Patriots interested in center De La Puente?

[patsinthesnow]

@caplannfl: UFA C Brian de la Puente is visiting the #Redskins today, source confirmed. More visits coming up if he doesn't sign there.

@RavensInsider: Other teams that are strong possibilities for brian De la Puente: saints giants broncos and patriots

Adding the #2 free agent center behind Mack would be the cherry on top for this FA.

 

[Big-T]

Yes please! Instant upgrade to all 5 spots on the line.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Meh, doesn't say that the pats are actually interested...More like the pats are a possibility. I would love it if that were to happen though.

 

[JackBauer]

Should be on this like white on rice.

 

[Kontradiction]

Depending on his cap hit, if the Pats really are interested, they may have no choice but to release Wilfork. But this would instantly upgrade interior pass protection. That tweet doesn't indicate definite interest, though. Just speculation about teams that need centers.

 

[varjao]

Instant upgrade, if we get to sign him then the majority of high needs got addressed in the FA, still remaining the draft for improving. I would open a champagne to celebrate.

 

[PatsChamp88]

He'd be a nice fit but depends on the price I think there's a decent chance he might sign with the Redskins if the money is right.

 

[stinkypete]

I'd love it. Also, adding a C immediately eliminates a draft need.

 

[Brady6]

This is what Matt Miller had to say about Brian De La Puente, he ranked him 19th out of 32 in 2013.

Brian De La Puente (6’3”, 306 lbs, four seasons) is a very quick center who can be used in a variety of ways. He can be left in space in one-on-one situations, and he uses his hands well after establishing himself in his stance. However, De La Puente struggles at times with bull rushes because of his weak upper body. He needs to be stronger in all aspects of the game.

The Saints ask their center to do an awful lot. He often carries out a key role in a variety of toss, stretch and screen plays that the offense specializes in. De La Puente fits well in this role because he is spatially aware and has the quickness that allows him to be effective in space. However, his body control is inconsistent, and his lack of power makes it tougher for him to make impact blocks. He doesn’t initiate contact with any presence or consistently sustain blocks at any level of the field.

De La Puente fits what the Saints like to do on offense. He carries the skill set many offenses are looking for in their offensive linemen these days. At 28 years of age, he likely won’t improve his strength, but that won’t prevent him from being a valuable starter.

 

[RayClay]

This is what Matt Miller had to say about Brian De La Puente, he ranked him 19th out of 32 in 2013.

Good catch. So, he's basically Wendell, terrible against bull rushes.

 

[Brady6]

Good catch. So, he's basically Wendell, terrible against bull rushes.

To be honest I have not seen enough of him to know for sure, but this is Matt Millers rankings. Wendell was 31/34 and the rest of the ranks seem pretty legit.

B/R NFL 1000: Top 34 Centers | Bleacher Report

It was a significant drop off from Mack to #2. On the subject of Mack, Mike Florio had an interesting take on his situation with the Browns.

That said, there are ways to ensure that Mack would make it to the open market in 2015, if a team would be interested in pursuing him then. For example, Mack could be signed to an offer sheet that pays him $10 or more for 2014, with an enormous option bonus or roster bonus due on the first day of the 2015 league year. If the Browns were to match the deal, they’d have to cut Mack before, for example, $50 million is owed in March of next year.

Alex Mack still getting no interest | ProFootballTalk

 

[mgteich]

It is reasonable to continue to categorize the faults of each of the interior linemen, just before (or after) they are signed by another team.

However, the reality is that we are down 2 interior offensive linemen, and many would like to cut (or to require a reduction in pay) for Connolly.

We could plan to move our backup OT to RG, necessitating signing an OT. After all, our OT's cannot BOTH be counted on for a full 19 games.

In any case, it seems that we need 2-3 additions in the OL.

Counting on ONE draftee to be productive this year seems reasonable.

And no, I'm not one that counts on last years UDFA's to be the answers. A couple could certainly make the roster.


CONCLUSION
We need to sign two free agent linemen.

Good catch. So, he's basically Wendell, terrible against bull rushes.

 

[VJCPatriot]

It was a significant drop off from Mack to #2. On the subject of Mack, Mike Florio had an interesting take on his situation with the Browns.


Alex Mack still getting no interest | ProFootballTalk

One of the best centers in football. But he has been transition tagged. And the Browns have the most cap space in football. So yeah, it's impossible to sign him barring a trade is worked out.

Wilfork for Mack, anyone?

 

[ashley]

Good catch. So, he's basically Wendell, terrible against bull rushes.

Lol......and we definitely don't need another Wendell!!!! Just check out recent playoff losses.

 

[VrabelJr]

One of the best centers in football. But he has been transition tagged. And the Browns have the most cap space in football. So yeah, it's impossible to sign him barring a trade is worked out.

Wilfork for Mack, anyone?

They already have Phil Taylor.

 

[unoriginal]

To be honest I have not seen enough of him to know for sure, but this is Matt Millers rankings. Wendell was 31/34 and the rest of the ranks seem pretty legit.

B/R NFL 1000: Top 34 Centers | Bleacher Report

He had Wendell at 12/34 for 2012. There seems to be a lot of movement in his rankings from year to year.

Interestingly, in both 2012 and 2013 he ranks Will Montgomery ahead of Brian De La Puente.

 

[ausbacker]

They already have Phil Taylor.

Wilfork for Mack and Taylor?

The Patriots need to upgrade at CE. Wendell is a depth player thrust into the role of starter. It's so damn important when you consider who the Patriots need to beat to hoist #4.

 

[Brady6]

They already have Phil Taylor.

They can include him with Mack, we will throw in Bequette.

 

[Brady6]

He had Wendell at 12/34 for 2012. There seems to be a lot of movement in his rankings from year to year.

Interestingly, in both 2012 and 2013 he ranks Will Montgomery ahead of Brian De La Puente.

That ranking made sense, Wendell was very good in 2012, and his play plummeted in 2013.

 

[Brady6]

I'd love it. Also, adding a C immediately eliminates a draft need.

Personally I think that the top four centers in the draft will all be better players than BDLP.