Another Perspective on the Ron Brace selection - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

HEY BRO! WHAT UP? · 04-28-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synovia

Absolutely not. You don't pick players to keep other teams from having them. The fact that other teams needed one may have affected which pick they used, but they absolutely did not pick him to block other teams.

Your right. If you pick players just to keep them away from somebody else, you're asking for failure.

Here's another perspective on the Ron Brace selection. Maybe BB felt that Wilfork wasn't as effective playing the majority of their games. I think by rotating Brace with Wilfork will allow Wilfork to rest on some downs (or maybe a couple of series) to ensure their run defense stays strong all game long.

***patchick*** · 04-28-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Your right. If you pick players just to keep them away from somebody else, you're asking for failure.

But...but...the Vikings snatched Percy Harvin from under Belichick's nose!!

Quote:

I think by rotating Brace with Wilfork will allow Wilfork to rest on some downs (or maybe a couple of series) to ensure their run defense stays strong all game long.

Absolutely, a legitimate #2 NT was high on many of our lists this offseason, even assuming Wilfork re-ups.

***DaBruinz*** · 04-28-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synovia

Absolutely not. You don't pick players to keep other teams from having them. The fact that other teams needed one may have affected which pick they used, but they absolutely did not pick him to block other teams.

That's why the Patriots didn't sign Wes Welker.. Oh wait..

That's why the Patriots didn't trade for Randy Moss.. Oh Wait..

Sorry, but you DO pick players to keep other teams from having them IF and only IF there is the need on your team. Its an added bonus.

MetalBleachers · 04-28-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

That's why the Patriots didn't sign Wes Welker.. Oh wait..

That's why the Patriots didn't trade for Randy Moss.. Oh Wait..

Sorry, but you DO pick players to keep other teams from having them IF and only IF there is the need on your team. Its an added bonus.

Agreed, although I think this is a case of BB wanting Brace and seeing his chances of getting plucked that led him into action. In other words, he wanted Brace more than he wanted other teams to not have him, if that makes sense.

kurtinelson · 04-28-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bring Back Antowain!

Y

I wonder if blocking these teams had any bit to do with the Ron Brace selection. I'm not saying it had a lot to do with it, but I wonder if it crossed Belichick's mind.

Thoughts?

There is no denying that Brace would have been snatched up in the second round by another 3-4 team. I loved the pick for the vaule he brings for this team. The fact that he has been kept away from other teams in dire need of a 3-4 NT is a bonus.

The interesting hypothetical question is would BB have drafted Brace if Wilfork and the Pats had come to terms on a new contract. Unfortunately I think the answer is no.

Isaac · 04-29-2009, 06:42 AM

Could just be great long-term value, nothing more. Maybe Brace plays for 3 years as a cheap NT backup (goal-line, etc.), then he's traded to a 3-4 NT-needing team for a 2nd round pick (no net long-term loss of a draft pick).

That is the epitome of value.

Ungeheuer · 04-29-2009, 07:06 AM

Everybody assumes that Brace can only play the nose. But this guy played over the guard quite a lot in college. He's not completely slow out there, and he's got good height and wingspan. He can probably play 3-4 end. I see Brace as insurance not only for Wilfork but for Seymour.

bakes781 · 04-29-2009, 08:04 AM

I didn't consider Brace to be much of a reach at all. In fact I was surprised the Lions didn't take him at #34.

Supply and demand

JoeB · 04-29-2009, 08:15 AM

I don't think BB drafted him to keep him away from other teams but as insurance for wilfork just in case he doesn't sign. But also now they can take wilfork out on third downs to keep him fresh and play this massive guy. Great pick. As everyone knows we have a ton of depth everywhere and a ton of versitle guys. I'm still hoping harrison comes back.

***mayoclinic*** · 04-29-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeB

I don't think BB drafted him to keep him away from other teams but as insurance for wilfork just in case he doesn't sign. But also now they can take wilfork out on third downs to keep him fresh and play this massive guy. Great pick. As everyone knows we have a ton of depth everywhere and a ton of versitle guys. I'm still hoping harrison comes back.

I don't think anyone thinks BB drafted Brace mainly in order to keep him away from other teams. But clearly there is a paucity of players who can play 3-4 DT compared to the number of teams needing them. We now have 2. I figured we would take one of the developmental widebodies, but instead BB got one of the premium guys. That gives us quality depth at the most critical position to the 3-4, and takes another 3-4 DT away from teams.