Guregian: Welker "doing very well," but unlikely to start regular season

[The Dynasty]

I know but we also can't spend too many resources on WR when the team has a good number of other needs.

Where is the WR position on your list of needs?

Mine is:
DE/OLB
CB
WR
OL
LB

 

[BelichickFan]

Where is the WR position on your list of needs?

Mine is:
DE/OLB
CB
WR
OL
LB

I'm not exactly sure but we need potential starters at :

OG - if Neal leaves
TE - if Watson leaves
DE
OLB
CB - if Bodden leaves.

I left out NT as we either have Wilfork or a lot more drafting capital.

WR fits in there somewhere. I'd almost prefer not to order them but for me it's something like :

DE
OLB
CB
OG
WR
TE

I see the argument for moving WR up but I also see a lot of other needs.

 

[The Dynasty]

I'm not exactly sure but we need potential starters at :

OG - if Neal leaves
TE - if Watson leaves
DE
OLB
CB - if Bodden leaves.

I left out NT as we either have Wilfork or a lot more drafting capital.

WR fits in there somewhere. I'd almost prefer not to order them but for me it's something like :

DE
OLB
CB
OG
WR
TE

I see the argument for moving WR up but I also see a lot of other needs.

I can't really complain with what you said, I see all those positions as needs. If they can address all of those needs there will be no problems and it would be a good off season.

 

[Kontradiction]

I think we all knew that he wouldn't be available to start the season. This should give the (small) crowd that said last season that having both Moss and Welker were causing Brady not to try to spread the ball around a chance to see their theory in action. I'm not a doctor, but I can't see Welker coming back before Week 9 next season.

 

[BelichickFan]

I think we all knew that he wouldn't be available to start the season. This should give the (small) crowd that said last season that having both Moss and Welker were causing Brady not to try to spread the ball around a chance to see their theory in action. I'm not a doctor, but I can't see Welker coming back before Week 9 next season.

As I already stated, from surgery to return Braylon Edwards showed 4 years ago that Welker can be back for Week 1. It will require a near perfect timeline (no setbacks) but it can be done. I know they're different types of WR and also that ACL rehabs get better and more understood with each passing year; both of these make it an imperfect comparison but as they play the same position, it's a fairly good comparison.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Pass rush is and should be the number 1 need, then Oline then WR should be 3 ...

Resigning Faulk and Bodden should be ahead of the WR though..

 

[Kontradiction]

As I already stated, from surgery to return Braylon Edwards showed 4 years ago that Welker can be back for Week 1. It will require a near perfect timeline (no setbacks) but it can be done. I know they're different types of WR and also that ACL rehabs get better and more understood with each passing year; both of these make it an imperfect comparison but as they play the same position, it's a fairly good comparison.

As already stated, he can make it back by Week 1, but he isn't going to be the Welker that we're all accustomed to seeing.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I don't think Welker will be ready for week one but I also don't think WR is a huge need for this team. They have been going at it for a few years with two of the best in the game and this has skewed our reality a bit.

Skewed or not, a reality is this offense has been built around the passing game, and that directly affects a defense which has sadly morphed into an offensive adjunct in the "Indy" style. Not my preference, but there it is. :idontgetit:

This is why I rate WR as NE's #1 "need" heading into the new League year.

Chief Patton is noted to not be an answer, but his presence does encourage me to believe BB and Caserio are looking to build the WR corps through the draft and not try to rely on picking over the Free Agency heap out there. Patton can rightly take some credit for the development of the New Orleans' WR corps, I think he and Moss will have their hands full as mentors this Spring.

Currently on the roster there's five youngsters who have WR as part of their defined role on the team - I'm hoping BB brings in at least two more through the draft and signs a couple more undrafted kids afterwards.

Welker rehabs, he's not an issue on PUP. When he's ready is when BB has to make a decision, until then he's not available - move on.

After a taste of Edelman and Tate, and reading the reports about Nunn before Tampa Bay signed him away, and thinking back to Branch and Givens, I think NE is better off trying to build up WR through the draft and not hope for the lucky breaks that were Moss and Welker.

Targeting WR further aids Special Teams: KR, PR, coverage and blocking roles.

If Moss isn't re-signed in 2011, that's a big hole to fill, I don't like any of the Free Agents, none of the RFAs do much for me either. So...

