What Could Have Been... - New England Patriots Forums

meggett · 04-30-2011, 12:54 AM

As i head off to bed tonight, this is what we could have been looking at....

17. Solder
28. Ingram
33. Reed
60. Houston
74. Hankerson
92. Boling/Matthews/Ocho/Stanzi

(obviously these are the original picks)

Pretty sure just about everyone on this board would be loving this draft with more picks to go. Almost all of these guys would help THIS YEAR.

WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?

supafly · 04-30-2011, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meggett

As i head off to bed tonight, this is what we could have been looking at....

17. Solder
28. Ingram
33. Reed
60. Houston
74. Hankerson
92. Boling/Matthews/Ocho/Stanzi

(obviously these are the original picks)

Pretty sure just about everyone on this board would be loving this draft with more picks to go. Almost all of these guys would help THIS YEAR.

WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?

What happened 100% is terribly easy to figure out. In the past 5 yrs, we had 13 of our first 14 picks on the defensive side of the ball. Didn't SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE feel as though the other side would be addressed??

We got a huge, tall, athletic monster OT for the protection of our most important piece of the puzzle.

We added another first round pick for next year, giving us 2 in the first AND 2 in the second, so we can properly be reloaded yet...again. The picks already have been put into the future for next year--can't you see that we are playing with house money already???

We got THE best talent level QB in the entire draft, forget about the supposed 'character' concerns, and trust Belichick. If the kid did some drugs in college (who didn't?), and admitted to it, then I am going to trust BB. He has an absolute rocket for an arm, and will learn about respect and have the proper tutelage under one of the GOAT QB's. Not only did we get the best overall QB talent-wise, we instantly improved the backup situation, and most-importantly, we got him in the THIRD round. Many were talking of him going to MIA at #15 overall. It was highway robbery, Belichick style.

We added depth to the RB position, something that was much needed. We got the draft board RB binky in Shane Vareen, who can run, block, catch out of the backfield, and has certain HR potential.

We added another high pick CB, who is incredibly tall (almost 6'2"), and athletic. He should learn instantly, and by the end of the season be contributing for sure--likely at the nickle or dime position. Who knows? He may end up being the other side of the McCourtey shutdown connection.

I have no idea why you would be so bitter about this draft? We obviously had an extreme luxury, and not many needs. Just b/c most of us wanted a DE/OLB pick 'high' did not have anything to do with BB's opinion. He obviously feels as though DE is sufficient enough right now, and can be added in the mid to late rds for camp fodder. Who did you see getting cut? One of our 2 pro-bowlers? Major sub-package guys who already know the system like Wright or Pryor? How about our high 2nd rd pick from 2 yrs ago, who has shown flashes of 'getting it' last yr in Brace? The veteran steal in Marcus Stroud?? We still have Deaderick, Richards, Love, etc for depth, competition, and camp fodder. The position was obviously NOT a major need in BB's eyes.

As far as LB goes, we had the NFL's leader in tackles in Mayo, the sub package pass coverage veteran in Guyton, the emergence of underrated Ninkovich, and the high 2nd rd pick in Cunningham--who is likely the pass rusher of the future. Again, the position can be added through the mid-to-late rds, UFDA's, and even (gasp...free agency).

Look at all of the positives, and trust in the system, the coach, and the luxury that we had coming off of a 14-2 year.

***Sciz*** · 04-30-2011, 02:03 AM

You'd rather have Mark Ingram than Shane Vereen and the Saints' 1st next year?

Brooks Reed doesn't fit the Patriots' scheme.

Houston is a pass rush specialist with character concerns.

Hankerson wouldn't beat out Tate or Price for a roster spot.

Boling is amazingly overrated and should have fallen out of the top 3 rounds of every mock since January.

I hope you're not talking about Casey Matthews, because it sucks.

Trading picks for vets, i.e. Ocho, is not allowed.

Stanzi would be a long-term backup. Mallett will be legitimate 1st round trade bait in two years.

AzPatsFan · 04-30-2011, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

What happened 100% is terribly easy to figure out. In the past 5 yrs, we had 13 of our first 14 picks on the defensive side of the ball. Didn't SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE feel as though the other side would be addressed??

We got a huge, tall, athletic monster OT for the protection of our most important piece of the puzzle.

We added another first round pick for next year, giving us 2 in the first AND 2 in the second, so we can properly be reloaded yet...again. The picks already have been put into the future for next year--can't you see that we are playing with house money already???

