ProFW: Patriots looking at rb in rd 1?

[PATRIOT64]

Jon Stewart is going #13 to the Panthers - You heard it here first...

 

[sebman2112]

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).

didn't Eckel play in the game against Dallas, with Morris? I believe Eckel was only activated because of injuries at the position, but it was Maroney's injury, not Sammy's.

 

[PonyExpress]

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.

I like Stewart too, but I think Maroney can be a top 5 rb in the NFL in 2008 if given the opportunities. He is at Foxboro right now, and says his goal is to get bigger, stronger, faster quicker this offseason, his first healthy one with the team. I don't see how Stewart fits.

 

[mike100915]

Only way they go RB in round 1 is if Darren McFadden is on the board, and Ellis, Gholston, Dorsey, both Long's are gone. I think one of those will fall to #7. However it is very unlikely they'd take a RB in round 1, unless they trade back into the end of the round say #26 to get Jonathan Stewart.

 

[ALP]

in another thread some guy said that the the Pats are teh best at making up rumors during draft time

do i really have to repeat it?

 

[sebman2112]

I like Stewart too, but I think Maroney can be a top 5 rb in the NFL in 2008 if given the opportunities. He is at Foxboro right now, and says his goal is to get bigger, stronger, faster quicker this offseason, his first healthy one with the team. I don't see how Stewart fits.

I like Maroney a lot, and also think he can be a very good back in the NFL.

I would see Stewart as an upgrade over Morris, and the Patriots would keep somewhat of a three back sytem, for now. It would be a much more powerful version of the system, and I think NE would have the strongest backfield in the NFL.

Selecting any RB in the first round doesn't seem like a great idea to me, so I don't want you to get my opinion confused. I'm simply talking about what I think of Stewart as a player, and where he would fit on NE's offense.

You don't see how Stewart fits in the offense, or how he fits into NE's first round draft board? I think he would fit perfectly into their offense, and would work well with Maroney, but (as I said) he doesn't seem like a likely first round target for NE.

 

[PonyExpress]

I like Maroney a lot, and also think he can be a very good back in the NFL.

I would see Stewart as an upgrade over Morris, and the Patriots would keep somewhat of a three back sytem, for now. It would be a much more powerful version of the system, and I think NE would have the strongest backfield in the NFL.

Selecting any RB in the first round doesn't seem like a great idea to me, so I don't want you to get my opinion confused. I'm simply talking about what I think of Stewart as a player, and where he would fit on NE's offense.

You don't see how Stewart fits in the offense, or how he fits into NE's first round draft board? I think he would fit perfectly into their offense, and would work well with Maroney, but (as I said) he doesn't seem like a likely first round target for NE.

I like Matt Ryan too, but I don't think he's a "fit" for the Pats either.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

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.

As someone else pointed out, Eckel was already activated because of the injury to Maroney

My guess is Eckel won't get knocked off the 53, but he might not make the 45-man roster every week; he's a pretty good ST player (he had two key tackles on kickoffs in the Colts game). Moreover, they thought enough of him to use him as the "cap charge" workhorse (the NFLPA has basically said that they won't let teams do this unless the player used to make it happen gets something, too). [BTW, while I know that BB has said he tries never to let his heart impact football decisions, I strongly suspect that his father's recommendation of Eckel--plus what happened when he tried to sneak Eckel onto the PS--mean that Belichick won't cut him unless he thinks it's absolutely necessary.]

 

[Kontradiction]

The only way I take Stewart is if he falls to the second round. He was injured near the end of last college football season and they say it will linger in his rookie year. Now, having said that (and I might catch some flack for this), I believe Jonothan Stewart will have a more productive NFL career than Darren McFadden. Yes, I said it. And I say that knowing full well what a beast McFadden is.

 

[State]

Yeah, the Pats are probably doing psychological warfare with the Jets, who may have a choice between a top-flight defender like Vernon Gholston (maybe) and McFadden. They'll have their underwear all in a bunch at what to do.

And if they hear the Patriots are interested in a RB, and since they want to screw us over, they'll be tempted to go that route. I think it's called reverse psychology and we do a better job of it with Bioli than any other team. We're the Raiders of the 21st century. Just win, baby!

That being said, both Stewart and McFadden could become stars in this league. Reggie Bush they won't be.

But let's face it, we're going defense with the Richard Seymour pick--No. 7.

