does this draft suck?

[patsfan55]

usually at this point i've done a lot more research
but ive been busy tryin to get a new job, which i just landed this past week, so i really havent had the time
but from what i have seen, it seems as though this draft is pretty mediocre at the top
is this a true assumption?
even compared to last yrs mediocre draft?

 

[Remix 6]

RB class and DE class is very strong and college OTs i guess

 

[patsfan55]

i just feel like usually number seven you're lookin at a stud
and it doesnt seem like one will be avail this yr at that point

 

[sebman2112]

We won't truly know how weak or strong this draft was until we're three years out.

I'd also say it's a little early in the draft process for fans to be considering this a weak class. We haven't even had the combine or all-star games yet.

Plus, there could be some pretty damn good players coming out of this draft. Look at the top CB's, top LB's, top Safety, and some of the other top players coming out. They rank anywhere from 92-96, which is keeping right in line with some of the best players at those positions the past few years. I'd also say I think there's a good amount of depth at RB, and CB. There's also a number of 2nd-4th round LB's.

 

[BelichickFan]

Like sebman said, we really need to wait for the combine and the post season evaluations. Players often skyrocket post season and they're not all Mike Mamulas. Guys like Merriman and Ware were certainly known at this time in their year but they moved up a lot in the post season.

 

[cstjohn17]

I think it is a little light at the very top end, there is no Carson Palmer or other clear cut #1 but there appears to be a lot of depth. The Pats cap will be a little tighter this year so an impact draft class will be important.

Out the 8 picks the Pats have I expect 4 to make the 53 man roster, 1-2 on the practice squad. The first round pick should be a 5-6 year starter with 2-3 others eventually becoming starters. Think 2003 when Warren, Wilson, Samuel*, Koppen*, all became starters (not necessarily in year 1) Bethel Johnson contributed, Bunta-Cain contributed.

*Koppen & Samuel became pro-bowl players and Warren is not far behind, what a draft class.

1 13 Ty Warren DE Texas A&M
2 36 Eugene Wilson FS Illinois
2 45 Bethel Johnson WR Texas A&M
4 117 Dan Klecko DT Temple
4 120 Asante Samuel CB Central Florida
5 164 Dan Koppen C Boston College
6 201 Kliff Kingsbury QB Texas Tech
7 234 Spencer Nead TE Brigham Young
7 239 Tully Banta-Cain LB California
7 243 Ethan Kelley NT Baylor

 

[patsfan55]

We won't truly know how weak or strong this draft was until we're three years out.

I'd also say it's a little early in the draft process for fans to be considering this a weak class. We haven't even had the combine or all-star games yet.

Plus, there could be some pretty damn good players coming out of this draft. Look at the top CB's, top LB's, top Safety, and some of the other top players coming out. They rank anywhere from 92-96, which is keeping right in line with some of the best players at those positions the past few years. I'd also say I think there's a good amount of depth at RB, and CB. There's also a number of 2nd-4th round LB's.

yes, i know the three yr rule, but im talkin about at this point, when compared to others
as much as there are busts in the first round, and steals in day 2, it's still not a complete crap-shoot, and you still get somewhat of a feel right away
so far, in my research it just seems like ive been coming across a lot of mid first round grade guys and no early
for now it appears that the only possible studs (in regards to lots of opinions found online) are mcfadden, long, long, dorsey

 

[patsfaninpa]

yes, i know the three yr rule, but im talkin about at this point, when compared to others
as much as there are busts in the first round, and steals in day 2, it's still not a complete crap-shoot, and you still get somewhat of a feel right away
so far, in my research it just seems like ive been coming across a lot of mid first round grade guys and no early
for now it appears that the only possible studs (in regards to lots of opinions found online) are mcfadden, long, long, dorsey

No sure fire picks. But, two years ago. R.Bush,V.Young,M.Leinart were considered studs. Now, guys like Addaii and Cutler appear to have more pro potential at this early point in their careers.

