I Have Belichick Fever

[mgteich]

As I look at the first couple of picks in the draft, I don't see us using one of those picks for a linebacker. Lots of positions might be solidified by a high pick: DE, NT, OG, RB or even TE (if Watson isn't re-signed).

For Belichick, the place to secure upgrades at OLB is where it has always been, in free agency. I tend to agree. Of course, I am always fine is making developmental picks like Crable and McKenzie.

Belichick brought in Banta-Cain, Burgess and Ninkovich this year. We all wanted more. The fault is that better quality wasn't brought in. If Burgess has worked out, Belichick would have made the correct decisions, but of course we'd still be whining.
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Looking back, we all wanted Matthews at 26, the last of the top OLB's. I am guilty of that kind of thinking, as most of us are.

Using a top pick for a 3-4 passrusher is a very risky proposition. Perhaps free agency is indeed the best option.
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BOTTOM LINE
My bottom line for the draft is that I would like to come out of the draft having solidified the lines. The 2010 draft looks to 2011 where we will have no guards and will need to replace Wilfork and Green. And we may even need to replace Watson.

 

[Metaphors]

Looking back, we all wanted Matthews at 26, the last of the top OLB's. I am guilty of that kind of thinking, as most of us are.

I wasn't sold on Matthews in April and I'm still not. He just flies upfield with his hair on fire most of the time. While that is fine against suspect OT's and QB's who sit in the pocket too long, it just makes him too easy to scheme against. He is a one-trick pony, but that trick makes him all bright and shiny. Look beyond that and there isn't much there.

BOTTOM LINE
My bottom line for the draft is that I would like to come out of the draft having solidified the lines. The 2010 draft looks to 2011 where we will have no guards and will need to replace Wilfork and Green. And we may even need to replace Watson.

Absolutely agree for a Seymour replacement at DE. Also agree on OG if Mankins is allowed to walk. The other positions seem to be set for now (Wilfork isn't going anywhere...I used my one Xmas wish on getting him extended). That still leaves 2 day two (is that what we call the 2nd round now?) picks for the other needs.

Speaking of OG, I knew nothing about Iupati coming into the bowl game, but he is nasty. He doesn't block...he erases. Can't tell how his pass protection will translate but I'll be fine if he ends up on the Pats roster in 2010.

 

[mgteich]

We need a top guard even if Mankins is extended.

 

[Metaphors]

We need a top guard even if Mankins is extended.

Assuming that a salary cap is part of the next CBA, I'm not sure how you can afford 2 expensive guards. Besides, I'm assuming there are reasons they drafted Ohrnberger and are keeping Connolly around. Even Neal could still be in the mix though it does seem like he is breaking down.

 

[mgteich]

A guard drafted at the end of the first or the beginning of the second would not be an expensive guard.

Assuming that a salary cap is part of the next CBA, I'm not sure how you can afford 2 expensive guards. Besides, I'm assuming there are reasons they drafted Ohrnberger and are keeping Connolly around. Even Neal could still be in the mix though it does seem like he is breaking down.

 

[The Coon]

Mike Iupati would be worth every penny if selected

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

As I look at the first couple of picks in the draft, I don't see us using one of those picks for a linebacker. Lots of positions might be solidified by a high pick: DE, NT, OG, RB or even TE (if Watson isn't re-signed).

For Belichick, the place to secure upgrades at OLB is where it has always been, in free agency. I tend to agree. Of course, I am always fine is making developmental picks like Crable and McKenzie.

Belichick brought in Banta-Cain, Burgess and Ninkovich this year. We all wanted more. The fault is that better quality wasn't brought in. If Burgess has worked out, Belichick would have made the correct decisions, but of course we'd still be whining.
=======================================================

Looking back, we all wanted Matthews at 26, the last of the top OLB's. I am guilty of that kind of thinking, as most of us are.

Using a top pick for a 3-4 passrusher is a very risky proposition. Perhaps free agency is indeed the best option.
==========================

BOTTOM LINE
My bottom line for the draft is that I would like to come out of the draft having solidified the lines. The 2010 draft looks to 2011 where we will have no guards and will need to replace Wilfork and Green. And we may even need to replace Watson.

I would have to agree with going the FA route to find a good OLB who can play for us. It has always been a tough position to draft as many teams do not play the 3-4 in college. The possibility of a trade is out there as well with three second round picks and a two firsts in 2011.

As for Mathews I never was on his bandwagon as I thought he needed more reps of football under his belt but shows how much I know because he has like 11 sacks and did not get his shot until mid Oct I think. That is very impressive feat for a rookie, even with that hair.

 

[OldNEPatsFan]

There are plenty of good OLB's available in this draft, the problem is Bill doesn't know how to find them.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

There are plenty of good OLB's available in this draft, the problem is Bill doesn't know how to find them.

The problem is us trying to understand how BB grades them. What is he looking for? What does he expect? That is the missing piece of the puzzle.