Seahawks, Jaguars liked Mitchell at DB

I'm intrigued by the ST potential, since I'd assume a recent CB convert has more experience at fighting through blockers and tackling than a typical WR. I could see a situation where he's the #5 WR, but active instead of the #4 (probably Dobson, Washington, or Martin) because he also plays on the kickoff coverage team.

Would love to see Dobson step up

ViperGTS said:

I think it's telling (possibly) that they went so hard at the CB position in the draft. I think it's possible insurance against Butler and Ryan departing and then being left to hold the bag. I am one of the only people here that think it's a high possibility that Butler walks away when the time comes. Some team will blow him away just like Denver with Talib and the Pats won't match. I can't see any other reason than that.

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Right now Butler is the most underpaid player in the NFL, so yes, when he is a free agent there is no way that the Patriots will me able to match other offers.

I have no problem with the Patriots loading up on CBs. It is about time. I good CB changes the complexion of the database and frees up a safety.

why do certain patriots fans on patsfans forum always root against the potential of a number one WR? I will never understand it.

Why can't mitchell pull a troy brown and do both WR and CB duty?

I like him at WR

If nothing else, it shows his willingness to do what it takes for the good of the team. I would think it would take a lot of effort and a small ego to go from the best CB in the nation to learning WR (although I'm sure he played that in HS, as most athletes play both sides).

It will definitely take him at least a year to catch on to the offense and how to feel out the option routes. My best case scenario is year 2 or 3, he can pitch in on D based on how good he is, not because of injuries to others.

Schmo said:

If nothing else, it shows his willingness to do what it takes for the good of the team. I would think it would take a lot of effort and a small ego to go from the best CB in the nation to learning WR (although I'm sure he played that in HS, as most athletes play both sides).

It will definitely take him at least a year to catch on to the offense and how to feel out the option routes. My best case scenario is year 2 or 3, he can pitch in on D based on how good he is, not because of injuries to others.

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Thats how championships are won and those are the types of players BB needs on this team.

FredFromDartmouth said:

Right now Butler is the most underpaid player in the NFL, so yes, when he is a free agent there is no way that the Patriots will me able to match other offers.

I have no problem with the Patriots loading up on CBs. It is about time. I good CB changes the complexion of the database and frees up a safety.

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First off I do not want to lose Butler. I am not positive but I believe Butler will be a restricted free agent. If we put the highest tender on him do we get a first round pick or similar compensation from the team that signs him. Makes it more favorable he goes no where. May stand to be corrected. Thought I heard something along the lines

What does Jacksonville know about football?

Can he rush the passer and block on the line too? Tee hee

ViperGTS said:

I think it's possible insurance against Butler and Ryan departing and then being left to hold the bag. I am one of the only people here that think it's a high possibility that Butler walks away when the time comes. Some team will blow him away just like Denver with Talib and the Pats won't match. I can't see any other reason than that.

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Historically, Belichick has not cared to pay top dollar at CB, so I can appreciate your skepticism. Sure, Revis and Samuel were paid good money with the understanding that it'd be for one season, but that's been it over the past 10 years. It's certainly possible that another team ponies up more money for Butler, just the same as it is for guys like Collins and Hightower. I think people are completely delusional if they really think that we'll keep all 3, but believe it or not, some actually thought that we'd keep all FOUR when Chandler Jones was still here. Personally, I'm just hoping that they can lock up 2/3.

Our team remains highly competitive because Belichick isn't afraid to let someone leave in free agency. As a matter of fact, he seems to be more than content with getting production from the draft/UDFAs on cheap, rookie deals, then attempts to reset again via the whole cycle over and over. Yes, there are key parts who remain on 2nd contracts, but the odds are not in their favor.

BUSTAMOVE said:

First off I do not want to lose Butler. I am not positive but I believe Butler will be a restricted free agent. If we put the highest tender on him do we get a first round pick or similar compensation from the team that signs him. Makes it more favorable he goes no where. May stand to be corrected. Thought I heard something along the lines

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Yes, you are correct. The team can theoretically squat on Butler for 2 more seasons (2016 and 2017) for relatively cheap money. As you mention, they'll have to place a high round (likely first) tender on him for the 2017 season, although it's certainly possible that they can reach an agreement when this upcoming year plays out and they have a larger sample size to determine his value.

If you want to take it one step further, they could even place the franchise tag on him for the 2018 season, which will likely be about 15m dollars. Add in the first round tender of a few million or so next year and you still have him locked up for the next 3 years at something near a 6m dollar AAV range--and that's in a WORST case scenario. In that situation, we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with Butler until March 2019.

FredFromDartmouth said:

Right now Butler is the most underpaid player in the NFL, so yes, when he is a free agent there is no way that the Patriots will me able to match other offers.

I have no problem with the Patriots loading up on CBs. It is about time. I good CB changes the complexion of the database and frees up a safety.

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I hear what you're staying. I'll only point out that Butler is a restricted free agent, which slightly changes things.

supafly said:

Yes, you are correct. The team can theoretically squat on Butler for 2 more seasons (2016 and 2017) for relatively cheap money. As you mention, they'll have to place a high round (likely first) tender on him for the 2017 season, although it's certainly possible that they can reach an agreement when this upcoming year plays out and they have a larger sample size to determine his value.

If you want to take it one step further, they could even place the franchise tag on him for the 2018 season, which will likely be about 15m dollars. Add in the first round tender of a few million or so next year and you still have him locked up for the next 3 years at something near a 6m dollar AAV range--and that's in a WORST case scenario. In that situation, we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with Butler until March 2019.

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Thanks. I would think it gives us bargaining power for a team friendly contract. Not many teams give up their first rounder any longer.

supafly said:

Yes, you are correct. The team can theoretically squat on Butler for 2 more seasons (2016 and 2017) for relatively cheap money. As you mention, they'll have to place a high round (likely first) tender on him for the 2017 season, although it's certainly possible that they can reach an agreement when this upcoming year plays out and they have a larger sample size to determine his value.

If you want to take it one step further, they could even place the franchise tag on him for the 2018 season, which will likely be about 15m dollars. Add in the first round tender of a few million or so next year and you still have him locked up for the next 3 years at something near a 6m dollar AAV range--and that's in a WORST case scenario. In that situation, we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with Butler until March 2019.

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I expect that someone drafting in the bottom 3rd of the draft will give us a 1st and offer Butler $12M or more a year on a long-term deal. Will we match? How about $14M?

How many corners after pick 20 do you think is as good as Butler?

The WORST case scenario is that the patriots don't match the offer for Butler and we draft a late first in the hope that the rookie is a capable starter.

Plus he can read, unlike Goodell.

mgteich said:

I expect that someone drafting in the bottom 3rd of the draft will give us a 1st and offer Butler $12M or more a year on a long-term deal. Will we match? How about $14M?

How many corners after pick 20 do you think is as good as Butler?

The WORST case scenario is that the patriots don't match the offer for Butler and we draft a late first in the hope that the rookie is a capable starter.

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The raw talent is only half of the equation for a first round pick. The other half is 4-5 years of premium talent on a cheap contract, which you're not getting if you give up your 1st for the right to pay someone $12m+ per year.

I wouldn't totally rule it out, since teams like the Seahawks have demonstrated a willingness to make that exchange. In general, I don't think many will though.

So much versatility...love it

TheFlyingWedge said:

What does Jacksonville know about football?

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Plenty.

They've been beaten by some of the best.