The_Dragon
Practice Squad Player
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Thanks for the link. I enjoyed Casale's opinions. Of course, we'll probably end up with a Center and a Tight End in Round One, but there you are ...
Brian Leonard, or “Mr. Patriot” as I like to call him, is a versatile player who lined up at both running back and fullback in college.
This is a guy who does everything well. He’s a tough inside runner, can get to the outside, blocks well and is a tremendous receiver out of the backfield. Unlike Hunt, Leonard is a very good practice player. He really turned some heads last week and is shooting up the draft boards.
Considered a RB/FB hybrid, Leonard shed 15 pounds before the Senior Bowl to show NFL scouts that he could be a primary running back at the pro level. While I don’t agree with his strategy, it didn’t seem to bother Leonard during the game. He converted two short runs into first downs by driving back both Willis and Florida State’s Buster Davis on separate plays, two of the top inside linebacker prospects in this draft. Leonard also showed quick feet in the open field when he caught a pass on fourth down, made a defender miss, and got beyond the chains to keep the drive alive.
If there was ever a time to use the phrase “A Patriots-kind of player,” this is it. Leonard has the versatility to play running back, fullback and special teams. Those kinds of skills will make the Rutgers standout a very sought after commodity come draft day.
What exactly is the Pats draft strategy? I've heard snippets about taking the best available player and not drafting for needs.
Does this mean that if Brady Quinn fell to the Pats and he was no 1 on their chart that they'd draft him despite having Tom Brady? I assume a certain amount of common sense also applies? Anyone got any ideas on this?
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks that drafting Leonard would simply be bringing out his inner Flying Elvis. :rocker:
It's not best player available, it's best value available.
For example, if the best available player were a DL, the Pats would pass on him, because it's unlikely that he'd be better than the DL players they already have. [Why pay $1M+ a year to a rookie knowing he's going to be riding the pine 95% of the time?]
It's not best player available, it's best value available.
For example, if the best available player were a DL, the Pats would pass on him, because it's unlikely that he'd be better than the DL players they already have. [Why pay $1M+ a year to a rookie knowing he's going to be riding the pine 95% of the time?]
Thanks for the link. I enjoyed Casale's opinions. Of course, we'll probably end up with a Center and a Tight End in Round One, but there you are ...
From what I've seen they draft for future value and use FA for immediate need. For instance, taking Maroney in the 1st when the didn't need him but would in a year or two... Or moving up to take Chad Jackson when Branch has one year left, drafting two TE's because Graham's contract is running out. They picked two CB's (Wilson in the 2nd and Samuel in the 4th, I think) when Ty Law was coming up to a contract year...
With this in mind, I'd be looking at DB in anticipation of Samuel leaving due to contract issues or Rodney retiring in coming years. I'd also look for a role player LB who will be to the LB core what Jarvis Green is to the DL... a guy who doesn't start but plays as much as the starters by rotating in.
It's not best player available, it's best value available.
For example, if the best available player were a DL, the Pats would pass on him, because it's unlikely that he'd be better than the DL players they already have. [Why pay $1M+ a year to a rookie knowing he's going to be riding the pine 95% of the time?]