GM for a day

[WaterfallJumper]

Let's take a walk through fantasy-land. Kraft hires you to make all the personnel/scheme decisions this year, with no reservations (all the free agency choices, draft moves, coaching hires, etc). What are the top five or ten (or more) moves you would make? I'm not asking for rational, realistic scenarios of what would conceivably work in NE, given our current philosophy, but rather your own personal preferences for the direction of the club. Feel free to "bend" situations in order to give us favorable results if you'd like; after all, we're all just hopeful amateurs here. Go wild!

- -=- -

Instead of employing a base 3-4, I'd spend a lot of time in various subpackages, particularly the 4-2-5, which I feel could be the best mix of run-stopping and pass-defense. Many of my projected personnel moves are informed by this shift in defensive philosophy. The 3-4 will definitely stick around, though, so the goal is to find players who could fit in either scheme. Ahhh, versatility!

On offense, I want to get away from finesse. Big, mauling lineman, big physical receivers, a downhill running attack (complete with fullback), and the versatility to continue our screens, underneath stuff, and the occasional long-ball.

I want to make aggressive, high-risk/high-reward moves. It's Super Bowl or bust, and I'm tired of ending with a whimper instead of a bang. That means spending some money in free agency and going after guys who've fallen in the draft due to injury or off-the-field concerns. In this scenario, I don't have to be accountable to anyone, really, so let's go all-in.

I'd sign Wilfork to a 4 year, $35 deal with pro-bowl and performance escalators. I think that's a pretty generous deal for a NT, although I'd end up playing him in more of a hybrid 3-tech/0-tech role.I think if he lost 15 pounds, he'd be an explosive inside passrusher, just like he was in college. Unleash the beast.

Next up on my agenda: sign Mankins to a tender and hope a team snaps him up, giving us another 1st rounder. If I'm really greedy, I sign him to the highest tender, but a team would have to be desperate to cough up a 1st and 3rd for a guard, even a two-time pro-bowler.

Tender the Ghost. He should stick around.

Trade Light, Koppen, Springs & Thomas to KC for their two 2nd rounders. They shore up their offensive line with players familiar with Weis and get secondary and passrush help. In addition, they are able to focus on the very best player available in the first, instead of just taking a LT, which they need. We get extra ammo in the sweet spot of the draft.

My most controversial (and admittedly far-fetched) move is to trade Welker for a 2011 1st and 2010 3rd. Yes, he's a great player, but I don't know if he'll ever be the same again, and Edelman gives us almost exactly the same skill set. I think JE will actually be better in a few years, given how good he was as a rookie QB conversion in his first year playing WR. Will a team be willing to give up a 1st for an injured all-pro? I have no idea, but I'd rather take the sure thing than a promising rookie who may or may not pan out. Let some other team enjoy the benefits of the hard-working and irrepressible Welker, who is probably my favorite Patriot because of our similar size and attitude on the field, while we stockpile for the future.

How about another crazy trade? Since I'm in charge, and this is my stupid thread (hah), I'm going to trade Warren, Maroney, and Kaczur to WAS for a 2010 2nd rounder and a conditional 2011 pick (3rd up to a 1st), with provisions based on starting time, performance, and potential pro-bowl appearances. I know that's a lot of value to trade, and I'd originally toyed with the idea of receiving a 1st as compensation, but then I realized that WAS has the 4th overall pick. There's no way they'd trade that for two starters and a role player, even though they're getting quite a lot.

Both sides win out in this trade. With Washington slated to switch to the 3-4. they receive a premier 3-4 end to pair with Hayensworth. On the other side of the ball, we've all heard how enamored Shanahan is with Maroney, and I'd love to see this kid thrive in an environment where they'd use him properly. He's still young, and I think his talent is off the charts. On the offensive line front, Shanahan employs a ZBS, so Kaczur would probably slide right in as a starter at guard or tackle. We get another premium draft pick this year, with the potential of a very good pick next year, as well. (For the sake of this exercise, let's say that we get a fairly high 2011 second round pick for this trade.)

Resign TBC and Burgess to at least one-year deals. Go a step further and prioritize a pass-rusher in free agency. Peppers is the latest obsession, but I'm more than happy to settle for Edwards, Kampman, Taylor, or even Merriman, though none of them are ideal. Still, we need to create competition at the DE/OLB position.

