Are We Ready For The Draft?

[supafly]

Hopefully not another year of WTF at the draft!

I didn't see a WTF draft last yr at all. The offense was in need of addressing, and those moves will certainly be very key for this upcoming year with the loss of BJGE, and the apparent loss of Light. It will also help to continue to groom Mallett/backup situation, and hopefully we can see one/two of those traded picks equal a couple of good defensive picks in April.

Here's a quote from a thread I started pre-draft last yr:

"It seems as though this board will have a complete meltdown if offensive players are taken. WHY? Are there really people out there that are happy with our future WR position after this yr? Or how about our future RB position? (which also happens to be a draft strength in depth this year)

Are you all really happy with our future QB situation? Or even better yet, our CURRENT backup situation? (again, in a year with obvious QB depth)"

Offense was a huge key last year, and although we could've used one of those DE's everyone wanted, it was a very good draft otherwise.

We got a blue chip OL in Solder, an awesome QB prospect in Mallett, and 2 great RB prospects in Ridley and Vereen. On top of that, we also set ourselves up for this draft with more high picks. In my opinion, the first 3 rounds of the draft were stellar.

Going back one more year to 2010, I certainly didn't see a WTF draft there either.

There were some questionable choices in 2009 for sure though, let's hope it's not a repeat of that one. The past 2 drafts have been great in my opinion.

 

[Fencer]

So, by position group, other than defense:

STs -- could beef up returner; otherwise set.
QB -- set
TE -- set, unless they can find a roster slot for a #4 TE
WR -- set, actually, although with a distressing average age. Room for more competition.
RB -- could use more competition, at a minimum
OL -- could use a little more competition, but in good shape -- 4 starter-class young/prime guys; a few young/prime backups; 0-2 aging Pro Bowlers depending on retirements (Reiss projects 1); Gallery.

 

[Reckedtrek]

The last few years I've thought that THIS is finally the year the Pats draft a stud LB. And they never do. So when they don't I'm left thinking WTF... but it's all based on what I think they should do, sitting at home in front of my PC and/or TV, listening to draft "experts", reading mock drafts, listening to people on the board, etc... Needless to say, BB has slightly more and better resources and just a little more football knowledge (in his left middle toe) than I do.

So this year, I probably won't watch it on TV for the first time in a long time. I'll watch for updates on my phone. At least I can't get mad at myself that "I spent all night/all day watching for this (result)?!" So yeah, I'm "ready" for it, with my Droid Cell in my pocket.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

The last few years I've thought that THIS is finally the year the Pats draft a stud LB. And they never do. So when they don't I'm left thinking WTF... but it's all based on what I think they should do, sitting at home in front of my PC and/or TV, listening to draft "experts", reading mock drafts, listening to people on the board, etc... Needless to say, BB has slightly more and better resources and just a little more football knowledge (in his left middle toe) than I do.

So this year, I probably won't watch it on TV for the first time in a long time. I'll watch for updates on my phone. At least I can't get mad at myself that "I spent all night/all day watching for this (result)?!" So yeah, I'm "ready" for it, with my Droid Cell in my pocket.

what app do you use? is there one that will notify you whenever the Pats make a choice or trade?

 

[BlueThunder]

what app do you use? is there one that will notify you whenever the Pats make a choice or trade?

Yep...It's called "BB's Shortbus" app

 

[Deus Irae]

So, by position group, other than defense:

STs -- could beef up returner; otherwise set.
QB -- set
TE -- set, unless they can find a roster slot for a #4 TE
WR -- set, actually, although with a distressing average age. Room for more competition.
RB -- could use more competition, at a minimum
OL -- could use a little more competition, but in good shape -- 4 starter-class young/prime guys; a few young/prime backups; 0-2 aging Pro Bowlers depending on retirements (Reiss projects 1); Gallery.

Calling the WR group "set" is an extremely optimistic position.

 

[everlong]

Calling the WR group "set" is an extremely optimistic position.

I think there's two types of set. 2012 I think they are set. It's going to be very unlikely barring injury any rookie can some in here and do more than special teams. Beyond 2012 they are anything but set. Everybody is either north of 30, injury prone or both. I think they need to take a couple of developmental guys in the mid rounds and hope at least one hits. Given their track record at this position if you draft 3 you can expect 1 starter.

 

[Deus Irae]

I think there's two types of set. 2012 I think they are set. It's going to be very unlikely barring injury any rookie can some in here and do more than special teams. Beyond 2012 they are anything but set. Everybody is either north of 30, injury prone or both. I think they need to take a couple of developmental guys in the mid rounds and hope at least one hits. Given their track record at this position if you draft 3 you can expect 1 starter.

Gonzalez has, essentially, not played in 3 years. Stallworth has been a non-factor since 2007. Johnson's 15 receptions were even fewer than Stallworth's 22 last year. Slater is an emergency substitution. Edelman's Welker's backup and, apparently, nothing more. Branch is clearly in decline, particularly against man coverage. That leaves Welker and Lloyd as the only receivers that can be counted on under most circumstances.

I don't see that as set for 2012. I see that as a team knowing it's 1-2 WRs short and just throwing numbers at the problem in the hope that something sticks.

Fundamental disagreement, I guess...

