Pro Football Weekly: Pats have legitimate interest in Lito Sheppard - Page 6 - New England Patriots Forums

The Great Fork · 04-05-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisgruntledTunaFan

And the Eagles are also hypocrites-with all the whining how the Pats supposedly cheated them in SB39 et al, I'm SHOCKED that they attempted to raid their roster(not only Samuels, but they gave Moss an arm and a leg, and Eugene Wilson was on their radar as well).

Really though-in all fairness, Samuels would probably have excelled in Tampa's system(Cover 2 and their corners play outside technique). Ditto Indy.

I'm not convinced of their ability to get the players they NEED. They absolutely would have a #1 WR if they could do that. TO and Moss are not the only two great receivers in the NFL.

DisgruntledTunaFan · 04-05-2008, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgssand

Philly has a problem....signing Asante for what they did insults Lito (and a whole bunch of others on their defense as well). They need to move him and I would doubt they want him in their own division or even the NFC.

FYI-they even contacted THE DEADSKINS-but they wanted Shawn Springs and a 1st day pick in return.(Springs may be ageing and not as durable like earlier in his career, but he's still a pretty darn good man-man cover corner)

Again-Lito's whole "durability" issues are blown out of proportion. If they want to use this logic to get rid of him, they might as well put McNabb, Brian "hobbling knees" Westbrook, Tra "my back is blowing out" Thomas, and Shawn Andrews on the trading block as well-b/c none of them are very durable either.

***fgssand*** · 04-05-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisgruntledTunaFan

FYI-they even contacted THE DEADSKINS-but they wanted Shawn Springs and a 1st day pick in return.(Springs may be ageing and not as durable like earlier in his career, but he's still a pretty darn good man-man cover corner)

Again-Lito's whole "durability" issues are blown out of proportion. If they want to use this logic to get rid of him, they might as well put McNabb, Brian "hobbling knees" Westbrook, Tra "my back is blowing out" Thomas, and Shawn Andrews on the trading block as well-b/c none of them are very durable either.

Wow, why would they try to trade him to a team in the division?? I would hate to trade a player only to have to face him twice a year.

If they seek a player AND a #1, count me out for sure. If they seek a #1, count me out.

Why would the Eagles sign Asante if they value Lito so highly and why get rid of him. If they think he is that good, why not just keep and play both of them?

sebman2112 · 04-05-2008, 10:55 PM

Sheppard missed 5 games in 2007. Four of those games came early in the season, and one at the very end of the season.

Missed 3 games early in 2006.
missed 6 games at the end of 2005 (IR, as you mentioned)
Missed the final game of the 2004 season.
Missed one game late in 2003.

So, the past five years Sheppard has missed 16 games due to one injury or another, and he was banged up in others. Also, he's getting overrated by the fans on this board. He's a good CB, but not "one of the very best in the league", and he fits better in Philly's system.

scouting report:

Quote:

Grade: 75 | Key
Alert: D

Comment: Sheppard is a six-year veteran out of Florida that was a first round pick of the Eagles in the 2002 draft. He has adequate size for the position but plays bigger than he measures. He has very quick feet and is close to being instant when he accelerates. He can pedal to extend the cushion but is a little tight in the hips when he has to turn and run with a receiver deep. If he gets behind by a step he can struggle to recover as he does not have premier top end speed. While he can be aggressive on run support he will pick his spots and can become a spectator at times. He is inconsistent in man-off or zone coverage and does not always get a great jump on the ball. He does not appear to have great route recognition or else he is trying to bait the quarterback into throwing to his man. He is best in press coverage where he can get his hands on the receiver and try to re-route him. Sheppard has good ball skills and can compete for the ball against even the taller receivers. He has struggled to get in a full season, missing one, then five and finally three games over the past three seasons.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfl/players...g?statsId=5912

Quote:

Grading scale

79-70: Good Starter
Solid starter who is close to being an outstanding player ... Has few weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchup but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the league.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/scout...ory?id=2996209

Fernando Bryant (currently on the Patriots roster) grades out at 70.

Also, his complaints about his current contract, and wanting to be traded (so he can get paid) are the most notable reasons for the Eagles even wanting to trade him.

Switching 7th for 19th overall, and an injury-prone CB, who wants more money, doesn't seem like a great idea.

I wouldn't even give him that large contract as a free agent, so I obviously don't think he's worth that large contract, and first day draft picks.

Plus, the 2008 draft class is loaded with quality CB's, who'll be a lot cheaper.

The Great Fork · 04-05-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebman2112

Plus, the 2008 draft class is loaded with quality CB's, who'll be a lot cheaper.

I think this may be the most important point - a LOT of depth at CB without having to pick too high. That does seem better than an injury prone guy who wants a bigger contract. If contract wasn't an issue, I think it would be the right move to swap picks for him.