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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I've never said that we don't need a WR.
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. 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
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
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.