ProFW: Patriots looking at rb in rd 1?

[PonyExpress]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2008/wwhi041508.htm

I'm one of the biggest Maroney homers on the board, so I couldn't disagree more, and I hope this isn't the case.

 

[mcsully]

I was typing this long winded paragraph and just thought I'd sum it up this way... "RIDICULOUS".. Where is the value in giving 20 million guaranteed to another RB.. Especially when our defense needs a much needed injection of youth and speed..

 

[tombonneau]

Interesting that they list Stewart as a guy they might want. To me, it makes more sense than McFadden as Stewart would be a good complement to Maroney.

If the Pats still had #31 and Stewart were on the board I could see them grabbing him based on value, but with the #7 no way they take him, and I highly doubt they would in a trade down, unless they traded all the way into the mid-20s and felt he was best value at the time.

 

[BelichickFan]

I could have seen it as a longshot if Morris were gone. Maroney/Stewart/Faulk would be complimentary and very good. But with Morris signed for 3 more years I don't see it as Morris, while no Stewart, is extremely servicable.

 

[Terry Glenn is a cowgirl]

Stewart might a stud in the pro's...

 

[fgssand]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2008/wwhi041508.htm

I'm one of the biggest Maroney homers on the board, so I couldn't disagree more, and I hope this isn't the case.

I have no problem at all with Maroney and a big fast badass "bell cow" type back that can help with ball control. That guy woudl open things up for Maroney and also give us a true thunder and lightening (if you can call maroney "lightening" at all).

Futher - it allows K. Faulk to return to third down back supremo.

If Stewart is that guy, sounds good...not at #7 though.

 

[LloydBraun]

Personally, I think 1 of Ray Rice, Matt Forte or Tashard Choice will be drafted to go with 39.

But, remember, "55" said to not be surprised. I believe we will see a RB, a WR like Dexter Jackson and a DT from this draft, likely in the first 3 rds.

 

[Kontradiction]

If this happens then it's not all that bad. But I really, really think we should use this draft to get younger on defense in the first couple of rounds. Worry about adding another RB in the later rounds.

 

[Metaphors]

The secret to the Giants’ success in the Super Bowl that has not received nearly as much fanfare as their vaunted pass rush was their ability to pound the Patriots in the first quarter, opening the game by running 16 plays in the first 9:59 and wearing down the legs of an aging defense.

“What is the best way to protect an aging defense?” asked one longtime evaluator. “You keep the offense on the field as much as possible and score as many points as you can.

Are media people even trying anymore? How would a running game have protected the defense from a 10 minute opening drive? The Giants didn't sustain much of anything after that until the 4th quarter. Just maddening...

 

[drew4008]

I don't know where Stewart will go in the first round, but if he falls a bit then sure. Ray Rice in the 2nd is an option too. It's about time to end the Maroney charade.

 

[Seneschal2]

I could have seen it as a longshot if Morris were gone. Maroney/Stewart/Faulk would be complimentary and very good. But with Morris signed for 3 more years I don't see it as Morris, while no Stewart, is extremely servicable.

Good post. Morris' contract is the fly in the ointment for this scenario to manifest. I will say this however, IMO Stewart is THE BEST RB in this draft. And if we needed another feature back, he'd be my clear choice at #7.

I've seen all of the top rated RBs (and others), and no one has impressed me as much. He's exactly the type of RB I thought BB preferred. I really do like Maroney -- but Stewart has a different style. Also IMO, they're both feature backs.

A healthy Morris, and healthy Maroney, will do just fine splitting carries. For me at least, Stewart fits the love-to-have-him-but-don't-need-him category.

 

[Warren94]

I wouldn't be against Stewart. He would be a nice compliment to Maroney and Morris.

 

[tombonneau]

I'd just like to stress that in no way shape or form does Morris' presence preclude the Pats from drafting another RB. Yeah, he looked nice in 2007, but the guy is a journeyman vet RB on the wrong side of 30 coming off an injury (freak or not, an injury is an injury).

