The 2014 Mock draft Thread.

[ctpatsfan77]

I thought this was interesting, I have not hear Annen's name mentioned around here (unless I missed it).

For the record, it's worth noting that apparently Annen ran track in HS, and even competed in the 100-m dash, which is not normally something you expect of someone who looks like this:



He ran the 100 in 11.1, so a 4.4 40 four years later doesn't seem way out of line. [He ran it twice in under 4.45; no one else at Cincy's pro day was under 4.55.]

 

[BobDigital]

If we sign Wilfork (and he is healthy) it really does change the whole draft. Especially if you believe Armstead will be able to have an impact this year.

I don't really believe both of those things but if BB does then we are probably better off skipping DT altogether unless you think Armstead is more of a DE than DT (I don't) cause we would already be 5 deep there (this of course changes if Donald falls within 8 or so picks)

Looking at the value in this draft for the positions we want it makes you wonder about how they will draft.

If DT is off the table the Patriots don't really have enough needs to justify trading down for multiple picks UNLESS they also trade up.

I just don't think we have more than 7 spots to fill.

 

[Big-T]

The key to a good DL is depth, if Wilfork stays and Armstead is good to go, using my last mock the depth is certainly there:

DE: Cha Jones, Ninkovich, Buchanan, Lynch
DE/DT: Armstead, Tuitt
DT: Wilfork, Kelly, Chr Jones, Siliga, Carrethers

That's enough depth to use multiple front of anything from 3 to 6 man lines.

 

[stelfans]

DE is the biggest need IMO. If, and its a big if, Wilfork, Kelly and Armstead come back to contribute in some way, thats a very solid start when it comes down to DL.
The fact that they havent brought anyone in FA so far to help that line makes me think they are fairly optimistic about those 3 coming back in some way.

DE on the other hand...

 

[Brady6]

For the record, it's worth noting that apparently Annen ran track in HS, and even competed in the 100-m dash, which is not normally something you expect of someone who looks like this:







He ran the 100 in 11.1, so a 4.4 40 four years later doesn't seem way out of line. [He ran it twice in under 4.45; no one else at Cincy's pro day was under 4.55.]

Very interesting, he is projected to go UDFA which is surprising.

 

[manxman2601]

Very interesting, he is projected to go UDFA which is surprising.

Not really, he's only had 19 receptions in his college career.

 

[charlie2]

Give me Dee Ford and I'm a happy man

 

[Brady6]

Trades –
- Trade Ryan Mallett to the Houston Texans for pick #33.
- Trade #29 and #33 to the Dallas Cowboys for picks #16 and #78.
Selections –
- 16-Aaron Donald, DL
- 62-Kareem Martin, DL
- 78-Weston Richburg, OL
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
- 126-Jordan Tripp, LB
- CP-Tyler Gaffney, RB
- CP-Trai Turner, OL
- 182-Jeff Janis, WR
- 190-Colt Lyerla, TE
- 221-Gator Hoskins, FB

I know that Lyerla has a lot of off the field problems, if he can address them (specifically the Sandy Hook comments) I think he is worth a late round pick, otherwise I would look at someone else there.

 

[JoeSixPat]

If we sign Wilfork (and he is healthy) it really does change the whole draft. Especially if you believe Armstead will be able to have an impact this year.

I don't really believe both of those things but if BB does then we are probably better off skipping DT altogether unless you think Armstead is more of a DE than DT (I don't) cause we would already be 5 deep there (this of course changes if Donald falls within 8 or so picks)

Looking at the value in this draft for the positions we want it makes you wonder about how they will draft.

If DT is off the table the Patriots don't really have enough needs to justify trading down for multiple picks UNLESS they also trade up.

I just don't think we have more than 7 spots to fill.

I think even if Wilfork is back you'd see Belichick try to find a DT who can play multiple positions - including NT.

That's the smart thing to do in case of injury - and also assuming that given Wilfork's age you're not talking a ton of years. His replacement can play elsewhere but I think Belichick will have an eye on someone who can be groomed for Wilfork's role

Beyond that I think Belichick trading back from #29 is likely. I can see him packaging picks to ultimately give himself up to 3 second round draft picks in this deep draft.

