Newsflash - Our WR Still Aren't Good Enough

[BelichickFan]

The stepping up of Gaffney seems to have moved people to think we don't have a big need at WR.

:bricks:

In a good offense, Caldwell and Gaffney are #2 and #3. We still need someone better - while that could be Jackson, I have no interest in going into next year counting on that. Until shown otherwise, Jackson is #4 and we HAVE TO get someone better. I don't fault Belioli, they were taken by surprise by The Twig this year. No such excuse this year.

I'm fine with a solid UFA or another #2 pick at WR and hoping that him, Jackson, Caldwell, Gaffney can get it done. But whether it's a WR from this very talented draft class or not, we have to upgrade at WR. Maybe I misread but momentum on the board seems to suggest a lot of people feel otherwise.

 

[Oswlek]

I think that LB (both out and in) as well as every position in the secondary are all more important than bringing in a surefire upgrade over Gafney and Caldwell.

That doesn't mean I disagree with you. I think a true #1 is all that NE's WR corps is from being one of the best in the game. I just have higher priorities and in today's NFL you can't have it all.

 

[Va_Pats_Fan]

The stepping up of Gaffney seems to have moved people to think we don't have a big need at WR.

:bricks:

In a good offense, Caldwell and Gaffney are #2 and #3. We still need someone better - while that could be Jackson, I have no interest in going into next year counting on that. Until shown otherwise, Jackson is #4 and we HAVE TO get someone better. I don't fault Belioli, they were taken by surprise by The Twig this year. No such excuse this year.

I'm fine with a solid UFA or another #2 pick at WR and hoping that him, Jackson, Caldwell, Gaffney can get it done. But whether it's a WR from this very talented draft class or not, we have to upgrade at WR. Maybe I misread but momentum on the board seems to suggest a lot of people feel otherwise.

I think we should look, but be careful what we try and aquire. We all thought Gabriel was going to be a godsend...that didn't work out so well. I don't think there is a true #1 on the market right now (UFA or trade)....

perhaps a 3rd round pick to flush things out a bit? Hope CJ comes on? I'm befuddled.

 

[sbcpats70]

Pats should pick up TO.

 

[AzPatsFan]

The stepping up of Gaffney seems to have moved people to think we don't have a big need at WR.

:bricks:

In a good offense, Caldwell and Gaffney are #2 and #3. We still need someone better - while that could be Jackson, I have no interest in going into next year counting on that. Until shown otherwise, Jackson is #4 and we HAVE TO get someone better. I don't fault Belioli, they were taken by surprise by The Twig this year. No such excuse this year.

I'm fine with a solid UFA or another #2 pick at WR and hoping that him, Jackson, Caldwell, Gaffney can get it done. But whether it's a WR from this very talented draft class or not, we have to upgrade at WR. Maybe I misread but momentum on the board seems to suggest a lot of people feel otherwise.

What is this statement about a talented draft class at WR? It is well below average but with a couple of stars that go in the top ten, that we have no chance at acquiring. Its an off year at that position.

 

[The Predator]

Just because our WR were able to turn it on for the playoffs doesn't mean we are set. These guys played much better than anyone expected. Next year they should continue to progress and the timing should only get better. I would love to see two different additions to the WRs.

1.) A tough physical guy that can make contact on the line and come off and run a clean route. Dwayne Bowe may bo a good choice, but I do not know where his stock is. Imo he is just out of round 1 b4 the combine.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/dwaynebowe.html

2.) A burner who can play the role of Patten/Bethel. I know CJ is supposed ot be fast, but I am tired of waiting for him. Nothing wrong with letting him grow and pushing him to compete. Johnnie Lee Higgins reminds me of a Patten/Stokley type.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/johnnieleehiggins.html

 

[Seneschal2]

The stepping up of Gaffney seems to have moved people to think we don't have a big need at WR.

Can't speak for others...but sure the need is there. Jackson may or may not be ready to produce, either way, competition would be healthy. I just don't like the WR value with our first pick. Not only do we have other needs, but the WR prospects don't thrill me at all (the top rated ones). The WR value does seem to get better at #28 or in round two. There are several who I think may fit.

 

[Bertil]

I was reviewing some player profiles from The Huddle Report and found this snippet by Drew Boylhart:

"I have one question that has nothing to do about Chad’s talent. Why is he coming out early? He was in a program and offense that could make him a top five player in the 2007 draft? I don’t know what the reason is, but If I were Urban Myers and I had a kid this talented, I would do everything in my power to hold on to him for one more year. This kid was in the perfect offense to show his talents to the world and he is passing it up! Not only that, his coach is not squawking like a duck being chased down the road by a mutt pissed because the duck was swimming in his water bowl. Personally, I have to wonder if this kid can handle the playbook at the next level."

http://www.thehuddlereport.com/ppSD/protected/archive/2006DRAFT/2006profiles/ChadJackson.htm

This could help to explain the lack of participation by a seemingly healthy (at least down the stretch) Chad Jackson. I think he was a developmental prospect all along. Urban Meyer clued BB in to the issues the Patriots were getting into and they were dealt with accordingly. He was never meant to be any type of replacement if Deion Branch didn't treturn this year.

If he matures this year they'll have a monster on their hands. They need to draft a more complete player like Rhema McKnight from ND and they'll be fine. He still may be available in Round 2. Paul Williams from Fresno State is likely to be in their plans as well. They're both big, productive, and come from JV schools so all the requisite homework will have been done diligently.

