The Way We Hear It - NFL Whispers

[mayoclinic]

This out today from Pro Football Weekley:

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

3 rumors are particularly relevant. One directly concerns the Pats, the other two could indirectly affect their draft.

1. "Among the reasons the Patriots haven’t made much headway in extension negotiations with their top-tier veteran talent scheduled to hit free agency after next season — headlined by NT Vince Wilfork and DE Richard Seymour — is the pulsating uncertainty of how their draft class will shape up. With 11 picks total and nowhere near that many roster spots available, New England may very well be the biggest X-factor in the draft from a wheeling-and-dealing standpoint. Without knowing how much money they’ll be sinking into their draft crop, they currently lack a suitable foundation of knowledge with which to work on extensions. Word out of Foxborough is that the team is spending far more time and resources scouting and hosting the defensive draft prospects than those on the offensive side. In addition to Wilfork and Seymour, top reserve DE Jarvis Green, who’s coming off a subpar 2008 campaign, is also slated to hit free agency in 2010."

2. "Based on the caliber of draftees the Chiefs have hosted recently, there is a real possibility that the team is considering trading out of the third overall slot and picking up additional picks in the late-first or early-second round. Kansas City doesn’t currently own a second-round selection, and during his time with the Patriots, GM Scott Pioli showed a penchant for making Draft Day trades to collect more draft choices." KC has been hosting players like Barwin and Laurinaitis, who are way too low for #3 and way to high for #67. There are several rumors that they would love to trade down.

3. "With holes scattered throughout their defense, sources say the Broncos are likely to take a ‘best defender available’ strategy to this year’s draft as they prepare to use at least one of their two first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker, D-line and quarterback are expected to be the team’s top priorities, but the club has not ruled out selecting a cornerback at No. 12 or 18 and could strike if Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins is available. Free-agent acquisition André Goodman, who started every game for the Dolphins last season, is penciled in as a starter at corner opposite Champ Bailey, but the club has very little depth at the position."

The best case scenario that I can see for the Pats would be something like this for the top 13:

1. Detroit - Matt Stafford, QB
2. St. Louis - Jason Smith, OT
3. Cleveland (swap with KC for a #2) - Aaron Curry, LB
4. Seattle - Matt Stafford, QB
5. KC - Eugene Monroe, OT
6. Cincy - Michael Crabtree, WR (especially if they move Ocho Cinco)
7. Oakland - Darius Heyward-Bey, WR (Mayock's current pick, as Al Davis loves speed; I had this in my 3/15 mock)
8. Jacksonville - Jeremy Maclin, WR
9. Green Bay - Brian Orapko, DE/OLB
10. SF - Michael Oher, OT
11. Buffalo - Everette Brown, DE
12. Denver - Malcolm Jenkins, CB
13. Washington -Andre Smith, OT

With the Jets and TB needing a QB and Josh Freeman still available, with Tyson Jackson and Rey Maualuga still on the board for Denver and San Diego, and with New Orleans looking to trade back, there would be a lot of room to move up to 14, 16, or possibly even 18.

 

[bakes781]

I loved Mayock's pick of DHB to Oakland. It wouldn't shock me one bit.

I could see the Browns trading up, but I think it would be for Crabtree. If they want defense they have several options by staying put at #5.

 

[mayoclinic]

I loved Mayock's pick of DHB to Oakland. It wouldn't shock me one bit.

I could see the Browns trading up, but I think it would be for Crabtree. If they want defense they have several options by staying put at #5.

I like it too. But then, I suggested it before Mayock:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...d/13/223906-ide-s-march-first-day-mock.html

You may be right about Crabtree. That would make a certain amount of sense.

 

[jeffbiologist]

This out today from Pro Football Weekley:

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

3 rumors are particularly relevant. One directly concerns the Pats, the other two could indirectly affect their draft.

1. "Among the reasons the Patriots haven’t made much headway in extension negotiations with their top-tier veteran talent scheduled to hit free agency after next season — headlined by NT Vince Wilfork and DE Richard Seymour — is the pulsating uncertainty of how their draft class will shape up. With 11 picks total and nowhere near that many roster spots available, New England may very well be the biggest X-factor in the draft from a wheeling-and-dealing standpoint. Without knowing how much money they’ll be sinking into their draft crop, they currently lack a suitable foundation of knowledge with which to work on extensions. Word out of Foxborough is that the team is spending far more time and resources scouting and hosting the defensive draft prospects than those on the offensive side. In addition to Wilfork and Seymour, top reserve DE Jarvis Green, who’s coming off a subpar 2008 campaign, is also slated to hit free agency in 2010."

