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You are missing my point. The Pats didn't take O'Connell in the 3rd round because he was the highest QB on their list and they wanted just any QB to develop. The Pats took O'Connell in the 3rd round because they wanted to get O'Connell specifically and they guessed that it would take pick 94 to be sure of getting him. They see something in O'Connell that you don't see.
As far as Brady not being a blueprint, you really think it is just happenstance that all 4 Patriot QBs are almost precisely the same height/weight profile? They aren't looking for another Brady (as you mention that would be a foolish expectation). They have seen the physical attributes and intangibles in Brady that have made him successful. That gives them something to start with during evaluations. It would be equally foolish for them to look for a 6'2" mobile QB with a sidearm throwing motion with a gambling attitude.
A point that has been mentioned countless time (now countless + 1), the Pats had any number of opportunities to get a lineman. They chose not to. I don't know why and with the current injuries I'm not sure if they already regret the decision. Pick #94 was not their only or even best opportunity for bringing in some OLine help. They just didn't want anyone available at the positions where they selected.
As for the number of passes O'Connell makes in the next 4 years, hopefully he only makes 30 passes in mop-up duty and collects 4 championships along the way. The real point will be in 2011, what will the Pats have in O'Connell. A solid QB that has been Brady's backup for a year or two? That is worth a 3rd. Then the Pats can chose whether to re-sign him long term to try to trade his rights.
Anything more than a reliable backup and the Pats have a steal. If he never rises to 2nd string then he is a bust and you move on. Either way it will be interesting to see his progression.
This makes sense, I don't like it but it makes sense. For most positions they have a general physical makeup that they prefer. Your points are likely in-line with their thinking which answers my question of "Why?" and hits the key point.
Should more have been done to improve the O Line? Maybe
Even if the team starts Neal on the PUP and Kaczur is suspended they will survive. Indy went 13-3 with a rookie left tackle and several injuries. The Patriots are good and can manage through any weakness. If Neal misses 6 weeks and then comes back strong for the rest of the season that would be a huge boost.
My approach would be to have a veteran du jour be the backup with a youngster as option 3. Not my call though, BB must have lost my phone number.
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My approach would be to have a veteran du jour be the backup with a youngster as option 3. Not my call though, BB must have lost my phone number.
There are still likely to be a good number of vet QBs looking for work before week 1, so I wouldn't give up just yet. I think the QB positions will be filled in house, but wouldn't be surprised in the least if Favre domino effect kicks loose a vet that the Pats would be interested in for a 1-year deal.
There are still likely to be a good number of vet QBs looking for work before week 1, so I wouldn't give up just yet. I think the QB positions will be filled in house, but wouldn't be surprised in the least if Favre domino effect kicks loose a vet that the Pats would be interested in for a 1-year deal.
That would be truly crazy, why draft a QB in round 3? They have been content with Rohan Davey / Cassell as the primary backups. Why cut one of the young players now?
Again my approach would have been different but they are kind of pot committed now.
What about warm bodies walking the streets in August?
Eh, they have four OTs currently not practicing because of injury. That's not a planning/draft issue.
By the way, I was just ruminating on this:
Quote:
I don't see the value in picking a development project, outside of Brady the Patriots have developed exactly 0 QBs.
Don't you think that, perhaps, that's the problem and O'Connell is supposed to be the solution? They've taken plenty of stabs at hitting the jackpot on 7th-round and beyond guys, and nobody feels very confident with the results. Ergo, it's time to step up and actually draft a prospect you're excited about.
That would be truly crazy, why draft a QB in round 3? They have been content with Rohan Davey / Cassell as the primary backups. Why cut one of the young players now?
Again my approach would have been different but they are kind of pot committed now.
O'Connell is the #3 and is technically too raw to see the field this year. If Cassel looks like he has hit his ceiling, he certainly won't be back in 2009. If Gutierrez doesn't show the ability to step up and be a backup, then he likely won't make the team this year.
That leaves the backup job to Cassel in the final year of his contract or a vet FA on a one-year deal. Again, I don't think they will sign a vet, but isn't beyond the realm of possibility.
What about Brady's Wolverine pal Griese after the Favre circus moves to Tampa? He isn't 6'4", 230 lb but nobody's perfect...
Don't you think that, perhaps, that's the problem and O'Connell is supposed to be the solution? They've taken plenty of stabs at hitting the jackpot on 7th-round and beyond guys, and nobody feels very confident with the results. Ergo, it's time to step up and actually draft a prospect you're excited about.
I also think the time was right. Brady will be 35 when O'Connell's rookie contract is up. I don't see Brady pulling a Favre so I think that is about the time the Pats need to be ready for Brady hanging 'em up. If O'Connell is "next", he should be ready to step in and likely won't break the bank on his first starter contract.
I also think the time was right. Brady will be 35 when O'Connell's rookie contract is up. I don't see Brady pulling a Favre so I think that is about the time the Pats need to be ready for Brady hanging 'em up. If O'Connell is "next", he should be ready to step in and likely won't break the bank on his first starter contract.
Unless he is injured, I see Brady playing deep into his 30's; especially if Manning goes deep as well.
The real question I have is can O'Connell throw the ball accurately. We know he can scramble and toss jump balls for his Wide outs to fight for, but what can he do in a structured environment that forces him to read defenses?
Granted I only saw 2 of his college games, but what I saw made me question O'Connell's ability to reead defenses and why we spent a 3rd orunder on the guy. Memories of Brock Williams and other past 3rd round busts are more easily called to mind than 3rd round hits in the BB era.
Unless he is injured, I see Brady playing deep into his 30's; especially if Manning goes deep as well.
The real question I have is can O'Connell throw the ball accurately. We know he can scramble and toss jump balls for his Wide outs to fight for, but what can he do in a structured environment that forces him to read defenses?
Granted I only saw 2 of his college games, but what I saw made me question O'Connell's ability to reead defenses and why we spent a 3rd orunder on the guy. Memories of Brock Williams and other past 3rd round busts are more easily called to mind than 3rd round hits in the BB era.
Forget I was wromg, I just saw Cassell play. They have been watching Cassell in practice and without even seeing O'Connell play I know he is a better backup.
Forget I was wromg, I just saw Cassell play. They have been watching Cassell in practice and without even seeing O'Connell play I know he is a better backup.
LOL! I stopped by here specifically to see if you'd had such a thought.
For a minor-conference kid just coming off a major overhaul of his mechanics, O'Connell looked surprisingly good. And as Cassel is sadly demonstrating, decent backup QBs don't grow on trees.
LOL! I stopped by here specifically to see if you'd had such a thought.
For a minor-conference kid just coming off a major overhaul of his mechanics, O'Connell looked surprisingly good. And as Cassel is sadly demonstrating, decent backup QBs don't grow on trees.
I have never been sold on Cassell but I did expect him to have the capability of coming into a game, handing the ball off 30 times and letting the defense try to win. That is completely out of the question now.
At least O'Connell can run, and with some of the holes in the O line he must feel like he was back at SD State.
It is so sad but I would kill for a backup QB that is at least on the same level as Joey Harrington or Rex Grossman.
08-06-2008, 08:50 AM
Re: Kevin O'Connell Why?
Linear Mode
