We need young offensive players!

[mgteich]

With Welker out, I think everyone agree we need a playmaker wide receiver. The questions are how much resources to use in the draft and free agency, and whether we should bring in 2, 3 or 4 new receivers.

 

[captain stone]

We always need playmakers on both sides of the ball. However, the fact remains that the offense will not be maintained and get better if we contiune to draft 7 defensive players and 1 offensive player as we have in the 1st three rounds over the past three years.

The offense needs a starting quality guard or two,
If Mankins is re-signed and Kaczur can make the transition to RG, then this need is somewhat mitigated; but a developmental Guard with SIZE should still be acquired, even if it's only through the UDFA route. A HEALTHY vet could then serve as the bridge/backup.
Of course, all bets are off if Mankins isn't re-signed.

two wide receivers,
Absolutely, incl. at least one top-100 talent: a bigger, tougher one and a faster, field-stretching one. One or two YOUNG vet FAs are also needed.

a starting quality running back or two,
Younger versions of Corey Dillon & Kevin Faulk would be nice, though this position isn't as high on my priority list. A big back/FB upgrade from BJGE (and from Morris and/or Taylor, too?) should be a no-brainer, as should be re-signing Faulk. Finding one guy to be a KOR/PR/RB/WR would also be nice.

a starting quality tight end,
Re-signing Watson and developing a young, big, blocking TE should fill the bill.

a developmental quarterback,
Hoyer is already our developmental QB; though unless a vet FA (Brian Griese) is signed, we will cert. need another body in camp.

and a developmental OT.
Light, Vollmer & LeVoir are still here, even if Kaczur slides inside, so this doesn't have to be a first-day priority; a late-round/UDFA or vet FA could become our 4th OT. However, if Bill decides that SeaBass' future lies at RT, then developing a LT of the Future becomes a much higher priority.

One more position of need: Center. The small, light, weak Koppen must be replaced ASAP by a bigger, stronger, younger version.
If all of our UFAs on offense are re-signed, and if Kaczur can replace Neal, then Center becomes my 2nd-highest priority on offense after WR.

 

[mgteich]

If Mankins is re-signed, if Kaczur is considered a stronger starting guard than Connolly, if Watson is re-signed, then center moves up on the needs list.

I agree that WR would still be #1. I would have a playmaking RB as #2 since we don't have one and we have no one contracted past 2010.

Koppen has been OK when there has been a quality RG playing next to him. While I would be fine with bringing in a G/C, I don't see it happening. We had the chance in 2009 when there were 5 quality OG/C's available.

QUOTE=captain stone;1690655]One more position of need: Center. The small, light, weak Koppen must be replaced ASAP.
If all of our UFAs on offense are re-signed, and if Kaczur can replace Neal, then Center becomes my 2nd-highest priority on offense after WR.[/QUOTE]

 

[the wrothbroughterer]

One more position of need: Center. The small, light, weak Koppen must be replaced ASAP.
If all of our UFAs on offense are re-signed, and if Kaczur can replace Neal, then Center becomes my 2nd-highest priority on offense after WR.

Wait, really?

I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe that Koppen was a problem at all. Outside of a shoulder injury in 2005, he's been extremely reliable.

 

[chevss454]

One more position of need: Center. The small, light, weak Koppen must be replaced ASAP by a bigger, stronger, younger version.
If all of our UFAs on offense are re-signed, and if Kaczur can replace Neal, then Center becomes my 2nd-highest priority on offense after WR.

What about Tennant, the kid from BC. Very highly rated on most boards

 

[captain stone]

Koppen can no longer create consistent push on running plays (as evidenced by some of our failures on 3rd/4th & short), and it appears that pockets are more frequently being collapsed up the middle than in years past.

It's of very good use that he can recognize blitzers & call out the protections, but the detriments of his physical limitations have surpassed the advantages of his system knowledge. When that happens, it's time for a change, before Brady gets seriously injured - again.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

Koppen can no longer create consistent push on running plays (as evidenced by some of our failures on 3rd/4th & short), and it appears that pockets are more frequently being collapsed up the middle than in years past.

