"Draft Redux" - Don Banks

[TriplecHamp]

Michael Oher to Lions, Percy Harvin to Chiefs - Don Banks - SI.com

Don Banks reprojects the first round based on performances so far. A few notables...

Jacksonville Jaguars (Original pick: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia)
RE-DO PICK: SEBASTIAN VOLLMER, OT, HOUSTON
The Jaguars have started their two rookie offensive tackles, Monroe and second-rounder Eben Britton, for most of the season, and both have had their highs and lows. But Vollmer, the 58th overall pick, has been one of the draft's bigger surprises, starting 11 games and playing well enough at left tackle to probably end Matt Light's tenure in New England in the near future. All you really need to know is that Bill Belichick clearly trusts Vollmer to protect Tom Brady's blind side.

Kansas City Chiefs (Original pick: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU)
RE-DO PICK: PERCY HARVIN, WR-KR, FLORIDA
With six receiving touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns, and 13 plays from scrimmage of at least 20 yards, Harvin has been the league's most electrifying rookie play-maker. The Chiefs could sure have used a jolt of offense from their rookie class. They've scored 16 points or fewer in nine of 13 games this season, and their offense ranks 30th overall in yards (272.4), and 28th in points (15.8).

New York Giants (Original pick: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina)
RE-DO PICK: LOUIS MURPHY, WR, FLORIDA
Without Hicks to nab at No. 29, the G-Men would have some good choices between Murphy, the fourth-round pick of the Raiders, Mike Wallace, who went in the third round to Pittsburgh, and Johnny Knox, the speedster who Chicago took in the fifth round. We opted for Murphy, because he's a big receiver who seems to have a knack for coming up with the clutch catch. Just ask the Steelers.

Hmm looks like a couple of FLORIDA wideouts that nobody wanted to touch are in there along with a couple of SC Backers.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I personally think these redo drafts are pretty stupid, especially this early. But I also think Sebastian Vollmer will end up being the best pick out of the entire draft.

 

[letekro]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

Michael Oher to Lions, Percy Harvin to Chiefs - Don Banks - SI.com

Don Banks reprojects the first round based on performances so far. A few notables...







Hmm looks like a couple of FLORIDA wideouts that nobody wanted to touch are in there along with a couple of SC Backers.

Belichick would've taken the envelope himself to pick Harvin if the Vikes didn't snatch him away.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I mention in my column all of Belichick's mistakes since 2006. This year was no different.

There were 3 impact LB's available when the Pats drafted. Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Matthews. Matthews was NFL pedigree and a pass rusher. We also passed on Michael Oher and probably could have traded up to get a Harvin.

Nope, the genius took Pat Chung (9 snaps Sunday), Ron Brace (0 snaps Sunday or any Sunday) Darius Butler (a project) and Vollmer solid. 1-4. That's pretty much Bill's average lately.

Parcells a superior drafter took Vontae Davis over Butler. The Pats had to trade out to save the Krafts some Patriot Place Money.

The Pats could have had Oher, Matthews, Laurenaitis, Butler

Davis, Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Vollmer

Or Davis, Laurenaitis, Butler, Vollmer.

Bill has ruined this team. Go get some Value bill, by the way that #1 pick they have in 2011. They'll screw it up.

The Last Night of The Patriots Dynasty | Bleacher Report

Are you as bitter and dumb as you sound? Let's make judgments based on 3/4 of a season. And who the heck are are "Laurenaitis" and "Melanagua"?

I thought Michael Oher and Vontae Davis were terrible fits for the Pats. I'll take Sebastian Vollmer and Darius Butler anyday. We could have taken Darius Butler at 23 and no one would have made a peep at the time. And he was every bit as developed a prospect as Vontae Davis - the Pats just tend to bring rookies along more slowly than other teams. Play him more, and he'll perform just as well if not better than Davis, who has great athleticism but isn't the sharpest tack in the box (nor is Oher, for that matter - see a trend here?).

