mmasterkillah

Ron Brace FTW, and let Wright walk

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September 2010: SMART FOOTBALL

DocE

I highly doubt the Patriots will use 3 top 100 picks on the Dline, and I think 2 is unlikely but not impossible. I agree that there is a need on the Dline, but I don't think it's severe yet (or even in 2010). Absolute worst case secnario is the Patriots have to franchise Wilfork for the 2010 season. The franchise tage for DT's for 2008 was $6,363,000 . In a worst case scenario, the Pats will have Wilfork for 1 year and 6.4-7.1 million dollars or less than Asante made last year. 2/3 rd's of a solid Dline will be Patriots in 2010.

I'd like to see the Patriots add a top 100 Dlineman, but it's not shaping up to be a great year for 3-4 DL's. Tyson Jackson is the most acclaimned and the opinions on him vary greatly.

It does seem to be a great year for Offensive Tackles, and I wouldn't be surprised if the best player on the board when the Pats pick in round 1 is an OT.

I think Mike Wright has somehow gone from underrated (2007 prior to season ending injury) to overrated (2008 offseason) on this board. I'd like to have him back, but he's a rotational guy for the Patriots and never would be an elite starter for them. I'd like him back, but what do you pay for a backup Dl? I'd rather have a starting safety or corner for 3-4 million a year than Mike Wright if that was the choice.

Taxed in Maine

I can see Wright leaving for a nice contract to be a starter. Openeing one spot.
I'll be a little more conservative and say one DL in the first 3rds and maybe another late.

I could actually see the Pats carrying more LBs than usual this year, as Vrabel is coming to the end of his contract and the possible return of Bruschi.

Six spots for DL and 9 or even 10 for LB.

j00fek

2-3, no

maybe 1-2

mcsully

I couldn't have said it better myself..

Why not target a young DL with one of our first 3 picks and let Wright walk? We'd save a lot more money (wright is probably going to get J Greene money) having a draft pick backup than wright.. Plus if Seymour walks, we have ourselves PLan B..


Props to the person (if they have it right), that Franchising Wilfork will only cost 6.3 million.

upstater1

But, a lot of people have come through New England who couldn't back up Wilfork, or/and they were unwilling to take on that style of play. I agree Wright is limited at DE, but I would definitely keep Smith and Wright as the NT backups. You're taking a chance on bringing in someone else that just can't do the job. I also doubt Wright could get $4 million anywhere.

dryheat44

You don't think Mangini or Pioli would love to have him? I don't know what they'd offer, but probably more than Belichick and a clearer route to a starting job.

I don't think we need to put any special priority into the DL this draft any more than typical years. If the value is there, take one. I'm all for replacing Wright with LeKevin Smith and replacing Smith with a guy like Dorel Scott. I'm also all for signing Wright. He's also a great special teams player.

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When it's third and 10, you can have the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time. -- R.I.P. Max McGee

patsfaninpa

Seems like there aren't many de's coming out lately that can play a 2-gap
in our scheme. The de's coming out are built for the 4-3. Too light in the britches
for us. And, the dt's are all upfield types. I'd love to draft a good one. Not sure
they are worth picking that high. A possible NG to backup V.Wilfork could be
T.Taylor - Michigan. He's prob 6'1" 330lb. Benches over 500lbs. May not be an
every down player. But, could spell Vince and fill in should an injury occur. Doubt
if he goes before supplemental picks. Taking him at 97(Asante pick) seems like
the area he should go.

mgteich

It seems that folks are willing to have Wright walk and replace him with a top 100 draftee. It would seem that we then should expect decreased production in 2009, unless we get very lucky with our pick. Even if we use our 23rd pick, it seems likely that the player would take a year to develop.

More props to the poster who noted that we can franchise Wilfork next year.

mgteich

You don't think that the situation is severe even in 2010? Without additions our 2010 line would be
Smith RFA
Wilfork Fanchisee
Warren
???
???
???
I think that there is an issue of concern, given the weakness of the draft at 3-4 DE, and the perception that it takes a year for all but a Top 10 player to learn to Belichick's 3-4 defense.