Top 50 Free Agents

[Pats67]

What do you mean? On nearly every short yardage situation, they employ any number of guys in the "fullback" lead blocking role.

Right. And who are those guys? A couple of the o-linemen (Ashworth, Hochstein) and a couple of the defensive linemen (Seymour and Klecko). Also Pass, or even Evans in a couple of instances this season. There is no strict fullback to fill that role on the roster, which is no accident. They obviously want to use their salary cap dollars and roster slots in other areas. And as far as fullbacks go, Strong would have to be one of the best-compensated, and that wouldn't seem to make him a match for the Pats, who don't usually employ a strict fullback type. That's what I meant.

You make a good poiint about 2001, but let's not forget that was a full five seasons ago, and just 18 months after BB took over. I would think if their 'system' was a strict byproduct of their personnel, and they really wanted that proto-fullback, they would have made an effort to get one by now. They really haven't.

I'm not diminishing Mack Strong in the least, btw. I respect all he's done and was very pleased to see him get a chance in the playoffs this year. I just think that its not too realistic to think that this coaching staff is going to place a permium on signing him. Though you can never truly predict where they're going next, it just seems very unlikely returning to a standard I or split back approach will be the way they go.

 

[dryheat44]

Julian Peterson, while a great player, is:

1. Represented by the Postons
2. Hasn't been nearly the same player since his catastrophic injury
3. Expensive
4. Not a great fit in the 3-4

 

[drpatriot]

I'll admit I'm not the hugest Randle El fan in the world, but David Boston ahead of Randle El? Did Boston have a comeback year this year? I can't really remember him doing much.

Boston had exactly 4 receptions this year. He was also rated over Joe Jurevicius and other players who have done things with their careers.

 

[letekro]

Agreed. Not to mention I remember hearing on Stern, some porn star was on, and she was mentioning how her b.f. was Adam Archuleta. While I am certainly not against banging porn stars, I'd rather guys playing for the professional team I root for have better judgement & different priorities.

I'd much rather they go for Corey Chavous, who is a real smart player.

This being the NFL, If banging someone in the sex industry disqualifies someone from our free agent consideration, the pickings are going to be slim indeed.

 

[dryheat44]

There are also two RBs on the list, that I think have a chance to be really good given the chance. Jonathan Wells and LaBrandon Toefield. Either one would come cheap, and would be a great improvement over Faulk to back up Dillon.

 

[Mooch]

Right. And who are those guys? A couple of the o-linemen (Ashworth, Hochstein) and a couple of the defensive linemen (Seymour and Klecko). Also Pass, or even Evans in a couple of instances this season. There is no strict fullback to fill that role on the roster, which is no accident. They obviously want to use their salary cap dollars and roster slots in other areas. And as far as fullbacks go, Strong would have to be one of the best-compensated, and that wouldn't seem to make him a match for the Pats, who don't usually employ a strict fullback type. That's what I meant.

You make a good poiint about 2001, but let's not forget that was a full five seasons ago, and just 18 months after BB took over. I would think if their 'system' was a strict byproduct of their personnel, and they really wanted that proto-fullback, they would have made an effort to get one by now. They really haven't.

I'm not diminishing Mack Strong in the least, btw. I respect all he's done and was very pleased to see him get a chance in the playoffs this year. I just think that its not too realistic to think that this coaching staff is going to place a permium on signing him. Though you can never truly predict where they're going next, it just seems very unlikely returning to a standard I or split back approach will be the way they go.

I hear you. My thought is that using non-FBs in a fullback blocking role has actually cost us quite a bit. Klecko and Seymour were both injured doing it, correct? That alone would be a good enough reason to spend the dough on a guy like Strong.

My point is that they haven't employed a fulltime stud fullback because there hasn't been one on the market.

 

[minvardar]

Mack Strong could easily take Klecko's spot on the roster.

Clements has made alot of money already. Wonder if he would like a chance at a ring here and getting say Starks type money. Cut Starks and replace him with Clements... Yeah I like that idea.

I am also a fan of Azumah. Would not mind signing him at all. Come back home!

Chavous would fill a need at Safety. If the Pats could sign him to a cap friendly deal for 3 years or so I would be all for it.

One other guy who interests me is Ahman Green. I doubt anyone throws alot of money his way and green Bay does not need him anymore. If he came on the cheap it could be a good pickup considering how all of the running backs seem to be getting dinged up lately.

 

[mgteich]

I could take Klecko's spot on the roster. 5'11" 298. I just need to get into shape.

Mack Strong could easily take Klecko's spot on the roster.

Clements has made alot of money already. Wonder if he would like a chance at a ring here and getting say Starks type money. Cut Starks and replace him with Clements... Yeah I like that idea.

I am also a fan of Azumah. Would not mind signing him at all. Come back home!

Chavous would fill a need at Safety. If the Pats could sign him to a cap friendly deal for 3 years or so I would be all for it.

One other guy who interests me is Ahman Green. I doubt anyone throws alot of money his way and green Bay does not need him anymore. If he came on the cheap it could be a good pickup considering how all of the running backs seem to be getting dinged up lately.

 

[minvardar]

I could take Klecko's spot on the roster. 5'11" 298. I just need to get into shape.

Yes, but are you a free agent? If so get lifting!

 

[dryheat44]

If Belichick decided to do an about face, and devote a roster spot to a fulltime fullback, he's not going to sign Mack Strong. It's far more economical to draft one late on day two or sign an undrafted free agent. Only about two fullbacks get drafted a year. It would be very easy to sign one to a cheap 3 year deal to go run into people and catch the occasional screen pass.

 

[mgteich]

I'm an undrafted free agent.

Yes, but are you a free agent? If so get lifting!

 

[mgteich]

Fullbacks coming out of college are not rarely ready for the pro game, where their job is blocking and receiving.

If Belichick decided to do an about face, and devote a roster spot to a fulltime fullback, he's not going to sign Mack Strong. It's far more economical to draft one late on day two or sign an undrafted free agent. Only about two fullbacks get drafted a year. It would be very easy to sign one to a cheap 3 year deal to go run into people and catch the occasional screen pass.

 

[dryheat44]

Fullbacks coming out of college are not rarely ready for the pro game, where their job is blocking and receiving.

That's interesting (assuming you mean "are rarely ready"), and may be worth researching. I would think that would be the easiest position for a NCAA player to pick up. I seem to remember the few guys drafted as FB in the last couple of years starting right away, but that's not necessarily reality. Thomas Tapeh, Troy Fleming and Kyle Johnson stick in my head as examples as guys who may not have played every down, but got considerable playing time as rookies.

 

[shakadave]

I could take Klecko's spot on the roster. 5'11" 298. I just need to get into shape.

We never should have stopped trying to make an ILB out of him.