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

[RJB87]

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

The point your missing is that an offensive line is a cohesive unit that is only as strong as it's weakest link.

 

[Snake Eyes]

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

What Tackles out there might be a good conversion project? They'd probably drop because they'd be considered undersized as a Tackle prospect but hopefully they'd have the goods to make a great Center if groomed properly.

 

[Sciz]

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

What Tackles out there might be a good conversion project? They'd probably drop because they'd be considered undersized as a Tackle prospect but hopefully they'd have the goods to make a great Center if groomed properly.

Impossible to tell. There's so much that goes into playing center that they never have to do as a tackle, things like line calls, shotgun snapping, and the snapping to run-blocking motion.

 

[Snake Eyes]

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

Impossible to tell. There's so much that goes into playing center that they never have to do as a tackle, things like line calls, shotgun snapping, and the snapping to run-blocking motion.

Absolutely, that's why they'd be a late round project but I was referring more to physical measurables.

 

[JackBauer]

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

I tend to think Koppen kind of sucks, so I could see them drafting a C. Don't see Brewster being the one, though.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

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.

I don't think 2 OLB/DE types is overkill at all. Given the sorry state of our defense and the fact that Carter is out leading pass rusher, we desperately need help there.

I am not sure what you are seeing from Ninkovich that impresses you, but I see a guy that is decent agains the run, average in coverage and putrid as a pass rusher.

This year there are two guys that can play in either the 4-3 or the 3-4 in Upshaw and Taylor. Both can play in all three phases as an OLB in our defense. And either would be good with our first pick, depending on how they run.

 

[Metaphors]

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.

The Wendell signing was an inexpensive move that gives them some flexibility in what they do in FA and the draft. If the Pats can staff up the interior line and Wendell become extraneous, they can release him with almost no impact. If plans don't fall together, the Pats have Wendell in their back pocket for 2 more years at bargain rates.

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.

The Pats have been ridding themselves of day 3 picks at a steady rate. I doubt they will look to trade down and get more. Trading down to pick up 2013 day 1/2 picks? No doubt.

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.

Looking at a 3 year window, I can see the Pats investing top 100 picks on just about every position except QB, RB, TE, OT and ILB (OG too if Cannon pans out). So an all defense top 100 isn't a very long limb to walk out on. A safety that can make plays in centerfield (I'm looking at TJ McDonald at this point) is almost a certainty unless Dowling is transitioned there...and I'm thinking they would have done that by now if they were intending to. CB is an opportunity position so I wouldn't discount taking another one if enough value was there. The front 7 is almost impossible to read so I've stopped trying.

As for center, I would be surprised if the Pats don't address the position with a top 100 pick in 2012. If Konz comes out, there would be 3 prospects with the size and skill needed to make the Pats OL elite over that 3 year window. At least one should last long enough to scoop up without using a 1st round pick.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

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

Looking at a 3 year window, I can see the Pats investing top 100 picks on just about every position except QB, RB, TE, OT and ILB (OG too if Cannon pans out). So an all defense top 100 isn't a very long limb to walk out on. A safety that can make plays in centerfield (I'm looking at TJ McDonald at this point) is almost a certainty unless Dowling is transitioned there...and I'm thinking they would have done that by now if they were intending to. CB is an opportunity position so I wouldn't discount taking another one if enough value was there. The front 7 is almost impossible to read so I've stopped trying.

I agree with you on QB (barring a bizarro-world scenario where they part with both Mallett and Hoyer), RB, OT, and OG.

I could see the Pats going with an ILB if they don't resign Guyton.

And, of course, I don't think I need to explain BB's fascination with TEs.

 

[Off The Grid]

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

To "C" or not to "C"

Si.


.....

 

[NinjaZX6R]

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

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.

LOL. Mike Adams...ahahahahahahahahhahahahaha. I'm sorry but Mike Adams will be a bust in the NFL. I've watched him (3 yrs and some games in 08-didn't get to watch half of the 08 games). He is overrated. I have no idea why people think he will be a 1st to 2nd round prospect. In his entire Ohio State career, he has under performed. He has part of the trio 5 star prospect-Mike Adams, Mike Brewster, and JB Shugart (who should change his middle name to False Start).
They were all 5 star Tackles that came in as a group in 2008. Adams being the 1st ranked OT, JB being the 3rd or 5th ( can't remember) OT and Mike Brewster being the 10th OT (ranked nationally). Brewster started 4 games in as a true freshman at center, a position he never ever played in HS.
The other two useless tackles became starters in 2009. Adams was injured for most of the year in 2009.

At best, Adams will be a ok to decent RT who will be good in run blocking. He won't be a pro bowler or even a 2nd team All Pro.

As for Dan Herron, as much as he is an idiot, I view him as a decent prospect in the NFL. A faster version of BJGE. But to say that Herron & Mike Adams are better prospects that Mike Brewster is ludicrous.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

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

LOL. Mike Adams...ahahahahahahahahhahahahaha. I'm sorry but Mike Adams will be a bust in the NFL. At best, Adams will be a ok to decent RT who will be good in run blocking. He won't be a pro bowler or even a 2nd team All Pro.

The scouts look for different things than the average fan.

For OT's they look for quick dancing feet (quick twitch movement or quick kick step as some call it), knee bending instead of waist bending, flat backs, and hand fighting skills.

How do you rate Adams in these category based on what the film says?

Remember we too Solder at #17 pretty much because of his feet. Does Adams have quick dancing feet? Are his knees bent?

 

[NinjaZX6R]

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

The scouts look for different things than the average fan.

For OT's they look for quick dancing feet (quick twitch movement or quick kick step as some call it), knee bending instead of waist bending, flat backs, and hand fighting skills.

How do you rate Adams in these category based on what the film says?

Remember we too Solder at #17 pretty much because of his feet. Does Adams have quick dancing feet? Are his knees bent?

Well, the thing w. him is that it's all mental. He has the tools to be a good to decent RT in the NFL. He is so damn inconsistent. He gets beat by pure speed rushers and pure strength pass rushers inside. Can't handle quick gap attacking DE's Ie JJ Watt last year.


I would say that he can be compared to Sherrod of last year's tackle. But b/c Sherrod is 6'4, his floor is big b/c he can play RT, LG and RG. Adams is 6'6. He can't play guard. It's RT or Bust.

 

[mrscruff]

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

I wonder if DeCastro from Stanford declares this year. He will be in interesting to watch if you are talking about interior linemen other than OC's.

 

[patsfaninpa]

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

I wonder if DeCastro from Stanford declares this year. He will be in interesting to watch if you are talking about interior linemen other than OC's.

Here's a blurb on your boy DeCastro. Best G prospect since Hutch maybe? My guess he's coming out. Top 5 OL prospects probably all juniors; Kalil, J. Martin, Rieff, DeCastro and Konz.

NFL Draft - 2011 Risers and Fallers - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[Ochmed Jones]

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

Here's a blurb on your boy DeCastro. Best G prospect since Hutch maybe? My guess he's coming out. Top 5 OL prospects probably all juniors; Kalil, J. Martin, Rieff, DeCastro and Konz.

NFL Draft - 2011 Risers and Fallers - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Kalil is amazing as well. Talented family! His brother is the best center in the NFL and he is the best college OT in the country.

Decastro is a beast. The DT from Washington that is projected as a first rounder got roasted last week.