2. "Based on the caliber of draftees the Chiefs have hosted recently, there is a real possibility that the team is considering trading out of the third overall slot and picking up additional picks in the late-first or early-second round. Kansas City doesn’t currently own a second-round selection, and during his time with the Patriots, GM Scott Pioli showed a penchant for making Draft Day trades to collect more draft choices." KC has been hosting players like Barwin and Laurinaitis, who are way too low for #3 and way to high for #67. There are several rumors that they would love to trade down.

3. "With holes scattered throughout their defense, sources say the Broncos are likely to take a ‘best defender available’ strategy to this year’s draft as they prepare to use at least one of their two first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker, D-line and quarterback are expected to be the team’s top priorities, but the club has not ruled out selecting a cornerback at No. 12 or 18 and could strike if Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins is available. Free-agent acquisition André Goodman, who started every game for the Dolphins last season, is penciled in as a starter at corner opposite Champ Bailey, but the club has very little depth at the position."

The best case scenario that I can see for the Pats would be something like this for the top 13:

1. Detroit - Matt Stafford, QB
2. St. Louis - Jason Smith, OT
3. Cleveland (swap with KC for a #2) - Aaron Curry, LB
4. Seattle - Matt Stafford, QB
5. KC - Eugene Monroe, OT
6. Cincy - Michael Crabtree, WR (especially if they move Ocho Cinco)
7. Oakland - Darius Heyward-Bey, WR (Mayock's current pick, as Al Davis loves speed; I had this in my 3/15 mock)
8. Jacksonville - Jeremy Maclin, WR
9. Green Bay - Brian Orapko, DE/OLB
10. SF - Michael Oher, OT
11. Buffalo - Everette Brown, DE
12. Denver - Malcolm Jenkins, CB
13. Washington -Andre Smith, OT

With the Jets and TB needing a QB and Josh Freeman still available, with Tyson Jackson and Rey Maualuga still on the board for Denver and San Diego, and with New Orleans looking to trade back, there would be a lot of room to move up to 14, 16, or possibly even 18.

How many Staffords do you have going in the top 4?? LMAO

 

[Warren94]

I could see Pettigrew going to BUffalo. Owens, Evans and Pettigrew. nice weapons for Edwards.

 

[bakes781]

I like it too. But then, I suggested it before Mayock:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...d/13/223906-ide-s-march-first-day-mock.html

You may be right about Crabtree. That would make a certain amount of sense.

I thought of it b4 too but I didn't post it lol

The trade scenario was wack tho

Ravens were foolish to make that deal last year.

 

[BelichickFan]

How many Staffords do you have going in the top 4?? LMAO

So they typed Stafford instead of Sanchez. BFD.

It's fairly obvious we'll be drafting a lot of defense, our offense is very strong and the defense alternates between above average and downright embarrassing. That said, I could see an offensive player at any point in the top two rounds if they really love a guy.

 

[cstjohn17]

This out today from Pro Football Weekley:

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

3 rumors are particularly relevant. One directly concerns the Pats, the other two could indirectly affect their draft.

1. "Among the reasons the Patriots haven’t made much headway in extension negotiations with their top-tier veteran talent scheduled to hit free agency after next season — headlined by NT Vince Wilfork and DE Richard Seymour — is the pulsating uncertainty of how their draft class will shape up. With 11 picks total and nowhere near that many roster spots available, New England may very well be the biggest X-factor in the draft from a wheeling-and-dealing standpoint. Without knowing how much money they’ll be sinking into their draft crop, they currently lack a suitable foundation of knowledge with which to work on extensions. Word out of Foxborough is that the team is spending far more time and resources scouting and hosting the defensive draft prospects than those on the offensive side. In addition to Wilfork and Seymour, top reserve DE Jarvis Green, who’s coming off a subpar 2008 campaign, is also slated to hit free agency in 2010."

The possibility of losing 2 pro bowl players* has to be a concern going forward *Seymour, Wilfork and Mankins - one will get franchised

You can't replace top tier lineman with 5th and 6th rounders. Neal is also a free agent.

