Draft Jonathan Stewart?

[sebman2112]

Before someone clicks on this thread thinking I'm advocating selecting him in the first round, read the fallowing:

NFL Network's Mike Mayock reports that Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart may need surgery on his big toe. The procedure would keep him out four to six months.
Stewart suffered a turf toe injury in November and didn't miss any games. He also ran the forty at the Combine, but performed no shuttle or cone drills. In the meantime, he had MRIs done and doctors recommended he undergo surgery. Individual teams will evaluate whether surgery is required. Expected to be a first-round pick, his stock will fall dramatically with any team who doesn't medically clear him.

http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=4650

Now, what if he slides (and he could) given the above news? I'd take him with their second in a heartbeat. I witnessed what he can do, and believe he would be a great RB to have on the roster.

 

[BelichickFan]

I can't imagine how we would split carries with him and Maroney but it would be a very strong duo. If we were to do it and "redshirt" Stewart next year, Maroney and Morris would be good for 2008 after which Morris would only have a $750K dead cap hit if he were released and we turned it over to Maroney and Stewart.

 

[sebman2112]

I can't imagine how we would split carries with him and Maroney but it would be a very strong duo. If we were to do it and "redshirt" Stewart next year, Maroney and Morris would be good for 2008 after which Morris would only have a $750K dead cap hit if he were released and we turned it over to Maroney and Stewart.

They split carries between Maroney and Morris during the early part of 2007 before Maroney went down, then Marris went down a few weeks later. So, I can very easily see how they would split the carries between Stewart and Maroney. Also, Stewart would be an upgrade over Morris as a power back, and he has better top end speed, too. The other thing to think about is that Morris will be turning 31 soon, and coming off a significant injury in 2007. Faulk is also going to be 32 before the start of the 2008 season, so could see them pullin the trigger on Stewart, if he were to fall.

Really, he's my favorite RB in the draft for the Patriots, and Maroney and Stewart would be an outstanding two headed backfield.

 

[BelichickFan]

They split carries between Maroney and Morris during the early part of 2007 before Maroney went down, then Marris went down a few weeks later.

Yeah, I know, but I think Maroney is a little too talented to be splitting and should probably get about 2/3 of the carries - as should Stewart Believe me, if we could take him at the end of the second round I'd be excited about it but having two #1 picks at RB (based on talent for Stewart) + a great passing game would just make it a little difficult for week to week consistency of roles; I realize the Patriots don't worry about that stuff but I do think two top RB would be tricky. Again, I'm not saying I wouldn't do it just that it would take some delicate juggling.

 

[sebman2112]

Yeah, I know, but I think Maroney is a little too talented to be splitting and should probably get about 2/3 of the carries - as should Stewart Believe me, if we could take him at the end of the second round I'd be excited about it but having two #1 picks at RB (based on talent for Stewart) + a great passing game would just make it a little difficult for week to week consistency of roles; I realize the Patriots don't worry about that stuff but I do think two top RB would be tricky. Again, I'm not saying I wouldn't do it just that it would take some delicate juggling.

Here's the other thing to think about, Morris has played FB in his career. You could drop Eckel from the roster, and have Morris compete with Evens at FB. Their depth at RB would be much stronger, too.

I hear what you're saying about the balance, but a lot of teams have two good RB's now, and a number of RB's have suffered injuries in the past few years, so it makes having a strong second RB more important.

 

[dryheat44]

I'd like to draft almost all defense this year (and an OL), but I'd take Stewart as BPA if he somehow fell all the way to 62, and not feel the least bit bad about it.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Here's the other thing to think about, Morris has played FB in his career. You could drop Eckel from the roster, and have Morris compete with Evens at FB. Their depth at RB would be much stronger, too.

I hear what you're saying about the balance, but a lot of teams have two good RB's now, and a number of RB's have suffered injuries in the past few years, so it makes having a strong second RB more important.

If the Pats draft a RB in the first four rounds, I'd give better than even odds he ends up on IR his rookie season.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Stewart and Kevin Smith are guys I'd consider with the Pats late 2nd or early 3rd round pick. Depth at RB would certainly be a plus. A young 2 headed backfield could help elevate this offense to new levels. And the balanced attack will help blunt the pressure of additional blitzing/stunting designed to take off Brady's head.

 

[LoganMankinsPancakeBlocks]

If Stewart falls to our pick in the 2nd round (or a 2nd rounder we acquire in a trade down from 7) after this news, I'd absolutely be interested in him, even if RB isn't a position of need. I really think he's going to be a stud running back and he'd be great value that late.

Maroney and Stewart would be quite the running game for the next several years.

This is also no longer a rumor/"possible" surgery. According to Schefter, Stewart has undergone the surgery and will be out 4-6 months.