* Ye Official 2012 Mock Draft Thread!! *

manxman2601 said:

Ta'amu. I'm not sold on him (too inconsistent) but I understand your reasoning and would be excited by his potential should we draft him.

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I think the biggest question about a prospect is whether his issues are correctable, ultimately we WANT damaged/unfinished goods, those are the only kind you can get on a discount, if a prospect was already at the top with no holes in his game he’d be too expensive.

I’m infatuated with Ta'amu, not only because he reminds of of Ngata but I think he has the potential to become a BEAST of a player because I think his issues are very correctable.

@Ay-yo- Very comprehensive break down. There are a few things, though.

1) Connolly is a UFA. Wendell is an RFA. Nick McDonald was not cut after he started the 2 games which says he made quite an impression. But whether that means he's the future starter or just a back-up is unknown.

2) The Pats have Jeff Tarpinian and Dane Fletcher who are coverage type LBers. Why use the 27th pick on Zack Brown (an undersized LB in the Pats system) if he's going to be on the field for only a few plays a series? He's not going to replace Mayo or Spikes as the 1st/2nd down LBers. Also, the Pats did a great job of shutting down Gates and limiting Jason Witten this year.

3) How would Brandon Lloyd, who spent 2 years under McDaniels in Denver and in St. Louis, be "learning on the job"? McDaniels stated that he used the same offensive play-book that the Pats use.

4) I don't see the point in bringing Branch back. His production has dropped sharply over the 2nd half of the season. I'd rather take the $2-$3 million we'd spend on him and spend it on a guy like Josh Morgan or Brandon Carr.

5) I'm not sure if McCourty's best days will be as a FS or as a CB. But the Pats do need to add at least one CB and one S to the mix.

DaBruinz said:

@Ay-yo- Very comprehensive break down. There are a few things, though.

1) Connolly is a UFA. Wendell is an RFA. Nick McDonald was not cut after he started the 2 games which says he made quite an impression. But whether that means he's the future starter or just a back-up is unknown.

2) The Pats have Jeff Tarpinian and Dane Fletcher who are coverage type LBers. Why use the 27th pick on Zack Brown (an undersized LB in the Pats system) if he's going to be on the field for only a few plays a series? He's not going to replace Mayo or Spikes as the 1st/2nd down LBers. Also, the Pats did a great job of shutting down Gates and limiting Jason Witten this year.

3) How would Brandon Lloyd, who spent 2 years under McDaniels in Denver and in St. Louis, be "learning on the job"? McDaniels stated that he used the same offensive play-book that the Pats use.

4) I don't see the point in bringing Branch back. His production has dropped sharply over the 2nd half of the season. I'd rather take the $2-$3 million we'd spend on him and spend it on a guy like Josh Morgan or Brandon Carr.

5) I'm not sure if McCourty's best days will be as a FS or as a CB. But the Pats do need to add at least one CB and one S to the mix.

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1. I'd bring back both Conolly and Wendell.

2. Not really sold on either Tarp or Fletcher as great coverage guys.

If you think we should have 3 quality corners on the roster b/c of the amount of nickle we play it makes sense to have two quality nickle LB's on the roster too. I only see 1 (Mayo). I like Ninko as a rusher who will occasionally drop into coverage. Spikes has good instincts in zone but will always be a liability in man.

3. Lloyd wouldn't be learning on the job. The point was the offense can afford the 2nd wr to be learning on the job b/c everybody else is so good at theirs.

ay-yo said:

1. I'd bring back both Conolly and Wendell.

2. Not really sold on either Tarp or Fletcher as great coverage guys.

If you think we should have 3 quality corners on the roster b/c of the amount of nickle we play it makes sense to have two quality nickle LB's on the roster too. I only see 1 (Mayo). I like Ninko as a rusher who will occasionally drop into coverage. Spikes has good instincts in zone but will always be a liability in man.

3. Lloyd wouldn't be learning on the job. The point was the offense can afford the 2nd wr to be learning on the job b/c everybody else is so good at theirs.

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Sorry, but if you only see one, then that's your issue. Nothing I can do about that. The reality is that the Pats aren't going to spend a 1st round pick on a guy to sit on the sidelines for more than 50% of the plays a game. Not happening. And that's where Brown would be..

