NFL Radio Kirwan and Wilcox say Pats offseason winner and something else

[Lloyd_Christmas]

As much as I love the direction the Pats are going this offseason and some of the signings, I would argue that Kansas City has had the BEST offseason so far by adding Pioli, Todd Haley, Cassel, Vrabel, and resigned some of their guys. Denver would be a close 2nd since they got JM from us and a bunch of talented FAs as well including Dawkins, Gaffney.

I personally rank the Pats offseason SO FAR as the 3rd best since we lost some great personel and one of our defensive leaders/captain/signal caller, a very good #3 WR, some key backups, long snapper and special teams guys, and we don't know for sure about Rodney's future with the team. Also, we've yet to extend Big Vince. Some positives are improvements at TE, RB, CB (but can't get a whole lot worse than last year), 34th overall pick, another pretty good LS, too early to tell on Greg Lewis now, and we resigned some other key backups + Sanders.

I agree with your points about KC, especially getting Pioli. If you limit the discussion to players only, I think NE is definitely #1 for offseason moves. Factor in our coaching/front office losses, and we drop a bit.

Not so sure about your take on Denver. McDaniels is a clear loss for us, but it remains to be seen if he will be an effective HC. Also, he has pissed off Cutler who is now demanding to be traded... that MUST be factored in. I like Gaffney, but I think he will be another ex-Pat WR that doesn't excel as much without Brady (like Givens, Branch, and Caldwell). Some of their other moves are ok, but not flashy... aka Jordon, Paxton, etc. I don't consider their offseason moves spectacular at all.

 

[chrisfx811]

Well, it's nice to see the Pats moving in to the draft having already addressed a solid portion of the key needs of the team. Some teams are going into the draft having done nothing to improve or address their team needs.
KC was an awful team, it's hard for them not to improve. Only the Detroit Lions can find a way to be an awful team that gets worse, with the obvious exception probably being 2009, unless they lose all their preseason games and go 0-16.

Comparatively speaking, I think the Pats are in the top 2-3 teams as far as getting better before the draft. I don't think the Jets can be overlooked either. Their defense could be great next year, but it's shocking they haven't at least brought in a solid vet QB yet.

Denver may have improved their roster thus far, but they have WRs in legal trouble, and a QB that doesn't want to play there right now. Tough to say they're ready to move forward next season.

 

[patfanken]

A couple of points. I think the Pats are having a good off season. I'd like to see them add depth and size at the S position and add another outside rusher (my umteenth request for Jason Taylor. BTW - I think that Taylor would be a much better Value, cap wise, than Peppers.

I wouldn't hate the deal, but I'd like to see the money spent elsewhere - ie Mankins, Wilfolk, etc

 

[signbabybrady]

A couple of points. I think the Pats are having a good off season. I'd like to see them add depth and size at the S position and add another outside rusher (my umteenth request for Jason Taylor. BTW - I think that Taylor would be a much better Value, cap wise, than Peppers.

I wouldn't hate the deal, but I'd like to see the money spent elsewhere - ie Mankins, Wilfolk, etc

How would you feel if the plan to get more pressure was Crabel, TBC (who was a good situational rusher with us before), and a rookie OLB?

 

[Jared]

The 2003 offseason was easily the best in recent memory, following a disappointing non-playoff season, which itself followed a very successful season.

Hopefully we have a similar result from the 2009 offseason.

 

[Lifer]

I think this is proof positive that the league has to beware BB missing the post-season. He has now had the time to be effective in the February FA period. It would be interesting to see which FAs were acquired in 2003 the last time BB had the luxury of time to organize the team, and whether it enabled him to draft the best player at the time instead of need.

A quick look at the 2003 draft picks shows pretty good success.

Round 1 - Ty Warren (gold star)
Round 2 - Eugene Wilson (shone brightly with Rodney but faded), now with the Texans where he picked up a nice extension contract.
Round 2 - Bethel Johnson (sadly a bust - but I still love one of his diving catches)
Round 4 - Dan Klecko DT/FB/? solid journeyman 3 years with Pats 2 with Colts now with the Eagles
Round 4 - Assante Samuel (gold star) now with the Eagles
Round 5 - Dan Koppen (silver star)
Round 6 - Kliff Kingsbury QB - picked up by the Jets in 2005 and released at the end of the season after completing 1/2 for 17 yds.
Round 7 - Spencer Nead TE - picked up by the RAMS after TC, 1 catch for 6 yds and a lost fumble, released at the end of 2003 season
Round 7 - Tully Banta-Cain LB (bronze star) back with the team after 2 years @ SF
Round 7 - Ethan Kelley - NT - released by the Browns in 2008)

That's 3 winners (ie starters in any team -Pro Bowlers), a starter in another team (Eugene), a couple of solid players (not starters), one bust and some camp fodder. Not bad from a long winter's break...oh and lest I forget, it also led to back-to-back Lombardi's.

I will be watching this draft with avid interest.

I loved that Patriots offseason. Dont forget the trades. Bledsoe to get Ty Warren. Trading the #19 to the Ravens ( Kyle Boller) to get Wilson in the 2nd and a first in 2004 (Wilfork)

and signing Colvin and Harrison and Poole.

I was thinking SB all the way that year.

 

[R_T26]

The 2003 offseason was easily the best in recent memory, following a disappointing non-playoff season, which itself followed a very successful season.

Hopefully we have a similar result from the 2009 offseason.

Um did we forget just 2 years ago where we got Thomas, Moss, Welker, Stallworth, Morris etc.

Possibly the biggest offseason haul since FA began.

 

[signbabybrady]

Um did we forget just 2 years ago where we got Thomas, Moss, Welker, Stallworth, Morris etc.

Possibly the biggest offseason haul since FA began.

Not sure but I think h included the draft too.....I still might go with 07 because of Moss and Welker but with the draft in you have Merriweather vs Warren, Koppen, Asante, TBC and others......so while some of the 07 moves were better the 03 draft was better and it is a close call

 

[BionicPatriot]

I think we'll agree 03 was for defense and 07 was for offense.

 

[captain stone]

So as you can see, some good has been accomplished, but there is more to do, incl. finding eventual starters at SILB, OLB, CB, SS, DE, FB, LT & P...and not blowing another effin draft out your azz, Genius.

Forgot to add, to the Bad (naturally):

Not re-signing Lonie Paxton. How effin cheap is that? LS has to be the least-paid position in football. Why take the chance, for the difference of a mere pittance compared to the $127M total payroll? Mind-bogglingly short-sighted.

Over-paying for Mike Wright. He's nothing more than an adequate backup at 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT. He is NOT AN EFFIN NT, Bill, so stop playing him at that position. Get us a real NT instead.

Wasting roster space with old, broken-down Joey Galloway.

And re-signing The Predator Chris Hanson. When are we going to have a decent Punter, for a change, who can kick long & deep consistently, and can find the coffin corner - instead of the EZ?

Adding to the Good:

Not re-signing the Anabolic Warrior, Larry Izzo. Hey, at least I ended this post on a positive.