Let Bodden walk, even though he was our most consistent CB last year. His physicality and size was nice, but he did struggle against comeback routes and shiftier receivers. His lack of a closing burst was particularly evident a few times. I think he's a great #2, but he's going to get paid like a #1, and I'm not willing to empty the coffers for him. Besides, I think Butler will be great next year, and with a better pass-rush, even Wilhite should be serviceable.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

(Post too long; broken up to fit on forum)

Draft

Trade one of the second rounders back for a couple thirds and a fifth; maybe Oakland could be persuaded to continue to trade with us so that we can recoup a little something from the Burgess trade.

I'm roughly following these rankings to ensure that I don't give us anyone who's terribly unlikely to be around when we pick. I've definitely been generous to us, but it's my mock, now, ain't it?

1a) OG Mike Iupati - replaces Mankins with someone younger, cheaper, stronger, and potentially better once he improves his technique; his struggle with inside quickness is almost entirely due to not moving his feet and hands in unision, and I think Scar will quickly bring him up to speed. More cost-effective long-term solution than resigning Mankins, and fits in well with my new offensive philosophy of a downhill running attack and versatile passing game.

1b) C Maurkice Pouncey - will start at RG (Neal retires), while the winner of the Ohrnberger/Wendell/Connolly sweepstakes starts at center until Pouncey can learn the line calls. I know a lot of people want to upgrade the defense, but I think we need to start with the OL.

2a) WR Golden Tate - instant playmaker. Tate played in a similar offense to the Patriots' current scheme, and when the #1 guy (Floyd) went out for the year with an injury, he responded by stepping up his game and winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nations best WR (former winners include Engram, Moss, Bryant, Reed, Fitzgerald, Edwards, Johnson, and Crabtree--darn good company, if you ask me). He'll drop a little due to size and route-running concerns, but his uncanny knack for finding soft spots in the zone, coming down with jump balls, and generally making clutch plays makes him too good of value to pass up. I think he's a Percy Harvin/Steve Smith type of player, but thicker/stronger, more consistent, and unbelievably clutch. Oh, and he's also a great return man. Imagine the Tate twins as our punt returner and kick returner. Oh, yeah!

2b) DT Terrence Cody - yes, he's out of shape. Yes, he has major conditioning/technique questions. Yes, he'll need to rotate often Yes, teams will find running up the middle against Cody/Wilfork darn near impossible. I truly believe that with hard work, he can lose 20 - 30 pounds of fat, and add some much-needed muscle over the next two years. We'll need to substitute on the D-line frequently, but that's what Brace and Pryor are for. In this crazy world where Kraft lets me within 1000 yards of the Patriots front office, we're switching to hockey lines on the defense--wholesale substitutions of personnel packages.

2c) DE/OLB Greg Hardy - once considered a top-ten lock, he's dropped considerably due to injury concerns, attitude questions, lack of proper conditioning, and a host of other red flags. Yet when I see interviews with him, or watch him play when he's completely healthy, I get visions of grandeur wherein he becomes the next great pass-rusher in the NFL. He has the ability to flat-out take over a game when he's on: YouTube - Greg Hardy Highlights (Bama Game) for example. Regardless, getting a player of this caliber here is too good an opportunity to pass up.

2d) LB Koa Misi - insanely athletic and versatile, Misi has played tackle, end, and linebacker in college, and has excellent coverage abilities and pass-rushing skills. His time in the trenches has better prepared him for handfighting and stacking and shedding than most LB conversion prospects, and I think he could play inside and out in both a 3-4 and a 4-2-5. TBC 2.0, with more upside and position versatility, as well as better against the run.

2e) WR Demaryius Thomas - an aggressive blocker and jump-ball artist extraordinaire, Thomas brings a size and physicality to our receiving corp that we haven't had in years. He's still developing as a route runner, but I've seen him eat up a corner's cushion, force him to open his hips, and then plant his foot in the ground and come back to the QB so fast that he created 5 - 7 yards of separation almost instantly. I'm convinced he has the balance and suddenness to learn how to run excellent routes. He has amazing body control and powerful hands. Occasionally drops balls, but he's a good competitor and still very young. Will only improve.

3a) DE/DT Arthur Jones - one of my favorite prospects this year, Jones plays with tremendous leverage as a former wrestler, and has the ability to hold his own against the double team. He's very powerful, has scheme versatility, and is only available this low because of his injury. Sure-fire first rounder if healthy, in my mind. Exceptional competitor, and exactly the kind of guy I want on my team.

