The 2013 Prospect Thread

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

Excellent Manx!

I think when a player is wide open they tend to be more conservative when catching the ball. Do you think Williams' body catches are because he's so open all the time? Do you think he's a first rounder?

Do you think Hopkins would be a good Patriot? Do you think he would pick up the offense? I wonder because he kind of looks like a overly confident thug.

Wheaton is a good player and currently undervalued. I wonder why he's used in the slot so often. I think I hate his offensive coordinator and quarterback. He's fast, but I don't think he's as fast as some people are saying.

I really like Rogers. Athletically I don't think he's Julio Jones like you once mentioned, but I think he's close. He's probably more like Dez Bryant. I wish I had some games of him so I didn't have to rely on internet videos. They just aren't reliable. You can get 100 times more information by watching entire games.

I'm interested in Patterson. Like I said he's used in a similar to Percy Harvin. He doesn't have the same track record, but could still be a good prospect.

Woods is definitely a good player and a good value. I think he's the most pro ready, but doesn't have the highest ceiling even though he might have the highest floor. Marquis Lee is an elite player and while I think he holds down Woods' numbers a little that's not a knock on Woods.

I like Cordarelle Patterson, Tavon Auston and Da'Rick Rogers , but they'll all probably go higher than I would take a WR. Steadman Bailey and Markus Wheaton are attractive mid round picks.

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

Exactly. As Mackenzie said, he's the best combination of need and value. I've maintained from the start, without being position or need specific, Cooper is likely to be the BPA if he's there when we pick and that's why he's still my #1.

But as for need, will Mankins be playing this weekend? He's starting to miss more and more games. Hate to say it, but is it a case of tic-toc, tic-toc?

Not if he's healthy. He's still has as good as he's always been when he's healthy. Will he ever be perfectly healthy again? I don't know. Tic-toc is very possible. If he were toast I'd be screaming "GET COOPER!!!"

Here's how I see the current needs assuming; Vollmer and Spikes are resigned, Welker is franchised or resigned, and Talib commands too much after playing well here.

Safety - Has to be addressed in free agency and then again late in the draft.

OC - Wendell is a good back up and run blocker, but isn't good enough to be protecting Brady.

OG - It's an unreliable group right now.

Outside WR - Lloyd is the only one that could start on other teams.

DT - We only have run stuffers.

Slot CB - Maybe Dowling can be that player, but I wouldn't operate with him being an important piece of the plan.

Change of pace LB - Do I need an explanation here?

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

Not if he's healthy. He's still has as good as he's always been when he's healthy. Will he ever be perfectly healthy again? I don't know. Tic-toc is very possible. If he were toast I'd be screaming "GET COOPER!!!"

Here's how I see the current needs assuming; Vollmer and Spikes are resigned, Welker is franchised or resigned, and Talib commands too much after playing well here.

Safety - Has to be addressed in free agency and then again late in the draft.

OC - Wendell is a good back up and run blocker, but isn't good enough to be protecting Brady.

OG - It's an unreliable group right now.

Outside WR - Lloyd is the only one that could start on other teams.

DT - We only have run stuffers.

Slot CB - Maybe Dowling can be that player, but I wouldn't operate with him being an important piece of the plan.

Change of pace LB - Do I need an explanation here?

I'm not sure why you think Talib is one and done after this year. He hasn't even played yet, and I really doubt the Pats would have traded a 4th if they didn't have some conversation with his agent about extending him. I've addressed my offseason priorities and plan in my "blueprint" thread, but I'd assume that Vollmer gets an extension, Talib gets an extension, and Welker gets an extension or re-franchised. With that in mind:

- Secondary: We would have Talib/Dennard at outside CB with Dowling coming back, McCourty at FS with Wilson/Gregory, assuming Chung walks. A FA safety is a possibility, but I'm not sure we would need to break the bank. I'd love a Byrd/Goldson type to pair with McCourty, but the price would be huge. I don't think more youth at DB is a priority, except for development at CB.

