Best plausible way to draft for quick impact overall?

[Fencer]

Drafting Watt, Ingram, & Watkins is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.

I have trouble thinking of an alternative draft result -- at least one that makes the remotest sense in general -- more likely to have an immediate positive impact.

If you disagree with me, I'd guess it's either because you want to quibble about some of the names (e.g., Jordan vs. Watt), or because you think there's a pass rusher with rookie double-digit sack potential (maybe high single digits if he plays in sub packages only).

 

[Boston Boxer]

you are going to get killed for suggesting a RB within the first 3 picks, but i personally like those three players and think it would be a great draft

 

[supafly]

I think you make a great point, and we could possibly see any of these guys for the reason stated.

As much as I do like Watt, I am not sure he can step in and play day one (and no quibbling from me). He will play an entirely different pro 3-4 system with many different responsibilities that he has not seen in college, and will likely have a learning curve. All of this is somewhat normal obviously and I like the selection, I think he has great talent etc, just not sure if he is the kind of guy that can tie up multiples on the line and thrive in this system.

Only Belichick would know, and I guess we'll find out soon. I'm sure he'd be just fine throughout the year, and end up doing great with some reps behind someone like Stroud.

Ty Warren did not become a starter at DE until his 2nd year, and he was taken 13th overall, so the only thing I may slightly disagree on would be his ability to be a 'day one starter,' and for him to be grouped in those who will step in and make an immediate impact. We may have to sub him in throughout the year as he learns the pro nuances, which would be fine too.

I agree that guys like Ingram and Watkins fit that profile well.

 

[Fencer]

Fair point on the DL learning curve, but I thought Warren was an OK sub starter after Ted Washington got injured, and that happened his rookie season.

And if Watt could manage to be useful on passing-down sub packages only, that could still be rookie impact. I'm actually pretty optimistic about Brace in the base defense, even though I'm pessimistic about the pass rush he can bring.

 

[MaineMan]

Drafting Watt, Ingram, & Watkins is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.

I have trouble thinking of an alternative draft result -- at least one that makes the remotest sense in general -- more likely to have an immediate positive impact.

If you disagree with me, I'd guess it's either because you want to quibble about some of the names (e.g., Jordan vs. Watt), or because you think there's a pass rusher with rookie double-digit sack potential (maybe high single digits if he plays in sub packages only).

I guess that's basically it, in my mind - DE (solid run-stopper, hopefully with some pass-rush capability), RB (a more self-sufficient runner) and a "soon to be integrated, if not starting" OL to replace one of the three guys who are now in limbo (Light, Mankins, Kaczur).

AFTER that, maybe another OL, maybe a pass-rush specialist (or maybe a 3rd solid, all-around OLB), a better nickel/slot CB than Butler/Wilhite, a deep-cover safety to replace/upgrade Meriweather (if we don't already have the guy), a WR who can work the intermediate sidelines (if we don't already have the guy) and another developmental QB behind Hoyer (if Crompton isn't the guy).

 

[MaineMan]

I think you make a great point, and we could possibly see any of these guys for the reason stated.

As much as I do like Watt, I am not sure he can step in and play day one (and no quibbling from me). He will play an entirely different pro 3-4 system with many different responsibilities that he has not seen in college, and will likely have a learning curve. All of this is somewhat normal obviously and I like the selection, I think he has great talent etc, just not sure if he is the kind of guy that can tie up multiples on the line and thrive in this system.

Only Belichick would know, and I guess we'll find out soon. I'm sure he'd be just fine throughout the year, and end up doing great with some reps behind someone like Stroud.

Ty Warren did not become a starter at DE until his 2nd year, and he was taken 13th overall, so the only thing I may slightly disagree on would be his ability to be a 'day one starter,' and for him to be grouped in those who will step in and make an immediate impact. We may have to sub him in throughout the year as he learns the pro nuances, which would be fine too.

I agree that guys like Ingram and Watkins fit that profile well.

Yeah, in spite of Stroud's supposed "struggles to adjust to the 3-4", I think he'll be enough of an upgrade at RDE over G.Warren to be able to return Wilfork to his more optimal position on the nose and enable us to present a much improved 30-front early in the season (especially if Ty Warren returns in decent shape) while a rookie DE learns the ropes.

