A. Spencer will interview at Gillette in April

[PonyExpress]

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070310/SPORTS020101/703100337

How big will his "Fro-Hawk" be by then?:rocker:

 

[chunkypony]

Re: Pats invite A. Spencer for April workout at Gillette

[mr. burns]

exxxxxxxxecellent....

[/mr. burns]

 

[Seneschal2]

Well, that makes 2 for 2, a workout and an interview (Nelson and Spencer). Those are two from my very short list of Pats prospects for round one. Nice to see BB likes them too. Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?

I think it's time to post my list (just in case).

 

[patsfan55]

Well, that makes 2 for 2, a workout and an interview (Nelson and Spencer). Those are two from my very short list of Pats prospects for round one. Nice to see BB likes them too. Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?

I think it's time to post my list (just in case).

its weird
for the first time in a long time the pats are goin after everyone we want them to

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?

Because your cynical and paranoid knowing a closer look also indicates unresolved questions.

 

[Seneschal2]

Because your cynical and paranoid...

:nono: -- I don't fish.

My little comment: "Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?", is based on the smokescreens and secrecy attached to BB's past drafts. These two prospects have ALREADY made the news rather easily, which makes me somewhat suspicious. Otherwise, I could see a 24/28 scenario for Nelson/Spencer because IMO they both fit the Pats profile.

knowing a closer look also indicates unresolved questions.

The glass-is-half-full person may say that the extra attention CONFIRMS the Pats have a sincere interest (as I believe). It's common knowledge that "unresolved questions" can apply to EVERY draft prospect -- not just these two.

OTOH, maybe BB is revealing his hand to all and has grown tired of smokescreens. We'll find out...

 

[Clonamery]

OTOH, maybe BB is revealing his hand to all and has grown tired of smokescreens. We'll find out...

Ha. Ha ha ha ha ha. Very funny.

 

[patchick]

I've said this in another thread, but I really don't see any evidence that BB has worked out players as a "smokescreen." It seems a waste of everybody's valuable time an energy. There are 31 other teams, so naturally they'll only draft a fraction of the players they bring in for a look-see. But it's still a much higher percentage than of the players they don't bring in.

Remember this pre-draft quote from Jeremy Mincey?

"They already know what I can do from when he [Belichick] worked me out three weeks ago," said Mincey. "They tell me I can fit in good with them. While I was up there they were asking me if I would mind being teammates with Chad Jackson again."

 

[Seneschal2]

I've said this in another thread, but I really don't see any evidence that BB has worked out players as a "smokescreen."

The 'working out' or 'interviews' or 'visits' may not be smokescreens themselves, but the release of some information regarding a specific prospect may be. Let's not say that smokescreening doesn't exist among some teams -- because it does. I can't prove it on this board -- but I know it. Some can choose to believe this or not.

Remember this pre-draft quote from Jeremy Mincey?

"They already know what I can do from when he [Belichick] worked me out three weeks ago," said Mincey. "They tell me I can fit in good with them. While I was up there they were asking me if I would mind being teammates with Chad Jackson again."

I know it very well -- I posted it. Curious if anyone on the PatsFans forums had Mincey as a potential Pats prospect?

 

[BelichickFan]

Curious if anyone on the PatsFans forums had Mincey as a potential Pats prospect?

The Search feature is your friend

He's mentioned to some extent in these pre draft threads :

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=34819&highlight=mincey
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=34810&highlight=mincey
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=34663&highlight=mincey
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=32311&highlight=mincey
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=33725&highlight=mincey

 

[patchick]

The 'working out' or 'interviews' or 'visits' may not be smokescreens themselves, but the release of some information regarding a specific prospect may be. Let's not say that smokescreening doesn't exist among some teams -- because it does. I can't prove it on this board -- but I know it. Some can choose to believe this or not.

OK, if it's just a general statement that there's a lot of gamesmanship in the draft and teams try to psych each other out, I'm sure you're right. But as far as the specific topic of this thread...

Anthony Spencer mentioned to a guy from the esteemed West Lafayette Journal-Courier that the Patriots are among the teams he's scheduled to visit. I think it's a pretty big leap to take that as a sign that Bill Belichick is putting out smokescreens and we don't want to draft Spencer. A player you'd convert to a new position is exactly the type you'd want to work out privately -- there's a ton to evaluate that you might not see on game films.

 

[Seneschal2]

Lighten up...

OK, if it's just a general statement that there's a lot of gamesmanship in the draft and teams try to psych each other out, I'm sure you're right.

Actually, I don't really care about being right -- that's not why I'm here.

Read this again:

My little comment: "Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?", is based on the smokescreens and secrecy attached to BB's past drafts. These two prospects have ALREADY made the news rather easily, which makes me somewhat suspicious.

