Any chance we trade up to draft Willis?

[PromisedLand]

Mike Reiss's mock draft (today, Boston.com) has the Dolphins drafting the consensus best linebacker in this year's draft, Patrick Willis of Ole Miss, at #9. The draft value chart says we could move up to the #8 pick with our #24 and #28, so in theory, we could trade up and take Willis ahead of our divisional rivals.

I know this hasn't been BB/SP's historical modus operandi, but one thing we know about them is that the only thing that is predictable is that they are unpredictable - see this year's free agent signings.

Willis would give us very good linebacking corps consisting of A. Thomas, Bruschi, Vrabel, Colvin and Willis. The offense is solid - there is no debating that - and the defensive line and secondary are solid as well if you assume that Samuel either plays under the tag or works out a long term deal with the Pats. With a continuation of last year's strong special teams play, the only area of concern remains the linebacker group even after the addition of Thomas - why not grab another impact player there and go for another Lombardi while Brady is still in his prime?

 

[Remix 6]

why dont u just wait a few hours

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Mike Reiss's mock draft (today, Boston.com) has the Dolphins drafting the consensus best linebacker in this year's draft, Patrick Willis of Ole Miss, at #9. The draft value chart says we could move up to the #8 pick with our #24 and #28, so in theory, we could trade up and take Willis ahead of our divisional rivals.

I know this hasn't been BB/SP's historical modus operandi, but one thing we know about them is that the only thing that is predictable is that they are unpredictable - see this year's free agent signings.

Willis would give us very good linebacking corps consisting of A. Thomas, Bruschi, Vrabel, Colvin and Willis. The offense is solid - there is no debating that - and the defensive line and secondary are solid as well if you assume that Samuel either plays under the tag or works out a long term deal with the Pats. With a continuation of last year's strong special teams play, the only area of concern remains the linebacker group even after the addition of Thomas - why not grab another impact player there and go for another Lombardi while Brady is still in his prime?

I think they are gonna make a run at another superbowl or two or three.

They proved that with getting AD and signing a bunch of wr's.

As for Willis I would not sell the farm to get him. The Pats have proven they can get good players in the last third of the first round. It is all going to be dictated who slips dramatically if they trade up a few spots.

 

[moosekill]

Yes there is a chance.

 

[PromisedLand]

I think they are gonna make a run at another superbowl or two or three.

They proved that with getting AD and signing a bunch of wr's.

As for Willis I would not sell the farm to get him. The Pats have proven they can get good players in the last third of the first round. It is all going to be dictated who slips dramatically if they trade up a few spots.

There seems to be consensus that this year there are only around 15 or 16 players who are truly worthy of a first round selection. BB said so himself (if you can believe anything BB says before the draft! )

What that means is that you are not going to get fair value in the second half of the first round where our two selections are - so (assuming you can find a foolish trading partner who doesn't see this year's draft the same way), the best thing to do is trade the picks - up or down - it doesn't matter. So why not up, if Willis is really as good as everyone says?

 

[notex]

i agree....especially with all these mocks, the only way ive been happy with our picks at 24 and 28 is when one of the picks is us taking someone who has slipped....would love to get back that 2nd rounder....

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

There seems to be consensus that this year there are only around 15 or 16 players who are truly worthy of a first round selection. BB said so himself (if you can believe anything BB says before the draft! )

What that means is that you are not going to get fair value in the second half of the first round where our two selections are - so (assuming you can find a foolish trading partner who doesn't see this year's draft the same way), the best thing to do is trade the picks - up or down - it doesn't matter. So why not up, if Willis is really as good as everyone says?

I think value is relative to the player fitting your system. We've seen players slip like Wilfork. I would only trade up into the late teens. Trading up to 6-10 would take too much IMO. I would much rather see two quality players rather than one, and maybe trade to add some picks for next year.

 

[IndyKen]

Patrick Willis would be great, but something tells me BB covets Laron Landry even more - perhaps it's the potential of having a QB of the secondary for many years to come.

 

[Turd Furguson]

Didnt Atlanta trade UP with Houston to get to #8? My thought is that they want S LaRon Landry and may have to trade up from even 8 to get him. I cant see them wanting to trade down.



My guesses as to the first round grab?

LB Jon Beason
S Michael Griffin

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Didnt Atlanta trade UP with Houston to get to #8? My thought is that they want S LaRon Landry and may have to trade up from even 8 to get him. I cant see them wanting to trade down.



My guesses as to the first round grab?

LB Jon Beason
S Michael Griffin

I would like it, but think it will be Harris and Merriwiether ..

 

[Ceresco]

I dont think we will, but if we do Willis would be a awesome!

 

[PromisedLand]

I would like it, but think it will be Harris and Merriwiether ..

Have heard that Merriweather has "character issues" - what's that about?

 

[fgssand]

Patrick Willis would be great, but something tells me BB covets Laron Landry even more - perhaps it's the potential of having a QB of the secondary for many years to come.

:yeahthat: Landry or Willis owrks for me......then sneak in Spencer at some point.

 

[Seneschal2]

No, I don't believe we'll trade up for Willis. But I do believe we're seeking to trade up from #24 for someone else (not Harris either).

There are several possible trade scenarios depending on which team we were to deal with. My favorite is, trading both firsts (as far as it will take us), and in return, receive their first and second in this draft.

Keeping in mind that the value chart may be modified this draft because several of the top teams are seeking to trade down and aren't finding many takers. A strong point in the Pats favor are our two firsts -- meaning some team may bite.

In terms of whom the Pats would want: I'd start with Landry/Revis/Carriker/Hall/Staley. All of them should be off the board by #24, therefore requiring a tradeup. Gosselin and Kiper have Landry gone by #6 (Wash). The rest:

Revis -- Gosselin #10 Kiper #18
Carriker -- Gosselin #13 Kiper #17
Hall -- #7 Kiper #10
Staley -- Gosselin #20 Kiper #20

Willis -- gone at #11 by both Gosselin and Kiper