 

[Water Boy]

I am on board with the premise of wanting an immediate impact from the rookie class and it has shaped the way I view the draft. I fully admit that the class of 2010 has spoiled me. If the Pats come close to getting the same kind of production from the 2011 class as they did from the 2010 class, I think a SB victory awaits.

Although I still have my doubts about JJ Watt as a 3 down player, I've come around to the idea of targeting him with the first pick, because I think he'd contribute immediately in the pass rush and would be a dynamic player for BB. I'd even go up to 10 or 11 to get him. Jordan would be ok with me too, but not much higher than 17.

As far as OLB is concerned, I'd love to see a guy who is a proven pass rusher like Kerrigan, Houston or Sheard come in and be able to pin his ears back, but as Jays52 has brought up in a previous thread, these guys may be more a fit for the Cunningham OLB position, and the guy we need to upgrade Ninko's position needs to have some coverage ability. Brooks Reed or Bruce Carter come to mind, but I don't know how much impact these guys will have in their rookie season. Drafting Watt I think mitigates some of the need for an OLB as he can play DE in a 4-3 as well.

As far as Oline is concerned, I think we need guys who we know we can plug in immediately. The fact that Watkins is 27 doesn't bother me. At OT, I love Carimi, but he'll require a trade up from 28.

 

[Off The Grid]

Interesting Threads, Brother Fencer.

And it's an enjoyable exercise.

I will say for the record, though, that I believe you're asking the wrong questions.

Seems to me that "quick impact" is precisely the fundamentally flawed thinking that causes so many other teams to make those foolish trades with The Mad Croatian: They're trying for the quick fix, thinking only of the year in front of them.

The Mad Croatian, on the other hand...is thinking 5 years ahead.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I find it almost pointless to try to predict what BB will do in any draft.

Tough to even predict whether BB will draft for immediate impact or longer term planning... no doubt he has a multi-layered plan for all contingencies.

In other words, it is what it is.

 

[Off The Grid]

I don't think many folks are predicting what he'll do.

I sure as hell ain't.

We're all playing "GM", you see, and saying what we would do.

 

[sbpatfan]

The quickest impact would probably be a runn- *gets shot*

 

[Fencer]

I am on board with the premise of wanting an immediate impact from the rookie class

I don't know how much long-term benefit I'd sacrifice for immediate impact. Certainly some, just because guys don't stay around forever.

But of course it's something I WANT.

 

[supafly]

The quickest impact would probably be a runn- *gets shot*

No shooting going on over here, anyway to improve the team sounds good to me, and I actually think it may be a little more realistic than some are thinking. If Belichick thinks that is the way to go, so be it...but I still want the defense improved no matter what. I have a feeling that he'll do both, but maybe not in the order that most of us hope for.

It'll be interesting, it always is

 

[Water Boy]

I don't know how much long-term benefit I'd sacrifice for immediate impact. Certainly some, just because guys don't stay around forever.

But of course it's something I WANT.

Given the youth and depth of the Patriots, I think there is room this year for some "roll players" who can provide an immediate impact. For example, Wilkerson may eventually develop into a more steady run stuffing 3-4 DE than Watt, but Watt would likely be able to play immediately on passing downs in the 3-4 and 4-3 alignments.

With the uncertainty of Mankins for next season, I'd favor Watkins (who many are comparing to Mankins) over a project like Ijalana, even though Watkins is 27 and may not be around for more than 4 or 5 years.

 

[jeffbiologist]

I like meaningful stats. I just watched that BRADY 6 thing, and they mentioned that Bulger was the quickest to 1000 completions in NFL history. His skill position guys got old, his numbers went down. His line got old, he got killed. So my thinking is dont let anyone get old and continue to add good players....thats all, LMAO.

 

[townes]

For "immediate impact" I think they would need to trade up for AJ Green, giving them a deep threat to replace Moss, and to trade up for a pass rusher. Watkins or Sherrod could also step in immediately at Guard and contribute significantly. Basically the best way is to consolidate picks and move up for more certain prospects than those available as the draft moves into later rounds. I don't see RB as a glaring need. Bodies yes, starters or impact players no, and I would take LeShoure over Ingram every time.