Such an epic opus deserves at some detailed commentary.
BTW- You were just posting it when I first attempted a comment. Reading it as it went up was like the old time Sunday serials. You read and was left wanting more to see how it came out. Though when I first thought to post you had accumulated only 12 picks for the Pats
Here are my general comments:
1. Loved your first pick, and like that you recognized that it will take a move up to get it. Personally I think it will take a bit more. I'm thinking it he might not get past Dallas, though I believe Dallas would be a willing trade partner. I think Dallas would like an OLman but would feel more comfortable doing it 17 than 9. I hope you are right
2 We are at philosophical odds over the need to add (12 at the time) 23 new players. We would be WAY too young. We are already very young on the defensive side. Also your massive influx of players seems to forget the rich and deep impact of the eventual FA market.
3. I was OK with your first 2 trade downs (assuming there is not much difference in grades between 28 and 40 and there isn't any particular player we want in that area. Also as I don't see the need for so many picks I would upgrade them around and defer them to next year. I would prefer to keep my picks in the 30's (so lose the Jax trade) I think the real value in the 2nd round is there.
4. A lot of the guys you have in red are a lot more valuable and viable than many of the picks you propose. First of all the Pats aren't "projecting" there potential, they know what it is . They have film on all those players vs NFL caliber talent. They have also already invested a lot of time and coaching into the development of those players. They are NOT going to just throw that away to replace it with a dozen new draft picks of marginal quality and great hopes and dreams.
5. That being said there were several picks you made that I would be very happy to see posted on the Patiots.com as the newest memebers of the NE Patriots....among them are:
Kendrick Ellis
Shaine Vereen
C. Marsh
Greg Romeus
D VanDyke
C Mims
\These would all be welcome members of my draft. THE REST....not so much?
QB- need not apply, at leas this year. I know we need to pick up at least one in the UDFA p ool or UFAs but I wouldn't waste a draft pick on one. The Pats are reportedly very happy with Hoyer;s progress. But not to worry there is a good chance that McElroy could still be a patriot, but without wasting a pick.
TE''s WB's WE's HB's what ever you want to call them need not apply. Clearly there is an obsession with TE's going on here, but right now we HAVE the right combination of skills at the TE position. We have an elite blocking TE who doesn't embarrass himself in a pass route. We have a move TE (Hernandez) who might eventually rival Dallas Clark, and we have a combo TE in Gronk who could be the best all round TE in the league in a few years. Unfortunately there is only one ball. Adding to that trio will only dilute the effectiveness of the others. If you absolutely HAVE to have a TE, invest in your next elite blocking TE to replace Alge in a couple of years. Otherwise.....nevermind
Thanks for the effort I'm sure we all enjoyed the read.
Your mind must be like a funhouse for you.