We have talked about the great coaching jobs that Brian Daboll (WRs), and Josh McDaniels (OC), have turned in.
I'd like to assess the excellent job the FO has done. They entered the season from 2005 with little apparent CAP space only to have the new CBA add about $9 million in space.
They signed Seymour to a long term extension. All the big time players were locked up. This year they face Asante, Graham and TBC but thats all; with lots of money to address those FAs.
I'd like to review the draft.
Draft 2006:
1 LM is a franchise back, a keeper and a future Star.
2 CJ did little as a WR but showed that he will be a force in a year or two
3 David Thomas is a keeper and has definitely assumed the role that Fauria had, of pass catching TE, spot starter.
4 Mills INComplete.
4 Gostkowski is a Keeper and a rising star. Now 25 for 32 81.25% and has provided the Pats with a top five in KOs and touch backs. It helps that he has a two tackles too, and gives the coverage a real 11 on 11 versus most teams 11 on 10.
5 Ryan O Callaghan is a keeper at RT who has starts as a rookie on a good O line. It allowed the Pats to trade Brandon Gorin as surplus.
6 Mincey didn't make it,
7 Andrews was drafted as a ST performer and has won a position there, if he can keep it.
UDFA Pierre Woods is this years UDFA find and looks to have a depth position at OLB.
UDFA Andrew Spahn is another of this years UDFA find from NFLE as a ST gunner/DB.
Summary: Five future starters and nine good additions. The single cut is still in the NFL, so they didn't miss, but Woods won the job.
Veteran FA:
Several were brought in and ended up on IR but looked to be good additions in-the future.
1 Mel Mitchell will be a ST addition next season
2 Tebuckey Jones will be a ST addition next year and a reserve Safety who sees some snaps.
3 Barry Gardner was adding depth at ILB until he was hurt; will add depth in 2007
4 Reche Caldwell is a starter and a rising star
5 Jabbar Gaffney is a starter and a rising star
6 Jr Seau came looking for a Ring and earned the starting position at ILB for twelve games. He would be welcome back in 2007 if he wants it.
7 Kelvin Kight came from nowhere to fill the tail end of the WR corps and even had a start and catch.
8 Sauerbrun was signed and in his tried game served notice he can return to his pro bowl punting years. He saved the San Diego game, IMHO.
Summary: four starters and 8 keepers
Players who Broke through:
Warren played well enough to make the pro Bowl and people noticed.
Evans beefed up and dramatically improved his lead blocking.
Mankins made a couple of All Pro teams.
Britt stepped forward among the second team O linemen. As a soph he had a start or two and served notice there was now a backup at LOT.
Mike Wright got Jonathan cut, and confirmed he is a spot starter and good reserve on a spectacular D-line.
At the end of 2006 season the entire Offense is under thirty with but two reserves over thirty. (Dillon & Brown)
The Defense is younger too. There are only two starters over thirty, but several other experienced ex-starter vet FAs give good depth. (Jr., Harrison, Scott)
here we are in the AFCCG for the Lamar Hunt Trophy in a rebuilding year! Not bad at all.