The 2014 Mock draft Thread.

[ATippett56]

2014 New England Patriots Mock Draft - 1/14/14

Straight Up - No Screwing Around

Round 1 - Odell Beckham Jr., WR - LSU (33)

Round 2 - DaQuan Jones, DT - Penn State (70)

Round 3 - Westin Richburg, OC - Colorado State (91) or Bryan Stork, C - Florida State (114)

Round 4 - Richard Rogers, TE - California (214)

Round 6 - Tyler Gaffney, RB - Stanford (197)

Round 6 - Austin Wentworth, OT - Fresno State (209)

Round 6 Compensatory - Spencer Long, OG - Nebraska (262)

Round 6 Compensatory - Trey Millard, FB - Oklahoma (268)

Round 7 - Bruce Gaston, DT - Purdue (250)

Parenthesis - NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings

NFL Draft - 2014 NFL Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Note: NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings dated 1/13/2013

Collegiate UDFAs (potential diamonds in the rough):

Keith Price, QB - Washington (301)
Corey Linsley, OC - Ohio State (263)
Antwan Lowery, OG - Rutgers (318)
Matt Patchan, OT - Boston College (260)
George Atkinson III, RB - Notre Dame (332)
Roderick McDowell, RB - Clemson (406)
Ted Bolser, TE - Indiana (296)
Kaneakua Friel, TE - BYU (320)
Gabe Holmes, TE - Purdue (436)
Quincy Enunwa, WR - Nebraska (269)
Garrison Smith, DT - Georgia (265)
Jamil Merrell, DE - Rutgers (378)
Kenny Anunike, DE - Duke (387)
Greg Blair, ILB - Cincinnati (336)
Chris Young, ILB - Arizona State (408)
Khairi Fortt, OLB - California (353)
Brock Vereen, SS - Minnesota (322)
Dezmen Southward, SS - Wisconsin (327)
Dexter McDougle, CB - Maryland (257)

 

[manxman2601]

Coleman have been playing on 70-80% all year in a heavy running offense with a badly QB. Remmeber Josh and Nick was scouting Rudgers last year for Harrison, i'm sure they looked into Coleman aswell. Plus he's the big outside WR we doesn't have, with huge upside.

Hurst I have as a Mankins replacement in a 2015. This year he could be the swing OT with Cannon moved to OG. He's a smart player but lacks strenth. A year in Dantes danceing Club would do Wonders. Mayby we can snack him up a round later, but i see him as a day 2 pick.

McCullers offers something Unique, the size. With Big Vince as mentor this kid could become a road blocker like nothing else and it would open up for a lighter faster pass rushing partner ( Chris Jones? ).

Ha! Love that idea

 

[Patriot Missile]

1? Travis Swanson C/G Arkansas/ a need pick and a good one. Dante makes no names into starters. He makes first round picks into pro bowlers.

Trade for 2a Ryan Mallett to Browns

2A. Kyle Van Noy OLB Brigham Young/ elite athleticism, watch him cover the tight ends and be a disruptive force. Having Collins and Van Noy back there would be something.

2B. Bruce Ellington Wr South Carolina/ fast, good routes,returns kicks. superior athlete

3. Arthur Lynch TE Georgia/ blocking skills are dominant

4. Christian Jones ILB Florida St/ good in coverage. Can't have enough in this league

6A. Austin Wentworth OT Fresno St/ highly successful and a 6th round gem.

6B. Patrick O'Donnell P Miami/ never hurts for competition. Kicks and punts.

6C Ty Zimmerman FS Kansas St/ 4 year starter and could surprise

7. Deion Belue CB Alabama/

 

[Snake Eyes]

Coleman have been playing on 70-80% all year in a heavy running offense with a badly QB. Remmeber Josh and Nick was scouting Rudgers last year for Harrison, i'm sure they looked into Coleman aswell. Plus he's the big outside WR we doesn't have, with huge upside.

Hurst I have as a Mankins replacement in a 2015. This year he could be the swing OT with Cannon moved to OG. He's a smart player but lacks strenth. A year in Dantes danceing Club would do Wonders. Mayby we can snack him up a round later, but i see him as a day 2 pick.