V.Gholston could become another D. Ware. R.Mendenhall has a thicker build than McFadden and might be more suited for the pro game. Some very good backs are going to drop to the 2/3 round. J.Charles,R.Rice,C.Johnson and F.Jones to name a few. R.Clady could be a better prospect than J.Long. Probably, a better pass-blocker already. Needs to bulk up and improve his run-blocking. Who will have the better work ethic? Intangible that's hard to judge. Some people think S.Ellis is already better than Dorsey. K.Phillips has been compared to some very good players out of Miami. I don't see it. But, what do i know? I'd like to see some 40 times before i compare the wr/cb's because so much of their game is predicted on speed. Not all of it. But, it certainly helps.

I don't think it's a poor draft at all. There are players out there. We just have to find the right ones to fit our system. Which we usually do.

 

[Cannon Arm]

usually at this point i've done a lot more research
but ive been busy tryin to get a new job, which i just landed this past week, so i really havent had the time
but from what i have seen, it seems as though this draft is pretty mediocre at the top
is this a true assumption?
even compared to last yrs mediocre draft?

Every draft has had stud talent at #7. It's not the stud player's fault that the GM of the team at 7 was a moron, in comparison to Belichick. This draft will be no different.

The hindsight picks are amazing:

2007- Adrian Peterson (no change, though maybe you go with Patrick Willis)
2006- LoMo/Joseph Addai/Antonio Cromartie
2005- Demarcus Ware/Shawne Merriman (Lofa Tatupu in the 2nd Round)
2004- Ben Roethlisberger/Vince Wilfork/Steven Jackson
2003- Terrell Suggs/Troy Polamalu
2002- Dwight Freeney/Albert Haynesworth/Ed Reed
2001- Marcus Stroud (Chad Johnson was available at #7, too, but was a 2nd Rounder)
2000- Brian Urlacher
1999- Champ Bailey (no change, best available)
1998- Keith Brooking/Randy Moss/Alan Faneca

 

[VJCPatriot]

Exactly. There will be a STUD available at #7, the key will be picking him out. The Pats are pretty good at doing their draft homework though so I think we will be happy with whomever we get. Last time the Pats had a top pick, they took Richard Seymour. 3 Superbowl trophies later, and I don't think we're regretting that one!!

Every draft has had stud talent at #7. It's not the stud player's fault that the GM of the team at 7 was a moron, in comparison to Belichick. This draft will be no different.

The hindsight picks are amazing:

2007- Adrian Peterson (no change, though maybe you go with Patrick Willis)
2006- LoMo/Joseph Addai/Antonio Cromartie
2005- Demarcus Ware/Shawne Merriman (Lofa Tatupu in the 2nd Round)
2004- Ben Roethlisberger/Vince Wilfork/Steven Jackson
2003- Terrell Suggs/Troy Polamalu
2002- Dwight Freeney/Albert Haynesworth/Ed Reed
2001- Marcus Stroud (Chad Johnson was available at #7, too, but was a 2nd Rounder)
2000- Brian Urlacher
1999- Champ Bailey (no change, best available)
1998- Keith Brooking/Randy Moss/Alan Faneca

 

[rookBoston]

I'm starting to think the class really does suck. Mario Manningham mentioned, in his comments on why he chose to enter the draft, that the class-- particularly at WR-- was weak.

There are a few decent QBs, and some linemen. One franchise RB. And that's about it. So far as I can tell, only 5 players (Dorsey, Long, Long, McFadden and Ryan) truly deserve to be top-10 picks. The next tier of players... Ellis, Jenkins, Ghoulston, Clady... look fine, but certainly not elite.

 

[bevster]

A lot of players currently projected in the 7-12 range are not really at positions of need for the PATS, or, would not represent upgrades currently at those positions.

Don't need a first round QB, don't really need a first round DL, don't really need a first round RB, don't really need a first round WR (none rated that highly anyway).

LBs and DBs are either thin at the top of this draft, or, none are worth the seventh overall pick.

Might be a OL available however ......

 

[jeffbiologist]

Big difference making this team though......

