Donald Brown in the 2nd Round?

[MetalBleachers]

I don't know where people are getting the idea that Moreno is everydown but Brown is a Faulk-like player.

It's exactly the opposite.

Brown is both stronger and faster than Moreno, can jump much higher, has more explosion, more agility, etc. On down the line. Can catch better, can block better.

Moreno is considered higher because he has a natural wiggle that Brown probably doesn't have.

Brown is a Terrell Davis type player.

Moreno is much more of a Walter Payton type, but a little slower.

I don't see the Pats taking a RB on Day One (which, judging by my past predictions, means nothing ).

Lots of depth at RB in this draft. Of course not of Brown's quality, but many players who could contribute at a surprising level.
Ex. 1: Josh Vaughan | Richmond, RB : 2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile
Ex. 2: James Davis | Clemson, RB : 2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

As has been said on this thread, with five RBs and the need for a FB (please let's let go of the Hochstein-at-FB silliness - he played vs. a lousy run defense during a blizzard), it doesn't make a ton of sense to draft a RB in the first round, esp. with so many needs on D.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Yes. I think the wild card is even at a $700k CAP loss, Maroney for a pick, brings us a player with perhaps the preferred running style of BB. Now #34 becomes more realistic for Brown. Maroney is probably #3 on the depth chart right now. Opinions on that statement?
DW Toys

He's 3rd or 4th on the fan depth chart, but I think he comes in for Fred Taylor or even starts in front of him. BB, Ivan and Co. want to give him every chance to prove his worth and don't want distractions (including any lack of self confidence: "Why aren't I starting?") to get in LoMo's path.

Of course, if that doesn't work, he's gone to Houston or somewhere for a few bucks and a can of Spam.

 

[bakes781]

Just a thought but does anybody think we could send Maroney to AZ along with #34 for #31 to maybe grab a guard or a tackle that Pitt or Detriot maybe targeting?

You're essentially placing Maroney's value at a late 4th round pick and that would seem rather low even given his struggles to stay on the field.

 

[Liverpool_Patriot]

Just a quick note to Mayo... I really appreciate your posts. You are a smart dude and its guys like you who make me come here everyday. Thank you!

Agreed.

 

[TriplecHamp]

You're essentially placing Maroney's value at a late 4th round pick and that would seem rather low even given his struggles to stay on the field.

I picked the Cardinals because they are in need of a RB and pick right before the lions and the Burgh and because both of these teams are inerested in upgrading their respective OLines early. Would you be happeir if we got a fourth rounder from AZ in return if it was #34 for #31? I think #47 and Maroney for #31 would be even. This all hinges on weather or not we take a guy like Brown in the second. I dont think we take another back at all unless somebodys either getting traded or cut.

 

[TriplecHamp]

I don't know where people are getting the idea that Moreno is everydown but Brown is a Faulk-like player.

It's exactly the opposite.

Brown is both stronger and faster than Moreno, can jump much higher, has more explosion, more agility, etc. On down the line. Can catch better, can block better.
Moreno is considered higher because he has a natural wiggle that Brown probably doesn't have.

Brown is a Terrell Davis type player.

Moreno is much more of a Walter Payton type, but a little slower.

This is why Brown is better suited as a third down back For Us. Moreno is by far the better more instictive runner and would be more of an everydown type back for us. IMO Both are everydown backs in most other systems with different situations at RB.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I wouldn't take a RB before round 3 for the Pats. Jennings or Greene if they last that long would be a good value. In round 2 the Pats should be thinking defense and maybe a quality OL.

 

[TriplecHamp]

I wouldn't take a RB before round 3 for the Pats. Jennings or Greene if they last that long would be a good value. In round 2 the Pats should be thinking defense and maybe a quality OL.

What if we pick Larry English in round one. Now we have three picks in the second. Why not go RB, OL, S, or any other order. I think once we adress our major need OLB or ILB you have the luxury of BPA since there are no great values at ILB in the second IMO.

 

[mayoclinic]

What if we pick Larry English in round one. Now we have three picks in the second. Why not go RB, OL, S, or any other order. I think once we adress our major need OLB or ILB you have the luxury of BPA since there are no great values at ILB in the second IMO.

Not unreasonable. English isn't my OLB choice, but substitute your OLB of preference and it makes sense. I've always said that my idea would be to get an OLB, S and OL out of 3 of our picks, and then either use the 4th on BVA (DE, OL, WR, RB, ILB, CB or whatever) or trade it into 2010. Not far off of what you are suggesting.

 

[JoeSixPat]

well, the pick of Brown in the 2nd by the Pats strikes me as one of those moves that no one sees coming but that everyone in hindsight should expect... a player with proven accomplishments but who's measurables don't meet up with NFL standards

Belichick of course is more impressed by accomplishments.

I also seem to recall Belichick agreeing with the adage, if you want a player you need to pick him before someone else does (i.e. - take anyone you want before the prognosticators say he should go)

I fully expect a rookie RB in this draft - the RB by committee has some aging members and its a perfect time to allow a rookie to come in with no pressure to show what he can do.

Well, looks like there's a little bit more buzz about Brown these days - with Mel Kyper predicting that the Pats to take him at #23

ProFootballTalk.com - Donald Brown Not Resting On His Laurels

Donald Brown Not Resting On His Laurels

Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 15, 2009, 3:32 p.m. EDT

Donald Brown led all Division I-A running backs with 2,083 rushing yards last season, but the University of Connecticut star hasn’t relaxed in his efforts to impress NFL franchises.

Brown has taken a business-like approach to marketing his services, making sure that NFL teams and the reporters who cover them are aware of his outstanding character and off-field goals, Darren Rovell of CNBC.com reports.

Brown is working with a marketing agent, Jamey Crimmins, to get his name out there, and has conducted over 50 interviews.

Brown is projected anywhere from the first round to the second round. Mel Kiper of ESPN predicted that Brown will be the New England Patriots’ draft pick at No. 23 overall of the first round.

“If there are two guys of equal talent level, I’d hope that a team will look at my background, character and work ethic,” Brown told CNBC.

Makes sense to me.

 

[mgteich]

Well, I've been told that one judge of a pick is "upgradable production" over the life of his contract. How much of a projected upgrade is Don Brown over BJGE over the next four years? Quite a lot I would think. Now, where does this upgrade compare to others who might be picked?

Kiper and others now think that Don Brown meets the test at 23 (especially given the rest of our available picks). Others predict us getting our OLB at 23 and perhaps Don Brown at 34. If Belichick really sees the value at RB, then he may use the 23. An OLB of almost the same quality will there at 34 and probably at 57. Obviously, we can also trade up or down as needed.

Personally, I don't the value. I would prefer a DE, OLB, OG and S for the first four. However, I well understand that there are reasonable guards and safeties available in the third, so BPA in the first is certainly a viable option.

 

[spacecrime]

As has been said on this thread, with five RBs and the need for a FB (please let's let go of the Hochstein-at-FB silliness

Four RBs (Brown, Maroney, Morris, Taylor). Faulk and his $3 mil salary optional as the fifth RB. But even with him, it's only 5 RBs after BJGE is cut.

No need for a FB. Why do you think BB is silly for letting Evans go? Do you really believe that Hochstein can block okay if he starts at the LOS next to the OC, but cannot block if he starts two yards behind the OC? That's ... well ... silly.