Will the patriots draft the replacement for kevin faulk?

[mesoslo]

Faulk is still a key player on the patriots, and Maroney not living up to the hype, would the patriots holding 2 2nd round picks, look to draft a small pass catching RB?
Javon Ringer, Michigan State, 5-9, will probally be a late 2nd round pick.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I like Ian Johnson (Boise State) who should be there on Day Two, he should clear waivers and be re-signed to the Practice Squad.

 

[pats_premi]

Instead of drafting a pass catching/3rd down running back, I wonder if Patriot would attempt to sign Darren Sproles. On "Patriots All Access" BB described Sproles similar to Leon Washington but faster. Sproles has proven that he can compete in the NFL and may not command a huge contract.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Instead of drafting a pass catching/3rd down running back, I wonder if Patriot would attempt to sign Darren Sproles. On "Patriots All Access" BB described Sproles similar to Leon Washington but faster. Sproles has proven that he can compete in the NFL and may not command a huge contract.

I'm sure BB/SP would be interested when he hits the market - with Free Agency coming before the draft they have a variety of options to consider before drafting - I originally thought they were looking at Sammy Morris as a Faulk replacement, but he's carved a different niche for himself. I liked Sproles as a draft prospect way back when, so I'd like him now too - but I'm also sure drafting a later round player would be less expensive and allow the Practice Squad option too.

 

[dryheat44]

I wanted Felix Jones last year for the Faulk replacement....but now I'm thinking Maroney might end up being the Faulk replacement, and somebody else will be the every-down back that can run around and through people without suffering season-ending shoulder injuries.

 

[BradyManny]

I wanted Felix Jones last year for the Faulk replacement....but now I'm thinking Maroney might end up being the Faulk replacement, and somebody else will be the every-down back that can run around and through people without suffering season-ending shoulder injuries.

I still have my hopes for Maroney as an every day premiere back. Going into this season, it looked like he was right on the cusp of becoming that. And in the few games he played this season, he did not have the benefit of running behind the shored up OL with a healthy Neal.

But I agree with the sentiment - Maroney should spend a big portion of the offseason working on his hands & route running. The guy is way too dangerous in the open field not to eventually or imminently be a weapon in that regard. Obviously, Faulk has that role on lockdown as long as he's here.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I have not much if any deterioration in Faulk this year as compared to year's past. He is not the return man he was in years past and he may be on the downside of his career, but I see no reason he can't come back next season and have another nice season.

 

[Boston Boxer]

Faulk is still a key player on the patriots, and Maroney not living up to the hype, would the patriots holding 2 2nd round picks, look to draft a small pass catching RB?
Javon Ringer, Michigan State, 5-9, will probally be a late 2nd round pick.

I actually think Maroney would be a great third down back...they should draft a starting RB

 

[mesoslo]

Will Lamont Jordan come back next year? If he doesnt, will there be a RB similar to him in the FA market, or will the patriots look to draft someone to fill up the Lamont Jordan roster spot.

Javon ringer could probally replace westbrook on the eagles. So if the patriots could grab him late in the 2nd round and hopefully he turns out to be a productive like faulk or westbrook.

 

[Seneschal2]

No need to be looking for a Faulk replacement at this time. And as I've said before, we don't have to have someone being developed (in the waiting), ready to step right in when that time arrives. Why not? Rookie RBs need very little developmental time compared to other positions, and can usually make an impact that same season. If by chance we draft a RB this draft, it won't be because Kevin is nearly done and we want his replacement now. It will be because that player has upside and represents value at that slot. Faulk isn't ready to retire, and as one of the team MVPs, he won't be cut either.

When that time arrives, focus on the quick-footed change-of-pace type RBs w/ excellent receiving skills. Maroney and Morris do not qualify.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

No need to be looking for a Faulk replacement at this time. And as I've said before, we don't have to have someone being developed (in the waiting), ready to step right in when that time arrives. Why not? Rookie RBs need very little developmental time compared to other positions, and can usually make an impact that same season. If by chance we draft a RB this draft, it won't be because Kevin is nearly done and we want his replacement now. It will be because that player has upside and represents value at that slot. Faulk isn't ready to retire, and as one of the team MVPs, he won't be cut either.