Sure, BB's made some mistakes, but who hasn't? I would have loved to have taken some LBs, and said so at the time. Laurinaitis and Maualuga lasted to the 2nd round, so I don't think they were unanimously viewed as "impact" LBs. Opinion was highly divided about Matthews, who had only 1 year starting experience and who had bulked up considerably. In retrospect, Matthews would have been a great pick. But to say "Bill has ruined this team" is just ridiculous. The Pats have one of the better draft records in the NFL over his tenure, and while he's clearly made mistakes, he's also made some of the best moves in the draft. Vollmer may end up being one of the best picks in the entire 2009 draft.

The Browns, Rams, Lions and Raiders are in need of fans, if you think that BB has "ruined" the Patriots.

 

[slash83]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I personally think these redo drafts are pretty stupid, especially this early. But I also think Sebastian Vollmer will end up being the best pick out of the entire draft.

If your talking tackles wise I agree.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I mention in my column all of Belichick's mistakes since 2006. This year was no different.

There were 3 impact LB's available when the Pats drafted. Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Matthews. Matthews was NFL pedigree and a pass rusher. We also passed on Michael Oher and probably could have traded up to get a Harvin.

Nope, the genius took Pat Chung (9 snaps Sunday), Ron Brace (0 snaps Sunday or any Sunday) Darius Butler (a project) and Vollmer solid. 1-4. That's pretty much Bill's average lately.

Parcells a superior drafter took Vontae Davis over Butler. The Pats had to trade out to save the Krafts some Patriot Place Money.

The Pats could have had Oher, Matthews, Laurenaitis, Butler

Davis, Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Vollmer

Or Davis, Laurenaitis, Butler, Vollmer.

Bill has ruined this team. Go get some Value bill, by the way that #1 pick they have in 2011. They'll screw it up.

The Last Night of The Patriots Dynasty | Bleacher Report

Wow. The Bleacher Report. I'm impressed. It's not like they let just anyone post an "column" there.

I can also show you a list of other teams that passed on any particular player as well.

So it seems as though all GMs in the NFL tend to "screw it up" and fail to draft players that do well on other teams too.

The truth is that drafting is no where near a science, and that drafting in volume is the best way to maximize talent. Other GMs or coaches make mistakes too - but most of them have so much ego tied up in the success of their picks that they'll play guys who don't deserve playing time simply because of where they were drafted, making the team worse but saving face.

Belichick has made his fair share of mistakes but one thing he won't do is play someone who doesn't deserve to be playing - and has no problem cutting someone even if they're drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round if a roster spot is better served by having someone else in it.

In short, you don't seem to have a clue, seemingly using the lack of snaps of certain rookies to illustrate your criticism of Belichick when that's actually a sign of a very wise coach, who recognizes that not every 2nd round player - very few in fact - are ready for prime time in their rookie year.

 

[pats1]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I mention in my column all of Belichick's mistakes since 2006. This year was no different.

There were 3 impact LB's available when the Pats drafted. Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Matthews. Matthews was NFL pedigree and a pass rusher. We also passed on Michael Oher and probably could have traded up to get a Harvin.

Nope, the genius took Pat Chung (9 snaps Sunday), Ron Brace (0 snaps Sunday or any Sunday) Darius Butler (a project) and Vollmer solid. 1-4. That's pretty much Bill's average lately.

Parcells a superior drafter took Vontae Davis over Butler. The Pats had to trade out to save the Krafts some Patriot Place Money.

The Pats could have had Oher, Matthews, Laurenaitis, Butler

Davis, Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Vollmer

Or Davis, Laurenaitis, Butler, Vollmer.

Bill has ruined this team. Go get some Value bill, by the way that #1 pick they have in 2011. They'll screw it up.

The Last Night of The Patriots Dynasty | Bleacher Report

Melanagua? Laurenaitis? O'Callahan? Antwain? Jerrod? Bryan (Hoyer)? Cassell? Ladamian?

Do you even read what you write, or do you not even bother because you already have zero credibility?

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

If your talking tackles wise I agree.