McCullers offers something Unique, the size. With Big Vince as mentor this kid could become a road blocker like nothing else and it would open up for a lighter faster pass rushing partner ( Chris Jones? ).

Dominique Easley or Aaron Donald, or both

 

[Patriot Missile]

Dominique Easley or Aaron Donald, or both

Where do you think Easley falls? Certainly a injury concern with his knees. Will probably miss all of ota's and training camp. Is this another Armstead where he sits a year and see what happens?

 

[manxman2601]

My latest:


Please note:

1. I've included a Mallett trade for a second rounder. I do think this ambitious but I can't choose between my first two picks so I played a little freely with the current landscape.

2. I've included two 6th round comp picks. Other than that, I haven't included any trades.

3. The roster prediction is not meant to be a proper prediction of the final 53 man roster, it is just an attempt to show how the drafted players might fit into an overall roster.

4. You'll notice the lack of a quality QB backup. I'm assuming signing a vet like Kafka or even a Ponder, Henne type that becomes free during the off-season and a camp battle which I want and expect Kenny Guiton to win.

5. Players in brackets suggest a camp battle for a roster spot. The DTs are the exception because it's really hard to predict what will happen to Wilfork and Kelly.

6. Assumed the re-signing of Talib, Blount, Edelman, Wendell and cutting Dan Connolly. Haven't made any other FA predictions.



Round 1


Travis Swanson, OL, Arkansas




Has the athleticism, size, versatility, experience and leadership to entice BB a a first round pick. He could play center or guard and be equally comfortable.



Round 2A (Mallett trade)

Austin Sefarian Jenkins, TE, Washington




The best Gronk insurance in the draft. Whether Gronk is late coming back from his injury or continues to be injured on an annual basis, ASJ has the athleticism and, in my mind, the Gronk like ability to snag almost any ball with his hand size and arm length. And in any case, in the redzone, Gronk + ASJ >>>>just Gronk.


Round 2B

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech




With a Talib re-signing, this does become a bit of a luxury pick but to my mind it's still worth making. When I watch Fuller, I just think how much like Kyle Arrington he is and therefore how much BB is likely to like him. Arrington is here for another couple of years but Fuller can be a very good special teams player and an outstanding backup until such time as Arrington becomes expendable (and I do think Fuller will be better than Arrington).

Just in terms of watching him, Fuller might just be my favourite player in the draft.


Round Three

Billy Turner, OL, North Dakota State




An outstanding second (and third) level blocker with very light feet. I think he's a tremendous match for our offense athletically. Likely won't be an immediate starter but could develop into an ideal Pats interior lineman.


Round Four

Aaron Lynch, DE, South Florida



His USF tape doesn't match his Notre Dame performances, based on those I'd glady draft him in the first round. Great length and explosion but he made a big mistake dropping weight. Put 15 pounds back on that frame and he becomes a long and explosive 4-3 end with the strength to play in our scheme. Tremendous potential with this pick.


Round 6A

Logan Thomas, QB/TE, Virginia Tech




I haven't completely ruled him out as a future QB, an introduction to NFL coaching may just be the spark he needs. But regardless of whether he battles for the backup QB spot or receives a position switch, I just can't get away from the fact that he has a better than ideal combination of size and athleticism. He may be a complete bust but there is the potential for stardom in there too.


Round 6B

Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware




I have an admission to make. I've failed to find that excitement for this draft that I had the last two years. Kerr gives that binky level excitement that I've had in previous years with the likes of Marvin Jones, Akiem Hicks, Terron Armstead and others. Those relatively undiscovered players that I think can be much better than where they're being predicted. If you haven't seen the video I posted in the draft prospect thread, then drop everything and go watch it (I'll wait). For a 330lb DT, Kerr has tremendously quick feet and a motor to die for (chasing sideline to sideline and even forty yards downfield). On top of that, he has the strength to be disruptive and an outstanding swim move. His upside is the quickness and the disruptive abilities close to those of Big Vince. Someone potentially as good or better than Louis Nix on day three. You betcha'.


Round 6C

Zach Bauman, RB, Northern Arizona



Originall had DE and potential TE convert Larry Webster in this spot. However, I had been looking, unsuccsfully for a RB that could backup Shane Vereen. Not longer after posting my original mock, Off The Grid in his Fanatical Yankee alter ego wrote a glowing scouting report on Zach Bauman of Northern Arizona. It took me all of two minutes to see some of what OTG was seeing. Tremendous burst and quick feet and good hands. would like to see him run with more power though.