3b) OT Kyle Calloway - a technically sound tackle who should be able to easily leapfrog LaVoir on the depth chart. He's big, smooth, and powerful, with the ability to play both tackle and guard, and I think he's a starter from day one. Will make a nice bookend with Vollmer.

3c) TE Tony Moeaki - everyone's favorite Patriots TE prospect, Moeaki is a great blocker and highly underrated receiver; I think he's the best all-around guy in the draft, though he's not as powerful or fast or flashy as many of the others. Should fit into our scheme nicely. Excellent player.

4) CB Walter Thurmond III - my biggest reach so far, but only because of injury. WTIII was out for most of 09 with a knee injury, but he should be ready to go next year if we PUP him. He's had longer than Tate had to rehab his knee, so I think he may be okay if we take full advantage of the three-week window of opportunity to either active or IR him. He was an ascending star in college football prior to the injury, and in my opinion had more natural talent than either Chung or Bird, his teammates at Oregon who just came off stellar rookie seasons. When I watch him play, I can't help but think he's almost exactly a clone of Darius Butler, but with a little more length and physicality against the run, and better ball skills. He was extremely productive prior to the injury, and clearly improved year to year. Another one of my injury-specials, which dominate this draft since it's make-believe world.

5) LB Danny Batten - terrific motor, above-average coverage skills for a defensive end conversion, and versatility to play inside and out. He played MLB in the Texas vs Nation game, but Box reported that his reads were slow (as you might expect for someone switching positions last minute). In practice, however, reports said that he looked like a natural for the position from a physicality and skill set perspective, so he may be able to pick up the nuances of the position as time goes on. He speed, ability to blow up blockers, non-stop motor, and punishing hits really attract me to Batten, although he'll undoubtedly need a year or two of seasoning. I think he can be a better version of Adalius Thomas with good coaching, although I'm a bit biased.

6) DE/DT Linval Joseph - great size (6'6 #325) and reportedly quite athletic for a bit man, Joseph seems like a good developmental 5-tech who may or may not make the final roster, but should definitely receive consideration for the practice squad. I like his upside.

7a) RB Deji Karim - a short, powerful, shifty runner in the Ray Rice/MJD mold (5'8, #210 4.4). Good balance and agility, excellent vision, and great burst. I think he flies under the radar because of his competition level, but could be the perfect addition to our backfield, which desperately needs an infusion of youth.

7b) RB LaMarcus Coker - a troubled kid who has, by all accounts, really pulled his act together. He was a freshman sensation at Tennessee, and has played fairly well at Hampton since his transfer. Blazing fast, but with surprising bulk for his speed (5'11 #210), he thinks he could outrun Chris Johnson and has been clocked in the 4.2s on campus (for what that's worth). If he's even half or a third as productive as Johnson, I'd be ecstatic.

7comp) FB Rendrick Taylor - another injury special, Taylor has been hurt quite a bit in his college career, but he paved the way for CJ Spiller's illustrious senior year, and has soft hands and surprising agility for such a big, crushing fullback. He's extremely well put together, and it's a shame he's not going to the combine, because he would absolutely blow it up with his jaw-dropping athleticism. Check this out: YouTube - Rendrick Taylor O&W Touchdown I think he's a Le'Ron McClain type of runner, pass-catcher, and blocker at the next level. I'm more than willing to gamble on him in the 7th.

7comp2) OT/OG Ramon Harewood - a native of Barbados, he only started playing football in his late teens, but he's extremely athletic and could be a great developmental guy. Basically another Ducasse, but with rawer technique. He's extremely intelligent and could have surprising upside. Again, I'm willing to gamble on a guy like this with a comp pick.

- -=- -

Well, I've avoided schoolwork long enough. More flights of fancy to follow another time.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Next up on my agenda: sign Mankins to a tender and hope a team snaps him up, giving us another 1st rounder.

. . .

Trade Light, Koppen, Springs & Thomas to KC for their two 2nd rounders.

. . .

My most controversial (and admittedly far-fetched) move is to trade Welker for a 2011 1st and 2010 3rd.

. . .

Since I'm in charge, and this is my stupid thread (hah), I'm going to trade Warren, Maroney, and Kaczur to WAS for a 2010 2nd rounder and a conditional 2011 pick (3rd up to a 1st), with provisions based on starting time, performance, and potential pro-bowl appearances.

I'm not sure which of these monstrosities of a trade is the worst.

