Eugene Wilson

[PatsMyBoyz!]

I caught this little blurb in Reiss' column. I've always liked EGene but as we know he's struggled the last couple of years,most noteably without #37 back there with him.
Sounds like Wilson is looking to step it up in this final year of his contract:
March 23, 2007
Wilson update
FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive back Eugene Wilson, who had considered working out in California this offseason, has shifted gears and decided to take part in the Patriots' offseason program instead.

This is an important offseason for Wilson, the team's opening-day starting safety who played in only four games last year due to groin and hamstring injuries. Wilson is preparing for the final season of the five-year contract he signed as a second-round draft choice in 2003.

His agent, James Sims, previously noted that Wilson was preparing to reunite with the California-based trainer who worked with him when he was coming out of the University of Illinois. But Wilson felt it was more important to be at Gillette Stadium this offseason.

 

[JoePats]

Contract year, I think he'll play well if healthy.

 

[Water Boy]

Contract year, I think he'll play well if healthy.

I do too. Especially if Rodney stays healthy too. I don't see Nelson, Griffin or Merriweather as a huge upgrade over EW.

 

[Remix 6]

I do too. Especially if Rodney stays healthy too. I don't see Nelson, Griffin or Merriweather as a huge upgrade over EW.

u dont need an upgrade over Wilson when hes heatlhy and playing. you need an upgrade later because Wilson might not resign

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

Fond memories of the (healthy) Wilson/Harrison combo...

I'm sure we'll address their status in the draft but the possibility of getting something even close to top production from EGene and #37 this year would allow any draftees to ease into the situation nicely.

I took Wilson's decision as a very positive step,especially in terms of commitment.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

It made me wonder if there was an issue with the trainer he intended to use. On the plus side, the more the DBs spend time together on and off the field is a plus.

 

[stinkypete]

If Wilson is healthy he will be huge this year. Guys always step it up in their contract year, and Geno knows he has something to prove. I expect a return to his 2004 form.

 

[mgteich]

I expect Geno to have a fine year, and be gone after 2007. I expect Harrison to be healthy for 1/2 of 2007 and 2008 and then retire. Sanders will replace Harrison. He is a fine SS and will continue to improve. Hawkins and Mitchell are fine backups and can start if necessary.

We need a top safety for 2008. We could use two. They can take a year to develop if necessary.

 

[BelichickFan]

I expect Geno to have a fine year, and be gone after 2007. I expect Harrison to be healthy for 1/2 of 2007 and 2008 and then retire. Sanders will replace Harrison. He is a fine SS and will continue to improve. Hawkins and Mitchell are fine backups and can start if necessary.

We need a top safety for 2008. We could use two. They can take a year to develop if necessary.

I agree with everything you said except your confidence in Sanders. As of now he looks adequate at best. He's young, he could easily get better. But as of the last time we saw him, IMO he's not "a fine SS" he's a placeholder on the field who doesn't kill you.

 

[brdmaverick]

Fond memories of the (healthy) Wilson/Harrison combo...

I'm sure we'll address their status in the draft but the possibility of getting something even close to top production from EGene and #37 this year would allow any draftees to ease into the situation nicely.

I took Wilson's decision as a very positive step,especially in terms of commitment.

hey, just think the Harrison/Wilson combo was at its best when Wilson was just a rookie and second year guy. Therefore, it wouldn't be completely insane for another rookie to come in and be able to provide the impact that Eugene did at a young age.

 

[PatsMyBoyz!]

hey, just think the Harrison/Wilson combo was at its best when Wilson was just a rookie and second year guy. Therefore, it wouldn't be completely insane for another rookie to come in and be able to provide the impact that Eugene did at a young age.

Seriously,I'm so stoked about this season I can't stand it:bricks:

 

[DW Toys]

I do too. Especially if Rodney stays healthy too. I don't see Nelson, Griffin or Merriweather as a huge upgrade over EW.

Cousin,
I beg to differ on EW. Wilson was way to slight to be a safety anyway and it proved correct as the position has worn him down. He's a shadow of himself and only really had two good years when Rodney was younger and covered his....rump.
I agree with Merriweather. Nyet! He is built the same way. Nelson perhaps (I just don't trust the Florida players anymore wherever they are rated. I think it's a system thing) as well. I think Griffin is the closest to "Patriot" ready (ah...a new cliche), plus he is a hell of a ST dude with many blocked kicks.

Just asking to you all out there because I can't remember, was EW ever on ST?

Cousin, this draft is terrible but there are a few Safeties that are bigger and big hitters although in the 3rd to 4th rounds. Rather trade down and get one of them and build choice for 2007 or 2008. I think there is little drop off to those 3 and 4's mentioned. Rodney is 6' 1" and 215. Wilson is like 5'10" and 190. I don't want a EW clone. Example; Rouse or Piscatelli (would be a fan favorite). Those guys are both a specimen, 6'3" and 220-225, and under 4.5 speed with great college production and will knock you down. They can play in the box yet are faster perhaps than any of our CB other than Hobbs.