Potentially all picks, IMHO. If Vollmer ends up being a true franchise pro bowl LT, then to find such a guy at 58 would be as good a pick as any from this draft. Not sure who would be a better value.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

With all the picks the Pats had going into the 2009 draft, I said this was a make or break draft for the BB-Brady era. Although a lot of people are satisfied with their draft class, I feel this class is going to set them back even further. I don't like it at all.

Vollmer and maybe Butler show the most promise. That's about it.

 

[skri65]

With all the picks the Pats had going into the 2009 draft, I said this was a make or break draft for the BB-Brady era. Although a lot of people are satisfied with their draft class, I feel this class is going to set them back even further. I don't like it at all.

Vollmer and maybe Butler show the most promise. That's about it.

Wow, talk about a little short-sighted. We're 13 games through their rookie year. Vollmer has the potential to be an all-pro tackle, butler has potential to be a starter, and pryor was a huge pick as well. Oh, and until Edelman broke his forearm, he was leading rookies in catches. Those are four very valuable picks. It is simply way to early to cast Chung, Brace, and the rest off. Chung, especially. His work ethic is crazy good, and he has Patriots written all over him. It's unfortunate for him he has Merriweather and Mcgowan ahead of him, because with enough playing time, I fully believe Chung will be a solid contributor. I'm very very pleased with this draft so far. Not everyone can be year one stars...compare this draft with some other teams.

 

[letekro]

With all the picks the Pats had going into the 2009 draft, I said this was a make or break draft for the BB-Brady era. Although a lot of people are satisfied with their draft class, I feel this class is going to set them back even further. I don't like it at all.

Vollmer and maybe Butler show the most promise. That's about it.

What up, Bro? Two starters (including our LT for the forseeable future) and three more key contributors (Chung, Pryor, Edelman) not enough for ya? If the past is any indicator, guys that play a lot in NE in year 1 usually turn out to be studs. The jury's still out on Brace and Mckenzie, but the talent is certainly there. Be patient, Bro.

 

[skri65]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

I mention in my column all of Belichick's mistakes since 2006. This year was no different.

There were 3 impact LB's available when the Pats drafted. Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Matthews. Matthews was NFL pedigree and a pass rusher. We also passed on Michael Oher and probably could have traded up to get a Harvin.

Nope, the genius took Pat Chung (9 snaps Sunday), Ron Brace (0 snaps Sunday or any Sunday) Darius Butler (a project) and Vollmer solid. 1-4. That's pretty much Bill's average lately.

Parcells a superior drafter took Vontae Davis over Butler. The Pats had to trade out to save the Krafts some Patriot Place Money.

The Pats could have had Oher, Matthews, Laurenaitis, Butler

Davis, Laurenaitis, Melanagua, Vollmer

Or Davis, Laurenaitis, Butler, Vollmer.

Bill has ruined this team. Go get some Value bill, by the way that #1 pick they have in 2011. They'll screw it up.

The Last Night of The Patriots Dynasty | Bleacher Report

"Bill has ruined this team."


Wow. Just wow. I don't even know how to respond to that. Ladies and Gentleman, "Bill Belichick has ruined this team."

That might just be one of the funniest things i've ever read on this board.
:singing::singing::singing::singing:

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: "Draft Redux"-Don Banks

"Bill has ruined this team."

Wow. Just wow. I don't even know how to respond to that. Ladies and Gentleman, "Bill Belichick has ruined this team."

That might just be one of the dumbest things i've ever read on this board.
:singing::singing::singing::singing:

Fixed it for you.

 

[skri65]

Wow, you guys are the Patriot suck up and Kool Aid drinkers that people make fun of. Regardless of spelling. James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga were All-Americans as was Clay Matthews. The Patriots have failed miserably in the draft the last 4 years, that's why they are struggling now.

2006 - Maroney and Jackson
2007 - Merriweather
2008 - Mayo and Wheatley
2009 - Chung and Brace

Not one impact player there and that include Mayo who has struggled all year.

Who did they pass up on .

