The official Patriots offseason thread [mergedx2]

The Intimidator said:

I disagree with that on so many levels. What more does Wilfork have to prove to you? He's one of the few constants on the Patriots' D-Line, and he needs to be retained.

As great of a TE as Gresham is, the Pats need too much help with their pass rush to take a TE in the first round. Besides, the Pats' offense hasn't really relied heavily on the TE since the departure of Ben Coates. Hughes, Kindle, or Greg Hardy are much more likely to be selected. I highly doubt we will take Gresham.

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SidelineSid said:

Great post. I want to throw in one more draft need: ILB. We need a thumper. Guyton is a good role player, but he doesn't get off his blocks well. Mayo is only decent at it. If we had a really good thumper like a Rolando McClain, we could move Mayo into the Weak side inside linebacker slot. Mayo is allegedly faster than McClain.

If we can't get him, I say let's get the best pass rusher available. Jerry Hughes sounds like a good pick.

Then, we can get a 3-4 DE, Cameron Hayward is a possibility. Once the defenses needs are available, we can focus on offense. There is good depth at the Guard position this year. We could draft a guard with our last 2nd round pick.

With the remaining picks, we can get depth at WR or RB. I know we need wide receiver help, but our system may be best aided by a veteran. Someone proven has a better chance of succeeding than an untested rookie.

Last but not least, we need a change in our offensive philosophy. We broke a lot of records with this offense because it was new and people weren't expecting it. They expect it now and study it closely (see Ravens, Baltimore). An new OC could be just what we need.

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Markchris524 said:

Since we could use a new running back what about Anthony Dixon of Mississippi State he is a bruising type of running back alot like Brandon Jacobs and could be perfect when the weather gets bad, just hand it off to him.

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102 Pat said:

I hope Bodden would stay for another year, doubtful, I'm sure some team will offer him a large enough contract.

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TriplecHamp said:

Hughes and Hardy are much higher risks than Kindle, I wouldn't want any of them in the first round. Gresham is probably the best tight end prospect to come out since Kellen Winslow Jr. He got injured so he will slide, hopefully into the 20's so we have a shot at him. Giving Brady a legit threat out of the backfield would help our offense on so many levels. As for Wilfork, did you watch the game today? Do you know how much Wilfork is going to ask for? He wont be worth it, With the Money Wilfork will likely demand we wont have enough for other possible free agents.

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NEfan32 said:

2) No running game. This offense is so unbalanced, and the running game is not very good. We need to draft a good RB who can bang the ball like a Ray Rice or MJD. This team needs some balance so that they can pass out of more formations than just the shotgun and work the play action. Not sure how this could be addressed this offseason.

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The Intimidator said:

As far as Gresham goes:

Take a look at the team needs and the way we play offense, and you would find the idea of taking Gresham is a long shot at best and frankly a non intelligent football decision.

Here are out current needs:

D-Line
OLB
LB
RB
OL
WR
TE
QB

In that order. The Tight end is way down on that list. He is also coming off an injury and may not be 100% next season. Not too mention we don't use the tight end that much in our offensive scheme. Hence we won't be taking one in the first round.

I did watch most of the game today, and what I was saw was him trying to do everything by himself. He is one of the best NT in football, and someone who needs to be retained. Who do you place on replacing him with? Also, next year is an uncapped year so it wouldn't affect what we did in free agency next season.

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TriplecHamp said:

BB has drafted TE high before and I can see him doing it again soon because Watson's time here may be up and Baker isnt much of a thread down field at all. We have 5 capable backs but none that stand out too much. The type of back we need (power) can be found thought the draft this year. I agree that we need OL help but only at the G and there is only one first round caliber G so far. D-line is and so are the LB positions but again you can find that thought this years draft. There is only one elite TE this year and its Gresham.

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The Intimidator said:

You're right he has, but that was back at a time where we had the top defense in the league and a great running game. I agree there is incredible amount of depth at the D-line position in this draft. However, it is incredibly unlikely that we take a TE with our defense problems. Tell us, is more important to upgrade the defense or a position that we don't use? That should explain to you. WE AREN'T TAKING HIM!!

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Mack Herron said:

3 top Priorities:

1. A defense that can stop the run
2. A defense that can rush the passer
3. An offense that can run the football when they need to.

TE is not high on my list.

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TriplecHamp said:

You should look at how many times we've used two tight ends, etc. Gresham can stretch the field just like a wide receiver!

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Mack Herron said:

3 top Priorities:

1. A defense that can stop the run
2. A defense that can rush the passer
3. An offense that can run the football when they need to.

TE is not high on my list.

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