How can Fletcher or Tarpinian "prove anything to you" when they've been injured most of the year? Fletcher actually reminds me of a Roman Phifer type player. And he's made some damn good plays when healthy. Remember that Fletcher, Tarpinian and Chung were all injured against the Giants the last time the Pats played. The Pats now have better back-ups and those 3 are healthy.

I have to disagree with you about a #2 WR having the luxury of learning on the job. I think that it's been proven that there is no such luxury on the Pats. I could see the Pats adding 2 WRs beyond Floyd as developmental ones behind Welker/Floyd. Whether they are drafted, UDFA, or a younger vet (Josh Morgan).

DaBruinz said:

Sorry, but if you only see one, then that's your issue. Nothing I can do about that. The reality is that the Pats aren't going to spend a 1st round pick on a guy to sit on the sidelines for more than 50% of the plays a game. Not happening. And that's where Brown would be..

How can Fletcher or Tarpinian "prove anything to you" when they've been injured most of the year? Fletcher actually reminds me of a Roman Phifer type player. And he's made some damn good plays when healthy. Remember that Fletcher, Tarpinian and Chung were all injured against the Giants the last time the Pats played. The Pats now have better back-ups and those 3 are healthy.

I have to disagree with you about a #2 WR having the luxury of learning on the job. I think that it's been proven that there is no such luxury on the Pats. I could see the Pats adding 2 WRs beyond Floyd as developmental ones behind Welker/Floyd. Whether they are drafted, UDFA, or a younger vet (Josh Morgan).

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Have to agree with DaBruins here. BB's MO as a coach is pick someone in the 1st round who can contribute on all 4 downs and who will see as much playing time as possible (maroney was an outlier). A 3rd down ILB i don't think garners 1st round value specially as one of out ILB's is a perennial pro bowler and the other is a very good (my opinion) 2 down line backer with great instincts. I think we will throw either a late pick or a UDFA at the guyton spot and see what sticks.

Wr's are tricky apparently in this pats offense to project so i think the reason why everyone is wanting lloyd is he has already proven that with Orton at QB he can lead the league in our offense... imagine what he can to with TB throwing him the ball.

I think it's going to be an interesting draft this year as there are some obvious flaws in this defense but i really don't think they are as far off as some think. 2 things really made the D have an off year in my opinion, Devin was sposed to be a solid number 1 corner and he has a bad year and the other guy starting across from him who started the year well in Ras-I got injured. Sanders and Merriweather were cut in camp. While both were no favorites of the board the depth behind them wasn't what we'd want.

Can we solve this with Barron? or FA's? i just don't know at the moment.

DaBruinz said:

Sorry, but if you only see one, then that's your issue. Nothing I can do about that. The reality is that the Pats aren't going to spend a 1st round pick on a guy to sit on the sidelines for more than 50% of the plays a game. Not happening. And that's where Brown would be..

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1. Two seasons ago, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork played 51.8 percent of the defensive snaps. Last season, it was 69.8 percent. This year – 86.6 percent. The transformation to dominating three-down lineman is complete.

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(Link)

Before 2009 Wilfork played very little in passing situations. So yes BB will draft a player in the first round who spends 50% of the time on the sidelines.

How can Fletcher or Tarpinian "prove anything to you" when they've been injured most of the year? Fletcher actually reminds me of a Roman Phifer type player. And he's made some damn good plays when healthy. Remember that Fletcher, Tarpinian and Chung were all injured against the Giants the last time the Pats played. The Pats now have better back-ups and those 3 are healthy.

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How can Fletcher and Tarp convince you they are quality players when they've been injured most of the year?

I have to disagree with you about a #2 WR having the luxury of learning on the job. I think that it's been proven that there is no such luxury on the Pats. I could see the Pats adding 2 WRs beyond Floyd as developmental ones behind Welker/Floyd. Whether they are drafted, UDFA, or a younger vet (Josh Morgan).

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Hence bring Branch back (Morgan if it makes you happy) so the rookies aren't forced into starting day 1. I think Sanu would start anyways. My point is I'd rather spend money on a defensive player.

I would be opposed to drafting any wrs really highly as apparently the offensive system is so difficult that even veterans can sometimes not pick it up.

Anyway, i found this clip of "josh norman" who I heard a lot about at the shrine game.

It's just a clip but he seems to be able to find the ball and high point it and he makes several good tackles. Plus he's about 6' with long arms. In his interviews he seems intelligent and motivated.

So I would like to replace donnie fletcher in my mock draft with this guy.

I was going to include the link but it won't let me.