We got THE best talent level QB in the entire draft, forget about the supposed 'character' concerns, and trust Belichick. If the kid did some drugs in college (who didn't?), and admitted to it, then I am going to trust BB. He has an absolute rocket for an arm, and will learn about respect and have the proper tutelage under one of the GOAT QB's. Not only did we get the best overall QB talent-wise, we instantly improved the backup situation, and most-importantly, we got him in the THIRD round. Many were talking of him going to MIA at #15 overall. It was highway robbery, Belichick style.

We added depth to the RB position, something that was much needed. We go the draft board RB binky in Shane Vareen, who can run, block, catch out of the backfield, and has certain HR potential.

We added another high pick CB, who is incredibly tall (almost 6'2"), and athletic. He should learn instantly, and by the end of the season be contributing for sure--likely at the nickle or dime position. Who knows? He may end up being the other side of the McCourtey shutdown connection.

I have no idea why you would be so bitter about this draft? We obviously had an extreme luxury, and not many needs. Just b/c most of us wanted a DE/OLB pick 'high' did not have anything to do with BB's opinion. He obviously feels as though DE is sufficient enough right now, and can be added in the mid to late rds for camp fodder. Who did you see getting cut? One of our 2 pro-bowlers? Major sub-package guys who already know the system like Wright or Pryor? How about our high 2nd rd pick from 2 yrs ago, who has shown flashes of 'getting it' last yr in Brace? The veteran steal in Marcus Stroud?? We still have Deaderick, Richards, Love, etc for depth, competition, and camp fodder. The position was obviously NOT a major need in BB's eyes.

As far as LB goes, we had the NFL's leader in tackles in Mayo, the sub package pass coverage veteran in Guyton, the emergence of underrated Ninkovich, and the high 2nd rd pick in Cunningham--who is likely the pass rusher of the future. Again, the position can be added through the mid-to-late rds, UFDA's, and even (gasp...free agency).

Look at all of the positives, and trust in the system, the coach, and the luxury that we had coming off of a 14-2 year.

You echo my thoughts. And even predicted the course of the draft several days ago. Spot On!

meggett · 04-30-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

You'd rather have Mark Ingram than Shane Vereen and the Saints' 1st next year?

Brooks Reed doesn't fit the Patriots' scheme.

Houston is a pass rush specialist with character concerns.

Hankerson wouldn't beat out Tate or Price for a roster spot.

Boling is amazingly overrated and should have fallen out of the top 3 rounds of every mock since January.

I hope you're not talking about Casey Matthews, because it sucks.

Trading picks for vets, i.e. Ocho, is not allowed.

Stanzi would be a long-term backup. Mallett will be legitimate 1st round trade bait in two years.

Brooks Reed dosnt fit the Pats system??? really?? An edge rusher in a 3-4 defense?? really???

"Houston is a pass rush specialist". thats what you wrote.. ill let that speak for itself.

Hankerson wouldnt beat out price or tate? first of all thats ur opinion. and you do remember that price barely saw the field last year. Hankerson could have tripped over a helmet and landed on the field and had more playing time than price.

all these are you opinion. not facts at all. 5 draft picks and we got one potential starter.

meggett · 04-30-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supafly

What happened 100% is terribly easy to figure out. In the past 5 yrs, we had 13 of our first 14 picks on the defensive side of the ball. Didn't SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE feel as though the other side would be addressed??

We got a huge, tall, athletic monster OT for the protection of our most important piece of the puzzle.

We added another first round pick for next year, giving us 2 in the first AND 2 in the second, so we can properly be reloaded yet...again. The picks already have been put into the future for next year--can't you see that we are playing with house money already???

We got THE best talent level QB in the entire draft, forget about the supposed 'character' concerns, and trust Belichick. If the kid did some drugs in college (who didn't?), and admitted to it, then I am going to trust BB. He has an absolute rocket for an arm, and will learn about respect and have the proper tutelage under one of the GOAT QB's. Not only did we get the best overall QB talent-wise, we instantly improved the backup situation, and most-importantly, we got him in the THIRD round. Many were talking of him going to MIA at #15 overall. It was highway robbery, Belichick style.

We added depth to the RB position, something that was much needed. We got the draft board RB binky in Shane Vareen, who can run, block, catch out of the backfield, and has certain HR potential.

We added another high pick CB, who is incredibly tall (almost 6'2"), and athletic. He should learn instantly, and by the end of the season be contributing for sure--likely at the nickle or dime position. Who knows? He may end up being the other side of the McCourtey shutdown connection.