-- Welker unavailable. √
-- No clearly identified player in the slot, X, and #4 roles (three holes). √
-- No clearly identified reserve behind Moss (not to mention the other roles) (1-4 holes). √
-- Moss in his contract year (future hole). √

OLB can be alleviated quickly by re-signing TBC and Burgess (not fixed, alleviated). With a fully functional WR corps a big chunk of the pressure on OLB is relieved.

NT has been franchised, not a major issue now.

DE is healthier with the franchised NT, and drafting one top prospect to platoon with Wright goes a long way towards closing that hole.

CB gets a little messier by fixing WR first, but NE only really needs one (Bodden come home).

TE is an easy fix.

OL is an issue to protect Tommy, but the overall depth is already good - there are plenty of quality later round Tackles in this draft who can either back-up outside or slide inside.

A healthy WR corps helps the RBs in a pass first offense.

It all says fix WR first on my checklist.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

As I already stated, from surgery to return Braylon Edwards showed 4 years ago that Welker can be back for Week 1. It will require a near perfect timeline (no setbacks) but it can be done. I know they're different types of WR and also that ACL rehabs get better and more understood with each passing year; both of these make it an imperfect comparison but as they play the same position, it's a fairly good comparison.

Why care about having WW in wk #1 ? :bricks:

Rather have a FULLY healthy WW at wk #8 or 10, and more importantly going into the playoffs. We need him when it matters, and that surely isn't wk #1

 

[SanAngeloState]

Back by the opener? I'd be happy if he's 100% by the playoffs.

I don't want them to rush him back like they did Mayo, who now might be permanently impaired due to their hastiness. Good one.

It would be good if the offense could learn how to function w/o him, then it's a bonus when he comes back.

As for needs, we definitely need a good wr like LSU guy LaFell or dezmon briscoe, someone with a lot of game speed and game ability...agressiveness, unlike say, bethel johnson who just ran good in shorts. shame bb got fooled by that guy.

 

[The Dynasty]

Back by the opener? I'd be happy if he's 100% by the playoffs.

I don't want them to rush him back like they did Mayo, who now might be permanently impaired due to their hastiness. Good one.

It would be good if the offense could learn how to function w/o him, then it's a bonus when he comes back.

As for needs, we definitely need a good wr like LSU guy LaFell or dezmon briscoe, someone with a lot of game speed and game ability...agressiveness, unlike say, bethel johnson who just ran good in shorts. shame bb got fooled by that guy.

I agree that Welker wont be ready for the opener I think he will be back during the season. Mayo did come back too early but how can you say that he is permanently impaired? He should be 100% this season.

The team needs a proven WR and I dont think that comes through the draft. They need someone that they can count on to contribute right away, while some rookies can do that it is risky to assume that a rookie WR can step in and contribute right away. The better is better off getting a quality WR through FA that has proven he can contribute in the NFL.

 

[woolster22]

I'm not so sure we will be seeing a 100% Welker next year period. If it takes QB's 2 years to "fully" come back, how long should it take a WR? How long until he is comfortable cutting, planting, etc on that leg? how much (not will he) quickness will he lose? Welker is anything but a sure thing when he does come back.

 

[Kontradiction]

I'm not so sure we will be seeing a 100% Welker next year period. If it takes QB's 2 years to "fully" come back, how long should it take a WR? How long until he is comfortable cutting, planting, etc on that leg? how much (not will he) quickness will he lose? Welker is anything but a sure thing when he does come back.

I agree, it's highly unlikely. Especially for a WR that cuts as hard as he does. But hey, that Houston game was worth it. Right?


:bricks:

 

[The Dynasty]

I agree, it's highly unlikely. Especially for a WR that cuts as hard as he does. But hey, that Houston game was worth it. Right?


:bricks:

I also agree, which makes me question even more the people that the WR position isnt a major concern.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'm not so sure we will be seeing a 100% Welker next year period. If it takes QB's 2 years to "fully" come back, how long should it take a WR? How long until he is comfortable cutting, planting, etc on that leg? how much (not will he) quickness will he lose? Welker is anything but a sure thing when he does come back.

There's also unique problems for QB, they have to stand in the pocket and throw with confidence knowing they can get hit any time; WR do get hit low but they're generally dictating where they're going and can get down if they need to so the fear of the unknown DL about to make the hit isn't there. QB generally have zero physical issues coming back from ACL tears it's more mental for them. WR are the opposite, the mental part isn't zero but it's a much lesser part of the problem than for QB.

