My Blueprint For the Pats

[Off The Grid]

Couldn't've put it better, myself.

And there's no need to replace Welker at all.

It's time to Pass less, and Run more.

So you're going to have to retool the O-Line for that to happen.

One More & With Feeling...

You don't SAY???

I've been advocating "a better O Line" since 1426, my friend.

Please reference my Signature if you have any further questions.

 

[mgteich]

As we sit now, I think that we can get 2 top 50 players if we wish to move up in the 2nd. Even with the strategy of getting two good men, Fluker will likely be out of reach. BTW, do you really put the need at OG/C higher than our other draft needs? I'm fine with Fluker as our first rounder, since he can also start at RT if that is necessary. But surely there is value at DL and WR in the top 50. Obviously, there is the usual need to find yet another defensive back.

Yes, we do. That works for me.

- Solder with Mankins/Thomas on the left side was fine
- Move Connolly back to center
- Draft DJ Fluker and put him at RG next to Cannon, or Vollmer if we can keep him
- Get Gronk back, and add Ballard as a second blocking TE
- Draft a fullback/H-back like Kyle Jusevics to clear the pile when we need to run

I would consider that a line that we should be able to run behind.

 

[mayoclinic]

As we sit now, I think that we can get 2 top 50 players if we wish to move up in the 2nd. Even with the strategy of getting two good men, Fluker will likely be out of reach. BTW, do you really put the need at OG/C higher than our other draft needs? I'm fine with Fluker as our first rounder, since he can also start at RT if that is necessary. But surely there is value at DL and WR in the top 50. Obviously, there is the usual need to find yet another defensive back.

For me, our lack of draft picks this year is really crippling, and it irks me no end. "Moving up" would cost something, and we don't have much to pay, unless we "move back" from 29.

My #1 need going into the draft was a LDE. The Armond Armstead signing addressed that brilliantly. He may or may not work out, but I think he's got as much of a chance as anyone we could have targeted in the draft, and probably more because he's had some pro experience and been out of the college environment.

At this point my 3 big priorities through the draft or DT, OL and WR. And probably in that order, mainly because I value DL so much. DB has never been much of a priority for me - I don't really want to spend a high pick on another rookie DB, we've had too much youth and inexperience at the position. I want continuity and some experience, so I want to re-sign Talib and Arrington if at all possible. Maybe sign a veteran FS like Kenny Phillips. Maybe draft a late round DB.

As for how my 3 priorities would sort out with 29, 59 and 91, I would never take WR in the 1st round, but whether I'd use 59 on a WR vs. OL or DT would depend on the values. I could see something like the following:

1. DT - Hankins if he falls, or Jesse Williams. I doubt Sharrif Floyd will fall. I'm not convinced Kawann Short is worth a 1st, so if those 3 are gone I may go OL or trade back. A front 7 coverage LB like Alec Ogletree could be a "value" pick.

2. OL or WR. If a Barrett Jones or Dallas Thomas falls, they could be too good to pass up. Ditto a Justin Hunter or Quinton Patton. See who the BPA is.

3. WR or OL. Maybe Brian Winters or Terron Armstead at OL. Not sure who at WR, which is the problem.

What I really want is to move up from 91 into the 2nd round, but I don't know how to do it without some Deus Ex Machina Mallett trade scenario.

But there's a lot of time between now and the draft.

 

[everlong]

I've been advocating "a better O Line" since 1426, my friend.[/I]

Please reference my Signature if you have any further questions.

I have referenced it my snarky friend. The problem is to do would be expensive in either FA dollars or draft picks. If I'm going to use those resources for me it's 3-4 DE/4-3 DT, safety, 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE and then the O-Line.

 

[everlong]

For me, our lack of draft picks this year is really crippling, and it irks me no end. "Moving up" would cost something, and we don't have much to pay, unless we "move back" from 29.

My #1 need going into the draft was a LDE. The Armond Armstead signing addressed that brilliantly. He may or may not work out, but I think he's got as much of a chance as anyone we could have targeted in the draft, and probably more because he's had some pro experience and been out of the college environment.