I have no idea why you would be so bitter about this draft? We obviously had an extreme luxury, and not many needs. Just b/c most of us wanted a DE/OLB pick 'high' did not have anything to do with BB's opinion. He obviously feels as though DE is sufficient enough right now, and can be added in the mid to late rds for camp fodder. Who did you see getting cut? One of our 2 pro-bowlers? Major sub-package guys who already know the system like Wright or Pryor? How about our high 2nd rd pick from 2 yrs ago, who has shown flashes of 'getting it' last yr in Brace? The veteran steal in Marcus Stroud?? We still have Deaderick, Richards, Love, etc for depth, competition, and camp fodder. The position was obviously NOT a major need in BB's eyes.

As far as LB goes, we had the NFL's leader in tackles in Mayo, the sub package pass coverage veteran in Guyton, the emergence of underrated Ninkovich, and the high 2nd rd pick in Cunningham--who is likely the pass rusher of the future. Again, the position can be added through the mid-to-late rds, UFDA's, and even (gasp...free agency).

Look at all of the positives, and trust in the system, the coach, and the luxury that we had coming off of a 14-2 year.

12 sacks by our front seven last year..........12

Gator Mike · 04-30-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meggett

12 sacks by our front seven last year..........12

Huh?

We had 36 sacks total last year. You're telling me that 24 of them came from Meriweather, Chung, McCourty, and Arrington?

***Peachhead*** · 04-30-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

Stanzi would be a long-term backup. Mallett will be legitimate 1st round trade bait in two years.

In two years Mallett will be either out of the league, in jail or harder to find than Sasquatch. It's really hard to garner trade interest behind a guy as solid as Brady. The only way anyone else in the league remembers Mallett's name in a couple years is either a bad reason for Mallett or a really bad reason for us (injury to Brady).

bucky · 04-30-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

You'd rather have Mark Ingram than Shane Vereen and the Saints' 1st next year?

This is a question that cannot be so easily answered. I guess we'll all be rooting for the Falcons and TB's new and potentially awesome pass rush (Bowers, Clayborn, and McCoy). While the Saints have the potential to make it to the Superbowl next year, it's also not our of the question that they miss the playoffs.

zgotts · 04-30-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meggett

As i head off to bed tonight, this is what we could have been looking at....

17. Solder
28. Ingram
33. Reed
60. Houston
74. Hankerson
92. Boling/Matthews/Ocho/Stanzi

(obviously these are the original picks)

Pretty sure just about everyone on this board would be loving this draft with more picks to go. Almost all of these guys would help THIS YEAR.

WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?

I would definitely NOT like this draft.

17. Solder -- very solid pick. I think I would have taken a guy like Cam Jordan, but there's nothing wrong with getting an athletic LT who allowed 5 sacks in 1400 pass plays to protect Mr. Brady.

28. Ingram -- wasted pick. Ingram isn't the type of RB we need, and 1st Round RB's are EXPENSIVE. We need a speedy guy who runs aggressively and catch the ball. That's Vereen.

33. Reed -- I wouldn't have minded seeing what Reed can do, but let's face it -- the guy is incredibly overrated. He was average at best through out his career, and hasn't shown much to suggest we'll definitely make the transition to 3-4 OLB. Sounds like using a high pick on a project player. Bad idea.

60. Houston -- I don't know enough about Houston. He sounds like he might have been worth it here, and considering our needs, I wouldn't have minded this pick.

74. Hankerson -- we have bigger needs than taking another 3rd round WR. I like the Mallett pick MUCH better than this. Mallett was rated by many as one of the best in the draft talent wise. Whether he ends up being Brady's successor 3-4 years down the line, or ends up netting us a 1st round pick, we got a big steal out of this pick. And aside from that, we needed another backup.

92. Boling/Matthews/Acho/Stanzi -- A couple of these guys are still on the board. I wouldn't have minded taking any of these guys here (except Stanzi, since we had just taken Mallett). I find it kind of strage that they trade this and the 4th away, but there's still value on the board going into day 3.

I think the only thing I would have done differently is trade up from 56 or 60 with 92 or the 4th rounder to snag Sheard. I'd feel a lot better about this draft in that case. Otherwise though, I'm not too worried. Looking at the board after round 1 I was kind of like "Who's even left?" There just doesn't seem to be a lot of "sure" things this time around.