Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

There has been talk of wasted picks by the Front Office. What a bunch of nonsense!

12 drafted players are still under the control of the patriots: 8 on the 53, 1 on the PUP, 2 on IR and 1 on the PS. In addition, we have two additional #2's next year and no 3rd or 5th. That is a signficant upgrade to the 2010 draft.

And somehow, Belichick signed and used draft choices to add a dozen more players to the 53 in addition to draftees. One binkie UDFA is on the 53; one in on the PS.

I don't think that the patriots have wasted anything in securing players for this 2009 team.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

As a minor note, they have a 4, but they don't have a 3.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

Even while all of the above is true, two picks were traded for Smith and Lewis who are no longer on the team, those two picks would have more value than their non-existence.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

We'll have several by 5:00 on draft day ... I am sure of it.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

Correct; I will fix.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

Like BB says, I have no problem with them MAKING mistakes as long as they LEARN from them. These are NOT training camp fodder as some have suggested, is you look at the roster there are ALOT of guys on there that werent picked in rounds 1-4 including TB. The problem is finding PLAY MAKERS in the lower rounds is next to impossible, and at some point some of these guys are going to be asked to make em. I think the cook is buying the groceries from the wrong stores, and as I say every day....know your role.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

Lewis was beaten out of a position by an UDFA & a 7rd pick (Nunn & Edleman), Smith lost out to a FA pickup (Baker) there was no way before camp to tell who would create a roster spot for themselves. Competition dictates tha some good player will not make the roster, competition also ensures a stronger roster.


A strong roster is the goal, Picks FA signings UDFA, doesn't matter where the talent comes from so long as a strong roster is the result.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

They are not "non-existent" they were traded for two NFL players. They took two fifth's and moved them up a year to provide depth and competition at two positions. Both players were veterens that have been on NFL rosters. Unfortunately, neither made the team. But that doesn't mean they are non-existent. How is that any different then two picks not making the team next year? It isn't! If anything two fifth rounders have less of a chance making it then two guys who have been on NFL rosters.

Can you guarantee both 5th round picks make the squad next season? Nope, you can't, so your argument is null and void.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

We can't be all pumped about the meritocracy of Belichick's training camps and how the best players make it, but then also get mad when an UDFA or 7th beats out a draft pick or someone we traded a pick for.

The reason why Belichick 'wastes' so many picks is because, unlike most FOs, he cares more about fielding the best team than covering his ass. A lot of teams will give a spot to a guy that they gave up a pick for, even if the UDFA or 7th rounder is clearly better. Why? So that nobody can complain that they wasted the pick.

I'll take Belichick's approach, 'wasted picks' and all, any day.

Re: Use Of Draft Choices and Trades
 

I agree with your conclusions but not your analysis.

LEWIS didn't get beaten out for a roster spot by Edelman and Nunn. First, Nunn didn't make the roster. Lewis did, as a STER/WR as did Aiken. Lewis was replaced today by another STer.

SMITH did NOT get beaten out for a roster spot by BAKER. Baker was signed for three years at a reasonable bonus and salary. He was always here to stay, unless he was aweful. One could argue that Smith was beaten out by Watson since at Smith's alary he really wasn't competing for the #3 spot. However, we were talking about Smith competing with Thomas for the #3. So, Smith was also beaten out by Matthews for the #3 spot.


QUOTE=patsfan13;1490938]Lewis was beaten out of a position by an UDFA & a 7rd pick (Nunn & Edleman), Smith lost out to a FA pickup (Baker) there was no way before camp to tell who would create a roster spot for themselves. Competition dictates tha some good player will not make the roster, competition also ensures a stronger roster.


A strong roster is the goal, Picks FA signings UDFA, doesn't matter where the talent comes from so long as a strong roster is the result.[/QUOTE]