Adalius Thomas: Anything new?

[zarakotas5]

I am impressed with him at LB (and periodically DE and S) and having searched the forum know that many of you are, too. However, it's been a couple of months since his name has surfaced.

He is a physical specimen size and speed-wise and very versatile. He is 29, and a "young" one at that as his first couple of years were mostly on ST. First-time PB'er this year, yet still under the radar to many.

I'm curious:

A) Any news from the Ravens? Franchised, offers, etc.
B) Is this is a prime Colvin-like answer to the LB position. A calculated big $ FA splash to reinvigorate NE's LB plans that confound so many fans.
C) Well, I'm curious about everything there is about this possibility, so I look forward to responses.

 

[patsox23]

There is, IMO, no way whatsoever the Ravens let this guy get away. I think we need to move off of this idea. Pats have no shot at landing him, as much as we'd all like to.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

With Lewis getting long in the tooth, AD is considered his replacement. Doubtful the Ravens would let him get away.

 

[captain stone]

The Pats (like every other team, I understand that) should have taken AT in the 5th round of the 2000 draft, instead of Dave Stachelski and Jeff Marriott. He wouldn't have been a reach with their 4th round pick, either.

Anyway, the Ravens may franchise him; but if he hits the open market, I would be calling him personally at 12:01 am.

 

[Isaac]

There was a national-news article mid-season reporting that talks had broken down between Thomas and the Ravens and that he'd be testing the free agent market. I was surprised but the tone of the article seemed that he wouldn't be franchised.

 

[patsox23]

I hope you're right, but the article that ran in ESPN the Mag a few weeks ago made it seem pretty clear that the guy is right up there with the most valuable members of the team. I expect they're posturing for now and will get it done when push comes to shove. Hope I'm wrong - he is EXACTLY who we should sign.

 

[zarakotas5]

Balt has traditionally made it point to slightly "overpay" to retain such players and has even had players accept less to stay (Bart Scott last year). AT is no secret to them and they have no other UFAs that are as important as he, thus the franchise tag, although yet to occur, is a distinct likelihood. Furthermore, AT appears to be firmly entrenched in the community via charities, radio show, etc.

That said, their cap status (as opposed to previous years) lies in the bottom third of the league and a shift has occurred to bolster the offense (McNair ain't cheap, Mason, etc). Like Denver with RB's, Balt has long been an assembly line for LB. They have 2-3 promising LBs in the hold, notably young Dan Cody (who has been oft-injured) but a 1st-rounder they scouped in the 2nd.

The Pats are close to flush cap-wise, considering their personnel circumstances. Both lines are locked up at least 80%. Offensive skill positions are in good shape minus a good receiver (Jackson progress?). Defensive backs, good ones, easily transition from the college game to be impact players and there are plenty in this years defense-laden draft, particular with 3 picks in the first 2 rounds.

LB is akin to QB of defense. AT has been used at LB, DE, S, and even at CB (at 270 lbs, 4.5 40 time). In fact, the grumblings of Ravens fans, beyond why he hasn't been franchised or re-signed yet, is HOW do they franchise him?

He is reported to want to win as much as he wants to be paid. NE can offer both, perhaps better than Balt. Signing AT would shore up LB, allowing DB and WR to be addressed via the draft. With ~$30M open for 2007, say $15 goes to AT and Samuel, Graham elsewhere, and $5 for rookies, that still leaves $10 for FAs, season maintenance,etc. These numbers are arbitrary, but it absolutely allows for a big offer.

 

[zarakotas5]

This may be blasphemy, but as the Belipioli regime has been a geiger counter for DL, perhaps their weakness lies in LB scouting/development. Despite some late-round promise (Woods) and seemingly inoculous pick-ups (Vrabel), they prefer to allow the NFL to act as a finishing school for LB. Once players emerge, they then make a push for outstanding students from pedigreed schools a la Colvin from Chicago. In this regard, AT is a gift-wrapped valedictorian.