At this point my 3 big priorities through the draft or DT, OL and WR. And probably in that order, mainly because I value DL so much. DB has never been much of a priority for me - I don't really want to spend a high pick on another rookie DB, we've had too much youth and inexperience at the position. I want continuity and some experience, so I want to re-sign Talib and Arrington if at all possible. Maybe sign a veteran FS like Kenny Phillips. Maybe draft a late round DB.

As for how my 3 priorities would sort out with 29, 59 and 91, I would never take WR in the 1st round, but whether I'd use 59 on a WR vs. OL or DT would depend on the values. I could see something like the following:

1. DT - Hankins if he falls, or Jesse Williams. I doubt Sharrif Floyd will fall. I'm not convinced Kawann Short is worth a 1st, so if those 3 are gone I may go OL or trade back. A front 7 coverage LB like Alec Ogletree could be a "value" pick.

2. OL or WR. If a Barrett Jones or Dallas Thomas falls, they could be too good to pass up. Ditto a Justin Hunter or Quinton Patton. See who the BPA is.

3. WR or OL. Maybe Brian Winters or Terron Armstead at OL. Not sure who at WR, which is the problem.

What I really want is to move up from 91 into the 2nd round, but I don't know how to do it without some Deus Ex Machina Mallett trade scenario.

But there's a lot of time between now and the draft.

OK I think this post moves you and I more into the same mindset than previously. The more I see of Hankins the more I like him BTW and I really think he's gone in the teens which is a shame. I'm very much in favor of going back to a 3-4 with our LBs and I'm hoping Armstead and be a consistent version of 2004 Jarvis Green. If that happens and they pick up another 3-4 DE to add to their current roster it could become DE by committee.

 

[everlong]

If you take on an $11.5M cap hit for Welker this year you probably have to let Woodhead and Edelman walk, and then Welker is gone in 2014, and then where are you? Are you any better off in the long term than you are now?

Of all the available options, I think that using the franchise tag on Welker again would be one of the worst. A huge cap hit when we don't have a ton of room to maneuver, with no long term solution.

I don't see Edelman costing much more than the vet minimum given his injury history and Woodhead might be looking at what 2M/Y with a limited bonus?

Honestly I'd be much more on board with letting him walk if Edelman, Gronk and Hernandez didn't have their injury histories. In the past three seasons how many game have they all played? Without looking it's not half and may not be a third. Wes is that consistent game in game out move the chains guy.

I do wonder if they could move Vereen or Demps to the slot. I don't know that Demps could handle the pounding but its a thought.

 

[dryheat44]

I don't see Edelman costing much more than the vet minimum given his injury history and Woodhead might be looking at what 2M/Y with a limited bonus?

Honestly I'd be much more on board with letting him walk if Edelman, Gronk and Hernandez didn't have their injury histories. In the past three seasons how many game have they all played? Without looking it's not half and may not be a third. Wes is that consistent game in game out move the chains guy.

I do wonder if they could move Vereen or Demps to the slot. I don't know that Demps could handle the pounding but its a thought.

I think we need to roll with Edelman and hope he can give us 80% of Welker's production at 25% of the cost. And I think we need to kick the tires on a guy like Amendola to see where he and his agent are. He's had injury issues the past two years, and while they're probably not going to be recurring, it has to cut into his value some. Plus they have to know that if Welker leaves that he can put up enormous numbers here. He could probably come fairly cheap on a one-year deal while he improves his status for the 2014 free agency market.

Or we bring back Salas and see what he is. BB obviously liked having him. Ebert too, to a lesser extent.

Other draft thoughts:
1. Is there a reason why Tavon Wilson couldn't play more in a coverage linebacker role against pass-heavy offenses? Get him in there and dare the pass-heavy teams to run the ball. And I'm tired of seeing Spikes or Hightower allowing 16 yard receptions to guys like Dennis Pitta and Jacob Tamme on 3rd and 15. Part of the reason BB drafted Wilson was his ability to play different roles of the defense. While I'm happy with his contributions in 2012 vs. his draft status, I think we'll see much more in 2013. At any rate, I don't want to spend a first or second-day pick on a coverage linebacker. We could even see Ed Reed in that role in 2013.

