Key Date: February 20, 2014: Mike Lombardi Joins Patriots Front Office

Given the stocking of the Patriots roster the past two years - - is Mike Lombardi the guy who saved Belichick the Coach from Belichick the GM?

I'm not saying "yes" or "no", but the roster moves of the past two years most definitely seem to have been more successful than anything post-Pioli.

Judging by the Browns' success under Lombardi, I'm going to say, "no."

He has been very instrumental and and an excellent addition. Browns were dumb for firing him. Don't think a player he has recommended has been a disappointment so far.

There have been some different ideas attempted the last two off seasons that we cannot really pin on one executive, but the timing symmetry would point towards Lombardi.

Oswlek said:

Judging by the Browns' success under Lombardi, I'm going to say, "no."

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He was in Cleveland 1/18/2013 to 2/11/2014.

You're going to judge based on less than 13 months - - in which he fleeced the Colts with the Trent Richardson deal?

Really, Oswlek?????

I think Lombardi's influence has had a positive influence in their FO. The past couple of sessions have been really successful in adding quality players to the roster. Hope he sticks around.

Thinking way ahead here: but I hope Lombardi gets Bill to kick the tires on Josh Gordon in the off-season.

I believe he's a UFA.

Oswlek said:

Judging by the Browns' success under Lombardi, I'm going to say, "no."

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CLE is a disaster. Not completely fair.

Same scenario as a certain coach who ran that team in 1991-1995.

shmessy said:

He was in Cleveland 1/18/2013 to 2/11/2014.

You're going to judge based on less than 13 months - - in which he fleeced the Colts with the Trent Richardson deal?

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It was partly in jest, but it's not like his transactions in Cleveland are a collection of genius moves. Their draft that year is basically a washout, with the exception of Gordon who was a supplemental pick the year before. Feel free to scroll through their FAs and let me know if anyone jumps off the page for you.

And giving him credit for the Richardson deal is like saying an agent who accepts a $3,000,000 bid on a $250,000 home is a great negotiator.

I'm not saying the guy is worthless, I just think you might be overstating his impact.

Pats drafting has been better since Pioli left. I think BB and Caserio work well together. There isn't a big enough sample size of Lombardi with the Pats to come to any real conclusion.

Galeb said:

Pats drafting has been better since Pioli left. I think BB and Caserio work well together. There isn't a big enough sample size of Lombardi with the Pats to come to any real conclusion.

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Not to mention no one knows what his actual responsibilities are.
In any event, posters typically will come along and try to find someone they know nothing about to give BBs credit to. I don't know why, but its a hobby for some around here.

Oswlek said:

It was partly in jest, but it's not like his transactions with Cleveland are a collection of genius moves. Their draft that year is basically a washout, with the exception of Gordon who was a supplemental pick the year before. Feel free to scroll through their FAs and let me know if anyone jumps off the page for you.

And giving him credit for accepting the Richardson offer is like saying an agent who accepts a $3,000,000 bid on a $250,000 home is a great negotiator.

I'm not saying the guy is worthless, I just think you might be overstating his impact.

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Let me be a little argumentative (I know, a rarity on this site) with tongue planted firmly in cheek. I thought that the definition of a great negotiator is someone that reaches an agreement that is favorable to your party and less favorable to the other party. Getting a first round draft pick for someone that ends up being a completely washout is not a great negotiation? Or, for that matter, reaching an agreement to get $3,000,000 on a $250,000 house is not being a great negotiator?

...If you know any of those not-great-negotiators, please put me in contact with them to represent me next time I ask for a promotion or sell a house.

zydecochris said:

Or, for that matter, reaching an agreement to get $3,000,000 on a $250,000 house is not being a great negotiator?

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When the bid arrives unsolicited, all it says about your negotiation ability is that you can hit the mute button in time before guffawing uncontrollably.

TBR said:

Thinking way ahead here: but I hope Lombardi gets Bill to kick the tires on Josh Gordon in the off-season.

I believe he's a UFA.

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If he's free to play and the money is low, not guaranteed, and incentive-laden, then I'm game. Dude is one drop of alcohol away from completely blowing it.

robertweathers said:

CLE is a disaster. Not completely fair.

Same scenario as a certain coach who ran that team in 1991-1995.

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With all the crazy success that Belichick has had in N.E. you have to wonder if his biggest achievement was getting the Browns a round into the playoffs.

Oswlek said:

It was partly in jest, but it's not like his transactions in Cleveland are a collection of genius moves. Their draft that year is basically a washout, with the exception of Gordon who was a supplemental pick the year before. Feel free to scroll through their FAs and let me know if anyone jumps off the page for you.

And giving him credit for the Richardson deal is like saying an agent who accepts a $3,000,000 bid on a $250,000 home is a great negotiator.

I'm not saying the guy is worthless, I just think you might be overstating his impact.

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Sounds like, he gets the blame for the negative and no credit for the positive. (in a 13 month span)

AndyJohnson said:

Not to mention no one knows what his actual responsibilities are.
In any event, posters typically will come along and try to find someone they know nothing about to give BBs credit to. I don't know why, but its a hobby for some around here.

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From Post #1:

"I'm not saying "yes" or "no", but the roster moves of the past two years most definitely seem to have been more successful than anything post-Pioli."

It is what it is. The words are pretty clear.

shmessy said:

So, in summation, he gets the blame for the negative and no credit for the positive. (in a 13 month span)

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That isn't even remotely what I said.

Oswlek said:

That isn't even remotely what I said.

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I hear ya, Oz. But it was 13 months. He was basically fighting tooth and nail with Joe Banner the minute he took the job.

I'll accept the "it was partly said in jest" part. Sorry if you felt I mischaracterized your post.

Since 2010 we've been absolutely killing it in the draft. We've basically had the luxury of making any personnel decision outside of the draft without having a gaping need. The one time we had to do that was 2013 at DT and we ended up getting a guy (Sopoaga) that sucked and didn't care.

The rich get richer in this league.