It's of very good use that he can recognize blitzers & call out the protections, but the detriments of his physical limitations have surpassed the advantages of his system knowledge. When that happens, it's time for a change, before Brady gets seriously injured - again.

I see the problems with getting consistent push in the running game as a offensive scheme one. We would run the ball in strictly running sets, and as any lineman will tell you it is much harder to run the ball when the other team knows it is coming.

I would say we attempt to find a young replacement for Koppen in the future. We should draft someone who will replace him in a few years, but I feel drafting someone to take his job this year is a little bit far fetched.

 

[captain stone]

What about Tennant, the kid from BC. Very highly rated on most boards

He cert. has the height, technique & experience. I am looking forward to seeing him at the combine and looking at his weight and his strength tests. According to NFLDraftScout, he's still under 300 lbs. Will he have enough sand in his pants to anchor vs. the bigger NTs of the AFC?

Matt Tennant, , NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[chevss454]

He cert. has the height, technique & experience. I am looking forward to seeing him at the combine and looking at his weight and his strength tests. According to NFLDraftScout, he's still under 300 lbs. Will he have enough sand in his pants to anchor vs. the bigger NTs of the AFC?

Matt Tennant, , NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

dont know that answer but I didnt realize he is top-rated Center in the draft

 

[captain stone]

1) I see the problems with getting consistent push in the running game as a offensive scheme one. We would run the ball in strictly running sets, and as any lineman will tell you it is much harder to run the ball when the other team knows it is coming.

2) I would say we attempt to find a young replacement for Koppen in the future. We should draft someone who will replace him in a few years, but I feel drafting someone to take his job this year is a little bit far fetched.

1) No argument here. This is another example of the stale, same-old-same-old predictability of the offensive play-calling & game-planning.

2) Instead of a 1st-day pick on a Center like Tennant or Baylor's JD Walton, there might be 2nd-day options such as ND's Eric Olsen or UTexas' Chris Hall for consideration. The sooner we have our Center of the Future on the roster, the better I'll feel; esp. if that Center is 6'4", 310.

 

[pheenix11]

Does Sebastian Vollmer have any brothers?

 

[captain stone]

So, most of you in this thread are assuming the Patriots are going to totally change their style of offense to one that is run heavy--one that might even use a, gulp, fullback.

There's a difference between changing an offensive scheme to improve production, and figuring out ways to mix plays better, become less predictable, to boost production. mcDaniels was good at the latter.

This is why I think looking for a RB is a waste of time. There are 4 guys on the team will fill in decently while they figure out what to do with the passing game.

In the meantime, read up on your college wide receivers. Seriously, take a close look at what probable 2nd and 3rd rounders such as Arrelious Benn and Golden Tate and Mardy Gilyard can do for you. These are only a few of the young guns. There are many others. Not to mention later round speedsters like Jacoby Ford and Marcus Easley, who has a rare combination of size (he's huge), strength, speed, and hands. His route running is questionable. But this kid is a 4th or 5th at best, and he's the next Vince Jackson.

Does anyone remember that when Jackson came out of a small school without much coaching at the position that he was considered a bust?

Look to the draft for young WRs. That more than anything will extend Brady's career. You're not going to draft a young RB who will aid Brady more than Maroney and Fred Taylor. Brady will be aided by throwing to REAL #2 WRs instead of Sam Aiken and Matthew Slater. That's what's going to help Brady. I'm glad this draft is deep in WRs.

Seriously, just look up the scouting reports on Benn, Tate and Gilyard, and then have a look at Ford and Easley.

Have Benn & Tate declared yet?

 

[Jangles]

I've never said that we don't need a WR.

Not you specifically

But many posters really overlook the issue. They think that because Brady is great he can turn any moving body into a potential starting WR that can help bring this team another Super Bowl

This is not the case.

Brady is great, but you could have a Montana/Brady/Manning/Marino hybrid with magical powers and they still couldn't make players like Aiken good receivers. I think it's a primary need of this team if not the most important overall. Brady isn't going to be around forever and it's important to not only protect him but find him a legitimate target or two.

Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Tom Brady cannot do it alone

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Brady is great, but he can't make Sam Aiken or Stanback get open. Our lack of a 3rd WR greatly hurt our shotgun heavy offense. Galloway flaming out really killed us.

