Fencer
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
- Messages
- 14,293
- Reaction score
- 3,986
All things considered, at what positions do you think a rookie has the best chance of making a difference to the Pats in 2010?
The obvious candidates are WR, TE, DE, OLB/DE, FB, and P, because that's where the biggest holes are. Some might also favor RB (rookie RBs can often contribute), ILB/OLB (ditto), or kick returner.
My thoughts on those positions are:
WR Historically very hard, because of the difficulties in learning to beat jams and run routes at the pro level. Perhaps easier in the slot, where neither of those concerns come into play as much, but the slot isn't where the Pats are apt to draft.
TE Much easier for a young TE to contribute quickly at the pro level in pass-catching that it is for a WR -- he basically has to stand there, be big, and not drop things. Blocking is hard, however.
DE Three first-round pick DL have been solid players for the Pats their first seasons. Seymour may even have been more than that by the end of the year. Getting a solid starter at a position of weakness is not inconceivable.
OLB/DE Pass rushers who accomplish much their first seasons are rare. And pure pass rushers are drafted ever higher. Unfortunately, the chances of major impact here are poor.
FB BB characterizes FB as a vet position. And it's not that much of an impact position anyway.
P A huge upgrade at punter would be pretty easy to accomplish. How important that is to the team overall is more debatable.
RB One problem w/ a rookie RB contributing is pass blocking, which they typically aren't good at. I get the feeling that's more of an issue on the Pats than elsewhere, although I don't know why.
ILB/OLB Highly productive young LBs (true LBs rather than pass rushers) are increasingly common. For an ILB next to Mayo to make a big impact, it would have to be somebody who plays in nickel/dime sets, but that's not inconceivable. Frankly, I think redshirt McKenzie gets a shot here rather than a high-pick draftee, but there's definitely potential in the role.
Returner A truly great PR/KR is exciting to have. But teams never value those guys too highly unless they also contribute on Downs 1-3. The Pats could use an upgrade; any position player who inspires confidence as a returner (if we even have such right now) also needs protection from injury, and Slater isn't exactly a joy in the job.
The obvious candidates are WR, TE, DE, OLB/DE, FB, and P, because that's where the biggest holes are. Some might also favor RB (rookie RBs can often contribute), ILB/OLB (ditto), or kick returner.
My thoughts on those positions are:
WR Historically very hard, because of the difficulties in learning to beat jams and run routes at the pro level. Perhaps easier in the slot, where neither of those concerns come into play as much, but the slot isn't where the Pats are apt to draft.
TE Much easier for a young TE to contribute quickly at the pro level in pass-catching that it is for a WR -- he basically has to stand there, be big, and not drop things. Blocking is hard, however.
DE Three first-round pick DL have been solid players for the Pats their first seasons. Seymour may even have been more than that by the end of the year. Getting a solid starter at a position of weakness is not inconceivable.
OLB/DE Pass rushers who accomplish much their first seasons are rare. And pure pass rushers are drafted ever higher. Unfortunately, the chances of major impact here are poor.
FB BB characterizes FB as a vet position. And it's not that much of an impact position anyway.
P A huge upgrade at punter would be pretty easy to accomplish. How important that is to the team overall is more debatable.
RB One problem w/ a rookie RB contributing is pass blocking, which they typically aren't good at. I get the feeling that's more of an issue on the Pats than elsewhere, although I don't know why.
ILB/OLB Highly productive young LBs (true LBs rather than pass rushers) are increasingly common. For an ILB next to Mayo to make a big impact, it would have to be somebody who plays in nickel/dime sets, but that's not inconceivable. Frankly, I think redshirt McKenzie gets a shot here rather than a high-pick draftee, but there's definitely potential in the role.
Returner A truly great PR/KR is exciting to have. But teams never value those guys too highly unless they also contribute on Downs 1-3. The Pats could use an upgrade; any position player who inspires confidence as a returner (if we even have such right now) also needs protection from injury, and Slater isn't exactly a joy in the job.
Last edited:
, Crumpler. And then maybe going with more of a 3 WR emphasis after Wes comes off the PUP.