I'm speaking for myself only. Here's the deal:

I'm used to digging for Pats prospects, and am used to BB pulling surprises -- especially in round one. Nelson and Spencer are not surprises at all. I actually have them penciled in as #24 and #28 potentials (along with a few others). The fact that two of my favorites have already been contacted by the Pats this early in the process, is unfamiliar territory for me. I can actually see them being selected for real, and don't quite know how to handle the possiblility that they could really be THE PICKS. Simply stated -- I wasn't prepared for their names to be mentioned THIS EARLY.

But as far as the specific topic of this thread...

Anthony Spencer mentioned to a guy from the esteemed West Lafayette Journal-Courier that the Patriots are among the teams he's scheduled to visit. I think it's a pretty big leap to take that as a sign that Bill Belichick is putting out smokescreens and we don't want to draft Spencer.

Smokescreen was your interpretation from these words: "somewhat suspicious". I can easily see why you think they mean the same. But if I wanted to say smokescreen -- I wouldn't hint at it. A fence-sitter I'm not.

A player you'd convert to a new position is exactly the type you'd want to work out privately -- there's a ton to evaluate that you might not see on game films.

Some here know what you know. Some here know more. And some know less. I can appreciate the lesson, but am disappointed you feel the need to explain to someone who knows the draft process very well, but just wants to have some fun sharing this process with others.

Lighten up a little...and stop taking yourself (and others) so seriously. Have some fun!

 

[patchick]

Re: Lighten up...

Smokescreen was your interpretation from these words: "somewhat suspicious". I can easily see why you think they mean the same. But if I wanted to say smokescreen -- I wouldn't hint at it. A fence-sitter I'm not.

OK, I have to admit this confuses me a little. You did use the word smokescreen in one of your posts, I certainly didn't mean to put words in your mouth.

Some here know what you know. Some here know more. And some know less. I can appreciate the lesson, but am disappointed you feel the need to explain to someone who knows the draft process very well, but just wants to have some fun sharing this process with others.

Lighten up a little...and stop taking yourself (and others) so seriously. Have some fun!

Man, am I having a bad patsfans.com day. I've been accused of -- gulp -- making lousy analogies, and now having no sense of humor! I'm used to assaults on my honor, moral fiber, etc., but I've always trusted that I could rely on funny analogies when judgment day came. Must rethink life strategy.

Alright, time for a nice glass of wine and some time away from the computer and...and...dang, this moment really calls for a funny analogy....

 

[Seneschal2]

Re: Lighten up...

OK, I have to admit this confuses me a little. You did use the word smokescreen in one of your posts, I certainly didn't mean to put words in your mouth.

Yes, very guilty of using that regretful, and almost painful word. I learn quickly however; thou shalt not smokescreen...nor hint thereof...

There, done! Now in stone tablet form. Worshipped to the gods of the Green Mountains on high. Never again to appear in written form by this ever-evolving earthly soul.

Man, am I having a bad patsfans.com day. I've been accused of -- gulp -- making lousy analogies, and now having no sense of humor! I'm used to assaults on my honor, moral fiber, etc., but I've always trusted that I could rely on funny analogies when judgment day came. Must rethink life strategy.

No, all is well my draft forum friend. Continue on thy current path as the ONE who lights our way to the draft of the ages.

Alright, time for a nice glass of wine

It works for me -- especially with this post. :singing:

 

[cstjohn17]

Well, that makes 2 for 2, a workout and an interview (Nelson and Spencer). Those are two from my very short list of Pats prospects for round one. Nice to see BB likes them too. Why however, am I not feeling confident that we'll draft them?

I think it's time to post my list (just in case).

One of the first drafts I saw, from November or something crazy like that predicted Spencer and Paul Posluszny. I don't know how it would work out but the Patriots LBs for the next 2-3 years would be:
Thomas, Colvin, Spencer, Vrabel, Posluszny

Pretty good starting point.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The glass-is-half-full person may say that the extra attention CONFIRMS the Pats have a sincere interest (as I believe). It's common knowledge that "unresolved questions" can apply to EVERY draft prospect -- not just these two.

You're such a brute, driving poor patchick to drink! Though considering the company she keeps hereabouts that has to be a short trip.

Myself, I needed no "confirmation" of the Pats' interest in Nelson and Spencer, I tool that as a given based on earlier reports and where they appeared to be falling in the draft. The question in my mind has been how well they would adapt to the Patriots' way, I'm just not sold on them as first round prospects. Which guarantees their selection I'm sure.

I recall Wilfork mentioning that he perceived no special attention from the Pats, now the "fisherman" might see that as a decoy, but it could just as easily mean they already had him pegged and didn't want/need the extra research. This is the time of year when position coaches are following the leads the Scouts picked out, bringing them here means multiple coaches and medical people can take their time with the kid. Since you're talking first round selections for these two prospects, the more time you have with them the better. As for unresolved questions, Spencer probably can make the switch to 3-4 OLB, but I've got the strong impression he doesn't want that change. Nelson is being looked at for a field general role, with his history, I'd be seeing how well he was taking the play from the white board to the field, this way Pees, Collier, Smith, Seely, Woicik, and Nash can all look him over.