 

[patsox23]

Balt has traditionally made it point to slightly "overpay" to retain such players and has even had players accept less to stay (Bart Scott last year). AT is no secret to them and they have no other UFAs that are as important as he, thus the franchise tag, although yet to occur, is a distinct likelihood. Furthermore, AT appears to be firmly entrenched in the community via charities, radio show, etc.

That said, their cap status (as opposed to previous years) lies in the bottom third of the league and a shift has occurred to bolster the offense (McNair ain't cheap, Mason, etc). Like Denver with RB's, Balt has long been an assembly line for LB. They have 2-3 promising LBs in the hold, notably young Dan Cody (who has been oft-injured) but a 1st-rounder they scouped in the 2nd.

The Pats are close to flush cap-wise, considering their personnel circumstances. Both lines are locked up at least 80%. Offensive skill positions are in good shape minus a good receiver (Jackson progress?). Defensive backs, good ones, easily transition from the college game to be impact players and there are plenty in this years defense-laden draft, particular with 3 picks in the first 2 rounds.

LB is akin to QB of defense. AT has been used at LB, DE, S, and even at CB (at 270 lbs, 4.5 40 time). In fact, the grumblings of Ravens fans, beyond why he hasn't been franchised or re-signed yet, is HOW do they franchise him?

He is reported to want to win as much as he wants to be paid. NE can offer both, perhaps better than Balt. Signing AT would shore up LB, allowing DB and WR to be addressed via the draft. With ~$30M open for 2007, say $15 goes to AT and Samuel, Graham elsewhere, and $5 for rookies, that still leaves $10 for FAs, season maintenance,etc. These numbers are arbitrary, but it absolutely allows for a big offer.

I still doubt we get him, but I like the way you're thinking. In fact, if there was ONE FA we could get over the next few years, Adalius Thomas would be it.

 

[HAMMERMILL]

This may be blasphemy, but as the Belipioli regime has been a geiger counter for DL, perhaps their weakness lies in LB scouting/development. Despite some late-round promise (Woods) and seemingly inoculous pick-ups (Vrabel), they prefer to allow the NFL to act as a finishing school for LB. Once players emerge, they then make a push for outstanding students from pedigreed schools a la Colvin from Chicago. In this regard, AT is a gift-wrapped valedictorian.

Loved this post.
Well though out,articulate(unlike me at times).
Very well worded(should be set to music).
Don't see us getting AT but we can dream.

 

[mcbee]

I would bet they cut Colvin and use some of that money for free agent signings.

If they get Fletcher, that'd be big. Seau could probably play Colvin's spot or ILB along with Bruschi. 3 veteran ILBs, Bruschi, Fletcher, Seau.

I don't get how Thomas fell to the 5th round if he can run a 4.5 at 270 pounds. Sounds a little off right there.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

I would bet they cut Colvin and use some of that money for free agent signings.

If they get Fletcher, that'd be big. Seau could probably play Colvin's spot or ILB along with Bruschi. 3 veteran ILBs, Bruschi, Fletcher, Seau.

I don't get how Thomas fell to the 5th round if he can run a 4.5 at 270 pounds. Sounds a little off right there.

Please you have no idea what you are talking about after your first 6 words.

 

[The Predator]

The Pats (like every other team, I understand that) should have taken AT in the 5th round of the 2000 draft, instead of Dave Stachelski and Jeff Marriott. He wouldn't have been a reach with their 4th round pick, either.

Anyway, the Ravens may franchise him; but if he hits the open market, I would be calling him personally at 12:01 am.

Hindsight is 20/20. We should have taken LT, LJ, Portis, .......... on and on it goes. You just can't say he would have been a reach now he is a star. Everyone else should have taken Brady, but they didn't. There is no true way of knowing. It's not as if the GM/HC have a crystal ball and know who will pan out. All these guys have skills, but many can't put it together to play football in the NFL. Shoulda woulda coulda.

 

[The Predator]

I would bet they cut Colvin and use some of that money for free agent signings.

If they get Fletcher, that'd be big. Seau could probably play Colvin's spot or ILB along with Bruschi. 3 veteran ILBs, Bruschi, Fletcher, Seau.