2. Obviously the Patriots defense is more in need of help than the offense. However, we've seen good defenses able to greatly limit Brady's ability to hurt them, particularly if the offense is at less than 100% health. If Tavon Austin is there in the first, doesn't he become a legitimate target? Put another playmaker on the field, particularly one who can line up anywhere and force the defense to defend more ground. It would prove especially helpful in those situations where the Patriots need a furious comeback and the defense is squatting on the medium zones without fear of anybody getting behind them. On that note, Matt Slater is probably the fastest guy on the team. Why can't he improve at WR enough to be a legitimate threat in those situations? Are his hands that bad?

3. Connolly was the weak link of the OL all year. I think Thomas performed better when he was out there. With Mankins aging and showing that he's not indestructable, a guard also looks to be a priority, whether in free agency or in the first or second round.

4. I think I want Shane Vereen on the field more. Which means Woodhead is redundant, and should be welcomed back at reasonable cost, but not made a priority.

 

[everlong]

I think we need to roll with Edelman and hope he can give us 80% of Welker's production at 25% of the cost

If he was healthy 100% of the time I think you would get exactly that. However he's proven to be healthy about 33% of the time which means you're getting 25% of the production for 25% of the cost.

Other draft thoughts:
1. Is there a reason why Tavon Wilson couldn't play more in a coverage linebacker role against pass-heavy offenses? Get him in there and dare the pass-heavy teams to run the ball. And I'm tired of seeing Spikes or Hightower allowing 16 yard receptions to guys like Dennis Pitta and Jacob Tamme on 3rd and 15. Part of the reason BB drafted Wilson was his ability to play different roles of the defense. While I'm happy with his contributions in 2012 vs. his draft status, I think we'll see much more in 2013. At any rate, I don't want to spend a first or second-day pick on a coverage linebacker. We could even see Ed Reed in that role in 2013.

If healthy that should be Ras-I's role but Wilson should fit. I also think Hightower will make a leap in coverage this coming year. Spikes is just too slow.

2. Obviously the Patriots defense is more in need of help than the offense. However, we've seen good defenses able to greatly limit Brady's ability to hurt them, particularly if the offense is at less than 100% health. If Tavon Austin is there in the first, doesn't he become a legitimate target? Put another playmaker on the field, particularly one who can line up anywhere and force the defense to defend more ground. It would prove especially helpful in those situations where the Patriots need a furious comeback and the defense is squatting on the medium zones without fear of anybody getting behind them. On that note, Matt Slater is probably the fastest guy on the team. Why can't he improve at WR enough to be a legitimate threat in those situations? Are his hands that bad?

I think there's better value at the slot later in the draft. That first round pick need to go to a 3-4 DE/4-3 DT.

3. Connolly was the weak link of the OL all year. I think Thomas performed better when he was out there. With Mankins aging and showing that he's not indestructable, a guard also looks to be a priority, whether in free agency or in the first or second round.

Agreed but I wouldn't count out Cannon at RG for this coming year unless Vollmer leaves and he needs to step out to RT....shudder....I think he's better inside and I fear his handling a speed guy.

4. I think I want Shane Vereen on the field more. Which means Woodhead is redundant, and should be welcomed back at reasonable cost, but not made a priority.

I agree unless they can use them together by using Vereen in the slot more.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Or we bring back Salas and see what he is. BB obviously liked having him. Ebert too, to a lesser extent.

Salas is currently the property of the Iggles.

 

[SeymourTrophies]

My #1 need going into the draft was a LDE. The Armond Armstead signing addressed that brilliantly. He may or may not work out, but I think he's got as much of a chance as anyone we could have targeted in the draft, and probably more because he's had some pro experience and been out of the college environment.

This seems to be the sentiment for most. I don't understand it though. Everyone is likening him to Mike Wright, perhaps with some better length and more time spent conscious (sorry Mike). If we struck gold, we've got Red Bryant. That still doesn't solve our biggest problem, which is consistency on the edges.

Putting your stock in Chan Jones turning into a monster in his second year and hoping Bequette or Francis turns into your edge guy on the other side is going to end with some of that reality Grid was talking about slapping us upside the head.

 

[dryheat44]

Salas is currently the property of the Iggles.