After all, all you're doing is trading away the entire friggin' offensive line.

Moreover, one of the big problems this year was supposedly a lack of veteran leadership. How on earth are you going to improve in that area when you have the team drafting almost twenty players?

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Great effort. Obviously you put a lot of time into this post.

I don't think we need that drastic of an overhaul. I think we just need to add a few key guys through the draft and free agency and hit on them, and we should be fine. The young defense should only get better next year if we keep Wilfork and Bodden and add some pieces thru the draft or FA. Welker will be sorely missed but hopefully JEDZ will step in and take over for him. Brady should be better next year. Moss isn't getting any younger, so I definitely think we need to add some guys at WR in 2010 and 2011. I'd like to see us be more dedicated to running the ball as well.

The Ravens game still leaves a very sour taste in our mouths, but this season wasn't that bad. We've been a little spoiled with how much success we've had. We won our division and made the playoffs in a huge transition year on defense. I'm still disappointed with how the season ended and I personally think we underachieved, but it wasn't that terrible of a season where we need to blow everything up.

People seem to forget that we had the team playing for the SB on the ropes in their home stadium, dominating them for most of the game. We just laid an egg vs Baltimore, which is so uncharacteristic of a BB-coached team.

 

[DaBruinz]

No offense, but this is horrible. You started off ok, but once you went to your trading and drafting, your drugs must have kicked in because it's horrible.

Trades:
1) Why would KC want Springs, Thomas and Koppen? Thomas they know is a headache. Koppen isn't better than their current center. Does springs really give them an upgrade on defense?

2) You give away Warren, Maroney and Kaczur to the Redskins and get garbage in return.

3) No one is going to trade for a WR who is coming off ACL/MCL surgery without knowing he's 100%...

Draft Picks:

1) Iupati - over-rated. Was not overly impressive in the Senior Bowl. I don't see him becoming an All-Pro.

1b) Pouncey - The Pats do need an upgrade at center. Not sure if Pouncey does that. Don't agree with the idea of starting him at RG.

2a) Golden Tate - Sorry, but how can you guarantee he'll be an "instant playmaker" when he has Brady throwing to him. We thought that Galloway would do the same thing..> Yet that was a bust.

2b) Terrence Cody - Ok.. So he takes over NT and moves Wilfork to on DE. What about the other side?

2c) Greg Hardy - How many injury risk players do you continue to put your hopes on? I haven't been that impressed by Hardy

2d) Koa Misi - Ok...

2e) Thomas - Ok... Can he play on special teams while he's perfecting his route running?

3a) Jones - Torn Meniscus aren't easy injuries to come back from. Seems like an awful risk on a guy you are expecting to come in and either start immediately or be part of the rotation immediately.

3b) Calloway - so you're expecting him to play at RT immediately..

3c) Tony Moeki - Another guy coming off injuries....

4) Thurmond - Another guy coming off MAJOR injury
5) Batten - Developmental project
6) Linval Joseph - ok
7a) Deji Karim - RB - Is he better than BJGE..
7b) LaMarcus Coker - Is he better than BJGE.. Why take 2?
7Comp) Taylor -
7Comp) Harewood -


Seriously dude..The lack of thought put into your moves is astounding.

 

[billdog3484]

love the effort, but i think an overhaul like this occurs in Playstation in John Madden Football. your scenario is the most ridiculous post ive ever seen. however, i do love how you were able to touch upon almost every possibility. some are far fetched, some are not. but as a whole, woah!!!

 

[WaterfallJumper]

So I probably should have put a bit of a disclaimer at the beginning. Most of these ideas were notes I scribbled in class when the teacher was getting boring--they're purely "what if?" questions, and I had fun putting them together. I figured I'd just type them up here for the heck of it. It's not really something serious--I was just avoiding my schoolwork and fooling around.

You're all correct in saying this would be a terrible idea for the Patriots to actually do. It would throw off the stability of the team and probably fail utterly. No contest. Thanks to everyone for being as kind as you were, actually. Now that I reread it, I didn't make it clear that it was more of a Madden '10 approach rather than a serious attempt at team-building during the offseason. I'm sorry if you took it seriously and wasted a bunch of time reading it and writing a thoughtful reply; I'm kinda long-winded when I'm bored.

