To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

[ctpatsfan77]

With how Connolly's playing right now, how do you think BB will view the center position in the upcoming draft?

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

I think we address it in the first round. There's two great Centers coming out this year and if one is available with our 1st pick it's going to him. If he isn't, that pick goes to WR or LB based on who's available.

 

[Sciz]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

1. Resign Connolly
2. Draft Brewster if he falls to the Saints' pick
3. Draft a developmental C in the 3rd or 4th round otherwise.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

I see no reason why Connelly can not continue at center next year and we draft a OG/C combination player on day 3 to develop.

Position versatility is key.

PS: Water's play this year has far exceeded my expectations, but if he can not go next year, I would love to see the Pats draft Martin of Stanford and drop him inside to OG, ala Mankins and let him maul D Linemen for the next decade.

Center would be a great job to have playing between Mankins and Martin.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Koppen will be back next year but that could be his last year. Waters likely won't be back and we can't bank on Marcus Cannon. Connelly will provide good depth/start at RG. Plus, next year has two elite Centers coming out. There hasn't been a real good Center talent since Mangold. The Pouncey brothers are so overrated it's ridiculous, in my opinion.

 

[Sciz]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Koppen will be back next year but that could be his last year. Waters likely won't be back and we can't bank on Marcus Cannon. Connelly will provide good depth/start at RG. Plus, next year has two elite Centers coming out. There hasn't been a real good Center talent since Mangold. The Pouncey brothers are so overrated it's ridiculous, in my opinion.

So Dan Koppen, who is not under contract and has been adequately replaced, and Dan Connolly, who is also not under contract, will be back, but Brian Waters, who is under contract and has been the best Patriots OL this season, won't? Child please.

 

[Frick]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Nobody was more interested in Brewster than me, but when BB signed Wendell he became the backup center for the next couple of years and since Connelly is much better than Wendell,it tells us who next years starter will be. If Brewster was the next Mangold, then take a shot if not, Connelly with the incredible addition of Waters should suffice very nicely.

Please everyone, just pretend our 2nd 1st rd. is gone already, it's a sure thing he trades it into 2013 & more than likely a 2nd gets traded to 2013 also. That gives us one 1st, 2 2nds, 1 3rd, the 4th traded down for a handful of picks in the 7th rd. plus whatever we get for Hoyer. We could easily end up with 9 or 10 picks. There are some sleeper WRs that may work out.

Rds. 1-3 ALL DEFENCE- What I'd like and think we need, 2 OLBs,1 FS & 2 DTs that can transition to 3-4 DEs. If BB., scouts & FO put their thinking hats on we'll be set for years to come.

 

[Sciz]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Rds. 1-3 ALL DEFENCE- What I'd like and think we need, 2 OLBs,1 FS & 2 DTs that can transition to 3-4 DEs. If BB., scouts & FO put their thinking hats on we'll be set for years to come.

Two OLBs is overkill. As much as we try, Ninkovich isn't coming off the field very often.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

So Dan Koppen, who is not under contract and has been adequately replaced, and Dan Connolly, who is also not under contract, will be back, but Brian Waters, who is under contract and has been the best Patriots OL this season, won't? Child please.

Apparently you didn't follow the lockout or the post-lockout. Ever hear of the 1-year deal? It's a pretty common occurrence these days among veterans. Waters is in his 12th or 13th season he can hang them up whenever he wants. You must be new to the business.

Every year message boards and talking heads get all oogly over NE drafting DE's and OLB's and it never happens. This year will be more the same. Of our first 4 picks I'll bet that 1 one of them gets used on defense. The other 3 will be a Center and two WRs. Belichick has a history of going shopping for need positions in twos.

2008: Wheatley & Wilhite
2009: Brace & Pryor
2010: Gronkowski & Hernandez
2011: Vereen & Ridley

Although you all think we need two 17 sacks a year monsters to play OLB, we don't. Yes, we could use a Jack LB but those can be had in the 2-3 round. I imagine if we do draft defense in the first two rounds it will be a 3-4 DE or a Safety. If we land a good 5 technique DE all of a sudden our OLBs will look god like.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Two OLBs is overkill. As much as we try, Ninkovich isn't coming off the field very often.