I think he's a free agent.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Other draft thoughts:
1. Is there a reason why Tavon Wilson couldn't play more in a coverage linebacker role against pass-heavy offenses? Get him in there and dare the pass-heavy teams to run the ball. And I'm tired of seeing Spikes or Hightower allowing 16 yard receptions to guys like Dennis Pitta and Jacob Tamme on 3rd and 15. Part of the reason BB drafted Wilson was his ability to play different roles of the defense. While I'm happy with his contributions in 2012 vs. his draft status, I think we'll see much more in 2013. At any rate, I don't want to spend a first or second-day pick on a coverage linebacker. We could even see Ed Reed in that role in 2013.

Wilson is too green. He is a playmaker but gets burnt quite a bit for being out of position. I think that's why BB limited his snaps particularly the closer we got to postseason play. Hopefully he can improve in his sophmore year, but still he doesn't have the size to matchup against big tight ends. I'm intrigued with drafting one of the bigger safties 6'2-6'4 and seeing if they can hang with the tightend mismatches. 5 years and we STILL cannot cover the freaking tight end!! Might also consider investing in a coverage linebacker.

2. Obviously the Patriots defense is more in need of help than the offense. However, we've seen good defenses able to greatly limit Brady's ability to hurt them, particularly if the offense is at less than 100% health. If Tavon Austin is there in the first, doesn't he become a legitimate target? Put another playmaker on the field, particularly one who can line up anywhere and force the defense to defend more ground. It would prove especially helpful in those situations where the Patriots need a furious comeback and the defense is squatting on the medium zones without fear of anybody getting behind them. On that note, Matt Slater is probably the fastest guy on the team. Why can't he improve at WR enough to be a legitimate threat in those situations? Are his hands that bad?

Yes his hands are THAT BAD. He couldn't beat out Tiquan Underwood. That tells you something. He also might not be good at route/running, picking up the option tree offense. Would like to see the Pats look at a Wheaton or Patton at WR in round 2.

3. Connolly was the weak link of the OL all year. I think Thomas performed better when he was out there. With Mankins aging and showing that he's not indestructable, a guard also looks to be a priority, whether in free agency or in the first or second round.

You make a valid point. And yet Connolly is one of the highest paid Pats OL at 3m. BB must see something in him? The problem is finding an upgrade on him in the draft will likely cost a 2nd round or higher pick. I doubt there are any 3rd round or later guys who would be an immediate upgrade.

4. I think I want Shane Vereen on the field more. Which means Woodhead is redundant, and should be welcomed back at reasonable cost, but not made a priority.

True. Vereen showed us a lot of ability against the Texans. Unless Woodhead comes back cheap he probably won't be back which is a shame. But I can totally see some team envisioning Woodhead as the next Sproles and offering him way more money than the Pats would match.

 

[patfanken]

1. I'm not seeing the prevailing sentiment that OL should be one of our bigger needs, especially OG. Given the light number of picks we have this year, I wouldn't be happy to see us use one of the top 3 picks on a offensive lineman. Even if Volmer walks, BB and Scar have invested a lot of time on McDonald and Zusevics. I would THINK that in their 3rd year in the system they would offer as much as we would suspect from any rookie.

2. I HAVE a dream. And I can't seem to get it out of my head. So in order to make this dream come true I'm going to have to sacrifice a little on the offense and go with Heat's maxim of signing Edelman and let Welker walk and hope we can get 80% of his production at 20% of the cost. THEN we can afford to re-sign Volmer and I get to have my dream come true and see a Connolly, Cannon, Volmer Gronk right side, which will have DL's begging for mercy in the run game.

3. Position wise, those top 3 picks should be used exclusively on the DL, DB, ,and WR in no particular order.

4. I'm not mourning the lack of picks this year as much as some. Sure its nice to have a lot of picks going into the draft season. It certainly makes it a lot more fun for us to speculate draft trades and participate in player rich mock drafts. But the reality is that the Pats roster is maturing. And while there are certainly holes to fill, those are relatively few in nature compared to most teams.

Over the past 3 years the Pats have completed a massive roster turn over. Only 5 starters remain from the 2010 Jets loss. We already have what amounts to 10 new faces being added to the roster who had little or no impact this season. (Armstead, Dowling, Demps, Fletcher, Ballard, and the 5 draft picks, and that doesn't count several other IR returnees, and other "camp fodder" FA signees of whom history tells us, one or two will make the roster.

