, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewgarrr

Meaning it probably won't happen...

Much like last season with the front 7 players in the first round, I don't think that they have much of a choice this year to be honest. Even though history doesn't make it as likely based on past results, they have their work cut out for them at the WR position right now. Especially when you consider the odds of the high pick being blended into the offense a bit more slowly than the high percentage of other teams. We need that higher pick WR not just now, but obviously for the future, so they'd better get on it and quickly

Of course retaining Welker and/or making some type of bigger move would instantly change that outlook, so if they don't address the position early on it may still work out to our advantage. It will likely just cost a lot more money.

***patsinthesnow*** · 01-26-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

I think we all expect at least one high rookie WR pick this year, so hopefully he will add to the talent of the position.

The main concern that I have is that I question how much they could produce in their first year in this specific system, as we've seen now multiple times and also one of the reasons why Belichick tends to look towards the middle/lower tiers of FA at the position. No doubt that we need a rookie WR here for this year and the future of the WR corps, but we also need someone to produce immediately.

And I'm not sure that I would consider all of those free agent WR's "jags" either. The potential for speed and physicality is surely there, and it was just a year ago that many posters here wanted names such as Devrey Henderson etc.

Hartline definitely isn't a JAG but I could see the Dolphins overpaying him. He won't come cheap either.

Henderson has a great 17.9 reception average, but he only averages 30 receptions and 500 or so yards a season. Pass.

Avery showed some promise last season but does have stone hands. I wouldn't mind him on the cheap. Same with Gibson.

This is a deep WR class. I would love to double down on WRs in the fashion of the 2010 TEs and 2011 RBs. The higher drafted one would hopefully be our WR3/deep threat and the other kid depth with good upside.