Mel Kiper Jr. 2005 Draft Grade on the Pats - New England Patriots Forums

Pats_2007 · 01-06-2008, 03:14 AM

Mel Kiper Jr. right after the 2005 NFL Draft

"New England Patriots Grade: C
Guard Logan Mankins was a reach in the first round but the Patriots obviously like his size and nastiness, and he will help fill the void left by Joe Andruzzi's departure via free agency. Ellis Hobbs has good size but not enough skill to be more than a nickelback, and safety James Sanders was a teammate of Mankins at Fresno State and both were helped by the relationship between Patriots coach Bill Belichik and Fresno State coach Pat Hill. Tackle Nick Kaczur could play guard as well but came off the board a little early and Matt Cassel is a big project at quarterback."

***DarrylS*** · 01-06-2008, 04:56 AM

says much about Kyper and his lack of understanding of BB/SP.. the Mankins and Sanders choice have little to do with being "friends" with Pat Hill, and more to do with trusting the judgement of a fellow coach.. if these two guys played for another team I suspect the results would be pretty much the same.

Fencer · 01-06-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats_2007

Ellis Hobbs has good size but not enough skill to be more than a nickelback,

Isn't it closer to being the other way around??

TomBradyWoot · 01-06-2008, 09:10 AM

Mankins has obviously been a beast, but other than that I think Kiper was right on.

upstater1 · 01-06-2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomBradyWoot

Mankins has obviously been a beast, but other than that I think Kiper was right on.

He was?

Kaczur was a 4th rounder. How is that early? Any time you can find a starter in the 4th round, that's good.

And, as has been pointed out above, he was wrong on Hobbs, as though he never really scouted him.

***NEPatriot*** · 01-06-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomBradyWoot

Mankins has obviously been a beast, but other than that I think Kiper was right on.

We basically got four starters out of the draft and a quality bak up/situatational guy in Wright. Sanders has really come on. Getting a pro bowler goes along way. Sanders continues to improve. Kaczur is decent. Hobbs continues to be up and down, however the talent is basically there. It's more a matter of consistency. I'd give the Pats a B.

Canada's #1 Pats Fan · 01-06-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstater1

Kaczur was a 4th rounder. How is that early? Any time you can find a starter in the 4th round, that's good.

Kaczur was selected in the 3rd round.

patsox23 · 01-06-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomBradyWoot

Mankins has obviously been a beast, but other than that I think Kiper was right on.

Have you watched James Sanders this year? Do you know Kaczur not only starts, but also starts at tackle? Are you aware that Hobbs is a starter corner and NOT a nickel CB?

Lampshade · 01-06-2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

Isn't it closer to being the other way around??

Sounds like a generic appraisal of any CB that gets drafted outside of round 1.

Boston Boxer · 01-06-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstater1

He was?

Kaczur was a 4th rounder. How is that early? Any time you can find a starter in the 4th round, that's good.

And, as has been pointed out above, he was wrong on Hobbs, as though he never really scouted him.

yes he was very right. the thing is Kiper make his prediction before they ever played a down in the NFL...we have the luxury of having seen them play now for a few years, so it is easy for us to grade them now. give kiper a break. I wonder what he said about the Brady pick. I sure it was not that he would end up being the best QB of all time. It is a little hard to predict the future, but Kiper is the best at coming close IMO