Anyway, I definitely am interested in seeing people's ideas. If you were in charge, what would you do? Even if you don't have the time/energy to be detailed, what about one or two moves? For example, do you feel we do, in fact, need coordinators? Bring aboard your favorites. Feel free to be more realistic than I was, if my video game approach isn't your cup of tea.

Thanks again for not flaming me for my flights of fancy.

 

[VJCPatriot]

17 draft picks? I mean really? Even the biggest optimist would rate the success of draft picks at 50% or less. Meanwhile you've traded away just about all the starters on the offensive line as well as the last solid veteran defensive end and all you got back were draft picks! If you're really going to be a good fantasy GM, you need to get solid proven VETERANS in return, not just draft picks.

If you're giving away Warren, you need someone to replace him that's not an unproven rookie. And no, giving away Warren and others for a 2nd and future 3rd is not worth what you're getting in return. I'd have given you a lot more cred if you had gone for the moon and attempted to trade for a guy like Asomugha or Ware instead. Not that either would have happened, but it would have been better than dumping proven starters for just a 2nd and future 3rd round pick.

Here is what I would do instead. And this is mostly predicated on the fairly likely event of an uncapped 2010.

1. Sign Karlos Dansby to be the Pats SILB. Dansby brings toughness, experience, and leadership to a Pats defense that really needs it. Front load the contract to coincide with the uncapped year and make his subsequent cap hits manageable.

2. Sign Julius Peppers to fill the void left by Richard Seymour to play 3-4 DE. Wright is adequate but he's not a monster who can command double teams. Adding Peppers adds a lot to the Pats passrush, and this is even before we enter the draft.

3. Trade Laurence Maroney to Arizona for Steve Breaston. Breaston has the speed to stretch defenses and can make an impact in the return game for the Patriots. Maroney gives Arizona a young, speedy complement to Beanie Wells. They now have their 'thunder and lightning' combo. Arizona's depth at wideout makes Breaston expendanble. Breaston will make defenses respect the deep ball and help relieve some pressure from Moss as well. We might need to sweeten the pot by throwing in a 4th round pick.

4. Trade Adalious Thomas away for a mid to late 3rd round pick. This trade helps recoup the value we lost in the Breaston trade. While AD is talented, he clearly no longer 'buys in' to the Patriot Way and thus he needs to be unloaded.

5. Housekeeping: Resign our own free agents in Logan Mankins, Leigh Bodden and Vince Wilfork. The others are mostly replaceable by draft picks or low end free agents. Work the 2010 year to our advantage when crafting the contracts.

Now let's goto draft day.

Round 1A: I'd love to get Mcclain but he's going to be out of reach and we've already signed Dansby. So let's get the best value here. My crystal ball says we take CJ Spiller. He gives us a versatile offensive threat, he can run and he can catch the football.

Spiller is a threat to score 6 every time he touches the ball and he can split out wide much like a Reggie bush. He will be a complete nightmare matchup for defenses to contain and will be moved around the field as needed. The running game is back in new england, and you can't predict anymore whether the Pats will run or pass based on Spiller being in the game!

Round 1B: The Patriots trade their 2011 first round pick and a 2010 late second round pick to get another 2010 first round pick, plus a 3rd and 4th round 2010 pick. Draft the best available passrusher with this pick. Sergio Kindle or another impact passrusher in a similar mold is a possibility with this pick.

Round 2A: Trading up to the top of the 2nd round with the Pats 2nd and a 4th round pick to take... Arrelious Benn WR. Big strong, physical, tough, and quick. Benn is an excellent route runner who would complement Moss very well on the opposite side. He would do the 'dirty' work of running over the middle routes and earning first downs. Benn is very talented and if he lasts this long I wouldn't hesistate grabbing him. If he doesn't last, Golden Tate is a nice consolation prize. Or I'd go with best available OL.

Round 2B: Pouncey C/G or Mike Johnson OG. I'd go with Pouncey if he can play offensive guard and then slide him back over to center in 2011 where he could then replace Koppen. Otherwise I'd go with a big strong guy with a huge wingspan like 6'6 300 lb Alabama guard Mike Johnson. Neal needs to be replaced pronto. And a strong interior OL will help insure that Brady has the time to throw in 2010.

Round 2C: Traded away in pick swap.

Round 3A: Trade this pick for a 2010 4th rounder and a future 3rd round pick. This pick was acquired in the Adalious Thomas trade.