 

[Christopher Patriot]

Ready for a stud defense, it's been too long I hate cringing when it's 3rd and anything and watching the opposing Qb with plenty of time make a play they should have no business making.

I'm honestly torn on rather we need 1 or 2 difference make on defense or 3 to 4, one things for sure We need to generate a pass rush cause if I have to watch insert name of Dolphins qb here torch this defense at home I will not be a happy camper, a explosive offense is great but I for one miss the smothering defense of Willie Mac, Ty Law, Milloy, big play willie clay, hell chris slade ted johnson, Fricking Steve Isreal was better than almost every defensive back on this current roster, I just want Quaterbacks to not circle the schedule as a big offensive day when they play us.

I'd be happy with a castille and or Okoye signing before this draft or a trade for a vet, We have some young guys and they could improve and i'm willing to bet Josh has more power and say than Obrien had on this offense, so he can concentrate on defense more.

I don't know what players I don't know what position but I want mean confident mofos who will smash the offense in the mouth without a bounty not shy from contact when the receiver or back catches the ball in the flat, and would rather wreck their 100,000 car than give up a big play.

That's what I want and to answer the simple question yes I'm ready for the draft!

 

[ATippett56]

I didn't see a WTF draft last yr at all.

Last year was a great year to pick up either a pass rushing defensive end or pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker. Bill Belichick passed twice in the first round on improving the New England Patriots pass rush. However, with the first pick in the second round, Brooks Reed from Arizona was available instead Glass-IR Dowling was selected.

Brooks Reed | Arizona, OLB : 2011 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

With the departure of Mark Anderson via unrestricted free agency and Andre Carter at the age of 33 recovering from a torn left quadriceps muscle/tendon, the New England Patriots are back to square one with regard to the outside pass rush.

 

[Sciz]

Last year was a great year to pick up either a pass rushing defensive end or pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker. Bill Belichick passed twice in the first round on improving the New England Patriots pass rush. However, with the first pick in the second round, Brooks Reed from Arizona was available instead Glass-IR Dowling was selected.

Brooks Reed*|*Arizona,*OLB*:*2011 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

With the departure of Mark Anderson via unrestricted free agency and Andre Carter at the age of 33 recovering from a torn left quadriceps muscle/tendon, the New England Patriots are back to square one with regard to the outside pass rush.

Last draft was a ridiculously overrated group of pass rushers outside of Aldon Smith. Von Miller still can't play the run. Brooks Reed still doesn't really have any pass rush moves except the speed rush. Sheard isn't nearly athletic enough to play OLB, and especially not WOLB.

 

[ATippett56]

Last draft was a ridiculously overrated group of pass rushers outside of Aldon Smith.

If last year was a ridiculously overrated group of pass rushers, this year is even worse.

 

[Sciz]

If last year was a ridiculously overrated group of pass rushers, this year is even worse.

I completely agree.

 

[ATippett56]

I completely agree.

My fear is that Bill Belichick will not draft a collegiate defensive end or collegiate outside linebacker this year suitable for the 3-4 defense.

 

[Sciz]

My fear is that Bill Belichick will not draft a collegiate defensive end or collegiate outside linebacker this year suitable for the 3-4 defense.

Well don't get your hopes up. He's not going to reach on a guy, and I'm not sure there's anybody worth reaching on in the first place.

 

[ATippett56]

Well don't get your hopes up. He's not going to reach on a guy, and I'm not sure there's anybody worth reaching on in the first place.

My guess would be, at the earliest, #48 overall. That is, if at all.

 

[Reckedtrek]

what app do you use? is there one that will notify you whenever the Pats make a choice or trade?

I use "PatriotsNews" by ZenMobi. It searches Patriots.com, Musketfire, The Herald, NFL.com, The Globe, and a few others I think, for anything Pats. Usually if something happens remotely newsworthy, I get an update within a few minutes.

 

[Fencer]

Gonzalez has, essentially, not played in 3 years. Stallworth has been a non-factor since 2007. Johnson's 15 receptions were even fewer than Stallworth's 22 last year. Slater is an emergency substitution. Edelman's Welker's backup and, apparently, nothing more. Branch is clearly in decline, particularly against man coverage. That leaves Welker and Lloyd as the only receivers that can be counted on under most circumstances.

I don't see that as set for 2012. I see that as a team knowing it's 1-2 WRs short and just throwing numbers at the problem in the hope that something sticks.

Fundamental disagreement, I guess...

Yep. The team has four seriously good receivers -- Welker, Gronkowski, Lloyd, and Hernandez -- plus a whole lot of backups. (Given Hernandez' versatility, Fells can even be said to backup the WR position.)

I think it's OK to have the backups be ... backups.

 

[JackBauer]

Last draft was a ridiculously overrated group of pass rushers outside of Aldon Smith. Von Miller still can't play the run.

I would say your criticism of Von Miller also applies to Smith.

 

[The Scrizz]

So here's a question. Assuming everyone is healthy and no further additions or subtractions are made, is the roster right now better than the roster that the team rolled out in the playoffs? The roster that had already lost Ras I and Carter and Pryor and Koppen.

Unless you consider Ihedighbo a starter and Mark Anderson and BJGE irreplaceable, I would consider the answer to be a resounding yes.