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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.I would be happy with Carriker and a safety in Round 3 and 4, presuming that we have signed Samuel long-term.
I wouldn't be happy with it. Just like I wouldn't be happy if those who want to trade our #1s for Willis get their way.
I like Carriker. I like depth. I like DL. But we have some aging groups on defense, I don't want to spend two #1s on a guy who will be behind (and rotate in, I know) Warren and Seymour for at least two more years.
After 2007 we dont have a single Safety on the roster I like back for sure. And I dont want to pin my hopes on a low #3 pick.
After 2007 we only have Hobbs at CB. And even if Samuel signs, we only have two.
Give me, say, Aaron Ross and Brandon Merriweather any day - you can still draft a Safety (or one of the LB) in the third round.
It's viable although the guys you list as options after the trade up don't excite me. Lynch, Moss, Meachem . . . shrug.What do you think about the 2 for 2 deal I have in mind? I think that might be the best option right now.
Two #1s at a position where the players can't walk away for 2+ years is overkill especially with our LB and Safety situations.One sad fact of life in the NFL is that most of your good players are going to walk away
Assume BB drafts BPA (Best Patriots' Player Available) in round one, we each have our chosen player, but mine is Carriker since I believe he is capable of making the transition to OLB (failing that he's not a wasted pick since he can play DE). You have a guy bigger than Willie McGinest who has better change of direction measurables than Posluszney or Willis coming in with at least a 5 year contract to learn behind Vrabel, Colvin, and Thomas. With first round talent you could see him taking some reps as a rookie and being part of a regular rotation by 2008.What's the point of drafting Carriker? To let Warren walk?
I don't get it.
I don't mind rotating expensive LBs, but this seems like an even bigger investment.
Unless you think that the Seymour or Warren should rotate inside for Wilfork's breathers. Then having a fourth super-expensive DL would make sense. (And yes, a high 1st is a super-expensive asset.)
Assume BB drafts BPA (Best Patriots' Player Available) in round one, we each have our chosen player, but mine is Carriker since I believe he is capable of making the transition to OLB (failing that he's not a wasted pick since he can play DE). You have a guy bigger than Willie McGinest who has better change of direction measurables than Posluszney or Willis coming in with at least a 5 year contract to learn behind Vrabel, Colvin, and Thomas. With first round talent you could see him taking some reps as a rookie and being part of a regular rotation by 2008.
But assume the worst and he can only play DE. Wright is a RFA after this season, pretty decent chance the Pats can get a second round pick for him and he can land himself a fat contract. Win-Win for the team and player. Assume Carriker isn't a Seymour but more of a Warren. Ty took two years to blossom, he's a UFA after 2008; Carriker gives the team a ready-made option at DE, taking him now addresses long term issues as well as upgrading depth in a very critical unit. That's good value in round one.
Assume BB drafts BPA (Best Patriots' Player Available) in round one, we each have our chosen player, but mine is Carriker since I believe he is capable of making the transition to OLB (failing that he's not a wasted pick since he can play DE). You have a guy bigger than Willie McGinest who has better change of direction measurables than Posluszney or Willis coming in with at least a 5 year contract to learn behind Vrabel, Colvin, and Thomas. With first round talent you could see him taking some reps as a rookie and being part of a regular rotation by 2008.
But assume the worst and he can only play DE. Wright is a RFA after this season, pretty decent chance the Pats can get a second round pick for him and he can land himself a fat contract. Win-Win for the team and player. Assume Carriker isn't a Seymour but more of a Warren. Ty took two years to blossom, he's a UFA after 2008; Carriker gives the team a ready-made option at DE, taking him now addresses long term issues as well as upgrading depth in a very critical unit. That's good value in round one.
I greatly respect your opinions, but the only way I draft Carriker is if he falls to me at 24.
There are only two players that I would want to trade up for with our 2 1st rounders. Landry and Willis and only if we get a mid 2nd rounder with them. I can't see doing that for any DE/OLB.