So even if we didn't sign a single outside FA, we'd still be looking a close to a 20% turnover if all those players made the team. Last season brought us 3 starters, 1 contributor, and a special teams starter, plus 2 "prospects". That's quite a haul. This year if we manage 3 contributors, and one ST's starter, I think that would be a great result

5. Its real early now, and we are picking late. Remember that the actual draft will bear little resemblance to what we speculate now. Especially this early. A lot of guys that people are hyping now will fall and guys we've never heard of or discussed will get drafted early. Don't forget that RGIII was a 3rd round WR prospect going into his last year at Baylor, and if anyone ever mention the name Tavon Wilson before it was called last April, they deserve some kind of a prize.

6. I look forward to all your posts. They make the off season infinitely more interesting

 

[mayoclinic]

1. I'm not seeing the prevailing sentiment that OL should be one of our bigger needs, especially OG. Given the light number of picks we have this year, I wouldn't be happy to see us use one of the top 3 picks on a offensive lineman. Even if Volmer walks, BB and Scar have invested a lot of time on McDonald and Zusevics. I would THINK that in their 3rd year in the system they would offer as much as we would suspect from any rookie.

I can't agree, Ken. First, I think that building a premium OL is ALWAYS worthwhile. While Scar has been masterful about creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, there's no substitute for having true studs on the OL (and DL) who can win the war in the trenches. The Patriots have to some extent masked deficiencies in their OL through a quick passing game, but that puts more pressure on Brady, which may not be the way to go as he gets older. Guys like McDonald and Zusevics are quality reserves at reasonable cap hits, but I don't necessarily see them as immediate impact starts compared with a guy like Jonathan Cooper or DJ Fluker. Mankins was an impact starter as a rookie - remember how he did? Remember how Vollmer saved us in 2009 when our OL was falling apart? Similarly, Solder had an immediate impact at RT in 2011 when Vollmer's back sidelined him. Those kind of guys can have a huge impact, and early.

2. I HAVE a dream. And I can't seem to get it out of my head. So in order to make this dream come true I'm going to have to sacrifice a little on the offense and go with Heat's maxim of signing Edelman and let Welker walk and hope we can get 80% of his production at 20% of the cost. THEN we can afford to re-sign Volmer and I get to have my dream come true and see a Connolly, Cannon, Volmer Gronk right side, which will have DL's begging for mercy in the run game.

I have always been a HUGE Vollmer fan, and re-signing him has always been extremely high on my priority list. But right now I'm terrified of his back issue, combined with a big money contract. With so much money tied up in Mankins, giving Vollmer a big money deal only to have his back become a major issue would be a huge drain on the team's cap resources. I think that needs to be evaluated very, very carefully.

3. Position wise, those top 3 picks should be used exclusively on the DL, DB, ,and WR in no particular order.

I personally consider QB, DL and OL to be the 3 most important areas of the team, so I have no problem investing 2 of our 3 top 100 picks in those 2 areas. I think that WRs and DBs can be added later. There's no guarantee that a high draft pick DB won't have the minimal impact of a rookie Ras-I Dowling, or a low pick DB won't have the tremendous impact of an Alfonzo Dennard.

I also believe that we need continuity experience in our secondary more than additional rookies starting. I'm not in favor of using a top 100 pick on a DB, unless we get more picks.

4. I'm not mourning the lack of picks this year as much as some. Sure its nice to have a lot of picks going into the draft season. It certainly makes it a lot more fun for us to speculate draft trades and participate in player rich mock drafts. But the reality is that the Pats roster is maturing. And while there are certainly holes to fill, those are relatively few in nature compared to most teams.

Over the past 3 years the Pats have completed a massive roster turn over. Only 5 starters remain from the 2010 Jets loss. We already have what amounts to 10 new faces being added to the roster who had little or no impact this season. (Armstead, Dowling, Demps, Fletcher, Ballard, and the 5 draft picks, and that doesn't count several other IR returnees, and other "camp fodder" FA signees of whom history tells us, one or two will make the roster.