Mark Morse said:

Here is my off the wall 1st attempt:


64. Brandon Boykin CB Georgia 5'9" 183 4.44 - despite his size he is a fearless hitter and one of the best cover corners in the draft. I's rather have him at slot corner than Edelman...

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I think that is the wrong comparison. Let's assume the Patriots don't draft or sign any new secondary players between now and the first day of camp 2012 and that all currently injured players are on the field for the conditioning run.

McCourtey, Dowling, Arrignton, Moore, Molden are the top-5 corners.

Edelman's job at that point is the following: #1 KR, #2 or #3 gunner, #3 KR, #4 WR, #6 CB, Hands Team, #4 Quarterback and #11 Nose Tackle (I am sure Belicheck has some package for a sub-200 pound nose tackle

Is a second rounder worth spending to replace the #6 corner?

ay-yo said:

My Mock Offseason​

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Great job ay-yo, even if I disagree with a lot of the moves.

kennyb said:

I would be opposed to drafting any wrs really highly as apparently the offensive system is so difficult that even veterans can sometimes not pick it up.

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Same here. With our offense, even a can't-miss receiver can miss. I'd rather take the gambles in the later rounds.

kennyb said:

Anyway, i found this clip of "josh norman" who I heard a lot about at the shrine game.

It's just a clip but he seems to be able to find the ball and high point it and he makes several good tackles. Plus he's about 6' with long arms. In his interviews he seems intelligent and motivated.

So I would like to replace donnie fletcher in my mock draft with this guy.

I was going to include the link but it won't let me.

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Yeah, I like what I've read about Josh Norman, but I've yet to see him play. My girlfriend deleted the Shrine Game off my DVR. I'm going to have to break up with her.

At least he played in the Senior Bowl.

Post-Senior Bowl 2012 NFL mock draft - Mocking The Draft

27. Michael Brockers | Defensive tackle | LSU: New England has openings on all levels of their defense. Because of that, they'll easily be able to draft the best player available. In this scenario, it's far and away Brockers who most expect to go earlier in the draft. In 3-4 sets he's athletic enough for end and should hold up well as a tackle in a 4-3.

32. Chase Minnifield | Cornerback | Virginia: Year after year the Patriots seem to target defensive backs only to see them disappoint. While Minnifield's upside may not be as high as other cornerbacks, his bust factor is extremely low. He has the size to match up well with the bigger AFC East wide receivers, like Stevie Johnson of the Bills and Brandon Marshall of the Dolphins, but enough quickness to not get beat over the top.

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Lovely

One pick that is particularly ******ed is Dwight Jones at 31 to the Giants, but picked by a Giants fan I can't say I'm particularly surprised.

Just for fun

I'm in the process of doing a mock at the moment and have just reached pick #27. However, after a long nights work, it's time for my beauty sleep. So I'd like to pass pick #27 over to you guys. Here's the available players as things stand:


Dontari Poe DT Memphis
Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama
Zach Brown LB UNC
Peter Konz OL Wisconsin
Fletcher Cox DE/DT Mississippi St.
Alshon Jeffrey WR S Carolina
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson
Lamar Miller RB Miami
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Coby Fleener TE Stanford
Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska
Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall
Brandon Washington OL Miami
David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina
Bobby Wagner LB Utah St.
Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington

Or try for a trade back.

Over to you guys.

manxman2601 said:

Just for fun

I'm in the process of doing a mock at the moment and have just reached pick #27. However, after a long nights work, it's time for my beauty sleep. So I'd like to pass pick #27 over to you guys. Here's the available players as things stand:


Dontari Poe DT Memphis
Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama
Zach Brown LB UNC
Peter Konz OL Wisconsin
Fletcher Cox DE/DT Mississippi St.
Alshon Jeffrey WR S Carolina
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson
Lamar Miller RB Miami
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Coby Fleener TE Stanford
Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska
Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall
Brandon Washington OL Miami
David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina
Bobby Wagner LB Utah St.
Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington

Or try for a trade back.

Over to you guys.

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I vote for Ravin' Dontari Poe!! :rocker:

I vote for Dont'a Hightower. But you probably already knew that. I hope Poe makes it to #32. I'm not all that confident he will. But I'm less confident Hightower would.