Here is why I'm so high on Willis.
1. He played at a high level against the best competion,SEC, without having a supporting cast around him. Most of the other players being considered had great teams and so they could look good becasue they had much help.
2. Willis is a postion of need for us and next years crop may not have a player close to him that can play the Patriots stye.
3. From PFW " extemely hard worker. Very, very competitive. Warrior-like and will play through injuries- played with a big cast on his hand while battling through foot and knee injuries and was still very productive. Has overcome a lot of adveristy and lives for the game."
Now, we would have to check those injuries and make sure that they are not a factor any more.
Next year is a year that we can look for a DE/OLB if needed.
I don't think your boy is worth trading up with two #1s either. Let the draft come to us - if there happens to be a faller around 19,20,21 then a small trade up could be considered. Belioli has done a good job drafting guys who surprise us but earn their draft position in the first round, I'm in no panic to get a name guy.Here is why I'm so high on Willis.
I don't think your boy is worth trading up with two #1s either. Let the draft come to us - if there happens to be a faller around 19,20,21 then a small trade up could be considered. Belioli has done a good job drafting guys who surprise us but earn their draft position in the first round, I'm in no panic to get a name guy.
Yes Willis can run sideline to sideline, but at what playing weight? I got to watch him in the examples Mayock was using in Path To The Draft and I see a traditional Cover-2 MLB who will do better behind the big bodies. From what I can see, he's not the best choice for a 3-4 ILB in this draft - Bradley is the better 3-4 ILB prospect and he's also capable of playing on the edge.This is partly (I'm not sold on the LB stuff) why I would take him in the first, but I would take Willis first. If you think Carriker can motor downfield like Willis you're nuts, and he can't play ILB. Willis specializes at ILB. I'm a big time Nebraska fan, have been since childhood, but even I don't think Carriker can cover the field from sideline-to-sideline like Willis.
Aagghh! I'm burned! Before I begin the Kerry Harry ritual, I would plead that I'm contemplating that move in a draft class that stinks on ice. There are second rounders I like and would be glad to have, but looking at the first day prospects, Carriker, Revis, Hall, Leonard, Weddle, and Bradley seem to be the cream of the crop. Landing Carriker to learn for a year behind Vrabes and Thomas seems the best possible outcome, Bradley would be my focus if Carriker came off the board. The others are nice to haves.patchick said:That's about where I am too. I don't for a moment question that Carriker would be a terrific addition. But trading 2 #1s in a draft where you have no #2...yikes. For me, that would require both a very, very special player AND a key team need. (Hey Box, weren't you arguing recently that you wouldn't trade both #1's even for Lawrence Taylor in his prime?)
Yes Willis can run sideline to sideline, but at what playing weight? I got to watch him in the examples Mayock was using in Path To The Draft and I see a traditional Cover-2 MLB who will do better behind the big bodies. From what I can see, he's not the best choice for a 3-4 ILB in this draft - Bradley is the better 3-4 ILB prospect and he's also capable of playing on the edge.
I'm not looking for Carriker to cover the entire field, I'm looking for a big strong player to consistently set the edge against double-teams from FBs, TEs, OTs, and pulling OGs. He needs to have enough athleticism to rush the passer and drop into a shallow zone against the RB. I see Carriker taking Willie's old spot alongside Ty. Woods looked good last year, I think Carriker can beat him out of the job. Heck, I think Jay Moore could come in and challenge Woods, and he's not as athletic as Carriker.
Aagghh! I'm burned! Before I begin the Kerry Harry ritual, I would plead that I'm contemplating that move in a draft class that stinks on ice. There are second rounders I like and would be glad to have, but looking at the first day prospects, Carriker, Revis, Hall, Leonard, Weddle, and Bradley seem to be the cream of the crop. Landing Carriker to learn for a year behind Vrabes and Thomas seems the best possible outcome, Bradley would be my focus if Carriker came off the board. The others are nice to haves.