Seeing the awful opening drive by the Giants in the SB that went on longer than my engagement with my wife means we need to do a better job at rushing the QB. Esp. up the middle, with that USC DT Ellis or the USC LB Rivers blitzing or on the edge with Gholston. We can survive with Vrabel playing the middle and a young stud on the edge opposite Thomas.

 

[VJCPatriot]

The only way I take Stewart is if he falls to the second round. He was injured near the end of last college football season and they say it will linger in his rookie year. Now, having said that (and I might catch some flack for this), I believe Jonothan Stewart will have a more productive NFL career than Darren McFadden. Yes, I said it. And I say that knowing full well what a beast McFadden is.

I think McFadden will outproduce Maroney in his rookie year. And I say this knowing full well how many McFadden haters are out there.

As for RB, a guy I like is Kevin Smith out of UCF in the late 3rd round. He's more of a pound it between the tackles guy than Maroney. I think it's worth the investment, the guy can ball, and he'll probably hold up better in terms of durability as well. IE when Maroney get's his annual injury, we'll have a guy who can handle feature back minutes for a few games. After rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2007, I have no idea why this guy is getting no hype at all but he's my favorite sleeper back of the draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=173482

 

[Spiral]

Nawrocki Thinks Pats Looking A Jonathan Stewart

Yet another potential object of Belioli's desires:

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

Thinks a big running back is the best way to bolster aging LB corps.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Nawrocki Thinks Pats Looking A Jonathan Stewart

Message to whoever wrote that article: You know what the best way to bolster an aging LB corps is? A young LB.

:bricks:

Maroney was one of the most effective backs in the league last year. I know some fans don't want to hear that, but take it up with FootballOutsiders and their metrics if you don't believe me. Drafting an RB at 7 ain't happening.

 

[RayClay]

1. We have Sammy Morris.

2. Maroney was running with great power, but he can't run from the bench.

3. Did that guy mention every team in the league except two?

I think I had more. Let's just say, not impressed with the article.

Oh yeah, let's get a running back when we have two...and let's get one who just had surgery on his toe.

 

[Kontradiction]

I think McFadden will outproduce Maroney in his rookie year. And I say this knowing full well how many McFadden haters are out there.

As for RB, a guy I like is Kevin Smith out of UCF in the late 3rd round. He's more of a pound it between the tackles guy than Maroney. I think it's worth the investment, the guy can ball, and he'll probably hold up better in terms of durability as well. IE when Maroney get's his annual injury, we'll have a guy who can handle feature back minutes for a few games. After rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2007, I have no idea why this guy is getting no hype at all but he's my favorite sleeper back of the draft.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=173482

Actually, I used to go to UCF and live relatively close to there. The guy was hyped BIG TIME by national and local media a couple of months ago when he declared for the draft. For whatever reason, that hype has died since. But when he first declared, they were projecting him as a high second rounder. Now, he's nowhere to be found. I've seen Kevin Smith in person and would love to have him on this team. Should Maroney go down, I think he could take over full time... not just a couple of games.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Actually, I used to go to UCF and live relatively close to there. The guy was hyped BIG TIME by national and local media a couple of months ago when he declared for the draft. For whatever reason, that hype has died since. But when he first declared, they were projecting him as a high second rounder. Now, he's nowhere to be found. I've seen Kevin Smith in person and would love to have him on this team. Should Maroney go down, I think he could take over full time... not just a couple of games.

I hope that BB shares our enthusiasm for Kevin Smith. This guy could be a real steal in the 3rd round. He's just an all around good back with excellent vision. I daresay he could be the next Curtis Martin? Here's a mandatory highlight clip to back it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG-hNxjvNUA

 

[Kontradiction]

Yeah, this is one guy who truely looked like he didn't belong in Conference USA play. Like it was "B" league for an "A" leaguer. How he's slipped this far is beyond me. I would love to see him in a Patriot uniform as a complement to Maroney.

 

[VJCPatriot]

From your lips to BB's ears hopefully... I also think he could be a potential contributor on special teams as a kick returner, etc. So that might give him an edge to earning a roster spot.

Here's ESPN giving Kevin Smith a little love.

Highlight reel vs Tulsa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE8zah4Qano&NR=1

Interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VObxkcHKZiU

BTW why is this thread now in the training camp reports forum instead of the draft talk forum?