HEY BRO! WHAT UP?
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Alright guys, I wish we could be talking about the superbowl instead, but I just wanted to share my knowledge with everyone on who the Pats should go after this offseason. Word on the street is that the Pats have about 30 million going into free agency this offseason so they do have some money to spend. Finally, by following this blueprint for success will help the Pats compete for a championship next season. Let's do this!
First and foremost, the FA's I would like the Pats to bring back are: Asante Samuel and Daniel Graham.
Second, the focus in this Free Agency is to get quality depth on defense because it was clearly exposed this season and during the title game against the Colts. The team depended too much on their starters staying healthy, when they were out, the backups didn't do very well in their place. (Feel free to argue here)
Third, the Pats desperately need a player that can consistently rush the passer. Colvin was relied on too heavily to supply the outside rush which made him a little inconsistent this year and the D-line is too slow ala the title game against the Colts and the regular season.
Fourth, they need speed at LB! The Pats LB’s are too damn slow! It was exposed time and time again when teams ran too the outside to avoid the Pats D-Line. However, running up the middle against the Pats was nearly impossible because of their massive D-Line. Also, need to find a LB that can cover the tight end, too many tight ends were getting wide open due to lack of speed or scheme/game plan.
Lastly, a playmaking safety would be nice. Ed Reed would be the most sought after free agent this spring but he re-signed with Baltimore.
A reminder to everyone: I’m listing players who the Pats should go after, I don’t expect them to sign everyone, however at least one person from each category would be nice. Now here are the players position by position of priority:
Priority:
Linebacker (in no particular order):
Lance Briggs -Will probably command a lot of money and would be a great sideline to sideline LB that brings speed.
London Fletcher-Baker – may be a little small for the Pats liking but plays big, good tackler and has speed.
Boss Bailey – Big disappointment given his ability, give him the benefit of the doubt because it is hard to succeed in Detroit, says he is faster than his brother Champ, would infuse much needed speed at OLB, only con is that he is injury prone.
Adalius Thomas – A player that I would really like to have, however, he is close to 30 years old and this is his pay day. Would be the most difficult to sign. Some other team will over pay for his services.
Antwan Peek – Hybrid type of player that can rush the passer and play LB in the Pats scheme.
Safety (in no particular order):
Michael Lewis (S) – A position that desperately needs an upgrade. Hawkins did ok at times, Eugene Wilson seems to regress every season at FS.
Deon Grant (S) – Would be a nice addition at FS, good tackler, has range, should come at a reasonable price.
Ken Hamlin (S) – Good player that has some speed and good in coverage. Shouldn’t command too much money.
Gibril Wilson – Good tackler, nice range, can break up passes.
Cornerback (in no particular order):
Ricky Manning Jr. (CB) – I thought he signed a big deal with Chicago, don’t know how he is a free agent, physical corner, tackles well, would be a starter with Pats.
Nate Clements (CB) – Will command lots of money, gambles on plays, great tackler, I only see the Pats going after him if they can’t get a deal done with Samuel.
Reggie Howard (CB) – Should come at a reasonable price, would be great at nickel and dime packages.
Wide Receiver (in no particular order):
Dennis Northcutt (WR) – shouldn’t command a lot of money and could be one of the pickups like Patten in ’01. Would provide good depth at receiver.
Donte’ Stallworth (WR) – Eagles will probably get a deal done with him but would be a great addition to the Pats, might be injury prone, would be a starter.
Mike Furrey (WR) – Lions will make it a priority to re-sign him, gashed the Pats in receiving yards in their match-up this year, would be a great addition and would start.
Drew Bennet (WR) – A very underrated WR, shouldn’t command a lot of money, Huge target that can stretch the field, would be a bargin if the Pats can grab him.
Bethel Johnson? (WR) – Great on special teams, but I doubt the Pats would go after him.
Travis Taylor (WR) – Good receiver that would provide nice depth and would be another receiver from the University of Florida.
Kevin Curtis – Good #3 receiver for the Rams, would provide nice depth.
Michael Lewis (WR/ST) – Would be a nice addition on kickoffs to help set up field position. Would help keep starters off field to get some rest.
Could also upgrade or use depth at:
Offensive Line (in no particular order):
Leonard Davis (OT) – Has talent but didn’t live up to hype. Shouldn’t ask for too much money. Massive player that would compete with Matt Light. A change of scenery might help.
Kris Dielman (OG) – Let’s face it, the run blocking sucked! This was one of the guys that helped pave the way for Tomlinson’s record breaking season. Would compete with Neal.
David Diehl (OG) – Would compete with Neal at RG, shouldn’t command lots of money.
Rick DeMulling (OG) – Succeeded with Colts but didn’t seem to do much with Lions, sounds like our boy Damien Woody when he was with the Pats. Would compete with Neal.
Derrick Dockery (OG) – Young, massive, and nasty at the line is what the Pats need at OG. Very underrated, helps open holes for Portis and Betts.
Running Back (in no particular order):
Dominic Rhodes (RB) – He will probably stay with the Colts but would be a great addition if Dillon leaves.
Sammy Morris (RB) – Filled in nicely for Ronnie Brown this year and Pats missed out on him two years ago when Morris was close to signing with the Pats. He can run, catch the ball and play special teams. Sounds like a Patriots kind of guy.
Justin Griffith (FB) – Fullbacks are a dying breed in the NFL, but teams that have good blocking fullbacks have pro bowl running backs. Could help open holes for Maroney.
Ahman Green (RB) – He will probably command more money than he is worth, but would fill in great if Dillon retires or gets cut.
LaBrandon Toefield – buried on the depth chart and will most likely leave the Jags, tough runner that would be a nice change of pace for Maroney.
