Gostkowski v. Vinatieri

[Rob0729]

It clearly seems that the Pats came out on the positive end of the letting Vinatieri go move. Gostkowski is younger and cheaper (his entire contract is less than Vinatieri's singing bonus). We will get a compensatory pick for losing Vinatieri which could be a first day pick, but probably a 4th or 5th rounder.

In hindsight, it was a brilliant move. I would have been concerned how well Vinatieri would have done outside in Gillette rather in a dome.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

It clearly seems that the Pats came out on the positive end of the letting Vinatieri go move. Gostkowski is younger and cheaper (his entire contract is less than Vinatieri's singing bonus). We will get a compensatory pick for losing Vinatieri which could be a first day pick, but probably a 4th or 5th rounder.

Alas, the odds of it being a first-rounder are essentially nil (the biggest factor is average $$/year). My guess is a 5th.

In hindsight, it was a brilliant move. I would have been concerned how well Vinatieri would have done outside in Gillette rather in a dome.

Personally, my dream is to see Gostkowski kicking off to the Donkeys in Denver. I'd love to see them try to return a kickoff that clears the uprights.

 

[Rob0729]

Alas, the odds of it being a first-rounder are essentially nil (the biggest factor is average $$/year). My guess is a 5th.



Next year, maybe we will.

I thought it was money based on the position the player played. Since Vinatieri is the highest paid player at his position, he would get the highest pick available.

No compensatory pick has ever been a first rounder. There has been some first day picks, but never higher than a third rounder as far as I know.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I thought it was money based on the position the player played. Since Vinatieri is the highest paid player at his position, he would get the highest pick available.

I wish. I so wish that were true, but it just doesn't work that way. /

No compensatory pick has ever been a first rounder. There has been some first day picks, but never higher than a third rounder as far as I know.

That's because, by rule, they cannot be higher than thirds, no matter how large the contract (thus the debate as to whether or not the Pats should franchise Branch and get a third in 2008 or trade him this season for a first/second in 2007).

 

[SoonerPatriot]

Gostkowski was tremendous. I don't know anyone named Adam.

 

[SWelker]

Gostkowski did everything anyone asked of him this season, and when the lights shined brightest he was perfect. I only see him getting better next season and am glad he's our kicker.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Gostkowski did everything anyone asked of him this season, and when the lights shined brightest he was perfect. I only see him getting better next season and am glad he's our kicker.

I've said this before (although I haven't become quite as bad a broken record as a certain other poster who shall remain nameless), but I honestly think that the Pats should send Gostkowski to work with Doug Blevins.

Here's an article about him (from 2000):

This fall, Blevins, 37, is entering his fourth season as the Dolphins' kicking coach. This is remarkable enough, since only one other team in the National Football League (the Dallas Cowboys) retains such a specialist. But here's the real kicker: Blevins himself has never attempted a field goal. He's never punted for any team, on any level, let alone in the NFL. Born with cerebral palsy, he has, in fact, never even walked.

Those who can't, teach, the saying goes. But Blevins has built a career on turning that disdainful aphorism on its head, and in the unlikeliest of trades. The coach in the wheelchair takes raw athletes -- kids with mule-strong legs -- and turns them into NFL stars. Top kickers Leo Araguz of the Oakland Raiders and Adam Vinatieri of the New England Patriots have both hit their stride with the help of Doug Blevins. And last year, under Blevins's tutelage, Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare became one of the league's best, booting a record 39 field goals and converting 85% of his attempts.

"Mule-strong leg"? That sounds about right to me.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

No, it turned out to be letting Dan Klecko go

PFnV

Did you see Klecko report to the official (presumably to say he was eligible)? I said then that they were going to him and unfortunately, I was right........