WR Draft Class - Better than thought? - New England Patriots Forums

CrazyDave · 03-13-2006, 10:05 AM

I don't know if this is worthy of it's own thread, but could it be that there is more talent at WR coming out of college than we're led to believe?
I keep hearing how it's a down year for WR's, but is it true? And if so, how "down" could it be? Do you mean to tell me that there aren't any players in rounds 2-4 that can come right in and contribute?
Even WITH Givens, we needed an infusion of talent at the position IMO.
I wish i had names, but I did'nt get to see much college ball this year.

PATRIOTS-80 · 03-13-2006, 10:44 AM

The names of the 3 legit 1st rounders WR are the following:

Moss (short, KR, a beast at Senior Bowl, played at Miami, brother of Santana Moss), Chad Jackson (Florida, 6'1, workout at Combine did move him up), or Holmes (Ohio State, Jr). All of them are probably better than what is in FA, except for Moulds.

smg93 · 03-13-2006, 10:49 AM

I'm sure it isn't a strong draft class because there aren't a whole lot of potential #1 WR's this year. But I'm not sure if that extends to good #2 WR's. That could be a totally different story.

CrazyDave · 03-13-2006, 11:36 AM

That said, maybe a first day pick at WR is probable. Free agent signings are nice, but TB has been very good. Maybe it's time to get him a new toy of his very own. As opposed to "pre-owned". Brady is still young, a shiny new reciever who could "grow with him" might be the way to go. I'm not big on drafting WR's in early rounds. but if we have a more glaring need, I'd like to know what it is.

shakadave · 03-13-2006, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyDave

That said, maybe a first day pick at WR is probable. Free agent signings are nice, but TB has been very good. Maybe it's time to get him a new toy of his very own. As opposed to "pre-owned". Brady is still young, a shiny new reciever who could "grow with him" might be the way to go. I'm not big on drafting WR's in early rounds. but if we have a more glaring need, I'd like to know what it is.

Good thread! You've convinced me that we should take a 2nd or 3rd round WR. Even in a good WR year I doubt we'd take a WR in the first round, so maybe this year looks sort of normal from the Pats viewpoint. If we sign Givens, then picking a WR in Rounds 2-3 could probably wait another year.

As for "more glaring" needs, it depends who you ask, but the consensus seems to be OL, LB, and maybe DB or RB.

Feep_FLA · 03-13-2006, 12:52 PM

Crazydave, your nickname is missleading. That was a well thought and articulated a thread as I have seen in a good, long while. You've sold me the hook, line & sinker! We need new toys for TOM!!!!!! What a slogan!

shakadave · 03-13-2006, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feep_FLA

Crazydave, your nickname is missleading. That was a well thought and articulated a thread as I have seen in a good, long while. You've sold me the hook, line & sinker! We need new toys for TOM!!!!!! What a slogan!

Agreed! Troy Brown will probably help us out for another year, but doesn't qualify as a New Toy for Tom. If Givens is gone, look for a free agent AND a 2-3 rounder. If Givens stays, look for one or the other. TE also could happen, I'm thinking in Round 4.

And if we get a RB in Rounds 2-3, surely that could qualify under this new slogan too!

***patchick*** · 03-13-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakadave

Good thread! You've convinced me that we should take a 2nd or 3rd round WR. Even in a good WR year I doubt we'd take a WR in the first round, so maybe this year looks sort of normal from the Pats viewpoint.

There are some nice WRs in this draft, but nobody looks like "the whole package." They have speed (Sinorice Moss) OR size (Maurice Stovall), flashy physical skills (Chad Jackson) OR proven production (Mike Hass). So it's hard to get excited by anybody in round 1, but there are plenty of receivers who should have solid NFL careers. Look for one of these players to join the Pats in rounds 2-4: Hass, Stovall, Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings, Jason Avant, Martin Nance.

Pats726 · 03-13-2006, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

There are some nice WRs in this draft, but nobody looks like "the whole package." They have speed (Sinorice Moss) OR size (Maurice Stovall), flashy physical skills (Chad Jackson) OR proven production (Mike Hass). So it's hard to get excited by anybody in round 1, but there are plenty of receivers who should have solid NFL careers. Look for one of these players to join the Pats in rounds 2-4: Hass, Stovall, Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings, Jason Avant, Martin Nance.

I haven't looked at the draftees yet...but I totally agree...I know they said it was a bad class for WRs..but what did they mean?? No solid 1st rounder?? OR?? What about the depth of WRs into other rounds?? Sure, maybe not definite stars, but, look at what the Patriots found in Round 7??? I think we will find a WR or WRs in the draft. maybe sign a vet...either an older one for less money or an up and comer..in addition to drafting a few. You mentioned a bunch that are in there...(later rounds..) I am sure there are more!!! Maybe a bit skimpy can't miss at the top..but the bottom may hold gems.

CrazyDave · 03-13-2006, 01:13 PM

Aw shucks. Seriously though, We've seen guys with speed. They did'nt do much. We've seen guys with size, ditto. I'm thinking a guy with brains. A guy that knows how to find "seams". Knows how to get open. And most importantly, get on the same page with Brady. That's something I always doubted with Givens. More than once I saw Tom yelling at him after a failed 3rd down attempt. I got the impression he was in the wrong place a lot.
KR skills are a plus, but not enough by themselves. Durability is a big factor as well, someone who is not afraid of the weight room.