Mankins Days as Pat Over? - Page 14 - New England Patriots Forums

ATippett56 · 01-31-2011, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyFTW!

Yes and no. Also factor in how much less they'll pay his replacement than they pay him; that money can go into re-signing key players and/or bringing in FAs to shore up the roster. Anytime you can replace a guy with extreme contract demands with a guy on a rookie contract that isn't at the very top of the draft, you've helped your salary structure if nothing else.

What you propose is the New England Patriots would have to upgrade the left offensive guard and right offensive guard position via the 2011 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the 2011 NFL Draft seems awfully weak with regards to offensive guard talent. In the meantime, the New England Patriots need to seriously upgrade the 3-4 outside linebacker position as well as the 3-4 right defensive end position. If Matt Light departs via free agency, the New England Patriots will have to upgrade the left offensive tackle position via the 2011 NFL Draft.

robertweathers · 01-31-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATippett56

Right after the 2004 NFL Season, the New England Patriots drafted Logan Mankins in the first round and Nick Kaczur in the third round. Dan Connolly is not the answer at right offensive guard especially if the New England Patriots desire a more effective running game in the 2011 NFL Season.

You are factually correct but my origional point was that during their SB run, at both guard positions they had a street FA, a UFA and a cap-casualty in Compton.

My point is that talent can be found at guard without breaking the bank or spending high draft picks.

part-timer · 01-31-2011, 03:43 PM

Mankins stays one more year. He will be franchised and reports to play to achieve agreed upon insentives and get to walk free next year. This similar to Samuals deal. Mankins gets to walk free and chase his big contract next year without the signing team having to deal with giveing up valuble picks. The Pats get Mankins for one more year to help transition the newly drafted OL prospects. NE will draft OT 1st rd. (Carimi,Castonzo),C/G 2nd RD. (Pouncey,Wisniewski), and G 3rd rd. (Ijalana). Pats. offer last year was honest and fair and will not change. Mankins did not agree and will not change his mind. Only options left sign and trade,not so easy for all sides to agree on terms of Draft compensation, contract, and accepible team for trade, or franchise sign and walk deal.

ATippett56 · 01-31-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertweathers

You are factually correct but my origional point was that during their SB run, at both guard positions they had a street FA, a UFA and a cap-casualty in Compton.

My point is that talent can be found at guard without breaking the bank or spending high draft picks.

It's obvious the offensive line talent on the current Patriots roster is not Super Bowl quality since the Ravens and Jets defense manhandled the New England Patriots offensive line in consecutive playoff games. Stephen Neal can't be relied on to stay healthy for sixteen games let alone the playoffs. Stephen Neal turns 35 years of age next season. Dan Koppen regressed during the 2010 NFL season and his performance against the NY Jets in the 2010 Divisional Playoff game was less than inspirational. Dan Koppen turns 32 years of age next season. None of the backup interior offensive lineman on the New England Patriots are quality starters as evident that Dan Connolly is the highest backup on the depth chart.