Is it time to draft offense early?

[Bobs My Uncle]

The last 3 drafts the Pats have used their early picks almost exclusively (Vollmer excepted) on defense. Is it time to start focusing on offense?

Year	No.	Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College

2009	1	2	2	34	Patrick Chung	DB	Oregon
 	2	2	8	40	Ron Brace	DT	Boston College
 	3	2	9	41	Darius Butler	DB	Connecticut
 	4	2	26	58	Seb Vollmer	 T	Houston

2008	1	1	10	10	Jerod Mayo	LB	Tennessee
 	2	2	31	62	T Wheatley      DB	Colorado
 	3	3	15	78	Shawn Crable	LB	Michigan
 	
2007	1	1	24	24	B Meriweather	DB	Miami (FL)

 

[s.t.e.n.d.e.c]

The last 3 drafts the Pats have used their early picks almost exclusively (Vollmer excepted) on defense. Is it time to start focusing on offense?

Year	No.	Round	Pick	Player	Name	Position	College

2009	1	2	2	34	Patrick Chung	DB	Oregon
 	2	2	8	40	Ron Brace	DT	Boston College
 	3	2	9	41	Darius Butler	DB	Connecticut
 	4	2	26	58	Seb Vollmer	 T	Houston

2008	1	1	10	10	Jerod Mayo	LB	Tennessee
 	2	2	31	62	T Wheatley      DB	Colorado
 	3	3	15	78	Shawn Crable	LB	Michigan
 	
2007	1	1	24	24	B Meriweather	DB	Miami (FL)

No imo the pats should pick a pass rusher if they don't get one in FA.

 

[Jimke]

The Patriots have holes on both offense and defense. They

probably have to draft the best player available and fill as many

holes as possible.

 

[BelichickFan]

Unfortunately we still appear to need :

1 DE
1 NT (unless Wilfork signs long term)
2 OLB (I'm reluctantly saying McKenzie and/or Guyton can suffice at ILB)

I think we can get by at CB and I hope Meriweather/Chung can be our Safety duo.

Thankfully we have 4 early picks but unless Crable rises from the dead and a mystery man appears to fill the other OLB and DE slots, I think we need to be looking at a 50-50 split on offense and defense.

 

[Jimke]

Unfortunately we still appear to need :

1 DE
1 NT (unless Wilfork signs long term)
2 OLB (I'm reluctantly saying McKenzie and/or Guyton can suffice at ILB)

I think we can get by at CB and I hope Meriweather/Chung can be our Safety duo.

Thankfully we have 4 early picks but unless Crable rises from the dead and a mystery man appears to fill the other OLB and DE slots, I think we need to be looking at a 50-50 split on offense and defense.

If Bodden leaves, you have to add cornerback to the above. This
would use up our 4 top draft picks.

 

[Relentless649]

It definitely is time to take offense early. What we currently have on our roster simply isnt good enough anymore because our defense isnt what it once was.

 

[upstater1]

I would draft like so:

DE
WR
OLB
WR
DE
OLB
WR

Unless a guy like McClain at ILB is available at the top.

In addition to replacing Jarvis Green, the team needs a backup for that DE position, a guy other than Pryor who can eventually step in for Warren (maybe that guy is Pryor).

So, 1 or 2 DEs, a couple of OLBs to take over on early downs from Adalius and Tully (a kid like Eric Norwood, for instance).

As for offense, yes I know we need guards and/or centers, but our pass rush and passing game are bigger concerns.

The idea that the Patriots are going to go back to a power running game in today's NFL when Brady is their QB and their OL is still viable? I'm not buying it. It makes more sense to run a 1 back 3 WR offense and/or 4 WRs but this time, when you spread the field, hopefully two of your receivers aren't Sammy Morris and Sam Aiken.

That's why they should draft 2 WRs in a draft loaded with them. Keep Moss, but don't rely on him.

 

[mayoclinic]

It's time to draft both offense and defense early. We need playmakers on both sides of the ball. Ideally, an OG and an offensive playmaker with 2 of our top 4 picks, and defensive playmakers with the other 2 picks.

 

[mgteich]

WE NEED YOUNG OFFENSIVE PLAYERS!

We always need playmakers on both sides of the ball. The fact remains that the offense will not be maintained and get better if we draft 7 defensive players and 1 offensive player over three years and then make it 2 and 2 for a couple of years to make up.

The offense needs a srarting quality guard or two, two wide receivers, a starting quality running back or two, a starting quality tight end, a developmental quarterback, and a developmental OT. The offensive cupboard is bare.

We have lots of young defensive players.

I agree that we should draft ONE defensive player early: a 3-4 DL. The early draft is the place to find such players, and we need to replace Green and Seymour. We have Brace and Pryor, but we need one more.
========================

We do need a corner and an impact OLB or two. Well, then we need to find them in free agency.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

We definitely need some playmakers on offense, either via the draft or free agency.

I think we need a physical #2 WR to go across from Moss. Aiken doesn't suffice. Edelman can slide into the slot for the Welker routes.