Re: the draft I hear a lot of "we're set at RB with Faulk, Maroney, Morris." Which works for 2007, but you sometimes have to look past that.

Wouldn't at all surprise me to see a RB drafted bumping Evans from the roster with an eye to sharing the load with Maroney (or replacing Faulk) in 2009 & beyond.

 

[sebman2112]

Jonathan Stewart is a beast, and my favorite RB in the draft, especially for NE. When members of this board have brought up DMac for the Patriots I've continually said that Stewart makes a lot more sense for the Patriots. I also think Stewart would be an obvious upgrade over Morris, and Maroney could be used in a slightly different role.

That all being said, I don't think the Patriots will select a RB at 7th overall, and this might be just another team generated false rumor. I will again say that Stewart is one of my favorite players in this class, he has a very strong overall game, and I would love to have him on the Patriots, but not with the 7th overall pick.

 

[cstjohn17]

Are media people even trying anymore? How would a running game have protected the defense from a 10 minute opening drive? The Giants didn't sustain much of anything after that until the 4th quarter. Just maddening...

Good point, little known fact, after the opening drive the Pats had the ball 30 minutes to the Giants 20 minutes.

As far as a RB, a name that keeps popping in my head is Mendenhall, the guy is a beast.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'd just like to stress that in no way shape or form does Morris' presence preclude the Pats from drafting another RB. Yeah, he looked nice in 2007, but the guy is a journeyman vet RB on the wrong side of 30 coming off an injury (freak or not, an injury is an injury).

Re: the draft I hear a lot of "we're set at RB with Faulk, Maroney, Morris." Which works for 2007, but you sometimes have to look past that.

I love Stewart. But Morris being the #2 guy to rotate in does preclude taking a first round RB for me. If Morris were our lead back and all we had was him and Faulk it would be different. But we also have Maroney. I know, if one gets hurt it would be nice to have yet another talented RB but I don't want to spend that much resource on RB. As far as looking past 2007, Maroney and Morris are signed through 2010.

 

[mgteich]

A RB could bump Eckel off the roster.

I'd just like to stress that in no way shape or form does Morris' presence preclude the Pats from drafting another RB. Yeah, he looked nice in 2007, but the guy is a journeyman vet RB on the wrong side of 30 coming off an injury (freak or not, an injury is an injury).

Re: the draft I hear a lot of "we're set at RB with Faulk, Maroney, Morris." Which works for 2007, but you sometimes have to look past that.

Wouldn't at all surprise me to see a RB drafted bumping Evans from the roster with an eye to sharing the load with Maroney (or replacing Faulk) in 2009 & beyond.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Although I think we need to inject our defense with youth with this draft,{we definately should} I watched several of Stewart's games this season and all I have to say is this guy is the real deal.>{imo} He was the Oregon Ducks. 0 fumbles in 516 carries. The ball never left his hands. Was a beast in between the tackles. I think he is the best RB in this draft.

I'd love him as a Pat but the only way I could see this scenario playing out is if McFadden fell and we traded with Dallas and selected him 22. That would still be a stretch for him to be available there but you never know. Even then, picking him would be a hard to pill to swallow if Groves or Mayo were still on the board. I don't see Stewart lasting through Seattle's pick.

 

[Deus Irae]

I give Belioli a huge amount of leeway when it comes to players they draft and/or sign. However, if they draft a running back at #7, I'll be booing and cussing so much people will think I'm replaying the tape of Jets fans after Roger Vick was selected.

 

[tombonneau]

A RB could bump Eckel off the roster.

Not really. Morris will be bumping Eckel off the roster.

The only reason he was activated was because Morris was IR'd. Even if no other RBs are signed or drafted in the offseason, Eckel will not be on the opening day 53.

Hence, a drafted RB will bump Evans or force the Pats to carry one extra RB (which I don't see them doing).