2006 - Maurice Jones-Drew or DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings taken in the pick slot the Patriots traded
2007 - Jon Beason, taken one pick after Merriweather
2008 - Leodis McKelvin and pick forfeited or Kevin Smith
2009 - Michael Oher, James L. Rey M. Clay Matthews Jr. Vontae Davis

And whoever said Davis doesn't fit the system should not post about football. Parcells drafted him, its the same system.

Try the Cherry Kool-Aid, its the best.

Please revert to your former point and back it up. In case you didn't remember, it was "Bill Belichick has ruined this team." GO!

 

[skri65]

Wow, you guys are the Patriot suck up and Kool Aid drinkers that people make fun of. Regardless of spelling. James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga were All-Americans as was Clay Matthews. The Patriots have failed miserably in the draft the last 4 years, that's why they are struggling now.

2006 - Maroney and Jackson
2007 - Merriweather
2008 - Mayo and Wheatley
2009 - Chung and Brace

Not one impact player there and that include Mayo who has struggled all year.

Who did they pass up on .

2006 - Maurice Jones-Drew or DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings taken in the pick slot the Patriots traded
2007 - Jon Beason, taken one pick after Merriweather
2008 - Leodis McKelvin and pick forfeited or Kevin Smith
2009 - Michael Oher, James L. Rey M. Clay Matthews Jr. Vontae Davis

And whoever said Davis doesn't fit the system should not post about football. Parcells drafted him, its the same system.

Try the Cherry Kool-Aid, its the best.

Wow, your absurdity continues. You are now arguing that Mayo was a bust. WOW. This gets better and better.

GEDDIE72: DUDE, MAYO WAS DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR LAST YEAR. HE TORE HIS MCL THIS YEAR AND THUS IS PLAYING WITH A SIGNIFICANT INJURY. GIVE ME A BREAK. YOU ARE MAKING A FOOL OF YOURSELF BY SAYING THAT HE IS A BUST.

 

[mayoclinic]

Wow, you guys are the Patriot suck up and Kool Aid drinkers that people make fun of. Regardless of spelling. James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga were All-Americans as was Clay Matthews. The Patriots have failed miserably in the draft the last 4 years, that's why they are struggling now.

2006 - Maroney and Jackson
2007 - Merriweather
2008 - Mayo and Wheatley
2009 - Chung and Brace

Not one impact player there and that include Mayo who has struggled all year.

Who did they pass up on .

2006 - Maurice Jones-Drew or DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings taken in the pick slot the Patriots traded
2007 - Jon Beason, taken one pick after Merriweather
2008 - Leodis McKelvin and pick forfeited or Kevin Smith
2009 - Michael Oher, James L. Rey M. Clay Matthews Jr. Vontae Davis

And whoever said Davis doesn't fit the system should not post about football. Parcells drafted him, its the same system.

Try the Cherry Kool-Aid, its the best.

As far as drinking "kool-aid" goes, here's my thoughts on some of your alternatives:

2006 - I wanted DeAngelo Williams over Maroney at RB, and Greg Jennings over Chad Jackson at WR. I agree with you (though I don't think LoMo has been a bust), and think that 2006 was by far BB's worst draft of the decade. We missed out on lots of other guys - RB Maurice Jones-Drew, CB Richard Marshall, TE Owen Daniels, WR Bandon Marshall, RT Willie Colon, DE/OLB Elvis Dumervil, etc. No argument.

2007 - we didn't get anything from the late round picks. I liked Jon Beason and would have been fine with him, but we needed safety help more and Meriweather has been a solid player. He was our best defender for most of this season. Beason has been a stud for Carolina, but I think he's more of a 4-3 MLB than a 3-4 ILB.

2008 - Mayo was a home run. He's been injured this year, but has still been productive. Leodis McKelvin hasn't done squat. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Ryan Clady would have been great alternatives, but I'm fine with Mayo. The 31 pick was taken away from us, so that's crying over spilt milk. Wheatley (62), Crable (78) and Kevin O'Connell (94) have been major disappointments so far.

2009 - too early to tell. As I said earlier, I'll take Vollmer over Oher for us, and Butler over Vontae Davis any day. I would have been happy with some LBs in the first 2 rounds, including but not limited to the guys you mention.