When I look at this team we don't have a physical WR who will go over the middle in the intermediate passing game and make the 7-15 yard catches. Moss isn't physical and doesn't like to go over the middle, and Edelman/Welker are at their best when they are running quick little 5 yard option routes and such.

I want a guy comparable to Anquan Boldin who is a tough, physical presence and operates over the middle of the field and will put his body on the line to make the catch.

Marshall is definitely a guy that fits that profile, but I don't see us adding him.

 

[WhiZa]

When you consider we only have 2 starters out of 8 on this team, I think anything is possible.

 

[Taxed in Maine]

WE NEED YOUNG OFFENSIVE PLAYERS!

I agree that we should draft ONE defensive player early: a 3-4 DL. The early draft is the place to find such players, and we need to replace Green and Seymour. We have Brace and Pryor, but we need one more.
I completely Agree with this, a RDE needs to be the #1 priority. But on the O side I think you have gone a little overboard
========================
We always need playmakers on both sides of the ball. The fact remains that the offense will not be maintained and get better if we draft 7 defensive players and 1 offensive player over three years and then make it 2 and 2 for a couple of years to make up.

The offense needs a srarting quality guard or two, -Neal is a FA, possibly retire, they resign Mankins, a second round OG could fill that spot well.

Two wide receivers, -still don't know what they have in Tate, a 2nd/3rd rounder could fill that hole also.

a starting quality running back or two, -I doubt it is going to be two RB. I could see Marony being let go Morris Faulk & Taylor staying and a youngster being drafted. AND bringing in a real FB. One of the best piece players was Heath Evans, letting him go was a mistake.

a starting quality tight end, Why? they wouldn't utilize him anyway.

a developmental quarterback, Hoyer?

a developmental OT. With four experienced OTs signed I doubt it would be much more than a late round PS type guy.

The offensive cupboard is bare.

We have lots of young defensive players.

We do need a corner and an impact OLB or two. Well, then we need to find them in free agency.

My thought in blue.

 

[carolinatony]

Unfortunately we still appear to need :

1 DE
1 NT (unless Wilfork signs long term)
2 OLB (I'm reluctantly saying McKenzie and/or Guyton can suffice at ILB)

I think we can get by at CB and I hope Meriweather/Chung can be our Safety duo.

Thankfully we have 4 early picks but unless Crable rises from the dead and a mystery man appears to fill the other OLB and DE slots, I think we need to be looking at a 50-50 split on offense and defense.

I agree with you but would add OG as a big need as well.
Wr needs to be addressed now that Wes will miss at least 1/2 the year. A true #1 RB would help so maybe we can pick up a FA WR and grab C.J. Spiller.

 

[mgteich]

or significant free agency money. The place to find corners and OLB's who will contribute in 2010 is in free agency. We have enough young inexperienced corners.

If Bodden leaves, you have to add cornerback to the above. This
would use up our 4 top draft picks.

 

[Jimke]

or significant free agency money. The place to find corners and OLB's who will contribute in 2010 is in free agency. We have enough young inexperienced corners.

The only problem is that BB seems reluctant to spend significant

free agency money. If he does, he will re-sign Bodden.

 

[mgteich]

I do think Belichick that Belichick is much more likely to spend money on our own free agent than on those from other teams. Also, there are certain positions that Belichick seems to willing to sign in free agency: CB, OLB and WR.

The key will be how many of our own free agents are re-signed. Not signing any of the following creates an immediate hole. Of course, we will know this before free agency formally starts.

Wilfork
Mankins
Faulk
Watson
Bodden
Banta-Cain
Burgess
Green

In any case, we need wide receivers, a DE and an OG.

The only problem is that BB seems reluctant to spend significant

free agency money. If he does, he will re-sign Bodden.

 

[TealSox]

Obviously I don't think it is fair to look at the Patriots' last few drafts and say that the offensive has been neglected in the off season. While it might be neglected in the draft, the Patriots have addressed most of their pressing needs via trade and slightly via free agency.

2009:
Chris Baker TE
Joey Galloway WR
Fred Taylor RB
***drafted Vollmer OT

2008:
Lamont Jordan RB

2007:
Kelley Washington WR
Donte' Stallworth WR
Sammy Morris RB
Wes Welker WR (via trade)
Randy Moss WR (via trade)

2006:
Jabar Gafney WR
Reche Caldwell WR
***drafted Maroney RB, Thomas TE, Chad Jackson WR (fail!)

I haven't given it too much thought, but I feel as if this might be the last year the Pats focus on defense. As it was said before, this defense is having to replace a lot of talent, such as Seymour, Bruschi, Vrabel, Harrison, (to an extent) Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson.

If Darius Butler, Terrance Wheatley, Patrick Chung, Brandon Merriweather and Jonathan Wilhite could replace Law, Samuel, Gay, Harrison and Wilson, the Pats wouldn't have to draft help at in the secondary. Unfortunately, it takes time and the time that has passed doesn't offer much "immediate" hope. I do think that the focus on the secondary and the talent acquired makes it less a priority (as long as Bodden re-ups).

And I think we can agree that Pryor can't replace Seymour in a year or two... as well as Mayo and Guyton replacing Vrabel and Bruschi in a matter of a year. Thomas and Burgess weren't immediate impacts on this defense and if they draft OLBs, it is evident that they are looking for more from that position (as I think we all are).