Round 7

Kenny Guiton, QB, Ohio State




Smart, athletic and a big arm minus some required experience. One of my favourite options as a value potential backup at QB. BB will be able to get some good inside info on Guiton.


Roster Projection


QB: Tom Brady, (Vet, Logan Thomas, Kenny Guiton)

RB: Legarette Blount, Steven Ridley, Shane Vereen, Zach Bauman

FB: James Develin

TE: Rob Gronkowski, Austin Sefarian Jenkins, Michael Hoomanawanui, Logan Thomas

WR: Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, (Josh Boyce, TJ Moe, Mark Harrison)

OT: Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, (Marcus Cannon, vet)

OL: Logan Mankins, Travis Swanson, Ryan Wendell, Billy Turner, Marcus Cannon (Kline, Barker, Cave etc)

DE: Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Rob Buchanan, Aaron Lynch

DT, (Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly,), Seaver Siliga, (Chris Jones, Joe Vellano), Armond Armstead, Zach Kerr

LB: Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais

S: Devin McCourty, Steve Gregory, Duron Harmon, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner

CB: Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington, Kyle Fuller

 

[mayoclinic]

My latest:


Please note:

1. I've included a Mallett trade for a second rounder. I do think this ambitious but I can't choose between my first two picks so I played a little freely with the current landscape.

2. I've included two 6th round comp picks. Other than that, I haven't included any trades.

3. The roster prediction is not meant to be a proper prediction of the final 53 man roster, it is just an attempt to show how the drafted players might fit into an overall roster.

4. You'll notice the lack of a quality QB backup. I'm assuming signing a vet like Kafka or even a Ponder, Henne type that becomes free during the off-season and a camp battle which I want and expect Kenny Guiton to win.

5. Players in brackets suggest a camp battle for a roster spot. The DTs are the exception because it's really hard to predict what will happen to Wilfork and Kelly.

6. Assumed the re-signing of Talib, Blount, Edelman, Wendell and cutting Dan Connolly. Haven't made any other FA predictions.



Round 1


Travis Swanson, OL, Arkansas




Has the athleticism, size, versatility, experience and leadership to entice BB a a first round pick. He could play center or guard and be equally comfortable.



Round 2A (Mallett trade)

Austin Sefarian Jenkins, TE, Washington




The best Gronk insurance in the draft. Whether Gronk is late coming back from his injury or continues to be injured on an annual basis, ASJ has the athleticism and, in my mind, the Gronk like ability to snag almost any ball with his hand size and arm length. And in any case, in the redzone, Gronk + ASJ >>>>just Gronk.


Round 2B

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech




With a Talib re-signing, this does become a bit of a luxury pick but to my mind it's still worth making. When I watch Fuller, I just think how much like Kyle Arrington he is and therefore how much BB is likely to like him. Arrington is here for another couple of years but Fuller can be a very good special teams player and an outstanding backup until such time as Arrington becomes expendable (and I do think Fuller will be better than Arrington).

Just in terms of watching him, Fuller might just be my favourite player in the draft.


Round Three

Billy Turner, OL, North Dakota State




An outstanding second (and third) level blocker with very light feet. I think he's a tremendous match for our offense athletically. Likely won't be an immediate starter but could develop into an ideal Pats interior lineman.


Round Four

Aaron Lynch, DE, South Florida



His USF tape doesn't match his Notre Dame performances, based on those I'd glady draft him in the first round. Great length and explosion but he made a big mistake dropping weight. Put 15 pounds back on that frame and he becomes a long and explosive 4-3 end with the strength to play in our scheme. Tremendous potential with this pick.


Round 6A

Logan Thomas, QB/TE, Virginia Tech




I haven't completely ruled him out as a future QB, an introduction to NFL coaching may just be the spark he needs. But regardless of whether he battles for the backup QB spot or receives a position switch, I just can't get away from the fact that he has a better than ideal combination of size and athleticism. He may be a complete bust but there is the potential for stardom in there too.