It has less to do with how many spots on the final roster are open (there's always fake injuries/red shirt season/practice squad etc) and just I think Belichick's desire for "his" type of players who he values more than other teams'

Since the draft is a crap shoot I think Belichick looks for quantity over quality/high picks

 

[JerseyShore99]

Give me Dee Ford and I'm a happy man

Agreed, one of the best pass-rushers available in my opinion, and that's a pretty big need for us unless Andre Carter has found the Fountain of Youth

 

[Brady6]

Not really, he's only had 19 receptions in his college career.

That is the surprising part you would think he would be more productive and be considered a draft pick.

 

[Brady6]

Trades –

- Pick #29 and 2015 first round pick to the Rams for pick #13
- Ryan Mallett and pick #126 to the Texans for picks #33 and #161
- Pick #33 and #182 to the Cardinals for #52, #84, and #116

Draft Selections –

- 13-Aaron Donald, DL
- 52-Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
- 62-Kareem Martin, DL
- 84-Weston Richburg, OL
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
- 116-Jordan Tripp, LB
- 161-Trai Turner, OL
- CP-Jeff Janis, WR
- CP-James Wilder, RB
- 190-Matt Patchan, OL
- 221-Michael Campanaro, WR

Undrafted Free Agents –

- UDFA-Terrence Fede, DL
- UDFA-Gator Hoskins, FB
- UDFA-Courtney Bridget, DB
- UDFA-Zach Kerr, DL
- UDFA-Blake Annen, TE
- UDFA-Carlos Fields, LB
- UDFA-Trey Burton, TE
- UDFA-Chris Boyd, WR
- UDFA-Gabe Ikard, OL
- UDFA-DeRon Furr, LB/DB
- UDFA-Matt Hazel, WR
- UDFA-Khyri Thornton, DL

 

[mayoclinic]

Trades –

- Pick #29 and 2015 first round pick to the Rams for pick #13
- Ryan Mallett and pick #126 to the Texans for picks #33 and #161
- Pick #33 and #182 to the Cardinals for #52, #84, and #116

Draft Selections –

- 13-Aaron Donald, DL
- 52-Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
- 62-Kareem Martin, DL
- 84-Weston Richburg, OL
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
- 116-Jordan Tripp, LB
- 161-Trai Turner, OL
- CP-Jeff Janis, WR
- CP-James Wilder, RB
- 190-Matt Patchan, OL
- 221-Michael Campanaro, WR

Undrafted Free Agents –

- UDFA-Terrence Fede, DL
- UDFA-Gator Hoskins, FB
- UDFA-Courtney Bridget, DB
- UDFA-Zach Kerr, DL
- UDFA-Blake Annen, TE
- UDFA-Carlos Fields, LB
- UDFA-Trey Burton, TE
- UDFA-Chris Boyd, WR
- UDFA-Gabe Ikard, OL
- UDFA-DeRon Furr, LB/DB
- UDFA-Matt Hazel, WR
- UDFA-Khyri Thornton, DL

I love almost everything about this, except for giving up a 2015 1st round pick. I'd rather pass on Kareem Martin and give up 29+62. Add Zach Moore along with Terrance Fede as a developmental base DE. I love the Trai Turner pick, and the inclusion of Gator Hoskins, Trey Burton, Zach Kerr and Chris Boyd.

The other thing I would do differently is not take CJ Fiedorowicz at 93, especially with ASJ at 52. I'd take a DE/OLB hybrid edge rusher like Demarcus Lawrence or Jeremiah Attaochu if available, a safety like Deone Bucannon, another LB like Christian Jones, or trade back and get Antone Exum.

But nice job.