So even if we didn't sign a single outside FA, we'd still be looking a close to a 20% turnover if all those players made the team. Last season brought us 3 starters, 1 contributor, and a special teams starter, plus 2 "prospects". That's quite a haul. This year if we manage 3 contributors, and one ST's starter, I think that would be a great result

More draft picks allows a number of things: flexibility to move around, flexibility to pick up low cost players who could potentially upgrade the roster - not because of acute "need", but because it is always good to upgrade the roster - and an increased chance of hitting on 1 pick. Again, look at the impact Alfonzo Dennard had on our 2012 draft.

5. Its real early now, and we are picking late. Remember that the actual draft will bear little resemblance to what we speculate now. Especially this early. A lot of guys that people are hyping now will fall and guys we've never heard of or discussed will get drafted early. Don't forget that RGIII was a 3rd round WR prospect going into his last year at Baylor, and if anyone ever mention the name Tavon Wilson before it was called last April, they deserve some kind of a prize.

6. I look forward to all your posts. They make the off season infinitely more interesting

It's certainly early, and there will be a ton of movement between now and the end of April. That's to be expected. The Pats should be vigilent to find good values. Part of my concern with the lack of draft picks is that they won't have the flexibiltiy to move around and find those guys.

But if we come out of this draft with a significant contributor at DT, OL and WR plus a nickel/slot DB or 3rd outside press-man DB, I will be thrilled.

 

[everlong]

I can't agree, Ken. First, I think that building a premium OL is ALWAYS worthwhile. While Scar has been masterful about creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, there's no substitute for having true studs on the OL (and DL) who can win the war in the trenches. The Patriots have to some extent masked deficiencies in their OL through a quick passing game, but that puts more pressure on Brady, which may not be the way to go as he gets older. Guys like McDonald and Zusevics are quality reserves at reasonable cap hits, but I don't necessarily see them as immediate impact starts compared with a guy like Jonathan Cooper or DJ Fluker. Mankins was an impact starter as a rookie - remember how he did? Remember how Vollmer saved us in 2009 when our OL was falling apart? Similarly, Solder had an immediate impact at RT in 2011 when Vollmer's back sidelined him. Those kind of guys can have a huge impact, and early.

I want the OL retooled with more beef. I have for a long time. However which draft makes the Pats better for the next few years?

29 Hankins DT
59 Elam SS
91 Williams DT (NC not AU)

29 Cooper G
59 Jones C
91 Long RT

The top assumes you resign Vollmer and Welker and use the current roster to fill guard and center.

The bottom assumes you're going after some FAs on the defensive side.

They can't do it all and I prefer defensive line. Honestly that stupid Mallet for #6 keeps popping into my head and I think man that would be the our Hershal Walker that lets us do it all and win another 3 rings with this run.

 

[manxman2601]

I want the OL retooled with more beef. I have for a long time. However which draft makes the Pats better for the next few years?

29 Hankins DT
59 Elam SS
91 Williams DT (NC not AU)

29 Cooper G
59 Jones C
91 Long RT

The top assumes you resign Vollmer and Welker and use the current roster to fill guard and center.

The bottom assumes you're going after some FAs on the defensive side.

They can't do it all and I prefer defensive line. Honestly that stupid Mallet for #6 keeps popping into my head and I think man that would be the our Hershal Walker that lets us do it all and win another 3 rings with this run.

I prefer #2 although I'd take out Barrett Jones and slip a WR or Brandon Williams in there. I'm not overly keen on Hankins and don't see great value in taking a safety high considering we did that last year. Option 1 would also be better if it was Brandon Williams rather than Sylvester. So I'd go:

#29 J Cooper
#59 Hopkins, Patton, Wheaton, R Woods
#91 Kyle Long

That sets us up beautifully for the next few years.

 

[everlong]

I prefer #2 although I'd take out Barrett Jones and slip a WR or Brandon Williams in there. I'm not overly keen on Hankins and don't see great value in taking a safety high considering we did that last year. Option 1 would also be better if it was Brandon Williams rather than Sylvester. So I'd go:

#29 J Cooper
#59 Hopkins, Patton, Wheaton, R Woods
#91 Kyle Long

That sets us up beautifully for the next few years.

