A tale of a draft SQUANDERED....

[ctpatsfan1]

Did we get a trophy for that 14-2 season? I don't recall BB adressing the needs that lead us to another playoff failure.

Would that be protecting Brady, making Brady hit/find wide opened WR's, TE's that have 2 hands on the ball and drop a sure TD pass?

Perhaps its a book on how to not have a make shift DL because of injury?

If you all really think some rookie pass rusher chosen in the first 3 rounds and then locked out from doing any learning of a highly complex D was going to come in and contribute right away, you are kidding yourselves. My guess is BB realized this and decided to try and use F/A to find pass rush help. If he fails there well a host of injured DL are coming back this year and there is the fact that Cunningham is in his 2nd year. In the past 3 years we have had 1 DROY (Mayo) and one runner up in McCourty. Lighting doesn't strike that often and to have 2 like that is amazing but also goes to show you that when it comes to picking Defendes BB has a clue as to which will work in his scheme and which will not. If he didn't go up and get someone then it is for a reason that none of you have the slightest clue about. Hate the draft all you want, that is your right, but know this the team for the past 3 years has gotten younger and better at DE, DL, TE, RB, DB, SS, ILB, OL and WR not to mention they happened to go 14-2 last year with a bunch of rookies and youngins contributing, and what is typical of a bunch of young players were summarily kicked out of the playoffs in the 1st round.

 

[BradyToAmendola]

Mallet makes absolutely no sense at all.

Why? If Brady gets injured then Mallett can step right in. It's never a bad idea to have a good backup at the most important position.

 

[DaBruinz]

Morris, Taylor and Faulk all may be gone next year. Woodhead had one excellent year and depending on how FA goes, BJGE could be gone too.

We can debate need vs draft slot vs player all day but based on the roster needs for the 2012 season, drafting two RBs makes sense.

The reason that Ridley made me go "Hmmmm" was because of WHEN he was taken, not because he was taken. Considering that I do a write up every year on the status of players, I know the status of Taylor, Faulk and Morris.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Good post for the most part. This line confused me a bit (specially from you, whose opinion I value )

The only pick I don't understand is Ridley. Especially after adding Vereen. That's the pick that made me go "HMM"..

Ridley and Vareen are totally different styled players. it's pretty clear (after the fact), that BB turned away from creating his BB stable from old "training table" guys who are oft hurt and rarely effective. So he picked up 2 RB's (which completely differing styles, one of which replaces Faulk ( ), and the other replaces Morris & Taylor. Our RB core, outside of what we do with the other camp fodder we bring in.

This year we could realistically have BJGE (workhorse 2-3 down guy), Woody (Gadget guy), Vereen (Explosive 3rd down guy) and Ridley (a downhill, move the chains 4 down guy - that can play ST). I'd say a nice upgrdade over BJGE, Woody, Faulk, Taylor, Morris.

Last year, when BJGE or Woody went ineffective at times (and they did), we had NOTHING and it forced us 1 dimensional where we don't operate well. These 2 picks upgrade that significantly. Each pick independently doesn't do much. Together, they change what we have....... almost completely.

Plus, I bet we stick with these 4 at QB, which frees up a roster spot for............ drumroll, an extra QB

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

The reason that Ridley made me go "Hmmmm" was because of WHEN he was taken, not because he was taken. Considering that I do a write up every year on the status of players, I know the status of Taylor, Faulk and Morris.

I just saw this...... I think the answer was pretty clear........ BB had certain things he wanted....... and then wanted out of this draft.

I guess you can call Ridley a reach............ but not if you really want him and you know you'll be asleep til the middle of the 5th.

 

[DaBruinz]

Stevan Ridley was rated no higher than a low fifth round draft pick by NFL Draft Scout and was rated a sixth round draft pick by Mike Mayock. Stevan Ridley ran a slower 40 time than BJGE and was less productive during his collegiate career than BJGE, who incidentally was an undrafted free agent. In addition, BJGE has never fumbled the football during his entire NFL career.

This is false. NFL Draft Scout said that Ridley had been rated as high as 3/4 and as low a 6/7 but their final grade was a 5th.

Ridley ran a 4.65 and 4.66. BJGE ran a 4.60 and 4.55. What you fail to mention is that Ridley beat out BJGE is just about every other category.

Broad Jump: Ridley: 9'10 BJGE: 9'6 and 9'8
Vertical: Ridley: 36 BJGE: 34
Shuttle: Ridley: 4.17 BJGE: 4.5
3 Cone: Ridley: 6.78 BJGE: 7.56

The need for a fourth string running back on the New England Patriots during the 2011 NFL Season does not outweigh the need of a starting right offensive guard for the New England Patriots. Clint Boling, OG for Georgia is rated a third round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and the need for a starting right offensive guard outweighs the need for a fourth string running back. In addition, the need for a starting 3-4 outside linebacker outweighs the need for a fourth string running back. Furthermore, the need for a starting 3-4 defensive end outweighs the need for a fourth string running back.

While I agree with this, clearly the Pats didn't grade Boling out to be of 3rd round value. And that is what you and everyone else need to remember. The Pats grade players out differently than other teams.

 

[DaBruinz]

Mallet makes absolutely no sense at all.

Mallett makes plenty of sense if you actually took the time to think about it. He's a project that has similar characteristics to some guy named Tom Brady. You might have heard of him..

