If we franchise Mankins, how does that impact our draft? - New England Patriots Forums

Ochmed Jones · 02-12-2011, 09:52 AM

While I would love to see Mankins sign a long term deal, and I think he has earned a record OG bonus, I do expect him to be franchised and I think if that happens, it will affect how BB drafts.

Many have us drafting a Watkins or Pouncey or some other OG very early in the draft. Would franchising Mankins take these players off your draft boards and allow us to wait until much later to take an OG?

Interesting that PFW has us taking Boling at #28. I have been a fan of Boling's for our offense since October and still think we take him at #60.

West Philly Patriot · 02-12-2011, 10:02 AM

I'm sure we will still be taking an OG in rounds 1 or 2. I don't think the tag will change that. Even if mankins signs we need a RG, plus I think the tag in this situation just insures that we will have the ability to trade mankins. My gut tells me that he won't be signed long term unfortunately.

I would prefer we invest a late 1st rounder or very early second @ guard and re-sign Todd light. That way we can plug in a stud on the left side when that time comes to play alongside vollmer. We can always sign a FA to play RG if mankins is dealt or bring someone up from scar university.

JoeSixPat · 02-12-2011, 10:12 AM

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Originally Posted by West Philly Patriot

I'm sure we will still be taking an OG in rounds 1 or 2. I don't think the tag will change that. Even if mankins signs we need a RG, plus I think the tag in this situation just insures that we will have the ability to trade mankins. My gut tells me that he won't be signed long term unfortunately.

I would prefer we invest a late 1st rounder or very early second @ guard and re-sign Todd light. That way we can plug in a stud on the left side when that time comes to play alongside vollmer. We can always sign a FA to play RG if mankins is dealt or bring someone up from scar university.

I agree. There's usually some good value to be found in OLs in the draft. Pass protection for Brady is Priority #1 at all times. They'll take and OL in the first 2 rounds, no question.

DonBlackmon55 · 02-12-2011, 10:23 AM

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Originally Posted by JoeSixPat

I agree. There's usually some good value to be found in OLs in the draft. Pass protection for Brady is Priority #1 at all times. They'll take and OL in the first 2 rounds, no question.

OL depth is must in Rd 2 or 3.....would not be surprised they take 2 OL, an OG and C. Mankins likely leaves in 2012.

Kaczur, Neal need to be replaced, and possibly even Koppen.

jeffbiologist · 02-12-2011, 11:35 AM

Its safe to say we will still be needing 2 new bodies on the OL, most likely one T and one G/C. I might be in the minority but I think Neal will be back for his last year and Connolly played decent last year...and in more games than any other G on the team. We spent a 4th a few years ago on Ohrnberger(sp?), wonder if he is in the plans at C, Koppen was the weak link inside IMHO. If we bring back a FA OL my guess it would be Light taking a home town discount. Vollmer can surely play LT and replacing Kazcur with a draft pick is relatively easy.

serifyn · 02-12-2011, 11:46 AM

whatever happens, wisniewski from penn would be a great pickup by this team, he plays mostly center but can play guard as well, he would be great depth until he has to take over for koppan, he has the versatility that the patriots love.

***Deus Irae*** · 02-12-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ochmed Jones

...Many have us drafting a Watkins or Pouncey or some other OG very early in the draft. Would franchising Mankins take these players off your draft boards and allow us to wait until much later to take an OG?...

I think the team needs to draft a RG no matter what happens with Mankins. To me, slapping the tag on Mankins just gives the team one year of breathing room regarding the LG spot, since I don't see them franchising Mankins a second time at a 20% salary increase. Pouncey would work for me. I'm just not sure that he'll still be there at #33.

DonBlackmon55 · 02-12-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serifyn

whatever happens, wisniewski from penn would be a great pickup by this team, he plays mostly center but can play guard as well, he would be great depth until he has to take over for koppan, he has the versatility that the patriots love.

YouTube - Penn State Football: Stefen Wisniewski Scouting Report of Michigan State

positional flexibility is definately something BB values. 3 time all academic PSU player - first time ever - could be a nice pickup in rd 2

West Philly Patriot · 02-12-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serifyn

whatever happens, wisniewski from penn would be a great pickup by this team, he plays mostly center but can play guard as well, he would be great depth until he has to take over for koppan, he has the versatility that the patriots love.

Word on the street is that wisniewski isn't very good snapping out of the gun. That's troubling considering brady does alot of damage from that formation.

Patriot Missile · 02-12-2011, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

I think the team needs to draft a RG no matter what happens with Mankins. To me, slapping the tag on Mankins just gives the team one year of breathing room regarding the LG spot, since I don't see them franchising Mankins a second time at a 20% salary increase. Pouncey would work for me. I'm just not sure that he'll still be there at #33.

I agree. Regardless of Mankins being franshised. Imo, Guard should still be a priority whether it be Pouncey, Watkins or Wisniewski. Who knows, maybe they already have someone in mind for the later rounds? For me though franchising Mankins and grabbing one of those 3 would be a success. Neal and Connoly are capable guards. Just not the most reliable in terms of health. We need depth and if the draftee sits a season because they are healthy, so be it.