Why would you want Ninkovich off the field? Do you even watch games or just box scores? He's a way above average 3-4 OLB. He plays the Sam spot just how Belichick wants it to be played. If it wasn't for Ninko we'd be getting burned by Keller, Gates, and Witten.

 

[patsfaninpa]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Nobody was more interested in Brewster than me, but when BB signed Wendell he became the backup center for the next couple of years and since Connelly is much better than Wendell,it tells us who next years starter will be. If Brewster was the next Mangold, then take a shot if not, Connelly with the incredible addition of Waters should suffice very nicely.

Please everyone, just pretend our 2nd 1st rd. is gone already, it's a sure thing he trades it into 2013 & more than likely a 2nd gets traded to 2013 also. That gives us one 1st, 2 2nds, 1 3rd, the 4th traded down for a handful of picks in the 7th rd. plus whatever we get for Hoyer. We could easily end up with 9 or 10 picks. There are some sleeper WRs that may work out.

Rds. 1-3 ALL DEFENCE- What I'd like and think we need, 2 OLBs,1 FS & 2 DTs that can transition to 3-4 DEs. If BB., scouts & FO put their thinking hats on we'll be set for years to come.

Wes Bunting interviewed Albert Breer on his podcast to discuss Ohio St prospects. Both agreed there is no comparision at all between Mangold and Brewster. Nice player Brewster. But, no Nick they agreed. Bunting even said red chip type player when discussing Brewster and maybe not even that. Both really like Mike Adams - T more than Brewster. Also, like Dan Herron - rb.

Here's a scenario for using both firsts. Trade Oakland's 2nd back to them for their first in 2013. With no picks until a supplemental at the end of round 3. Their fingers will be itchy to pull the trigger by the middle of the 2nd round. 2014 if they have to trade their first in 2013 to Cincy. Which I doubt. They have to make it to the AFCCG this year or next year for that 2013 1st to kick into effect. I'd love to go two olb's. But, you know we won't do that. That said. Vinny Curry or Courtney Upshaw and one of; Dontari Poe, Alameda Ta'amu or Brandon Thompson works for me.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Who cares what Albert Breer and Wes Bunting have to say about Brewster. Last week Ohio St jammed the ball down a top 10 defenses throat for 4 quarters straight. On top of that, Illinois knew they were running the ball every play and they still couldn't stop them. A large reason for that is because Mike Brewster was knocking people's heads off.

 

[patsfaninpa]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Who cares what Albert Breer and Wes Bunting have to say about Brewster. Last week Ohio St jammed the ball down a top 10 defenses throat for 4 quarters straight. On top of that, Illinois knew they were running the ball every play and they still couldn't stop them. A large reason for that is because Mike Brewster was knocking people's heads off.

Are you his agent? They didn't criticize him. They just said the Mangold comparisions should stop. They said a nice player. You think he's the next Mike Webster. My guess is that they are closer to the truth.

 

[Sciz]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Apparently you didn't follow the lockout or the post-lockout. Ever hear of the 1-year deal? It's a pretty common occurrence these days among veterans. Waters is in his 12th or 13th season he can hang them up whenever he wants. You must be new to the business. GFY.

Okay. Give one logical explanation for Waters retiring. He's not going to do it because of age; he wasn't going to put in the effort to relocate just for one season. He's not going to do it to save his body; the current rules make it easier than ever to play longer. He's not going to retire to get away from the team or the coaches; he apparently loves it here. Koppen is just as likely to retire as Waters is. His body is breaking down a hell of a lot more than Waters', both in terms of this injury and his play on the field.

I also don't appreciate your comments attacking my experience as a fan, or your last comment which has been forwarded to the appropriate person.