All said, the offensive line needs help after Vollmer, Koppen and Mankins. I can't speak for Nick Kazcur, as I haven't watched closely.

Tight end is not a need, as long as they have a veteran that can block and occasionally catch a pass in the red zone.

Running back is a committee of back ups, with no "Frank Gore" or "Adrian Peterson". I don't know if this offense allows or requires a #1 RB, but I would love to have one.

 

[mgteich]

I agree that in 2007, the FO helped the offense alot through free agency and trades. The result was awesome! In 2008, they got Jordan, period. In 2009, Vollmer, Edelman (lucky) and Baker were fine additions. And, yes, we signed a veteran running back almost every year, which is fine with me. HOWEVER, the needs on offense are great.

I also think that the offense HAS BEEN one of the best in the league. We won't be saying that in 2010 without significant help, much as in 2007.
------------------------------------------------
QB Are we set with Hoyer as the backup? Just a couple of years ago Belichick thought that the need was so great that he used a 3rd (and busted). I expect that we need better than Stanback as our #3, if Hoyer is #2.
--------------------------------------
WR We have Moss for 2010 and we have Edelman. We HOPE that Welker will be somewhere close to where he was when comes back, likey to replace Moss on the active roster for the 2011 season. Tate coming back strong would be a bonus, but is unlikely.

It usually takes a year of part time play for a wide receiver to develop. Alsd, our staff seems to have trouble coaching up veterans to understand our offense.

The bottom line is as we look at 2010 or 2011, we have 2 receivers, and need at least two more.
----------------------------------
RB We have Maroney and three aged running backs for 2010. All are in their last year. Green-Ellis just gets splinters. We have no solid returner or playmaker. We need more.
-----------------------------------
TE We have Baker who is a solid #2 TE. We need a #1 to replace Watson. We also could use a #3 blocking TE. I have no clue what Belichick thinks would have happened if Baker or Watson were injured during the 2009 season. We used to carry FOUR TE's, in case of injury, with one on the Practice Squad (or sometimes on speed dial)
-------------------------------------
OL Koppen is signed through 2011, and is OK when there are solid healthy OG's next to him. Light will likely leave after the 2010 season, so we could bring in a developmental OT, but only if he also played guard. I am in the minority who who like to see Light extended to either play LT or LG in 2011.

I really hope that we give Mankins pretty much what he wants and extend him. He is the rock of the OL. If not, we have a need for three interior linemen. I expect one or two of the roster slots would be filled by Ohrnberger, Bussey, Connolly or Wendell. None of these players give me any confidence.

COACHING
We need to add an experienced coach on the offensive staff. The sataff needs help indeveloping the playbook, developing game schemes, in making in-game adjustments and in playcalling. At present we have no OC. Someone could be promoted to that position or we could bring in an OC. In any case, one more coach would help.
=============================
The BOTTOM LINE is that the offense was a TOP FIVE offense in 2009 and needs signifcant help if we expect it to repeat. Since we all agree that there were needs and issues even in the performance of the 2009 offense, a major influx is what is needed, as in 2007.

Obviously I don't think it is fair to look at the Patriots' last few drafts and say that the offensive has been neglected in the off season. While it might be neglected in the draft, the Patriots have addressed most of their pressing needs via trade and slightly via free agency.

2009:
Chris Baker TE
Joey Galloway WR
Fred Taylor RB
***drafted Vollmer OT

2008:
Lamont Jordan RB

2007:
Kelley Washington WR
Donte' Stallworth WR
Sammy Morris RB
Wes Welker WR (via trade)
Randy Moss WR (via trade)

2006:
Jabar Gafney WR
Reche Caldwell WR
***drafted Maroney RB, Thomas TE, Chad Jackson WR (fail!)

I haven't given it too much thought, but I feel as if this might be the last year the Pats focus on defense. As it was said before, this defense is having to replace a lot of talent, such as Seymour, Bruschi, Vrabel, Harrison, (to an extent) Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson.

If Darius Butler, Terrance Wheatley, Patrick Chung, Brandon Merriweather and Jonathan Wilhite could replace Law, Samuel, Gay, Harrison and Wilson, the Pats wouldn't have to draft help at in the secondary. Unfortunately, it takes time and the time that has passed doesn't offer much "immediate" hope. I do think that the focus on the secondary and the talent acquired makes it less a priority (as long as Bodden re-ups).

And I think we can agree that Pryor can't replace Seymour in a year or two... as well as Mayo and Guyton replacing Vrabel and Bruschi in a matter of a year. Thomas and Burgess weren't immediate impacts on this defense and if they draft OLBs, it is evident that they are looking for more from that position (as I think we all are).

All said, the offensive line needs help after Vollmer, Koppen and Mankins. I can't speak for Nick Kazcur, as I haven't watched closely.

Tight end is not a need, as long as they have a veteran that can block and occasionally catch a pass in the red zone.

Running back is a committee of back ups, with no "Frank Gore" or "Adrian Peterson". I don't know if this offense allows or requires a #1 RB, but I would love to have one.