You can substitute out the players they were just examples by position. I think upgrading the DL is more important. In regards to safety I'd still like to see them get a young SS who can cover and hit. I like Brandon Williams better as well but I bet he shoots up into the second round.

 

[manxman2601]

You can substitute out the players they were just examples by position. I think upgrading the DL is more important. In regards to safety I'd still like to see them get a young SS who can cover and hit.

Yes but they have to be the right DL. Hankins and Sylvester Williams are just bodies, they don't significantly upgrade our DL. Kawaan Short doesn't really fit BB's scheme. The one I do like is Brandon Williams because I see plenty of upside (see a bit of Louis Nix in him). If you want a game changing DL, hope the Mallett #6 happens and we get Lotulelei because he's a genuine game changer for the interior DL.

As for safety, BB has said that he wants his safeties to be interchangeable. I don't see Elam being able to do what McCourty does, and having taken a Safety in the 2nd round last year, I really don't want to go back to that again this year.

Considering our new emphasis on the running game, the possible loss of Welker and the help he gives our OL, the ageing of Brady and the possibility that we'll need to protect a new QB sometime in the next few years, the surest way I see for this team to maintain and improve upon it's current level is to have the best OL possible. Way more important than the DL in my view (particularly as BB emphasises run stopping rather than pressuring the QB).

Edit: Just to add, O Linemen are three down players. Unless they're achieving Wilfork levels, the likes of Sylvester Williams or Hankins are 2 down players at best.

 

[everlong]

Yes but they have to be the right DL. Hankins and Sylvester Williams are just bodies, they don't significantly upgrade our DL. Kawaan Short doesn't really fit BB's scheme. The one I do like is Brandon Williams because I see plenty of upside (see a bit of Louis Nix in him). If you want a game changing DL, hope the Mallett #6 happens and we get Lotulelei because he's a genuine game changer for the interior DL.

Obviously they have to be the right players for the scheme. I disagree on Hankins and Williams. I think Hankins can come in and both a 3 down player and Williams a passing down pentrator. I agree with you on Short. I haven't seen Lotulelei and haven't studied up on him because the general consensus is he'll be gone and the #6 is a pipe dream.

As for safety, BB has said that he wants his safeties to be interchangeable. I don't see Elam being able to do what McCourty does, and having taken a Safety in the 2nd round last year, I really don't want to go back to that again this year.

I don't think Chung was drafted to be interchanable or for that matter Meriweather. Those two misses were very costly. I can understand not wanting to go there but Gregory was spotting at best, Chung is as good as gone, Wilson a work in progress and who knows so the position is still in flux.

Considering our new emphasis on the running game, the possible loss of Welker and the help he gives our OL, the ageing of Brady and the possibility that we'll need to protect a new QB sometime in the next few years, the surest way I see for this team to maintain and improve upon it's current level is to have the best OL possible. Way more important than the DL in my view (particularly as BB emphasises run stopping rather than pressuring the QB).

Edit: Just to add, O Linemen are three down players. Unless they're achieving Wilfork levels, the likes of Sylvester Williams or Hankins are 2 down players at best.

I think Hankins can go 3 downs. Sylvester would be a rotational guy but that's what 3rd rounders are. If they upgrade the offensive line the defense still isn't championship level. If they upgrade the defensive line and the secondary the offense with some tweaks is.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with your conclusions. I would note that DL and OL seem to be best secured from the draft. I certainly expect an OL to be draft high if Vollmer walks. Drafting a defensive back is also worth it because the high cost of free agent backs. Of course, this is more of a crapshoot. To say that Dowling is bad pick because he was injured twice seems somehow beside the point. And yes, I would always drafting a DL if the value is there.

It may or may not be the year to take a flyer on a wide receiver. My vote is almost always "no".

I personally consider QB, DL and OL to be the 3 most important areas of the team, so I have no problem investing 2 of our 3 top 100 picks in those 2 areas. I think that WRs and DBs can be added later. There's no guarantee that a high draft pick DB won't have the minimal impact of a rookie Ras-I Dowling, or a low pick DB won't have the tremendous impact of an Alfonzo Dennard.