With Wilfork I feel they same way I did about Samuels, they both were young emerging players who could have been locked up 2 years before free agency. Now the leverage has shifted and the player holds the cards.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

The possibility of losing 2 pro bowl players* has to be a concern going forward *Seymour, Wilfork and Mankins - one will get franchised

You can't replace top tier lineman with 5th and 6th rounders. Neal is also a free agent.

With Wilfork I feel they same way I did about Samuels, they both were young emerging players who could have been locked up 2 years before free agency. Now the leverage has shifted and the player holds the cards.

This isn't meant facetiously, but it's a value judgment—should the Patriots have extended Wilfork two years ago if it meant, say, no Randy Moss?

 

[mgteich]

Koppen says hi!

Unless there is a new CBA, Mankins will be an RFA, Seymour will be franchised, and Wilfork will be franchised or extended.

Ah, you're the poster with the secret knowledge that Wilfork was all ready to locked up but the team blew it and didn't sign him to an extension.

The possibility of losing 2 pro bowl players* has to be a concern going forward *Seymour, Wilfork and Mankins - one will get franchised

You can't replace top tier lineman with 5th and 6th rounders. Neal is also a free agent.

With Wilfork I feel they same way I did about Samuels, they both were young emerging players who could have been locked up 2 years before free agency. Now the leverage has shifted and the player holds the cards.

 

[BelichickFan]

This isn't meant facetiously, but it's a value judgment—should the Patriots have extended Wilfork two years ago if it meant, say, no Randy Moss?

I'm generally not big on extending players early - players often don't play as well afterwards.

Regarding the thread, I see the point, if we somehow get Raji then it makes less sense to spend tens of millions on Wilfork. The Franchise # for DT last year was only $6M - this will go up some after Haynesworth but it's still not a break the bank number. It's tough with a Guard (Mankins) because OL are all grouped together so his number would be $8.45M (this year, it'll be somewhat higher next year).

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Koppen says hi!

Unless there is a new CBA, Mankins will be an RFA, Seymour will be franchised, and Wilfork will be franchised or extended.

Ah, you're the poster with the secret knowledge that Wilfork was all ready to locked up but the team blew it and didn't sign him to an extension.

Not-so-minor point: the rule is one transition-only tag PLUS one tag that can be used to franchise OR transition.

 

[cstjohn17]

Ah, you're the poster with the secret knowledge that Wilfork was all ready to locked up but the team blew it and didn't sign him to an extension.

Just a wild ass guess / opinion. Koppen is a good example, except Koppen signed the extension in his free agent year. For Wilfork I believe the time to strike was last year.

No one is perfect, this team is going to be stacked. Lets hope for a healthy Brady and enjoy the ride.

 

[DW Toys]

This out today from Pro Football Weekley:

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

3 rumors are particularly relevant. One directly concerns the Pats, the other two could indirectly affect their draft.

1. "Among the reasons the Patriots haven’t made much headway in extension negotiations with their top-tier veteran talent scheduled to hit free agency after next season — headlined by NT Vince Wilfork and DE Richard Seymour — is the pulsating uncertainty of how their draft class will shape up. With 11 picks total and nowhere near that many roster spots available, New England may very well be the biggest X-factor in the draft from a wheeling-and-dealing standpoint. Without knowing how much money they’ll be sinking into their draft crop, they currently lack a suitable foundation of knowledge with which to work on extensions. Word out of Foxborough is that the team is spending far more time and resources scouting and hosting the defensive draft prospects than those on the offensive side. In addition to Wilfork and Seymour, top reserve DE Jarvis Green, who’s coming off a subpar 2008 campaign, is also slated to hit free agency in 2010."

2. "Based on the caliber of draftees the Chiefs have hosted recently, there is a real possibility that the team is considering trading out of the third overall slot and picking up additional picks in the late-first or early-second round. Kansas City doesn’t currently own a second-round selection, and during his time with the Patriots, GM Scott Pioli showed a penchant for making Draft Day trades to collect more draft choices." KC has been hosting players like Barwin and Laurinaitis, who are way too low for #3 and way to high for #67. There are several rumors that they would love to trade down.

3. "With holes scattered throughout their defense, sources say the Broncos are likely to take a ‘best defender available’ strategy to this year’s draft as they prepare to use at least one of their two first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker, D-line and quarterback are expected to be the team’s top priorities, but the club has not ruled out selecting a cornerback at No. 12 or 18 and could strike if Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins is available. Free-agent acquisition André Goodman, who started every game for the Dolphins last season, is penciled in as a starter at corner opposite Champ Bailey, but the club has very little depth at the position."