NE does not have a true FS-SS designation. It's left or right safety so you have to cover and patrol the box. EW is too fragile to do that. I think he could start CB and have Hobbs as the nickel.
DW Toys

P.S. Would like your comments on this. Piscatelli is moving up the charts. He's fast and big and always around the ball. He gains 15 or 20 lbs at 6' 3" he is Urlachers size. They made Teddy an MLB from a DE. They made Urlacher an MLB from a safety. Maybe this kid could be a MLB with some work. He plays in the box terrific and he could be a Urlacher clone. Thoughts?

 

[Water Boy]

u dont need an upgrade over Wilson when hes heatlhy and playing. you need an upgrade later because Wilson might not resign

I agree, but I don't think its necessary for the Pats to reach this year for Nelson, Griffin or Merriweather in the first round. I'd rather see them take a value pick later on. Its unlikey that whoever they bring in will replace EW this year.

 

[JackBauer]

I agree with everything you said except your confidence in Sanders. As of now he looks adequate at best. He's young, he could easily get better. But as of the last time we saw him, IMO he's not "a fine SS" he's a placeholder on the field who doesn't kill you.

Adequate at best is an understatement. Sanders was extremely solid last year and looks to be Rodney's heir apparent.

 

[JackBauer]

Cousin,
I beg to differ on EW. Wilson was way to slight to be a safety anyway and it proved correct as the position has worn him down. He's a shadow of himself and only really had two good years when Rodney was younger and covered his....rump.
I agree with Merriweather. Nyet! He is built the same way. Nelson perhaps (I just don't trust the Florida players anymore wherever they are rated. I think it's a system thing) as well. I think Griffin is the closest to "Patriot" ready (ah...a new cliche), plus he is a hell of a ST dude with many blocked kicks.

Cousin, this draft is terrible but there are a few Safeties that are bigger and big hitters although in the 3rd to 4th rounds. Rather trade down and get one of them and build choice for 2007 or 2008. I think there is little drop off to those 3 and 4's mentioned. Rodney is 6' 1" and 215. Wilson is like 5'10" and 190. I don't want a EW clone. Example; Rouse or Piscatelli (would be a fan favorite). Those guys are both a specimen, 6'3" and 220-225, and under 4.5 speed with great college production and will knock you down. They can play in the box yet are faster perhaps than any of our CB other than Hobbs.

How is Eugene Wilson fragile? He's had a series of MAJOR injuries (like tearing his groin, etc.). It's simply bad luck more than anything else.

As for Wilson being a "shadow of himself," that's complete crap. He looked solid last year before he went down, and there isn't a large enough sample for you to make that judgment.

Meriweather is built the same way as... who? Ed Reed? Oh, that's right.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I fail to see why Geno is thought so little of. He has proven that when healthy he is a near probowl safety, is young, and has been injured, for a year and a half out of 4 years of starting. He is signed for another year, and then is up for a tag in 2008 or a new contract. It's also a a year when the Pats have no FAs looming.

So who says we can't pay him? Especially as the cap goes up almost $7 million over this year? Sanders is the drafted and now groomed repalcement for Rodney. In reality it's more like Sanders is the starter now, and Rodney is the reserve safety.

I like our young proven Safety tandem of Geno and James, backed up by Rodney and Hawk; and also Randy and Chad; and also Mel and Rashaun; and also ...

 

[Water Boy]

How is Eugene Wilson fragile? He's had a series of MAJOR injuries (like tearing his groin, etc.). It's simply bad luck more than anything else.

As for Wilson being a "shadow of himself," that's complete crap. He looked solid last year before he went down, and there isn't a large enough sample for you to make that judgment.

I agree. Wilson is as physical as any player on the Patriots roster. If you're going to call Wilson fragile, then you have to say the same thing about Rodney.

 

[Alk]

So let me get this straight. It's contract year and NOW he decides to pull his head out of his ***** and train with the team? Why didn't he do this from the beginning. I like Wilson and all but damn...

 

[Remix 6]

So let me get this straight. It's contract year and NOW he decides to pull his head out of his ***** and train with the team? Why didn't he do this from the beginning. I like Wilson and all but damn...

a lot of guys dont train with the team..its not a problem

 

[Kdo5]

So let me get this straight. It's contract year and NOW he decides to pull his head out of his ***** and train with the team? Why didn't he do this from the beginning. I like Wilson and all but damn...

Then why did you just go off on him?

Ok, Alk. How about you stop pretending you know what the hell it is like to go through some of the injuries he has had. They arent exactly bruises. He is going to participate in the Pats offseason program and he gets a post like that for it.

Nice, Alk.