BillBelichickFan79
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
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With the Patriots having a good amount of draft picks, would you like to see them make a trade or sign a RFA for a guy that has proven to be successful in the NFL? Or would you rather the Pats hold onto all of their picks and build through the draft?
Aside from 2007 with the trades for Moss and Welker, the Pats have typically liked to build through the draft. Other teams, like the Jets for instance, have built through the draft as well, but also haven't shied away from trading draft picks for proven talent (Braylon Edwards, Lito Sheppard, Thomas Jones, Brett Favre, etc.).
A case can be made for each method. Would you like to see the Pats swing a deal giving up a draft pick or two, or possibly sign a RFA and give up a pick? Or would you rather see the Pats keep their draft picks and use them to load up with young talent in the draft?
Trading Picks - Pros:
Trading Picks - Cons:
I've always been a fan of building through the draft, but I wouldn't mind seeing picks traded for proven playmakers that can be instant contributors. It worked out extremely well for us in 2007, when we traded picks for Moss and Welker. I like the fact that it eliminates/minimizes the bust factor greatly. Wouldn't it be nice to pick up an Anquan Boldin with a 2nd round pick rather than a Chad Jackson?
So what are your thoughts and ideas? Would you like to see NE trade for proven talent at a position of need like WR, OLB, or potentially CB if Bodden leaves? Or would you rather see them stick to the draft and try to develop talent, while adding some free agents? Throw out som names of RFA's and players potentially on the block that you are interested in for the Pats. What makes them a good fit, and what would you be willing to give up?
Aside from 2007 with the trades for Moss and Welker, the Pats have typically liked to build through the draft. Other teams, like the Jets for instance, have built through the draft as well, but also haven't shied away from trading draft picks for proven talent (Braylon Edwards, Lito Sheppard, Thomas Jones, Brett Favre, etc.).
A case can be made for each method. Would you like to see the Pats swing a deal giving up a draft pick or two, or possibly sign a RFA and give up a pick? Or would you rather see the Pats keep their draft picks and use them to load up with young talent in the draft?
Trading Picks - Pros:
- acquiring proven talent
- have seen what he can do in the NFL
- eliminate projections and bust factors
- someone who can come in an immediately help
- no time needed to develop or convert the player
- eliminates banking on drafted player reaching his potential
- no salary cap in 2010 = ability to add $ without worrying about "cap hell"
- already know if player fits/doesn't in your type of system
- already know the strengths/weaknesses of the player as an NFL player
Trading Picks - Cons:
- drafting, especially in 2nd round, is more cost effective and salary cap efficient
- draft picks may have more "potential"
- draft picks are younger and have less wear and tear on them
- trading a pick for a player is sometimes a short term quick-fix
- draft picks lay the foundation for the future
- draft picks can study/learn under the vets and then eventually take over (e.g. Guyton for Bruschi)
- trading picks has a certain bust factor too (e.g Lito Sheppard & the Jets)
- a player is on the trade block for a reason - attitude, talent level doesn't match production - product of the system, drop in play/production, contractual demands, etc.
- can acquire proven talent via free agency without having to give up draft picks (e.g. Adalius Thomas (LOL), Leigh Bodden)
- Pats have generally been one of the better teams at evaluating talent in the draft - have hit on almost all of their 1st round picks and have had good finds in later rounds (Asante, Koppen, Edelman)
I've always been a fan of building through the draft, but I wouldn't mind seeing picks traded for proven playmakers that can be instant contributors. It worked out extremely well for us in 2007, when we traded picks for Moss and Welker. I like the fact that it eliminates/minimizes the bust factor greatly. Wouldn't it be nice to pick up an Anquan Boldin with a 2nd round pick rather than a Chad Jackson?
So what are your thoughts and ideas? Would you like to see NE trade for proven talent at a position of need like WR, OLB, or potentially CB if Bodden leaves? Or would you rather see them stick to the draft and try to develop talent, while adding some free agents? Throw out som names of RFA's and players potentially on the block that you are interested in for the Pats. What makes them a good fit, and what would you be willing to give up?
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