 

[mayoclinic]

Trades –

- Pick #29 and 2015 first round pick to the Rams for pick #13
- Ryan Mallett and pick #126 to the Texans for picks #33 and #161
- Pick #33 and #182 to the Cardinals for #52, #84, and #116

Draft Selections –

- 13-Aaron Donald, DL
- 52-Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE
- 62-Kareem Martin, DL
- 84-Weston Richburg, OL
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
- 116-Jordan Tripp, LB
- 161-Trai Turner, OL
- CP-Jeff Janis, WR
- CP-James Wilder, RB
- 190-Matt Patchan, OL
- 221-Michael Campanaro, WR

Undrafted Free Agents –

- UDFA-Terrence Fede, DL
- UDFA-Gator Hoskins, FB
- UDFA-Courtney Bridget, DB
- UDFA-Zach Kerr, DL
- UDFA-Blake Annen, TE
- UDFA-Carlos Fields, LB
- UDFA-Trey Burton, TE
- UDFA-Chris Boyd, WR
- UDFA-Gabe Ikard, OL
- UDFA-DeRon Furr, LB/DB
- UDFA-Matt Hazel, WR
- UDFA-Khyri Thornton, DL

My version of this:

Trades –

- Pick #29 and 62 to the Steelers for pick #15
- Ryan Mallett and pick #126 to the Texans for picks #33 and #161
- Pick #33 and #182 to the Cardinals for #52, #84, and #116

Draft Selections –

- 15-Aaron Donald, DL
- 52-Dominique Easley, DL
- 84-Weston Richburg, OL
- 93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
- 116-Jordan Tripp, LB
- 161-Trai Turner, OL
- CP-Gator Hoskins, FB/H-Back
- CP-Jake Murphy, TE
- 190-Matt Patchan, OL
- 221-Terrance Fede, DE

I would play Easley at DE as well as DT. Donald + Easley would be the most disruptive line in the NFL.

 

[Brady6]

I love almost everything about this, except for giving up a 2015 1st round pick. I'd rather pass on Kareem Martin and give up 29+62. Add Zach Moore along with Terrance Fede as a developmental base DE. I love the Trai Turner pick, and the inclusion of Gator Hoskins, Trey Burton, Zach Kerr and Chris Boyd.



The other thing I would do differently is not take CJ Fiedorowicz at 93, especially with ASJ at 52. I'd take a DE/OLB hybrid edge rusher like Demarcus Lawrence or Jeremiah Attaochu if available, a safety like Deone Bucannon, another LB like Christian Jones, or trade back and get Antone Exum.



But nice job.

I agree on the first round pick in 2015, the problem I was having is I do not think #29 and #62 would get them higher than #16. I think you have to be ahead of the Bears at #14 to have a chance at Donald.

I also really like Kareem Martin, I feel he could be the second best DE in this draft. He is very raw but his upside is intriguing.

Fiedorowicz I was back and forth on. I was considering Joel Bitonio at #84, Christian Jones at #93, and Bryan Stork at #116. I would change up some the later round picks as well.

 

[captain stone]

We'll probably discuss 400-500 players before we're done. And then BB will take someone we haven't even considered in the 2nd round.

And he'll suck, as usual and as predicted.

 

[captain stone]

If DT is off the table the Patriots don't really have enough needs to justify trading down for multiple picks UNLESS they also trade up.

I just don't think we have more than 7 spots to fill.

We have almost twice as many spots to fill than that.

 

[Brady6]

My version of this:

Trades –

-Pick #29 and 62 to the Steelers for pick #15
-Ryan Mallett and pick #126 to the Texans for picks #33 and #161
-Pick #33 and #182 to the Cardinals for #52, #84, and #116

Draft Selections –

-15-Aaron Donald, DL
-52-Dominique Easley, DL
-84-Weston Richburg, OL
-93-C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE
-116-Jordan Tripp, LB
-161-Trai Turner, OL
-CP-Gator Hoskins, FB/H-Back
-CP-Jake Murphy, TE
-190-Matt Patchan, OL
-221-Terrance Fede, DE

I would play Easley at DE as well as DT. Donald + Easley would be the most disruptive line in the NFL.

Who do you think is a better player at full health Donald or Easley? I feel like if not for the injuries Easley would be discussed as a top 20 player.

 

[dryheat44]

Uncle Heatster Offseason Plan, March 23

Current Cap Space $3.9 mil.