Round 6B

Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware




I have an admission to make. I've failed to find that excitement for this draft that I had the last two years. Kerr gives that binky level excitement that I've had in previous years with the likes of Marvin Jones, Akiem Hicks, Terron Armstead and others. Those relatively undiscovered players that I think can be much better than where they're being predicted. If you haven't seen the video I posted in the draft prospect thread, then drop everything and go watch it (I'll wait). For a 330lb DT, Kerr has tremendously quick feet and a motor to die for (chasing sideline to sideline and even forty yards downfield). On top of that, he has the strength to be disruptive and an outstanding swim move. His upside is the quickness and the disruptive abilities close to those of Big Vince. Someone potentially as good or better than Louis Nix on day three. You betcha'.


Round 6C

Zach Bauman, RB, Northern Arizona



Originall had DE and potential TE convert Larry Webster in this spot. However, I had been looking, unsuccsfully for a RB that could backup Shane Vereen. Not longer after posting my original mock, Off The Grid in his Fanatical Yankee alter ego wrote a glowing scouting report on Zach Bauman of Northern Arizona. It took me all of two minutes to see some of what OTG was seeing. Tremendous burst and quick feet and good hands. would like to see him run with more power though.


Round 7

Kenny Guiton, QB, Ohio State




Smart, athletic and a big arm minus some required experience. One of my favourite options as a value potential backup at QB. BB will be able to get some good inside info on Guiton.


Roster Projection


QB: Tom Brady, (Vet, Logan Thomas, Kenny Guiton)

RB: Legarette Blount, Steven Ridley, Shane Vereen, Zach Bauman

FB: James Develin

TE: Rob Gronkowski, Austin Sefarian Jenkins, Michael Hoomanawanui, Logan Thomas

WR: Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, (Josh Boyce, TJ Moe, Mark Harrison)

OT: Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, (Marcus Cannon, vet)

OL: Logan Mankins, Travis Swanson, Ryan Wendell, Billy Turner, Marcus Cannon (Kline, Barker, Cave etc)

DE: Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Rob Buchanan, Aaron Lynch

DT, (Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly,), Seaver Siliga, (Chris Jones, Joe Vellano), Armond Armstead, Zach Kerr

LB: Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais

S: Devin McCourty, Steve Gregory, Duron Harmon, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner

CB: Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington, Kyle Fuller

Great mock. Bauman is already in my latest mock (to be posted once the underclassmen declarations are complete today), and Kerr needs to be. Turner is already close to a binky, and I can't argue with Swanson, ASJ or Kyle Fuller.

My biggest question mark is Aaron Lynch. There is tons of talent, but does he have the maturity, selflessness and work ethic to be a success under BB in the NFL? It's not out of the question, and I've struggled with mocking him there myself, but I haven't been able to sell myself on that one yet.

There's so much depth and talent in this draft, it can fall so many different ways and turn out to be wonderful for the Pats.

BTW, the guy who excites me the way Kerr excites you is Jonathan Dowling.

 

[manxman2601]

Great mock. Bauman is already in my latest mock (to be posted once the underclassmen declarations are complete today), and Kerr needs to be. Turner is already close to a binky, and I can't argue with Swanson, ASJ or Kyle Fuller.

My biggest question mark is Aaron Lynch. There is tons of talent, but does he have the maturity, selflessness and work ethic to be a success under BB in the NFL? It's not out of the question, and I've struggled with mocking him there myself, but I haven't been able to sell myself on that one yet.

There's so much depth and talent in this draft, it can fall so many different ways and turn out to be wonderful for the Pats.

BTW, the guy who excites me the way Kerr excites you is Jonathan Dowling.

I've yet to watch Dowling so your interest makes him a must watch. As for Lynch, I just can't knock that 4th round value bearing in mind I'd have happily taken him in the 1st earlier in the season. I'm going to try not to get too bogged down in character issues because they're close to impossible to predict without interviewing the guy.

I look forward to your mock later. Will it be today or tomorrow? Do you have any thoughts on Guiton? Would you trust him to be a year one sole backup?

 

[mayoclinic]

I've yet to watch Dowling so your interest makes him a must watch. As for Lynch, I just can't knock that 4th round value bearing in mind I'd have happily taken him in the 1st earlier in the season. I'm going to try not to get too bogged down in character issues because they're close to impossible to predict without interviewing the guy.

