Action In The Offseason Before The Draft

[mgteich]

For me, all the focus is at OL and RB. We'll see how belichick uses his free agent cap monies.

OFFENSIVE LINE
It was absolutely awesome yesterday, with our #1 backup replacing Neal. IMHO, we need to re-sign LIGHT and MANKINS if we can. NEAL may or may not be back for another year, ditto KACZUR.

Sure, we should bring in whatever competition we can. It should not be difficult to upgrade Ojinnaka, Ohrnberger and LeVoir.

We could be fine for years with exactly the playes we saw yesterday, although it is clear that a couple of top youngsters would be great.

RUNNING BACKS
OK, we will spend $1.8M each for RFA's Green-Ellis and Woodhead (IMHO, there is no reasoanble other option), and perhaps bring back Faulk (call him the #5 back). We still need at least two additions after the retirement parties for Morris and Taylor.

 

[patsfaninpa]

1. OL - Mankins signing/leaving will be very interesting. If he leaves, G definitely moves up on the priority list. There just aren't any first rounders out there. I would think Light re-ups here. But, somebody could throw crazy money at him. I don't see a cap page up 2011. But, we lost Moss and signed Brady to a reasonable contract. We should be pretty good cap-wise. Even if we keep Logan. If not, then we have lots of money to spend.

2. RB/WR - Veterans seem to fit our offense better. I wouldn't mind trading for or signing one of each. Traded a 2nd for Dillon in 04, and a 2nd and 7th(couldn't resist if you remember uproar about including that pick 3 years ago..LOL.) for Welker. Not even going to talk about the Moss trade. That was more of an opportunity that we couldn't turn down than a planned move. It was after signing Stallworth and trading for Welker. V.Jackson maybe. D'Angelo Williams maybe??

3. On defense, we don't have any starting ufa's. Unless you count G.Warren. I'd like to keep him and upgrade some other areas in the draft.

 

[MaineMan]

That rule about teams making the final eight in the playoffs restricting FA signings (not trades) - is that still in effect with no new CBA by the start of free agency? If so, there may not be a lot of moves that the Pats CAN make.
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Other than signing their own guys, I mean.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

That rule about teams making the final eight in the playoffs restricting FA signings (not trades) - is that still in effect with no new CBA by the start of free agency? If so, there may not be a lot of moves that the Pats CAN make.
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Other than signing their own guys, I mean.

I don't believe it remains in affect, I'm pretty sure it specific to the final year of the CBA.

 

[mgteich]

yup...............

I don't believe it remains in affect, I'm pretty sure it specific to the final year of the CBA.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

I think BB makes a serious attempt at aquiring Sproles this off season.

 

[lostjumper]

RUNNING BACKS
OK, we will spend $1.8M each for RFA's Green-Ellis and Woodhead (IMHO, there is no reasoanble other option), and perhaps bring back Faulk (call him the #5 back). We still need at least two additions after the retirement parties for Morris and Taylor.

I don't think Faulk will be back. What does he do that Woodhead can't? And with a blown out knee at his age...I think its time for him to call it a career. I'd like to see a big 235-240 lb back brought in to give us a bigger physical presence.

 

[patriotscpfc]

I think BB makes a serious attempt at aquiring Sproles this off season.

Erm, why?

Woodhead is there for that exact reason. We don't need 2 of the same guy.

The only way I acquire Sproles is if Woodhead then becomes the 2nd slot WR and we cut Edelman.

I think Bill makes an attempt at Mark Ingram in the draft.

For me, these are our needs (depending on player development).

RB: x 2 or 3. 2 big backs (maybe 1 of them as FB). And a developmental 5th back.

WR: x 1 Deep threat.

OT: x 2 - veteran,

OG/C: x 2 - 1 to replace Neal. 1 to compete with Koppen.

DE: Depending on Pryor/Deaderick/Brace's development and how the Warrens play, we could need 1-3 of these.

OLB: Backups. Ninko and Cunningham can only improve with the playing time they are getting. Crable is improving each game. TBC might be the one under threat.

CB: Depth. We've got 2 very good CBs in McCourty and Bodden. We've got Butler and Arrington who both have potential and ability. We've also got Wilhite is decent in coverage and showing up much improved this year. Can we improve on any of them, not so sure.

I seriously think that is it on this team right now. QB we're fine, TE, we're set for 5 years, Nose Tackle is set with Vince and the DE rotation in there. ILB is set with the 3 guys and Fletcher who looks a keeper. We have 6 safeties who are all pretty good in different ways. Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, Page, McGowan and Serge.

Maybe add Long Snapper to the list above

Our team is STACKED for the future

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think BB makes a serious attempt at aquiring Sproles this off season.