Cap Housekeeping

The question at the forefront is since Wilfork is apparently unwilling to restructure his contract, is it worth Keeping him for this year and let him go to free agency next year (where we could re-sign him, or more likely get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick) or cutting him to open up more than 7.5 million in cap space. I'll get back to that question later.

Extend McCourty out to 2017. I don't know what kind of money it will take to retain him, but I think $1 million cap savings would be a safe estimate.

Extend Gostkowski out to 2016. We'll assume another 1m cap savings.

Extend Connolly out to 2016. I think we can knock 1.5m off his number.

Definitely extend Slater and Vereen, but I don't think the cap impact is worth worrying about. The two could well offset.

Net Cap Savings- 3.5m

Available Cap Space $7.4 m

Free Agency Departures
Andre Carter retires. Wendell will have an small offer from me and my blessing to shop it around. I'm guessing he goes elsewhere. Ditto Blount.

Retaining Free Agents
Re-sign OT/G Will Svitek - 2 years $2.2m ($200k signing bonus) 1st year cap hit $1.1m
Re-signings 1st year cap hits= $1.1 m

Available Cap Space= 6.3


Other Notable Free Agent Signings

Really just some depth guys left, if we retain Wilfork:

Sign LB Arthur Moats- 2 years $2.75m ($250k signing bonus) 1st year cap hit $1.5m

Sign DT Pat Sims- 3 years $5.5m ($500k signing bonus) 1st year cap hit $2m. If we can't get Sims, I'm turning my attention to Terrence Cody. But why choose?

Sign DT Terrence Cody- 1 year $1.32m. (200k signing bonus, $70k for every week on the 53-man roster.) His been a big disappointment so far and had a knee injury last year, but he's still young and maybe Belichick can push the right buttons. For cap purposes, let's assume the full 1.32 million.

Sign FA DE Shaun Phillips- 2 years $3m ($1m SB, 1st year cap charge 1.5m) - Anthony Spencer makes a hell of a plan B.

Free Agent 1st year cap hit= 6.32m
Available cap space = slightly less than zero.

And now's the time to make one last offer to Vince. I'm guessing he says no, so Thanks for the Memories, Big Man.

Available cap space = 7.46m

The draft:

We are not getting a 2nd round pick for Ryan Mallett because all the GMs stupid enough to do that either don't work as GMs any more, or have Tony Romo already. It does not make sense for the Patriots to trade him for anything less. Mallett will spend 2014 as Tom Brady's backup.

1. I think there are four candidates here, and you could make a case for all four -- Hageman, Fuller, Shazier, and Yankey. I don't know where Shazier would play -- coverage linebacker or in-the-box safety. Hageman is obviously a man-child, and I would like to get he and Shazier both, but I think Shazier is the safer choice both on-and-off field. Also figure that BB had some interest in Wesley Woodyard this year, which figures to be Shazier's worst-case comparison. Ryan Shazier LB Ohio St is the pick.

2. Deonte Moncrief WR Mississippi - Fills out the WR corps nicely, and is a potential future #1 WR. He could also provide the type of routes/mismatches that Bristol County inmate 174594, who is unfortunately ineligible for work-release, used to.

3. C.J. Fiedorowicz TE Iowa - I'm not in love with him, but he's a quality football player at a position of need.

4. Anthony Steen G Alabama - Gives us an experienced body for depth inside, and can push for a starting job in 2015 as guard, but wouldn't rule him out as a center either.

5. Nat Berhe S San Diego St - Productive strong safety. A bit short, but his floor is Special Teams Standout.

6. (Comp) Max Bullough ILB Michigan St - I still don't know why he's ranked so low. Could be the steal of the draft. With a compensatory 6th rounder, that would be appropriate.

6. (Comp) Logan Thomas OW Virginia Tech - I don't know what to do with him yet, but this far down the draft it's worth a shot to see if he can develop as a WR, TE, or even QB.

7. Antonio Andrews RB Western Kentucky - I love this kid at this spot. I don't think Ridley is likely to be re-signed, so this could be your starting RB in 2015, but will compete for time this year.

 

[captain stone]

Great work Heat, though I'm not in love with WR in the 2nd round or RB in any round,
unless it's a FB/TE/HB type. And we would still need a younger DE.