I'd take Alshon Jeffrey - wr - South Carolina. He almost single handedly lead USC to a victory over Alabama in 2010. I can't get that performance out of my head. Looked like the best athlete on the field that day. And, that's saying something. He'd be that wideout who can play outside the numbers and open up more space inside. Reminds me of Vincent Jackson. Hopefully, with no off-field troubles. I'm hoping Fletcher Cox slips to 32. Pretty sure SF would take Jeffrey if we took Cox at 27.

manxman2601 said:

Just for fun

I'm in the process of doing a mock at the moment and have just reached pick #27. However, after a long nights work, it's time for my beauty sleep. So I'd like to pass pick #27 over to you guys. Here's the available players as things stand:


Dontari Poe DT Memphis
Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama
Zach Brown LB UNC
Peter Konz OL Wisconsin
Fletcher Cox DE/DT Mississippi St.
Alshon Jeffrey WR S Carolina
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson
Lamar Miller RB Miami
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Coby Fleener TE Stanford
Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska
Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall
Brandon Washington OL Miami
David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina
Bobby Wagner LB Utah St.
Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington

Or try for a trade back.

Over to you guys.

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Fletcher Cox. BB's #1 rule is a 1st round draft pick should be a sure thing. Worst case scenario for Cox is he becomes the new Mike Wright - best case scenario he's a beast of a lineman that can be a penetrating DT or a 3-4 DE

ay-yo said:

(Link)

Before 2009 Wilfork played very little in passing situations. So yes BB will draft a player in the first round who spends 50% of the time on the sidelines.

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You seem to have a problem understanding the difference between more than 50% and less than 50%. Vince was playing more than 50%, not less than 50%.

ay-yo said:

How can Fletcher and Tarp convince you they are quality players when they've been injured most of the year?

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In the games that Fletcher has been in, he's played well. Sorry that you ignore that. You also ignored the fact that the Patriots shut down Antonio Gates and limited Jason Witten.

You're advocating spending a 1st round pick on a guy who would see only about 40% of the plays. Over someone like a corner or a DE who would see 60-70% of the plays. That makes no sense at all.

ay-yo said:

Hence bring Branch back (Morgan if it makes you happy) so the rookies aren't forced into starting day 1. I think Sanu would start anyways. My point is I'd rather spend money on a defensive player.

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Yes, bring back a guy whose production has dropped off tremendously the 2nd half of the season.

What you fail to understand is that there is plenty of money to go around. This idea that it's either or is ridiculous.

Merril Hoge's Tie Knot said:

Post-Senior Bowl 2012 NFL mock draft - Mocking The Draft



Lovely

One pick that is particularly ******ed is Dwight Jones at 31 to the Giants, but picked by a Giants fan I can't say I'm particularly surprised.

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I think it was done with the idea that Manningham will be moving on in free agency. It is still stupid, but I think that is what the thinking was.

manxman2601 said:

Just for fun

I'm in the process of doing a mock at the moment and have just reached pick #27. However, after a long nights work, it's time for my beauty sleep. So I'd like to pass pick #27 over to you guys. Here's the available players as things stand:


Dontari Poe DT Memphis
Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama
Zach Brown LB UNC
Peter Konz OL Wisconsin
Fletcher Cox DE/DT Mississippi St.
Alshon Jeffrey WR S Carolina
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson
Lamar Miller RB Miami
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Coby Fleener TE Stanford
Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska
Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall
Brandon Washington OL Miami
David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina
Bobby Wagner LB Utah St.
Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington

Or try for a trade back.

Over to you guys.

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I'd go with Hightower. Then pick either Cox or Minnifield at 32. Is Fleming already off the board?

DaBruinz said:

I'd go with Hightower. Then pick either Cox or Minnifield at 32. Is Fleming already off the board?

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No. Projected mid-second rounder.

manxman2601 said:

Just for fun

I'm in the process of doing a mock at the moment and have just reached pick #27. However, after a long nights work, it's time for my beauty sleep. So I'd like to pass pick #27 over to you guys. Here's the available players as things stand:


Dontari Poe DT Memphis
Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama
Zach Brown LB UNC
Peter Konz OL Wisconsin
Fletcher Cox DE/DT Mississippi St.
Alshon Jeffrey WR S Carolina
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson
Lamar Miller RB Miami
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia
Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
Coby Fleener TE Stanford
Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska
Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall
Brandon Washington OL Miami
David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Stephon Gilmore CB S Carolina
Bobby Wagner LB Utah St.
Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington

Or try for a trade back.

Over to you guys.

Click to expand...

Fletcher Cox