If that's drinking cool-aid, I'll try the cherry.

 

[jays52]

Wow, you guys are the Patriot suck up and Kool Aid drinkers that people make fun of. Regardless of spelling. James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga were All-Americans as was Clay Matthews. The Patriots have failed miserably in the draft the last 4 years, that's why they are struggling now.

2006 - Maroney and Jackson
2007 - Merriweather
2008 - Mayo and Wheatley
2009 - Chung and Brace

Not one impact player there and that include Mayo who has struggled all year.

Who did they pass up on .

2006 - Maurice Jones-Drew or DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings taken in the pick slot the Patriots traded
2007 - Jon Beason, taken one pick after Merriweather
2008 - Leodis McKelvin and pick forfeited or Kevin Smith
2009 - Michael Oher, James L. Rey M. Clay Matthews Jr. Vontae Davis

And whoever said Davis doesn't fit the system should not post about football. Parcells drafted him, its the same system.

Try the Cherry Kool-Aid, its the best.

I love you, sweetheart. You're a riot!

You know what's the best? That you call out people for citing system when you point out multiple poor system fits. Jon Beason? Cover-2 Mike. Michael Oher? Not a screen nor open field tackle. Son of Animal? Last block he saw had different colored numbers written on each side. Maualuga? Ever see what happens when a guard touches him? Ever see Clay Matthews' Son in check-based coverage?

Interesting perspective on Chung, especially considering the safety play NE has had this year. Can you even name the starters? Wanna talk about the future leader of the NE secondary? Number 25, pal. Work ethic, rare hips and explosion, he's also becoming a pretty proficient blitzer.

Let's make a deal, bud. How about we keep drinking our well educated kool-aid while you can take your community college remedial english and head back to the bleacher report. Full sets of chromosomes are required to post here.

 

[pats1]

Wow, you guys are the Patriot suck up and Kool Aid drinkers that people make fun of. Regardless of spelling. James Laurinaitis and Rey Maualuga were All-Americans as was Clay Matthews. The Patriots have failed miserably in the draft the last 4 years, that's why they are struggling now.

2006 - Maroney and Jackson
2007 - Merriweather
2008 - Mayo and Wheatley
2009 - Chung and Brace

Not one impact player there and that include Mayo who has struggled all year.

Who did they pass up on .

2006 - Maurice Jones-Drew or DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings taken in the pick slot the Patriots traded
2007 - Jon Beason, taken one pick after Merriweather
2008 - Leodis McKelvin and pick forfeited or Kevin Smith
2009 - Michael Oher, James L. Rey M. Clay Matthews Jr. Vontae Davis

And whoever said Davis doesn't fit the system should not post about football. Parcells drafted him, its the same system.

Try the Cherry Kool-Aid, its the best.

"Merriweather?"

Are you even trying to spell names correctly?

 

[mayoclinic]

I love you, sweetheart. You're a riot!

You know what's the best? That you call out people for citing system when you point out multiple poor system fits. Jon Beason? Cover-2 Mike. Michael Oher? Not a screen nor open field tackle. Son of Animal? Last block he saw had different colored numbers written on each side. Maualuga? Ever see what happens when a guard touches him? Ever see Clay Matthews' Son in check-based coverage?

Interesting perspective on Chung, especially considering the safety play NE has had this year. Can you even name the starters? Wanna talk about the future leader of the NE secondary? Number 25, pal. Work ethic, rare hips and explosion, he's also becoming a pretty proficient blitzer.

Let's make a deal, bud. How about we keep drinking our well educated kool-aid while you can take your community college remedial english and head back to the bleacher report. Full sets of chromosomes are required to post here.

Where the heck have you been? I've missed you. See what kind of drivel we have to read on this board when you don't post?

 

[jays52]

Where the heck have you been? I've missed you. See what kind of drivel we have to read on this board when you don't post?

Haha! I've been around my friend, I've been around. Traveling quite a bit lately, finally back home for a bit. Few fishing trips, few work related things. I need to start checking out some college prospects so I can get after it on the draft board with you!