07 - Stallworth and Gaffney
08 - Gaffney
09 - Galloway and eventually Aiken

That's not a good trend. I believe Belichick will go out and address our needs as he usually does. After 06 we desperately needed WR's, we ended up with Moss, Welker, Stallworth.

 

[Jangles]

Brady is great, but he can't make Sam Aiken or Stanback get open. Our lack of a 3rd WR greatly hurt our shotgun heavy offense. Galloway flaming out really killed us.

07 - Stallworth and Gaffney
08 - Gaffney
09 - Galloway and eventually Aiken

That's not a good trend. I believe Belichick will go out and address our needs as he usually does. After 06 we desperately needed WR's, we ended up with Moss, Welker, Stallworth.

Which was a great combo

Stallworth may not be a Randy Moss or anything but he was a deep threat and could catch a ball. We really need 2 guys though. Who knows what shape Moss is in. He must have been hurt if he couldn't even break out of single coverage against the Ravens.

We have no depth at the position. None at all

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Which was a great combo

Stallworth may not be a Randy Moss or anything but he was a deep threat and could catch a ball. We really need 2 guys though. Who knows what shape Moss. He must have been hurt if he couldn't even break out of single coverage against the Ravens.

We have no depth at the position. None at all

I loved the Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Stallworth combo as well. Stallworth worked the short-intermediate passing game, had good speed, and picked up a lot of YAC. Not a great route runner, but sufficient enough. Gaffney had great chemistry with Brady and had pretty reliable hands except for that drop in Indy in 08.

I think our #1 need at WR is a physical guy who fights off coverage and goes over the middle, sacrificing his body to make the catch. A guy comparable to Anquan Boldin and his playing style. Moss doesn't operate over the middle (he's a finesse player) and Edelman/Welker are both at their best in the slot used in the short passing game. We need a physical presence to go over the middle in the intermediate passing game.

Everytime it was 3rd and 5-7 this season, you knew the Pats were looking for Welker. I never even though of Moss as a threat on 3rd and 5-7 because you just know he's not one to go over the middle and take the hit to pick up the first down. This is where missing that 3rd WR made us predictable and hurt us. A guy like Gaffney or Stallworth would've been a good option over the middle in that type of situation, and would've made the defense have to account for more guys.

 

[SVN]

Taylor and Morris are not locks for next season. They are older. If neither of them return, that leaves us with Maroney, Faulk, and BJGE. Running back may be a need.

drafting a RB is no use if you dont run the ball enough. i would start with
1)DL
2)WR
3)WR/LB/OG
4)WR/LB/SS/FS

in that order

 

[Kontradiction]

drafting a RB is no use if you dont run the ball enough. i would start with
1)DL
2)WR
3)WR/LB/OG
4)WR/LB/SS/FS

in that order

I would go with:

1. DE
2. OG
3. WR/OLB

If either a WR3 or OLB could be found through free agency or trade, that would greatly help the draft.

 

[The Dynasty]

drafting a RB is no use if you dont run the ball enough. i would start with
1)DL
2)WR
3)WR/LB/OG
4)WR/LB/SS/FS

in that order

I am in agreement that we dont need to pick up a RB, but wouldnt we run the ball more if we had a good capable RB?

 

[chevss454]

I would go with:

1. DE
2. OG
3. WR/OLB

If either a WR3 or OLB could be found through free agency or trade, that would greatly help the draft.

There are some appealing ufa WR's out there. Antonio Bryant has great numbers despite Tampa's bottom-of-the-league status. Bryant may want out of the cellar. Malcolm Floyd of SD may be available since SD will have difficulty signing both V.Jackson (their #1 priority by most accounts) and Floyd. Floyd is 6'5", 225. Either would take the pressure off Moss next year and are young enough (29 & 28) to be productive for seasons to come.

If you are looking for a pass-rushing OLB/DE type, Dumervil is really the only one out there but without a CBA he is a RFA and will command big $$$ as well. There are some good ones in the draft, namely Kindle & Muckleroy (TX)
and Graham (MI). One or two may be around in the 2nd round.