I look forward to your mock later. Will it be today or tomorrow? Do you have any thoughts on Guiton? Would you trust him to be a year one sole backup?

Hopefully today.

Guiton's intriguing - BB has certainly precedent for taking a talented backup at a big time program who is under the radar. As for whether BB would be willing to trust Guiton as the sole backup, I'm sure he would bring in a veteran, and it would depend on what Guiton showed in TC. The Pats carried a veteran on their last legs in 2005 (Doug Flutie) and 2006 (Vinny Testaverde) before trusting Matt Cassel to be the sole backup to TB. But they went with UDFA Brian Hoyer in 2009-2010, without anything else.

 

[I Augustus]

Players I like:
2a) Justin Gilbert CB/KR Oklahoma
2b) Shayne Skov ILB Stanford
3) JaWuan James OT Tenn
4a) Marcel Jansen TE Fresno
4b) Chris Watt G ND
5) Bryan Stork C Oklahoma
6) Dri Archer RB/KR/PR Kent State (my binky )
7) Curtis Porter NT Miami


And players I would love to fall to Patriots :
1) Louis Nix DT
2) Travis Swanson C
3) Kyle Fuller CB
4) C.J.Fiedorowicz TE
5) A.J.McCarron QB
6) Larry Webster DE
7) Josh Huff WR

 

[kennyb]

resign: Edelman, Fletcher, Blount
tag and trade Talib for 2nd and 5th

sign: Scott Chandler 2-3M FY cap hit

1. Jace Amaro TE, trade up with own 1st and late 2nd for higher 1st and 5th
2. EJ Gaines CB 1st team big 12 and SEC
3. Weston Richburg C
4. Cody Latimer WR
5. Shamar Stephen DT
5. Bashaud Breeland CB Clemson
6. Zach Kerr DT Delaware
6. Will Clarke DE WV
6. Wesley Johnson OT Vanderbilt
7. Ted Bolser TE Indiana
7. Jeremy Gallon WR Michigan

UDFA: Spencer Shuey LB Clemson, Connor Shaw QB S. Carolina

2 TEs, 2 WRs, 2 OL, 3 DL, 2 CBs

 

[ZoisKing]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Pats move Wilfork for a draft pick. His contract inhibits what we can do moving forward and he's a free agent next year anyway. Might as well maximize his value now, while he still is considered a top talent.

I know there are going to be some strong opinions on a beloved player, but we are moving forward with a defensive youth movement and will need the money and maneuverability that Wilfork's contract holds.

What could Wilfork net in return? A first? Second? Two seconds?

 

[manxman2601]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Pats move Wilfork for a draft pick. His contract inhibits what we can do moving forward and he's a free agent next year anyway. Might as well maximize his value now, while he still is considered a top talent.

I know there are going to be some strong opinions on a beloved player, but we are moving forward with a defensive youth movement and will need the money and maneuverability that Wilfork's contract holds.

What could Wilfork net in return? A first? Second? Two seconds?

I don't think we'd get anything like that. He's a low priority position, ageing and coming off a serious injury and he's not cheap.

 

[kennyb]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Pats move Wilfork for a draft pick. His contract inhibits what we can do moving forward and he's a free agent next year anyway. Might as well maximize his value now, while he still is considered a top talent.

I know there are going to be some strong opinions on a beloved player, but we are moving forward with a defensive youth movement and will need the money and maneuverability that Wilfork's contract holds.

What could Wilfork net in return? A first? Second? Two seconds?

I was ridiculed for assuming in a mock that they'd get rid of Wilfork.

I don't think he'd be worth much as a trade. The picks would have to be contingent on health and how much he played. He'll be 33 next year, last year of a contract, coming of an often career limiting sometimes career ending injury, grossly overweight and due 7.5 million dollars.

I don't think they'd trade him. I think they'll cut his salary down to a 1 year prove it plus incentives if he does return to form. But even that gets me ridiculed around here. I have this idea that BB does what's best for the team and that means not paying for past performance but for future performance. It's how the league works, only SB money is guaranteed.

 

[ZoisKing]

I thought he was 31, so my view of his value is a little skewed. Taking into account his age and injury, I'd say the Pats might have a chance at a 2nd.

