ctpatsfan77

[Mods: please feel free to merge with the other thread.]

In any case, here's one thing that seems to be getting overlooked: the Patriots are making lowball offers for those high first-rounders.

I would take that as a sign that they're not desperate to move up, but certainly willing to do so.

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mayoclinic

I would agree with you. The Pats don't operate from desperation, and they are always opportunistic. This is just a potential opportunity to be explored. If it works out, fine. If it doesn't, fine. Either way I expect them to make out like bandits.

I don't think the Pats offer is so "lowball". It's more than Jacksonville paid to trade up to #8 last year, so I think it's fair value. It's certainly not overpaying, but the Pats are not desperate and they won't overpay. I think that Jacksonville is hoping someone will get desperate and overpay, particularly if Sanchez falls. But it never hurts to open lines of communication and lay the groundwork. If it only serves to spook someone else into overpaying and functions as a "smokescreen", that's not too bad either - it will push some value down to us.

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Mack Herron

It is just due diligence window shopping. If a player they covet is available, what will it cost to get him? I'm sure they are also fielding offers from other teams who want to move up.

363839

They are just exploring every avenue and if it makes another team panic, that's ok. If not, that's ok too as I'm sure there is going to be a salary cap strapped team that's going to want to trade out of the higher picks.
So if they don't get Peppers or Taylor, that's ok we'll just get one or 2 of those linebackers.
In short, the Pats hold the cards and the games(draft) are about to begin.
This going to be interesting.

stinkypete

I think that, in the right scenario, Jacksonville will eventually accept that offer or a similar one. It's still too early for a team in the top 10 to move down. If Sanchez is still around at #8, then that pick suddenly becomes much more valuable. If Crabtree or Macklin are still around then the Jags might want to pick themselves. If those guys are gone, then the Jags are probably thrilled to pick up a #2 and move out.

Green Bay is in a similar situation. They might as well keep the pick if Jackson or Monroe is still around. If those guys are gone, they might want to trade down. In that scenario, I would think Curry would have to be the guy that the Pats trade up for.

JoeSixPat

For me its "all of the above"

Why not float a rumor out there, shake the trees for possible deals (especially in a year when there might be more value trading UP and not down, at least in the first round) - but start getting everyone second guessing about who you want, which similar players division rivals might covet and screwing with other teams.

In another thread I mentioned how BB potentially got the Jets to blow draft picks and salary, and miss out on other players with his interest in trading into the top ten - and eventually a rumor of trading to #3 - to get Dewayne Robertson.

Would the Jets have been as interested in Robertson if not for BB's supposed interest? Maybe not. Maybe they would have taken two players who would have been better? Maybe they wouldn't have committed as much cap space to Robertson?

This year is different as the Jets primary need seems to be QB and no one expects the Pats to be going for a 1st round QB - so it's a
different situation - though we shouldn't assume the Jets will use their pick on a QB either... they could go defense.

But if you're BB why NOT float a rumor out there? What's the harm?

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mgcolby

I think if the Pats are looking to move up this early they are targeting a DT or OT maybe Raji or Andre Smith. With maybe a small hope Curry falls. I could see them liking Jackson as well but I think the Chiefs will grab him.

If they take Raji it could signify that the Pats and Wilfork are further apart than Wilfok lets on or thinks; or they feel he is versatile. If they go OT, they maybe looking to move Light to RT. And obviously if Curry is there... well...let's just say I would need to wear baggy pants when I watch Curry and Mayo run around together!

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DarrylS

Love all the draft talk and speculation, seems today that some selective, probably suspect info was leaked... cannot wait to tomorrow afternoon.

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condon84

I say smokescreen. Why try trade now when they are not sure if the player they want will be there? This doesn't make sense to me. If they do want OL, what if the guys they want that are rated high enough to give up several picks to move up are gone by the time they pick? It makes more sense to do a trade when the current selection is closer to the spot they want to trade to. Like if the player then want is dropping and the current pick is 7th, trade then because you know you have a chance to get him at 8th or 9th. Do they really think that someone's gonna grab Harvin that early? We can still get him at #23

TheGodInAGreyHoodie

I say smoke screen to get the Browns to take someone they don't need at #5.

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