Round 3B: Best available TE or OLB/ILB Eric Norwood. If there's a TE with both good hands and blocking ability like Moeki available here I take him, otherwise I take a versatile guy like Norwood who can rush the passer or possibly convert to ILB for passrushing downs. This pick was acquired in the pick swap for the additional 2010 first rounder.

Round 4A: Traded away to move up in the 2nd round.

Round 4B: If we didn't draft a tight end in round 3, I'd go with a guy like Dray who is a strong inline blocker and whose hands might be underrated. We have missed Graham's blocking much more than his hands. Dray would also improve our running ability in 2 tight end sets with his impact blocking. Otherwise I would draft a possession receiver here if we didn't get one in round 2. Freddie Barnes or Dexter Mccluster could be a fit if they last this long. Pick acquired in trade down from the 3rd round.

Round 4C: Traded away in Steve Breaston trade.

Rounds 5-7: Pick your sleepers. I'd draft at least 1 developmental QB to roll the dice on. Could Crompton last this long? Probably not. Look for an underrated guy who hasn't had much PT. The next Matt Cassel would be ideal. The next Brady would be a jackpot lottery winner. But you never know. The rest of the picks would be used for added depth and ST players that can play double roles.

And that's how I'd do it. I'm sure I'll get plenty of criticism as well. My team 'makeover' was not as extreme but I think it's more solid because it adds some proven vets to the mix while going for high impact/potential guys in the draft as well as filling some 'need' holes.

 

[p8ryts]

No offense, but this is horrible. You started off ok, but once you went to your trading and drafting, your drugs must have kicked in because it's horrible.

Trades:
1) Why would KC want Springs, Thomas and Koppen? Thomas they know is a headache. Koppen isn't better than their current center. Does springs really give them an upgrade on defense?

2) You give away Warren, Maroney and Kaczur to the Redskins and get garbage in return.

3) No one is going to trade for a WR who is coming off ACL/MCL surgery without knowing he's 100%...

Draft Picks:

1) Iupati - over-rated. Was not overly impressive in the Senior Bowl. I don't see him becoming an All-Pro.

1b) Pouncey - The Pats do need an upgrade at center. Not sure if Pouncey does that. Don't agree with the idea of starting him at RG.

2a) Golden Tate - Sorry, but how can you guarantee he'll be an "instant playmaker" when he has Brady throwing to him. We thought that Galloway would do the same thing..> Yet that was a bust.

2b) Terrence Cody - Ok.. So he takes over NT and moves Wilfork to on DE. What about the other side?

2c) Greg Hardy - How many injury risk players do you continue to put your hopes on? I haven't been that impressed by Hardy

2d) Koa Misi - Ok...

2e) Thomas - Ok... Can he play on special teams while he's perfecting his route running?

3a) Jones - Torn Meniscus aren't easy injuries to come back from. Seems like an awful risk on a guy you are expecting to come in and either start immediately or be part of the rotation immediately.

3b) Calloway - so you're expecting him to play at RT immediately..

3c) Tony Moeki - Another guy coming off injuries....

4) Thurmond - Another guy coming off MAJOR injury
5) Batten - Developmental project
6) Linval Joseph - ok
7a) Deji Karim - RB - Is he better than BJGE..
7b) LaMarcus Coker - Is he better than BJGE.. Why take 2?
7Comp) Taylor -
7Comp) Harewood -


Seriously dude..The lack of thought put into your moves is astounding.

What he said

 

[bucky]

Since I'm in charge, and this is my stupid thread (hah),

Sorry dude, but that's the smartest part of the whole post.

 

[sbpatfan]

I think this thread should be renamed, "See how bad you can ruin the Patriots with ridiculous situations that would never happen."

 

[JackBauer]

17 draft picks? I mean really? Even the biggest optimist would rate the success of draft picks at 50% or less. Meanwhile you've traded away just about all the starters on the offensive line as well as the last solid veteran defensive end and all you got back were draft picks! If you're really going to be a good fantasy GM, you need to get solid proven VETERANS in return, not just draft picks.

If you're giving away Warren, you need someone to replace him that's not an unproven rookie. And no, giving away Warren and others for a 2nd and future 3rd is not worth what you're getting in return. I'd have given you a lot more cred if you had gone for the moon and attempted to trade for a guy like Asomugha or Ware instead. Not that either would have happened, but it would have been better than dumping proven starters for just a 2nd and future 3rd round pick.

Here is what I would do instead. And this is mostly predicated on the fairly likely event of an uncapped 2010.