I love Wilfork. He's been a true Patriot and a great personality to have on the team. That contract is a burden though. If we could get out from underneath that and get a pick, it would allow us a lot more freedom.

Then, come draft time, we could double dip. Possibly Hageman and Johnson of LSU.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Hopefully today.

Guiton's intriguing - BB has certainly precedent for taking a talented backup at a big time program who is under the radar. As for whether BB would be willing to trust Guiton as the sole backup, I'm sure he would bring in a veteran, and it would depend on what Guiton showed in TC. The Pats carried a veteran on their last legs in 2005 (Doug Flutie) and 2006 (Vinny Testaverde) before trusting Matt Cassel to be the sole backup to TB. But they went with UDFA Brian Hoyer in 2009-2010, without anything else.

Not quite; they didn't sign Testaverde until somewhere in November. It was more an opportunity to help develop Cassel than doubt in his abilities (Testaverde was the QB3, not Cassel).

 

[mayoclinic]

I was ridiculed for assuming in a mock that they'd get rid of Wilfork.

I don't think he'd be worth much as a trade. The picks would have to be contingent on health and how much he played. He'll be 33 next year, last year of a contract, coming of an often career limiting sometimes career ending injury, grossly overweight and due 7.5 million dollars.

I don't think they'd trade him. I think they'll cut his salary down to a 1 year prove it plus incentives if he does return to form. But even that gets me ridiculed around here. I have this idea that BB does what's best for the team and that means not paying for past performance but for future performance. It's how the league works, only SB money is guaranteed.

As I've said elsewhere, if the Pats were operating purely from a business perspective it would make sense to restructure Tommy Kelly to a cheaper deal and then cut Wilfork and go after UFA Linvale Joseph. Cutting Wilfork would save $7.5M, and Kelly's cap hit could probably be cut down from $2.5M to around $1.5M. Joseph is 25 and a very good run stopper and overall DT, and even in the most extreme contract scenario for him you could probably keep his 2014 cap hit to under $5M. Joseph, Armstead, Siliga and Jones would all be 25 or younger and a very good nucleus going forward. Kelly was playing well and seems very happy to be a Patriot. If the Pats lose out on Siliga, Wilfork could be re-signed on a "prove it" deal once he works himself into shape. If someone wants to go after an injured 32 year old DT aggressively - albeit a likely HOF one - that's the risk. But I think it is unlikely that Wilfork will regain the form that we saw from 2004-2012.

But there are other factors: Wilfork's leadership, the fact that he has been a HOF player for us, and 10 years of history. It would be a very hard call.

 

[mayoclinic]

Not quite; they didn't sign Testaverde until somewhere in November. It was more an opportunity to help develop Cassel than doubt in his abilities (Testaverde was the QB3, not Cassel).

I wasn't suggesting that Testaverde was the #2, just that the team chose to sign a veteran rather than have just Brady and an untested 2nd year late round draft pick.

 

[manxman2601]

Both Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper mocked Jace Amaro to the Pats today in their first mocks. Jeremiah had Clowney going first overall and Kiper had Manziel

 

[ZoisKing]

As I've said elsewhere, if the Pats were operating purely from a business perspective it would make sense to restructure Tommy Kelly to a cheaper deal and then cut Wilfork and go after UFA Linvale Joseph. Cutting Wilfork would save $7.5M, and Kelly's cap hit could probably be cut down from $2.5M to around $1.5M. Joseph is 25 and a very good run stopper and overall DT, and even in the most extreme contract scenario for him you could probably keep his 2014 cap hit to under $5M. Joseph, Armstead, Siliga and Jones would all be 25 or younger and a very good nucleus going forward. Kelly was playing well and seems very happy to be a Patriot. If the Pats lose out on Siliga, Wilfork could be re-signed on a "prove it" deal once he works himself into shape. If someone wants to go after an injured 32 year old DT aggressively - albeit a likely HOF one - that's the risk. But I think it is unlikely that Wilfork will regain the form that we saw from 2004-2012.

But there are other factors: Wilfork's leadership, the fact that he has been a HOF player for us, and 10 years of history. It would be a very hard call.

Sounds like your opinion isn't so outlandish afterall kennyb