When that time arrives, focus on the quick-footed change-of-pace type RBs w/ excellent receiving skills. Maroney and Morris do not qualify.

I expect Faulk back and productive in 2009, but your argument overlooks a key element - blitz pick-up.

Sammy Morris was someone I expected to be a decent third down back, and he can fill the role, but he's no Faulk on draws, screens, as a receiver, and as we've learned, blitz negater. Patrick Cobb was an option who came along too soon, he's developing nicely for Miami. BJeepers may or may not develop as a receiver and blocker, but like Morris he needs that extra step to get up to speed that Faulk doesn't.

I'll concede the average college RB can learn to tote the rock okay in the pros, it's those auxiliary duties that requires getting them into camp and working with them in an NFL system. BB doesn't have to draft a Faulk replacement, Pioli can scour the UDFA market and waiver wires for prospects and may find one - but finding another Faulk isn't going to be easy and I'd rather take a chance on someone like Ian Johnson with a late round pick - or BB can replace Hobbs and convert him back to RB (high school).

 

[mesoslo]

Rookie RBs need very little developmental time compared to other positions, and can usually make an impact that same season.

L Maroney, is taking longer than one season to develope. Both Faulk and Welker are key to the patriots offense, so having the ability to put a Small RB that can be shifty and catch the ball would really help. Especially if welker or kevin faulk gets injured. Faulk is old, and welker is not shy of contact, so there is a chance that one of them could get injured.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Ian Johnson was doing plenty of blocking against TCU in their bowl game. He needs some work with his technique and reads, and he'll need to get stronger, but the potential I suspected looked more realistic after watching that game.

 

[Warren94]

Box,

I agree with a solid NFL program. Plust he can find the endzone.

 

[dryheat44]

Ian Johnson was doing plenty of blocking against TCU in their bowl game. He needs some work with his technique and reads, and he'll need to get stronger, but the potential I suspected looked more realistic after watching that game.

I love the underdog types, but I suspect Johnson is going to find himself too limited athletically to be an NFL RB. He could be a dynamite Special Teams player, though.

 

[ALP]

count me in the maroney-replaces-faulk group...

i think w/ a little work, maroney will be ready for the role in 2-3 years

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I love the underdog types, but I suspect Johnson is going to find himself too limited athletically to be an NFL RB. He could be a dynamite Special Teams player, though.

That's why I project him as a Third Down/Change of Pace Back and was watching to see if he showed any aptitude (using Kevin Faulk as the standard for comparison). I don't see him as the next Brian Westbrook, but I think his hands are soft enough as a receiver out of the backfield, his heart isn't in doubt, and he's shown this year that he's got the team first mentality to play wherever and howsoever the coaches want to use him - Returner, Change of Pace Back, Waterboy, I think this kid will be there Rd 5 or later and is worth a flyer (I'm projecting him to clear waivers and camp on the Practice Squad until Faulk retires).

 

[mgteich]

Would that be after his contract ends at the end of the 2010 season?

Maroney has two years left on his contract. The team will find a role for him. For example, I would like to see him returning kicks, and perhaps even punts.

count me in the maroney-replaces-faulk group...

i think w/ a little work, maroney will be ready for the role in 2-3 years

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Would that be after his contract ends at the end of the 2010 season?

Maroney has two years left on his contract. The team will find a role for him. For example, I would like to see him returning kicks, and perhaps even punts.

Maroney will take care of himself. Faulk is still playing well, and doesn't have the mileage of a feature back, so he should be good for the rest of his contract and maybe longer, God willing. I just like the idea of obtaining late round/UDFA backs who have similar tools and letting them work on their blitz pick-up and receiving skills. Of course Johnson could also make a fine Gunner/Outside Contain man, I also think he might be a good understudy to Welker as a PR, and he's already worked as a KR.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Would that be after his contract ends at the end of the 2010 season?

Maroney has two years left on his contract. The team will find a role for him. For example, I would like to see him returning kicks, and perhaps even punts.

I would love to see Maroney returning kicks. It would help Hobbs to stay healthy.