1. Sign Karlos Dansby to be the Pats SILB. Dansby brings toughness, experience, and leadership to a Pats defense that really needs it. Front load the contract to coincide with the uncapped year and make his subsequent cap hits manageable.

2. Sign Julius Peppers to fill the void left by Richard Seymour to play 3-4 DE. Wright is adequate but he's not a monster who can command double teams. Adding Peppers adds a lot to the Pats passrush, and this is even before we enter the draft.

3. Trade Laurence Maroney to Arizona for Steve Breaston. Breaston has the speed to stretch defenses and can make an impact in the return game for the Patriots. Maroney gives Arizona a young, speedy complement to Beanie Wells. They now have their 'thunder and lightning' combo. Arizona's depth at wideout makes Breaston expendanble. Breaston will make defenses respect the deep ball and help relieve some pressure from Moss as well. We might need to sweeten the pot by throwing in a 4th round pick.

4. Trade Adalious Thomas away for a mid to late 3rd round pick. This trade helps recoup the value we lost in the Breaston trade. While AD is talented, he clearly no longer 'buys in' to the Patriot Way and thus he needs to be unloaded.

5. Housekeeping: Resign our own free agents in Logan Mankins, Leigh Bodden and Vince Wilfork. The others are mostly replaceable by draft picks or low end free agents. Work the 2010 year to our advantage when crafting the contracts.

Now let's goto draft day.

Round 1A: I'd love to get Mcclain but he's going to be out of reach and we've already signed Dansby. So let's get the best value here. My crystal ball says we take CJ Spiller. He gives us a versatile offensive threat, he can run and he can catch the football.

Spiller is a threat to score 6 every time he touches the ball and he can split out wide much like a Reggie bush. He will be a complete nightmare matchup for defenses to contain and will be moved around the field as needed. The running game is back in new england, and you can't predict anymore whether the Pats will run or pass based on Spiller being in the game!

Round 1B: The Patriots trade their 2011 first round pick and a 2010 late second round pick to get another 2010 first round pick, plus a 3rd and 4th round 2010 pick. Draft the best available passrusher with this pick. Sergio Kindle or another impact passrusher in a similar mold is a possibility with this pick.

Round 2A: Trading up to the top of the 2nd round with the Pats 2nd and a 4th round pick to take... Arrelious Benn WR. Big strong, physical, tough, and quick. Benn is an excellent route runner who would complement Moss very well on the opposite side. He would do the 'dirty' work of running over the middle routes and earning first downs. Benn is very talented and if he lasts this long I wouldn't hesistate grabbing him. If he doesn't last, Golden Tate is a nice consolation prize. Or I'd go with best available OL.

Round 2B: Pouncey C/G or Mike Johnson OG. I'd go with Pouncey if he can play offensive guard and then slide him back over to center in 2011 where he could then replace Koppen. Otherwise I'd go with a big strong guy with a huge wingspan like 6'6 300 lb Alabama guard Mike Johnson. Neal needs to be replaced pronto. And a strong interior OL will help insure that Brady has the time to throw in 2010.

Round 2C: Traded away in pick swap.

Round 3A: Trade this pick for a 2010 4th rounder and a future 3rd round pick. This pick was acquired in the Adalious Thomas trade.

Round 3B: Best available TE or OLB/ILB Eric Norwood. If there's a TE with both good hands and blocking ability like Moeki available here I take him, otherwise I take a versatile guy like Norwood who can rush the passer or possibly convert to ILB for passrushing downs. This pick was acquired in the pick swap for the additional 2010 first rounder.

Round 4A: Traded away to move up in the 2nd round.

Round 4B: If we didn't draft a tight end in round 3, I'd go with a guy like Dray who is a strong inline blocker and whose hands might be underrated. We have missed Graham's blocking much more than his hands. Dray would also improve our running ability in 2 tight end sets with his impact blocking. Otherwise I would draft a possession receiver here if we didn't get one in round 2. Freddie Barnes or Dexter Mccluster could be a fit if they last this long. Pick acquired in trade down from the 3rd round.

Round 4C: Traded away in Steve Breaston trade.

Rounds 5-7: Pick your sleepers. I'd draft at least 1 developmental QB to roll the dice on. Could Crompton last this long? Probably not. Look for an underrated guy who hasn't had much PT. The next Matt Cassel would be ideal. The next Brady would be a jackpot lottery winner. But you never know. The rest of the picks would be used for added depth and ST players that can play double roles.