Hopefully next year I won't be left screaming "Why the EFF is EFFING Heath Evans split out wide with the EFFING season on the Line!".

That is my wish.

 

[Pujo]

We don't need a #1, but we need several #2-caliber guys. Receivers seem harder to draft, and don't learn the system until their 2nd or 3rd year, so maybe I would look on the FA market for second-tier guys.

 

[Siddiqi]

At the senior bowl the pats were looking at Chris Davis a WR from Floriida St. From his description on nfldraftcountdown, he sounds like a Patriots WR to me.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/chrisdavis.html

 

[The Predator]

"Was a very highly regarded recruit coming out of high school...Tore his ACL in '02 and redshirted as a freshman...A nice college player who just does not have the measurables you look for...Could make a team as a #4 wideout and return man."

do we need another #4 WR? Bam Childress would be more valuable.

 

[BelichickFan]

"Was a very highly regarded recruit coming out of high school...Tore his ACL in '02 and redshirted as a freshman...A nice college player who just does not have the measurables you look for...Could make a team as a #4 wideout and return man."

do we need another #4 WR? Bam Childress would be more valuable.

He (Davis) reads a lot like Branch did - he was expected, by media types, to be more like a 5th round pick than a 2nd. The same #4 WR thing could easily have been said about it. The listed strengths definitely sound like what we look for.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

The stepping up of Gaffney seems to have moved people to think we don't have a big need at WR.

:bricks:

In a good offense, Caldwell and Gaffney are #2 and #3. We still need someone better - while that could be Jackson, I have no interest in going into next year counting on that. Until shown otherwise, Jackson is #4 and we HAVE TO get someone better. I don't fault Belioli, they were taken by surprise by The Twig this year. No such excuse this year.

I'm fine with a solid UFA or another #2 pick at WR and hoping that him, Jackson, Caldwell, Gaffney can get it done. But whether it's a WR from this very talented draft class or not, we have to upgrade at WR. Maybe I misread but momentum on the board seems to suggest a lot of people feel otherwise.

I think that LB (both out and in) as well as every position in the secondary are all more important than bringing in a surefire upgrade over Gafney and Caldwell.

That doesn't mean I disagree with you. I think a true #1 is all that NE's WR corps is from being one of the best in the game. I just have higher priorities and in today's NFL you can't have it all.

Agree about the LB's for sure. Youth and speed mixed in would help a ton. Secondary, we really need to get all those friggin guys off IR to find out what we have back there. Our D is predicated on power up front anyway, so I don't see that chaging too much.

We do need a legitimate #1, with one we will be a totally different and more powerful offense. I know you should not cross lines like this, but I'm not object to franchising AS and dangling him for a quality receiver that has some development and can give us production right away.

 

[RayClay]

I think that LB (both out and in) as well as every position in the secondary are all more important than bringing in a surefire upgrade over Gafney and Caldwell.

That doesn't mean I disagree with you. I think a true #1 is all that NE's WR corps is from being one of the best in the game. I just have higher priorities and in today's NFL you can't have it all.

Agreed.

But our WR will never be good enough. We could have 5 all pros and there would be a million threads about the "must have" WR

 

[BelichickFan]

But our WR will never be good enough. We could have 5 all pros and there would be a million threads about the "must have" WR

Not true. I would be fine if we had one more WR a little better than Caldwell and kept the rest of the group as is.

 

[RayClay]

Don't get me wrong, we're only a season away from losing both WR's.

I just see a competitive camp with three receivers already having practice time.

A competitive camp with some FA or mid-low picks should produce a solid corps.

 

[Siddiqi]

"Was a very highly regarded recruit coming out of high school...Tore his ACL in '02 and redshirted as a freshman...A nice college player who just does not have the measurables you look for...Could make a team as a #4 wideout and return man."

do we need another #4 WR? Bam Childress would be more valuable.

You could also quote some of his strengths....the last part is also just scott wright's opinion, it's not from our scouts.

 

[BradyManny]

I'm fine with a solid UFA or another #2 pick at WR and hoping that him, Jackson, Caldwell, Gaffney can get it done. But whether it's a WR from this very talented draft class or not, we have to upgrade at WR.

I disagree. Count me as one of those who is fine with out wideouts of Caldwell, Gaffney, Jackson.

Our passing offense was not the problem this season - it was our rushing attack.

With 3 solid RBs, you have to think the OL is responsible. I say we use one of our draft picks in the 1st round on OL help, the rest of our first day picks will be defense.

 

[BelichickFan]

Our passing offense was not the problem this season - it was our rushing attack.

The run game was disappointing but I think the OL's sudden lack of ability to run block was directly related to them not feeling pressured by our mediocre WR.

 

[Oswlek]

I disagree. Count me as one of those who is fine with out wideouts of Caldwell, Gaffney, Jackson.

Our passing offense was not the problem this season - it was our rushing attack.

With 3 solid RBs, you have to think the OL is responsible. I say we use one of our draft picks in the 1st round on OL help, the rest of our first day picks will be defense.

In fairness to those that believe that the WRs are a problem, NE's rushing attack was hampered by teams having the ability to focus on it.

That said, I believe that, with an entire offseason to gel, NE's passing offense will not allow teams to stack the run as much next year new WR or no.