I don't get how Thomas fell to the 5th round if he can run a 4.5 at 270 pounds. Sounds a little off right there.

What in the world? Cut Colvin for cap room? We will be an estimated 30 mil under and you want to cut Colvin?

You say that "You would bet they cut Colvin." I would like to take you up on that bet. How much or what are youwilling to bet?

How could a slow old ILB (Seau) play at the strong side? He would need a motor scooter to create a pass rush. Where are you getting this from?

There is much more to being a NFL player that speed. He was predicted to be a 3rd rounder, but fell to the 5th round (#186) not the 5th. It's not as if he was an impact player immediately either. He had only 89 tackles in the first 3 years with the Ravens. It took him time to develope.

 

[mcbee]

What in the world? Cut Colvin for cap room? We will be an estimated 30 mil under and you want to cut Colvin?

You say that "You would bet they cut Colvin." I would like to take you up on that bet. How much or what are youwilling to bet?

How could a slow old ILB (Seau) play at the strong side? He would need a motor scooter to create a pass rush. Where are you getting this from?

There is much more to being a NFL player that speed. He was predicted to be a 3rd rounder, but fell to the 5th round (#186) not the 5th. It's not as if he was an impact player immediately either. He had only 89 tackles in the first 3 years with the Ravens. It took him time to develope.

I think Colvin's OK, but for 6M per year, I don't think he's worth the money. That's pro-bowl level money and he's not that. I almost never see him creating that much pressure.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I wouldn't want to cut Colvin either, but his cap hits are escalating in the next year or two. I've looked at this and come to a less strongly stated opinion that he has to be a monster to justify the money, or else take some sort of restructuring deal... but of course, as we all say, this is a cash rich year.

Outside of Brady and Seymour though, I believe Rosey's the biggest cap hit we carry. In cap hit terms, he'll be pulling down roughly 6.5M next year, and 7.5 the following year -- compared to somewhere south of 3M for Tedy next year... and get this, Tedy is a UFA after 07.

Maybe the deal stays as it is, and the Pats just pay this deal out, given the extra cash. I say keep him, pay the 6.5/7.5, and renegotiate when he becomes a free agent thereafter. But the LB pool needs restocking eventually, whether through the draft or FA.

PFnV

 

[zarakotas5]

Those who say Colvin isn't worth the money are a brave sort. He could've been, but he just isn't. Of course, a broken hip is a death sentence to horses and grandmothers alike. At the same time, Colvin has always been one sided. He was a pass-rusher. He has learned since, but that's his forte. When Colvin was signed, I was esctatic. Love Colvin, but he's no AT. He was an attempt at what we all want: AT.

 

[HAMMERMILL]

Those who say Colvin isn't worth the money are a brave sort. He could've been, but he just isn't. Of course, a broken hip is a death sentence to horses and grandmothers alike. At the same time, Colvin has always been one sided. He was a pass-rusher. He has learned since, but that's his forte. When Colvin was signed, I was esctatic. Love Colvin, but he's no AT. He was an attempt at what we all want: AT.

Loved the earlier post but cutting colvin is crazy!
He may never live up to the hype that he came with but he knows the system and is productive in it.
We've seen too many that can't play within the system,to throw away someone that can.
AT may be great but still an unknown within this system.
Not that it's either or but Rosie should go no where.
To me he is a younger Roman PHiffer

 

[zarakotas5]

I never cut Colvin, nor would I. I merely acknowledged that it wasn't as absolutely ridiculous as it sounded. Of course, the present situation makes it seem silly, but imagine a cash-strapped team lugging that contract around: cut. Again, I never said such a thing. In fact, I only empathized with those who feel such, which I believe supports my belief that he is here for a specific reason.

 

[HAMMERMILL]

I never cut Colvin, nor would I. I merely acknowledged that it wasn't as absolutely ridiculous as it sounded. Of course, the present situation makes it seem silly, but imagine a cash-strapped team lugging that contract around: cut. Again, I never said such a thing. In fact, I only empathized with those who feel such, which I believe supports my belief that he is here for a specific reason.

Ok perhaps,I read it wrong.
Glad we're on the same page.