And that's how I'd do it. I'm sure I'll get plenty of criticism as well. My team 'makeover' was not as extreme but I think it's more solid because it adds some proven vets to the mix while going for high impact/potential guys in the draft as well as filling some 'need' holes.

Arizona is not going to trade Breaston. In fact, the reason Boldin is expendable is because of the emergence of Breaston and Early Doucet.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

2b) DT Terrence Cody - yes, he's out of shape. Yes, he has major conditioning/technique questions. Yes, he'll need to rotate often Yes, teams will find running up the middle against Cody/Wilfork darn near impossible.

Major technique questions? His run stopping technique is better than any current NFL NT not named Hampton. The run stopping technique he has been taught is the the same stuff we teach our NTs. It is our defense he has been playing in for two years.

 

[bucky]

Major technique questions? His run stopping technique is better than any current NFL NT not named Hampton. The run stopping technique he has been taught is the the same stuff we teach our NTs. It is our defense he has been playing in for two years.

I think he was talking about eating technique. Cody doesn't know how to use a knife and fork and doesn't chew his food 20 times before swallowing.

 

[jsull87]

2. Sign Julius Peppers to fill the void left by Richard Seymour to play 3-4 DE. Wright is adequate but he's not a monster who can command double teams. Adding Peppers adds a lot to the Pats passrush, and this is even before we enter the draft.

3. Trade Laurence Maroney to Arizona for Steve Breaston. Breaston has the speed to stretch defenses and can make an impact in the return game for the Patriots. Maroney gives Arizona a young, speedy complement to Beanie Wells. They now have their 'thunder and lightning' combo. Arizona's depth at wideout makes Breaston expendanble. Breaston will make defenses respect the deep ball and help relieve some pressure from Moss as well. We might need to sweeten the pot by throwing in a 4th round pick.

I am sorry but peppers would be a OLB and wouldnt sign here to play 3-4 de he has openly said he wants to play olb. second why would they swap breston for maroney when they have a 2 back combo of wells and hightower (who they are high on). The rest of your moves are fine and are subject to opinion but those 2 i just don't think are in any way possible

 

[CGH TX PATS]

Alot of work and time for an end result that wasn't so hot... sorry man!

 

[Seneschal2]

You deserve credit for effort, but how long have you been paying attention to Belichick?

BB will make sure both sides of the ball are addressed by pruning areas that need attention. He'll be conscious of not disturbing team chemistry and weakening the foundation that exists. A chainsaw is not his tool of choice.

 

[jsull87]

You deserve credit for effort, but how long have you been paying attention to Belichick?

BB will make sure both sides of the ball are addressed by pruning areas that need attention. He'll be conscious of not disturbing team chemistry and weakening the foundation that exists. A chainsaw is not his tool of choice.

he wasn't saying this is what Belichick would do. he is saying this is what he would do if he was gm

 

[Seneschal2]

he wasn't saying this is what Belichick would do. he is saying this is what he would do if he was gm

Obviously. But why would anyone want to stray so far away from BB's style of GM?

 

[jrfitz06]

if it were up to me id:

Re-Sign:

TBC

Bodden

Faulk

Gostkowiski

Mankins

Neal

Wilfork

Watson

Sign:

Karlos Dansby ILB

Matt Turk P

Jermaine Phillips FS

Trade:

Maroney to Cleveland for a third rounder (#71)

Thomas and Chung to Baltimore for McGahee


Draft:

#22 Carlos Dunlap DE

#42 Sergio Kindle OLB

#47 Mardy Gilyard WR/KR

#52 Bradon Ghee CB

#71 Vladimir Ducasse OG

Cut or Trade:

Taylor

Springs

Sanders

Starting Lineup:

WR
MOSS

TE
WATSON

LT
LIGHT

LG
MANKINS

C
KOPPEN

RG
NEIL (Ducasse if Neil gets hurt again)

RT
VOLLMER

FB
MORRIS

HB
MCGAHEE

QB
HOYER oh wait i mean BRADY

DE
WARREN

NT
WILFORK

DE
DUNLAP

OLB
TBC

ILB
DANSBY

ILB
MAYO

OLB
KINDLE

CB
BUTLER

SS
MERIWEATHER

FS
PHILLIPS

CB
BODDEN

K
GOSTOWSKI

P
TURK

It would take a lot of wheeling and dealing but still in the relm of possibility