I think it was Vrabel who said that alot of guys who STARTED on our first super bowl team wouldnt even make the roster on this team. Our cap master has managed to put us in a great position most every year but I think we mortgaged a bit of our future last year in getting established players(Moss,Welker)instead of corresponding draft picks. Complaining? He%% no, but as the teeth get longer, the linebackers older our need for good back ups becomes more important. This draft has the depth to be able to fill in both the numbers at some positions as well as create competition in others. We will have enough needs not to have to pass picks on to next year like we always do....but free agency(Zack Thomas) will go a long way in determining what direction we go in the draft. One thing I do know, if we keep a high 1st rd pick it will almost inevitably be a DL. These are SAFE picks, we cant keep ALL of our past first rounders with the pub they get post super bowl. Our D line rotation will have an extra body there for a year....it will give us more leverage when negotiating with Wilfork, and someone is bound to get injured one of these YEARS.

 

[rookBoston]

BB's commentary on Wilfork has been so complimentary, how smart he is, how dominant he is, how aware he is of situational play... that it makes me think that BB will open his wallet for Wilfork. The other thing is that players with Wilfork's size and agility only come along every year or two.

By contrast, BB has staffed his secondary with late round picks and undrafted players. Guys like Asante and Geno are easier to replace.

Mother Nature only creates so many 300# giants that can run. How many 5'10 185# speedsters that cant catch come out every year?

 

[cstjohn17]

A lot of players currently projected in the 7-12 range are not really at positions of need for the PATS, or, would not represent upgrades currently at those positions.

Don't need a first round QB, don't really need a first round DL, don't really need a first round RB, don't really need a first round WR (none rated that highly anyway).

LBs and DBs are either thin at the top of this draft, or, none are worth the seventh overall pick.

Might be a OL available however ......

I think this looks to be a very deep draft, some very good players will be available in the range of 25 - 100. I would not be surprised to see the Pats trade into round 2 for 2008 and then pick up an additional round 1 pick for 2009. That would leave them with 4 picks in the top 100 and two first rounders in 2009.

 

[Cannon Arm]

Re: Big difference making this team though......

One thing I do know, if we keep a high 1st rd pick it will almost inevitably be a DL. These are SAFE picks, we cant keep ALL of our past first rounders with the pub they get post super bowl. Our D line rotation will have an extra body there for a year....it will give us more leverage when negotiating with Wilfork, and someone is bound to get injured one of these YEARS.

Todd McShay's Top 25 has 9 D-Linemen, and Long and Dorsey are two of the Top 3, plus 3 DBs. The problem is that our need areas aren't represented in a Top 10 of the scout rankings. McShay has the Jets taking Gholston, who seems like a Belichick kind of guy, so I could see Belichick viewing the draft unfavorably if there's not someone there at 7 we're really happy about.

I would love it if we could trade with Carolina or Chicago, who might have interest in snatching Brohm from Baltimore's clutches. They draft only a few spots down from us, so there's still talent there and we'd not be on the hook for huge contracts for the guy we take there, and guys like Jenkins, Talib, and Keith Rivers would make more sense in that range of the draft than at 7.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Here's a link to an article on GBN which answers the question does this draft suck? Uh, no!! Can't accurately gauge how good a draft is until years later. But, here's an early primer for those fretting about the lack of prospects..


http://www.gbnreport.com/scoutsnotebook.htm

 

[WhiZa]

The media is just starting to hype up the draft, and as more and more articles and information come out on the prospects the draft will gain energy and be a lot more exciting.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I think this looks to be a very deep draft, some very good players will be available in the range of 25 - 100. I would not be surprised to see the Pats trade into round 2 for 2008 and then pick up an additional round 1 pick for 2009. That would leave them with 4 picks in the top 100 and two first rounders in 2009.

I don't think trading entirely out of the first round is a smart idea.
And besides what team has 3 second round picks to trade for the #7 overall?

The Pats can trade down to the middle of the round, picking up an extra 3rd and likely still land a stud player however. I already made a post pointing out that #10 may be the sweet spot of the draft.