Why would you want Ninkovich off the field? Do you even watch games or just box scores? He's a way above average 3-4 OLB. He plays the Sam spot just how Belichick wants it to be played. If it wasn't for Ninko we'd be getting burned by Keller, Gates, and Witten.

And I've never been so attacked by somebody who agrees with me. Yes, I watch the games. It's why I appreciate Ninkovich so much and want him on the field.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

You're the one who instigated me with the "Child please" remark. Don't dish it out if you can't take it, pal.

When you're a multi-millionaire relocating is easy. The mileage is a lot higher on Waters than most other 13 year guards. He played on Chiefs teams that ran the ball 350-400 times a year for 5-6 years.

I quoted you as saying "As much as we try, Ninkovich isn't coming off the field very often." I take this as saying you don't want Ninkovich on the field.

 

[Peachhead]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Still a huge need. I like Conolly a lot. But I'd rather he was the first guy off the bench at OC or OG.

I think a lot of people are giving the O-line (as a whole) more credit than it deserves. Of course it's definitely great news that Brady isn't getting killed. Especially with the upheaval on the O-line this year. But I remember in past years, Brady dropping back and having a loooong time back there before anyone got even close (like >10 secs). And that would happen at least a dozen times per game. Probably even more. That isn't happening nearly as often this year.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

Still a huge need. I like Conolly a lot. But I'd rather he was the first guy off the bench at OC or OG.

I think a lot of people are giving the O-line (as a whole) more credit than it deserves. Of course it's definitely great news that Brady isn't getting killed. Especially with the upheaval on the O-line this year. But I remember in past years, Brady dropping back and having a loooong time back there before anyone got even close (like >10 secs). And that would happen at least a dozen times per game. Probably even more. That isn't happening nearly as often this year.

It's nice to hear you remember this too. Back then our receivers were half as talented as what we have now and even they had enough time to get open. That really goes to show you how good the protection used to be. DBs can only cover for so long. By the very same virtue that there are "coverage sacks" there are also "protection completions."

 

[Off The Grid]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

This Thread is awesome!!

For MY money...YES.

I love Connolly as a Swing Man, but I'm not so sure as a starter.

Wendell I do not want at ALL.

Koppen. Meh.

***

Brewster has the Right Stuff.

He's not Mangold, but he could be exceptional.

As long as we have a Front Wall of the caliber we're building, and COMPLETE it by adding Brewster...we need never worry about our season meeting the fate it did in 2007 or 2010 ever again.

It All Starts In The Trenches.

 

[RJB87]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

I couldn't agree more, Off The Grid. When it comes playoff times every good team runs a 3-4 or has a stellar DL in a 4-3 (Ravens, Chargers, Jets, Steelers, Giants, Cowboys, Packers, etc.) While Koppen is a very cerebral Center that is something to like, watching him get manhandled at the line was one of the biggest problems in those '07 and '10 losses. If he didn't have Mankins next to him it would have been even more apparent.

Solder-Mankins-Brewster-Cannon/Waters/Connolly-Vollmer. OMG! Brady could play for another 10 years behind that Wall of Berlin.

 

[patsfaninpa]

re: To "C" or not to "C": with how Connolly is playing, do Pats draft a center in 2012?

I couldn't agree more, Off The Grid. When it comes playoff times every good team runs a 3-4 or has a stellar DL in a 4-3 (Ravens, Chargers, Jets, Steelers, Giants, Cowboys, Packers, etc.) While Koppen is a very cerebral Center that is something to like, watching him get manhandled at the line was one of the biggest problems in those '07 and '10 losses. If he didn't have Mankins next to him it would have been even more apparent.

Solder-Mankins-Brewster-Cannon/Waters/Connolly-Vollmer. OMG! Brady could play for another 10 years behind that Wall of Berlin.

Mankins sucked just as much against NYG. Tuck stole his lunch money. And, he didn't play well against the Jets either. Shaun Ellis beat him a couple of times. Yes, number 94 in your program. Don't blame it all on Koppen. He's no Mike Webster. But, he wasn't the only problem in those games. Who blocked Terrell Suggs?