- Front 7: An impact player opposite Jones, an internal pass rusher and a coverage LB are the biggest needs. Dane Fletcher will hopefully be back. A long term successor to Wilfork is also a need.

Personally, I think that further investment in the defensive front 7 is what I would prioritize. I like the Giants' model of "overloading" at that part of the defense. We're already very good up front, but 1-2 more players there would make us dominant. I think that the secondary can be addressed in FA and WR/OL can be addressed later in the draft. JMHO.

[mackenzie45220]

Another guy worth looking into; Zaviar Gooden is raw but has a crapload of potential. A 6'2, 230lb linebacker that runs a 4.49 and can catch up to D.J. Monroe from behind isn't easy to find. Takes inconsistent angles to the ball, and needs a lot of work on his instincts, but, remember, Zach Brown was a second round pick. Gooden is close to Brown's clone, but the difference is that Gooden should be available in the 4th round. Good idea if you ask me

[mackenzie45220]

Another guy who deserves more attention is Dion Sims. Obviously, you guys don't need a tight end, but, coming into the season, Sims was considered an absolute physical freak (6'5, 285lbs, 4.76 40) who had never made the most of his physical tools and had character issues. Well, let me tell you something: he's finally making the most of his physical tools. He's missed time due to injury, but he's averaging over 50 yards per game when healthy. Got off to an awesome start before an injury and still not at 100%, but looked really good at the start of the season.

[mackenzie45220]

I'll also acknowledge that Jonathan Brown has not looked quite as good this season. Last year's Jonathan Brown was amazing. Quietly had 19.5 TFL's (1.63 per game, 6th in the NCAA) to go along with 108 tackles and 6 sacks. That Jonathan Brown was a future pro bowler. This year's Jonathan Brown has only had 1 10 tackle game (averaged 9 tackles per game last year), has 6.5 TFL's, and 2.5 sacks.

[mayoclinic]

NE Patriots' draft discusses Ohio St. redshirt sophomore CB Bradley Roby, who could by this year's version of Earl Thomas/Aldon Smith/Michael Brockers if he declares:

Potential Patriots: Should Ohio State’s Bradley Roby Declare for 2013 NFL Draft? | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft

[mackenzie45220]

I'm going to the Cincinnati Rutgers game. Third row seats, 45 yard line. This time, I was sent the right tickets. I checked. I'll give you guys my thoughts on everyone I see.

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Getting another Tulsa game on tape right now! Hopefully I'm going to see if McCoil is the real deal.

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

I'm not sure why you think Talib is one and done after this year. He hasn't even played yet, and I really doubt the Pats would have traded a 4th if they didn't have some conversation with his agent about extending him. I've addressed my offseason priorities and plan in my "blueprint" thread, but I'd assume that Vollmer gets an extension, Talib gets an extension, and Welker gets an extension or re-franchised. With that in mind:

- Secondary: We would have Talib/Dennard at outside CB with Dowling coming back, McCourty at FS with Wilson/Gregory, assuming Chung walks. A FA safety is a possibility, but I'm not sure we would need to break the bank. I'd love a Byrd/Goldson type to pair with McCourty, but the price would be huge. I don't think more youth at DB is a priority, except for development at CB.

- Front 7: An impact player opposite Jones, an internal pass rusher and a coverage LB are the biggest needs. Dane Fletcher will hopefully be back. A long term successor to Wilfork is also a need.

Personally, I think that further investment in the defensive front 7 is what I would prioritize. I like the Giants' model of "overloading" at that part of the defense. We're already very good up front, but 1-2 more players there would make us dominant. I think that the secondary can be addressed in FA and WR/OL can be addressed later in the draft. JMHO.

Because - unlike you - I think McCourty is a better cornerback than safety and should move back to cornerback for next season. He gets a bad rap but he's actually been very good this season, even in man coverage. So I feel the FA money would be better spent on a safety.

I want another Jones for the left side too but that might be more of a luxury than a need this offseason. We have several players than can play LDE effectively even if they aren't as good as Jones. I really like what I've seen from Francis in his few snaps this season. He could be a dark horse to blossom in the offseason.