The best case scenario that I can see for the Pats would be something like this for the top 13:

1. Detroit - Matt Stafford, QB
2. St. Louis - Jason Smith, OT
3. Cleveland (swap with KC for a #2) - Aaron Curry, LB
4. Seattle - Matt Stafford, QB
5. KC - Eugene Monroe, OT
6. Cincy - Michael Crabtree, WR (especially if they move Ocho Cinco)
7. Oakland - Darius Heyward-Bey, WR (Mayock's current pick, as Al Davis loves speed; I had this in my 3/15 mock)
8. Jacksonville - Jeremy Maclin, WR
9. Green Bay - Brian Orapko, DE/OLB
10. SF - Michael Oher, OT
11. Buffalo - Everette Brown, DE
12. Denver - Malcolm Jenkins, CB
13. Washington -Andre Smith, OT

With the Jets and TB needing a QB and Josh Freeman still available, with Tyson Jackson and Rey Maualuga still on the board for Denver and San Diego, and with New Orleans looking to trade back, there would be a lot of room to move up to 14, 16, or possibly even 18.

Mike Lombardi who served under Davis says Davis will pick a O or D lineman first. That is the Davis though process.
DW Toys

 

[mayoclinic]

Mike Lombardi who served under Davis says Davis will pick a O or D lineman first. That is the Davis though process.
DW Toys

I know Lombardi said that, but Al Davis and "thought process" is something of an oxymoron. Mayock thinks Al Davis could well take a WR. Who knows what Crazy Al will do.

 

[bucky]

1. "Among the reasons the Patriots haven’t made much headway in extension negotiations with their top-tier veteran talent scheduled to hit free agency after next season — headlined by NT Vince Wilfork and DE Richard Seymour — is the pulsating uncertainty of how their draft class will shape up. With 11 picks total and nowhere near that many roster spots available, New England may very well be the biggest X-factor in the draft from a wheeling-and-dealing standpoint. Without knowing how much money they’ll be sinking into their draft crop, they currently lack a suitable foundation of knowledge with which to work on extensions. Word out of Foxborough is that the team is spending far more time and resources scouting and hosting the defensive draft prospects than those on the offensive side. In addition to Wilfork and Seymour, top reserve DE Jarvis Green, who’s coming off a subpar 2008 campaign, is also slated to hit free agency in 2010."

I've never been a big fan of these guys' rumor mill. But this particular paragraph sounds very weak to me. Not knowing how much money they'll be spending on the draft crop? Come on. Are they talking about the Patriots' front office or some stand-alone HS coach with barely a HS diploma.

 

[patchick]

Just a wild ass guess / opinion. Koppen is a good example, except Koppen signed the extension in his free agent year. For Wilfork I believe the time to strike was last year.

But Koppen wasn't scheduled to be a UFA in the uncapped year. Around the league, few premium players due up in 2010 have extended.

 

[cstjohn17]

But Koppen wasn't scheduled to be a UFA in the uncapped year. Around the league, few premium players due up in 2010 have extended.

The ship has sailed, Wilfork will become a free agent, quite possibly franchised. The time to strike was before the 2008 season.

 

[patchick]

The time to strike was before the 2008 season.

But again, can you find any top-tier players scheduled to be FAs in 2010 who reupped back then? This conversation has come up on the boards before, and the only examples that anybody could point to were players due to be caught up in the extended RFA period in 2010. So I see no reason at all to assume that Wilfork would have been interested in an extension in 2008. Remember, this isn't a case of a 6th-rounder who'd be tempted to exchange some long-term contract upside for the guarantee of at least one big payday. Wilfork's rookie deal was for $18 million, so he can afford to wait and try to hit the 2010 jackpot.

 

[BelichickFan]

I've never been a big fan of these guys' rumor mill. But this particular paragraph sounds very weak to me. Not knowing how much money they'll be spending on the draft crop?

I have a feeling what they probably meant is the Patriots want to see what replacements they draft to potentially replace big money contracts. They didn't say that but it's what makes sense. In other words, were we to get Raji then the need to sign Wilfork to a monster contract is reduced. Same with, say, Gilbert or Jackson as it relates to Seymour or a Guard with Mankins.