 

[signbabybrady]

Skewed or not, a reality is this offense has been built around the passing game, and that directly affects a defense which has sadly morphed into an offensive adjunct in the "Indy" style. Not my preference, but there it is. :idontgetit:

This is why I rate WR as NE's #1 "need" heading into the new League year.

Chief Patton is noted to not be an answer, but his presence does encourage me to believe BB and Caserio are looking to build the WR corps through the draft and not try to rely on picking over the Free Agency heap out there. Patton can rightly take some credit for the development of the New Orleans' WR corps, I think he and Moss will have their hands full as mentors this Spring.

Currently on the roster there's five youngsters who have WR as part of their defined role on the team - I'm hoping BB brings in at least two more through the draft and signs a couple more undrafted kids afterwards.

Welker rehabs, he's not an issue on PUP. When he's ready is when BB has to make a decision, until then he's not available - move on.

After a taste of Edelman and Tate, and reading the reports about Nunn before Tampa Bay signed him away, and thinking back to Branch and Givens, I think NE is better off trying to build up WR through the draft and not hope for the lucky breaks that were Moss and Welker.

Targeting WR further aids Special Teams: KR, PR, coverage and blocking roles.

If Moss isn't re-signed in 2011, that's a big hole to fill, I don't like any of the Free Agents, none of the RFAs do much for me either. So...

-- Welker unavailable. √
-- No clearly identified player in the slot, X, and #4 roles (three holes). √
-- No clearly identified reserve behind Moss (not to mention the other roles) (1-4 holes). √
-- Moss in his contract year (future hole). √

OLB can be alleviated quickly by re-signing TBC and Burgess (not fixed, alleviated). With a fully functional WR corps a big chunk of the pressure on OLB is relieved.

NT has been franchised, not a major issue now.

DE is healthier with the franchised NT, and drafting one top prospect to platoon with Wright goes a long way towards closing that hole.

CB gets a little messier by fixing WR first, but NE only really needs one (Bodden come home).

TE is an easy fix.

OL is an issue to protect Tommy, but the overall depth is already good - there are plenty of quality later round Tackles in this draft who can either back-up outside or slide inside.

A healthy WR corps helps the RBs in a pass first offense.

It all says fix WR first on my checklist.

Very nice break down and I definitely see some of your logic and again this is a hard issue to argue from stand point as I feel we need WR help just don't think it is as urgent as others think.

as to your check list...two counter points

one you mention no slot but I think Edelman is more than adequate Slot receiver he want replace Welkers overall production but he seems like he will be a very good slot reciever

and two as to the future yes losing Moss will be tough but that will likely be Welkers first full season back and Hopefully Edelman and Tate will have developed nicely by then.

You have three talented players next year in Moss, Edelman, Tate
and three in the years past that in Welker, Edelman, Tate

Which really isnt as doom and gloom as people make it out to be sure we need some help there but not as much as people think.

 

[patsinthesnow]

With Welker out until week 10, the pats will need a good 2nd receiving threat. Even if you go the draft route, you need the players to develop.

Call me insane, but what about T.O? Can the two greatest receivers of all time behind Jerry Rice play for one year of craziness?

Moss and T.O on the same team, while the young kids develop and Welker recovers.


HELL YEAHH

 

[RobertWeathers]

With Welker out until week 10, the pats will need a good 2nd receiving threat. Even if you go the draft route, you need the players to develop.

Call me insane, but what about T.O? Can the two greatest receivers of all time behind Jerry Rice play for one year of craziness?

Moss and T.O on the same team, while the young kids develop and Welker recovers.


HELL YEAHH

Hes a bad seed, patsinthesnow. We need solid locker room guys and hes not it. He's also playing on the 17th hole. Hes 36. I expect him to be out of the league in 2011 and beyond.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Hes a bad seed, patsinthesnow. We need solid locker room guys and hes not it. He's also playing on the 17th hole. Hes 36. I expect him to be out of the league in 2011 and beyond.

Yeah, he is a pretty bad seed. However, for one year, Moss and T.O on the same team would be historic. (Moss is probably off this team in 2011 too). They would strive to be better than one another, so I would see alot of effort between them.

 

[emoney_33]

Yeah, he is a pretty bad seed. However, for one year, Moss and T.O on the same team would be historic. (Moss is probably off this team in 2011 too). They would strive to be better than one another, so I would see alot of effort between them.

TO's ego would consume the lockerroom and poison the young'ns!