Not to be facetious, but does he really bring much more to the table than Woodhead? [A quick look at Football Outsiders suggests "no."]

 

[ctpatsfan77]

TE, we're set for 5 years,

Another 3 years; second- and fourth-round picks can only be signed to four-year deals.

 

[Sciz]

Another 3 years; second- and fourth-round picks can only be signed to four-year deals.

I'll be optimistic and say that we're set for another decade

Does anybody know anything about this Eric Kettani guy? Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Heath Evans back, and I'm pretty confident that Benny and Woody will be the only current RBs that are back next season.

 

[Off The Grid]

Does anybody know anything about this Eric Kettani guy? Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Heath Evans back, and I'm pretty confident that Benny and Woody will be the only current RBs that are back next season.

Man, do I love THAT kind of thinking.

If I had to choose ONE all time patriot, it might well be Sam Battering Ram Gash.

~ FB Eric Kettani will probably need a year on the Practice Squad.
~ Ditto TB Shun White, his Naval partner in crime.
~ For my money, I would love to spend a late pick on FB Owen Marecic, the only two way player in all the NCAA, if I have it right: He plays FullBack AND Middle LineBacker, and has 2 Interceptions!!

BenJarvus Green has solid FullBack skills, but Owen Marecic is an exceptional FullBack.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Eric Kettani is the quick footed bruiser many around here lust for, not a break away threat, but one who will move the chains and spring the odd big run here and there. If Kettani left with a conditioning program assignment from Coach Woicik he should be competitive in Training Camp.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

~ For my money, I would love to spend a late pick on FB Owen Marecic, the only two way player in all the NCAA, if I have it right: He plays FullBack AND Middle LineBacker, and has 2 Interceptions!!

BenJarvus Green has solid FullBack skills, but Owen Marecic is an exceptional FullBack.

Don't forget Marecic is a beast on ST as well. The kid is a super smart throw back football player that loves the game.

I was a former FB and I know the courage it takes to be a lead blocker and this kid has that type of courage. The FB for Georgia is a great lead blocker with some courage as well, but he doesn't also play defense for Georgia.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Eric Kettani is the quick footed bruiser many around here lust for, not a break away threat, but one who will move the chains and spring the odd big run here and there. If Kettani left with a conditioning program assignment from Coach Woicik he should be competitive in Training Camp.

There is no doubt in my mind that he is on a program on some type. Same for White.

I look at Kettani as a large power HB rather than a FB.

Stashing players on military reserve, if this works out, could be another great personnel move by BB.

 

[Off The Grid]

~ For my money, I would love to spend a late pick on FB Owen Marecic, the only two way player in all the NCAA, if I have it right: He plays FullBack AND Middle LineBacker, and has 2 Interceptions!!

BenJarvus Green has solid FullBack skills, but Owen Marecic is an exceptional FullBack.

Don't forget Marecic is a beast on ST as well. The kid is a super smart throw back football player that loves the game.

I was a former FB and I know the courage it takes to be a lead blocker and this kid has that type of courage. The FB for Georgia is a great lead blocker with some courage as well, but he doesn't also play defense for Georgia.

I absolutely could not put it better, myself.

I can't think of a kid in the entire Draft who's character and style of play screams "Patriot!!" more than his. He is my official Late Round Binkie.

You know Sam Gash is my all time favorite Patriot.

Where did you play?

 

[Off The Grid]

Eric Kettani is the quick footed bruiser many around here lust for, not a break away threat, but one who will move the chains and spring the odd big run here and there. If Kettani left with a conditioning program assignment from Coach Woicik he should be competitive in Training Camp.

There is no doubt in my mind that he is on a program on some type.

Same for White.

I look at Kettani as a large power HB rather than a FB.

Stashing players on military reserve, if this works out, could be another great personnel move by BB.

Yes, indeed, and on all the above points, though I like Kettani better as a FullBack.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

There is no doubt in my mind that he is on a program on some type. Same for White.

I look at Kettani as a large power HB rather than a FB.

Stashing players on military reserve, if this works out, could be another great personnel move by BB.

I would expect BB to dip into the Navy UDFA pool again next Spring, their current FB, Teich, is a pretty good player in his own right, and Army has a DL, McNary, on the national leader lists for sacks, TFL, & FF who might translate to OLB.

 

[MustaphaM0nd]

How long until we get Kettani though?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

How long until we get Kettani though?

If the Navy will release him under their current rules, he'll first be eligible in 2011, May/June time frame. It all depends on the needs of the service, but I expect Kettani and NE have already addressed what they can control and the Navy has what they need to make their decision in time to make him available for his earliest eligibility.