10/28 Kiper big board and positional rankings

[coltsfan]

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

He's no Dwight Freeney if that is what you are asking. Jones is a very good player on a bad team. He plays DE at Syracuse but they move him around to try and mess up the other teams blocking schemes (becuase basically he is the only guy you have to block). He is 6'3" 290ish, he lives in the offensive backfield, would be an outstanding 4-3 inside tackle, he would be an excellent DE in a 3-4 defense (although he lacks the height that BB likes in that position). His 40 times will be about 5 flat. He will most likely get drafted in last third of the first round.

Of course, if your Indy, and every Syracuse player you ever drafted, ends up in the HOF, I'd take a shot at him.

Nah, I realized that he'd be a DT for the Colts. Is he a penetrator type like the Colts look for in a DT? That's what I'm wondering. For example, I'm not sure that Odrick is a penetrating type like the Colts usually look for, IMO he may be a better fit as a 3-4 DE for a team like the Pats.

Also, could he play NT in the NFL, or is he more of a UT? If he can't play NT, then I think Marvin Austin or Brian Price could be more likely for the Colts. I don't see the Colts taking a pure UT unless it was a special guy like McCoy that you couldn't pass up, since we drafted Moala last year and also have a decent player in Foster.

[cstjohn17]

It may not be an probowler at every position but the Patriots have the benefit of having no glaring holes heading into next year (assumes no CBA).

Ghost & Mankins could be tagged as RFAs
Wilfork could be franchised (if people don't think Big Vince is valuable watch when the Patriots play against the Wildcat, he is the key)

They can add even more depth to a very good team.

[Marqui]

Originally Posted by cstjohn17

It may not be an probowler at every position but the Patriots have the benefit of having no glaring holes heading into next year (assumes no CBA).

I would say we have a really huge hole at passrushing OLB.

[chrisfx811]

How's Brandon Spikes ranked by Mel?

Mayo/Spikes inside, with Spikes able to rush the passer as well, and covers TEs and Rbs well.

[SidelineSid]

Originally Posted by coltsfan

Nah, I realized that he'd be a DT for the Colts. Is he a penetrator type like the Colts look for in a DT? That's what I'm wondering. For example, I'm not sure that Odrick is a penetrating type like the Colts usually look for, IMO he may be a better fit as a 3-4 DE for a team like the Pats.

Also, could he play NT in the NFL, or is he more of a UT? If he can't play NT, then I think Marvin Austin or Brian Price could be more likely for the Colts. I don't see the Colts taking a pure UT unless it was a special guy like McCoy that you couldn't pass up, since we drafted Moala last year and also have a decent player in Foster.

I don't think the premier DT's are going to last until the Colts pick. Teams like the Titans, Texans, Jets (Jenkins is getting up there), Steelers (Hampton is getting up there), Chargers (Jamal Williams is getting up there), Lions, Bucks, Panthers, Seahawks, and Rams could all use help at that position. Also, all of those teams have a worse record than the Colts, and most likely will be picking before you. No sarcasm or offense intended, but I'm just telling it like it is.

[cstjohn17]

Originally Posted by Marqui

I would say we have a really huge hole at passrushing OLB.

Every unit can be improved but at OLB the Patriots have:
Thomas, TBC, Cable - under contract
Ninkovich - Restricted Free Agent

Just an example why the Patriots may not be stacked at every spot but there is no need to reach.

[borg]

Originally Posted by cstjohn17

Every unit can be improved but at OLB the Patriots have:
Thomas, TBC, Cable - under contract
Ninkovich - Restricted Free Agent

Just an example why the Patriots may not be stacked at every spot but there is no need to reach.

Thomas will be cut next year....salary vs production...lost some of his athletism
TBC best of a limited group, cost effective starter, good motor
Crable...will never play a single down for the Patriots
Burgess...his role has expanded but the eye test doesn't see results

Far from being stacked, this group is weakest on roster and lacks athletism...JMO

[Ochmed Jones]

Originally Posted by borg

Thomas will be cut next year....salary vs production...lost some of his athletism
TBC best of a limited group, cost effective starter, good motor
Crable...will never play a single down for the Patriots
Burgess...his role has expanded but the eye test doesn't see results

Far from being stacked, this group is weakest on roster and lacks athletism...JMO

I would agree 100% that the OLB is the weakest and least athletic spot on the roster. But it is also the hardest to find via the draft. BB passed on at least a half dozen decent OLB's in the draft last year. All brought something a little diffeent to the position so he had a wide variety to pick from, but he passed.

Maybe for upgrading the OLB spot, we should really be concentrating on potential FA that will be available. Is there a young version of Brabel in this year's potential FA pool?

[cstjohn17]

Originally Posted by borg

Thomas will be cut next year....salary vs production...lost some of his athletism
TBC best of a limited group, cost effective starter, good motor
Crable...will never play a single down for the Patriots
Burgess...his role has expanded but the eye test doesn't see results

Far from being stacked, this group is weakest on roster and lacks athletism...JMO

I didn't say there were stacked, I said 'They may not be stacked'

IMO the Patriots OLB/DE are among the weakest units in the league. But they are bringing back most of the current unit so if they want to run out the same horse crap next year then it is their option.

[Ochmed Jones]

Originally Posted by cstjohn17

I didn't say there were stacked, I said 'They may not be stacked'

IMO the Patriots OLB/DE are among the weakest units in the league. But they are bringing back most of the current unit so if they want to run out the same horse crap next year then it is their option.

So would you bring back Thomas next season?