Tight End:
Reggie Kelly (TE) – Only if the team doesn’t re-sign Daniel Graham, regarded as one of the best blocking TE’s in the league.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the 1st annual guide to free agency by yours truly. Did I forget anybody that you would like to see the Pats go after?
First and foremost, the FA's I would like the Pats to bring back are: Asante Samuel and Daniel Graham.
Second, the focus in this Free Agency is to get quality depth on defense because it was clearly exposed this season and during the title game against the Colts. The team depended too much on their starters staying healthy, when they were out, the backups didn't do very well in their place. (Feel free to argue here)
Third, the Pats desperately need a player that can consistently rush the passer. Colvin was relied on too heavily to supply the outside rush which made him a little inconsistent this year and the D-line is too slow ala the title game against the Colts and the regular season.
Fourth, they need speed at LB! The Pats LB’s are too damn slow! It was exposed time and time again when teams ran too the outside to avoid the Pats D-Line. However, running up the middle against the Pats was nearly impossible because of their massive D-Line. Also, need to find a LB that can cover the tight end, too many tight ends were getting wide open due to lack of speed or scheme/game plan.
Lastly, a playmaking safety would be nice. Ed Reed would be the most sought after free agent this spring but he re-signed with Baltimore.
A reminder to everyone: I’m listing players who the Pats should go after, I don’t expect them to sign everyone, however at least one person from each category would be nice. Now here are the players position by position of priority:
Priority:
Linebacker (in no particular order):
Lance Briggs -Will probably command a lot of money and would be a great sideline to sideline LB that brings speed.
London Fletcher-Baker – may be a little small for the Pats liking but plays big, good tackler and has speed.
Boss Bailey – Big disappointment given his ability, give him the benefit of the doubt because it is hard to succeed in Detroit, says he is faster than his brother Champ, would infuse much needed speed at OLB, only con is that he is injury prone.
Adalius Thomas – A player that I would really like to have, however, he is close to 30 years old and this is his pay day. Would be the most difficult to sign. Some other team will over pay for his services.
Antwan Peek – Hybrid type of player that can rush the passer and play LB in the Pats scheme.
Safety (in no particular order):
Michael Lewis (S) – A position that desperately needs an upgrade. Hawkins did ok at times, Eugene Wilson seems to regress every season at FS.
Deon Grant (S) – Would be a nice addition at FS, good tackler, has range, should come at a reasonable price.
Ken Hamlin (S) – Good player that has some speed and good in coverage. Shouldn’t command too much money.
Gibril Wilson – Good tackler, nice range, can break up passes.
Cornerback (in no particular order):
Ricky Manning Jr. (CB) – I thought he signed a big deal with Chicago, don’t know how he is a free agent, physical corner, tackles well, would be a starter with Pats.
Nate Clements (CB) – Will command lots of money, gambles on plays, great tackler, I only see the Pats going after him if they can’t get a deal done with Samuel.
Reggie Howard (CB) – Should come at a reasonable price, would be great at nickel and dime packages.
Wide Receiver (in no particular order):
Dennis Northcutt (WR) – shouldn’t command a lot of money and could be one of the pickups like Patten in ’01. Would provide good depth at receiver.
Donte’ Stallworth (WR) – Eagles will probably get a deal done with him but would be a great addition to the Pats, might be injury prone, would be a starter.
Mike Furrey (WR) – Lions will make it a priority to re-sign him, gashed the Pats in receiving yards in their match-up this year, would be a great addition and would start.
Drew Bennet (WR) – A very underrated WR, shouldn’t command a lot of money, Huge target that can stretch the field, would be a bargin if the Pats can grab him.
Bethel Johnson? (WR) – Great on special teams, but I doubt the Pats would go after him.
Travis Taylor (WR) – Good receiver that would provide nice depth and would be another receiver from the University of Florida.
Kevin Curtis – Good #3 receiver for the Rams, would provide nice depth.
Michael Lewis (WR/ST) – Would be a nice addition on kickoffs to help set up field position. Would help keep starters off field to get some rest.
Could also upgrade or use depth at:
Offensive Line (in no particular order):
Leonard Davis (OT) – Has talent but didn’t live up to hype. Shouldn’t ask for too much money. Massive player that would compete with Matt Light. A change of scenery might help.
Kris Dielman (OG) – Let’s face it, the run blocking sucked! This was one of the guys that helped pave the way for Tomlinson’s record breaking season. Would compete with Neal.
David Diehl (OG) – Would compete with Neal at RG, shouldn’t command lots of money.
Rick DeMulling (OG) – Succeeded with Colts but didn’t seem to do much with Lions, sounds like our boy Damien Woody when he was with the Pats. Would compete with Neal.
Derrick Dockery (OG) – Young, massive, and nasty at the line is what the Pats need at OG. Very underrated, helps open holes for Portis and Betts.
Running Back (in no particular order):
Dominic Rhodes (RB) – He will probably stay with the Colts but would be a great addition if Dillon leaves.
Sammy Morris (RB) – Filled in nicely for Ronnie Brown this year and Pats missed out on him two years ago when Morris was close to signing with the Pats. He can run, catch the ball and play special teams. Sounds like a Patriots kind of guy.
Justin Griffith (FB) – Fullbacks are a dying breed in the NFL, but teams that have good blocking fullbacks have pro bowl running backs. Could help open holes for Maroney.
Ahman Green (RB) – He will probably command more money than he is worth, but would fill in great if Dillon retires or gets cut.
LaBrandon Toefield – buried on the depth chart and will most likely leave the Jags, tough runner that would be a nice change of pace for Maroney.
Tight End:
Reggie Kelly (TE) – Only if the team doesn’t re-sign Daniel Graham, regarded as one of the best blocking TE’s in the league.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the 1st annual guide to free agency by yours truly. Did I forget anybody that you would like to see the Pats go after?
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