Mallett also has a very good chance of coming into camp with a chip on his shoulder to prove the rest of the league wrong since, as late as last week, Mallett was being talked about in the top 5. And he slid into the 3rd round. Mallett can use that chip as a driving force to motivate him the way that Brady used his draft status to motivate himself.

Mallett will have 3-4 years of grooming at the hands of, arguably, one of the greatest coaches of all times and being mentored by, arguably, one of the greatest QBs of all times.

Something else to understand is that Mallett was the highest graded QB on the Pats board.

 

[DaBruinz]

Why? If Brady gets injured then Mallett can step right in. It's never a bad idea to have a good backup at the most important position.

Wrong. Mallett won't step right in. Hoyer will. It will be 2-3 years before Mallett will be ready to step into anyone's shoes.

 

[Garbanza]

I would have LOVED a DE early in this draft. It did not happen. The Pat pass rush/hurries, pressure has been mediocre at best since Seymour left. In a draft where they *COULD* have gotten his replacement (ppls say it was a DE rich draft) they did not. I expect the pass rush to suck this year, much like last year. Warren, Warren, Wilfork (double teamed), Stroud, Brace, etc. Yah, that strikes fear (eye roll).

Otherwise, the draft was fine

BTW, although the Mallett pick makes little sense to me besides the whole bullsheet "value" crap the pundits like to sell.....I feel bad for the kid. Maybe he does have a bad attitude....but find me one kid who has never been drunk in public or has smoked weed. Give me a break with that stuff.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Good post for the most part. This line confused me a bit (specially from you, whose opinion I value )



Ridley and Vareen are totally different styled players. it's pretty clear (after the fact), that BB turned away from creating his BB stable from old "training table" guys who are oft hurt and rarely effective. So he picked up 2 RB's (which completely differing styles, one of which replaces Faulk ( ), and the other replaces Morris & Taylor. Our RB core, outside of what we do with the other camp fodder we bring in.

This year we could realistically have BJGE (workhorse 2-3 down guy), Woody (Gadget guy), Vereen (Explosive 3rd down guy) and Ridley (a downhill, move the chains 4 down guy - that can play ST). I'd say a nice upgrdade over BJGE, Woody, Faulk, Taylor, Morris.

Last year, when BJGE or Woody went ineffective at times (and they did), we had NOTHING and it forced us 1 dimensional where we don't operate well. These 2 picks upgrade that significantly. Each pick independently doesn't do much. Together, they change what we have....... almost completely.

Plus, I bet we stick with these 4 at QB, which frees up a roster spot for............ drumroll, an extra QB

Don't forget people that RB is supposed to be the easiest position to learn and adapt to in the NFL. Not bad given that training camp may be shortened this season.

Morris & Taylor are done

 

[Joker]

It's like half these fans don't realize it...drop Taylor and Morris and do NOTHING to replace them?

 

[BradyToAmendola]

Wrong. Mallett won't step right in. Hoyer will. It will be 2-3 years before Mallett will be ready to step into anyone's shoes.

How do you know Hoyer is better than Mallett? Mallett was the #1 QB on the Patriots board.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Well, I can't say the thread surprises me. Each year we get 20-30 "Beginning of the end" threads to choose from. I'm only surprised at who started it. PFK??? WTF. I usually respect your stuff, but sorry this OP was one of the worst chicken little thread we've had in awhile.

Oh well, we'll chalk it up to an off day.

Seriously. Nothing real sexy this draft. Certainly can live with Solder, Dowling and Vereen picks. they're solid and will contribute. Something made them feel the need for Ridley and I suppose that are a pretty long in tooth at RB, but it's a total meh... pick for me.

Mallet??? Well... much as we all hate to think about it, time to start thinking about taking a flyer or two on some QB talent. Chances are 50/50 we're only 3-5 years out from the inevitable. Mallet may not be the answer, but it's time to start looking round hard for guys that might be.

In BB I still trust.

Actually....... the more I look into it. I like the Ridley pick even more today. He'll one day take BJGE (who I love). He's just better. Hit's the hole hard, and NEVER DANCES. Plus, with power to move the pile.

YouTube - Stevan Ridley Highlights

 

[Deus Irae]

Why? If Brady gets injured then Mallett can step right in. It's never a bad idea to have a good backup at the most important position.

If Mallet is able to beat Hoyer out this year, think about what that says regarding this team's QB position management over the past 2 years.

 

[Deus Irae]

First pick of round 5 is used on a guard. Marcus Cannon from TCU is the pick. 6'5" 350+lbs

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

All I can really say is for all the good and rational posts PFK has,he really has some unthought stinkers as well ... this is one of them

 

[Deus Irae]

It really looks as if the Patriots are going with the monsters on the o-line. That makes Nicks from N.O. even more sensible as a free agent target.

Get 'er done, BB.

 

[JoeShmoe]

It really looks as if the Patriots are going with the monsters on the o-line. That makes Nicks from N.O. even more sensible as a free agent target.

Get 'er done, BB.

Say hello to a run game in 2011

Big tackles, big guards, 4 RB's. 2 big TE's

RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

 

[Synovia]

If Mallet is able to beat Hoyer out this year, think about what that says regarding this team's QB position management over the past 2 years.

That a QB who might be the best in the draft is better than their backup? Why would that be surprising at all?


Mallet might be the 2nd best QB on about 20 rosters.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Say hello to a run game in 2011

Big tackles, big guards, 4 RB's. 2 big TE's

RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Even better in 2012......... BB appears to be drafting for players that will contribute in 2 years. I wonder if he knows something we don't