We can lawd BB's drafting but is Mallett KOC II?
I did not realize that Kevin O'Connell was likely the most pro-ready QB, and the one with the most impressive skillset out of all of the QB's coming out of the draft that year. I didn't realize that a lot of so-called experts had him going at pick #15 overall--that's news to me...
Besides the obvious fact that comparing the 2 players is basically absurd, the team had a rare luxury this yr of not having too many holes to fill, and obviously felt that it was a pretty lousy draft overall. Why not take one of the best QB's in the country who falls all the way to the 3rd round? Especially when you have the luxury of having both Belichick and Brady to teach him.
What's to lose really?? A 3rd round pick? This team piles up more picks in rounds 1-3 than they can even keep track of. Personally, I'd have no problem at all from a fan's perspective losing out on a 3rd rounder for a chance at such a high upside. That's pretty much what the draft itself is all about, no???
As far as the Dowling to Wheatley comparison goes, it is more than obvious to most of us that Bill Belichick has an extremely high value on CB's and ST's. It seems as though he feels this is the position that is easier to train and develop, as opposed to watching the learning curve at OLB/DE conversion projects. It could very well be possible that this yr they'll have 2 very good starting CB's, with some very solid nickle and dime play, not to mention increased speed, depth, and youth at such an important position. It could possibly also free up a ST only roster position.
It seems ironic that so many are complaining about the 3rd down woes in the passing game, which was apparently the worst in the NFL, and exposed in the most recent march to the SB. Yet, when Belichick goes out and addresses it, he is once again questioned???
All winter long, from Jan-to-Apr I argued that most of these 'sexy' DE/OLB conversion projects would not fit our scheme, or had other areas that Belichick would not like. Many argued against this, and said that it was more than obvious that we would select 2 or 3 'high' pick players at the position. It seems as though a pattern has developed, where BB prefers veterans who have already played and have understanding at the position, instead of trying to coach them up with a ton of pressure and a 3 yr+ learning curve.
When everyone complains about Brady's 'window' closing, Belichick goes out and tries to address it in the best way--to show IMMEDIATE results, instead of choosing to gamble and wait for yrs. Then, of course he is wrong to take that approach too??!!
It's amazing how so many seem to never be satisfied, or that they continue to whine and complain--no matter what. Yet, last yr when I wanted playoff tickets after a 14-2 'rebuilding' season, they were nowhere to be found....