Could Tackle Position Be A Priority In the Draft?

[Joey007]

Right now, we stand at having:

-Isaiah Wynn at LT, who is undersized for the position, and also coming off a season ending injury.

-Marcus Cannon at RT. Cannon has a well known history of injury problems. His health always seems to be of a bit of a concern.

With Waddle and Fleming both exiting the last two seasons, our depth at this position has also greatly diminished. The position definitely feels a bit shaky.

Maybe Bill uses a high selection at the position again? It’s generally not a direction many of us are thinking we’ll look towards in the draft. At least not very early.

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

Yes. My guess is somewhere on day 2.

 

[mgteich]

"at least not very early?"

We should be drafting an OT in rounds 2 or 3. That somewhat depends on which veteran we pick up.

Round 1 seems very right for a DT or a TE.

Right now, we stand at having:

-Isaiah Wynn at LT, who is undersized for the position, and also coming off a season ending injury.

-Marcus Cannon at RT. Cannon has a well known history of injury problems. His health always seems to be of a bit of a concern.

With Waddle and Fleming both exiting the last two seasons, our depth at this position has also greatly diminished. The position definitely feels a bit shaky.

Maybe Bill uses a high selection at the position again? It’s generally not a direction many of us are thinking we’ll look towards in the draft. At least not very early.

 

[patfanken]

We have 12 freakin' picks, so it's reasonable to guess that at least one will be an OT, and likely in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

BTW- I hate the "undersized" comment. Granted I know we had some success with a 360lb giant of a man, but for the most part we've had even more success with guys like Matt Light and Nate Solder, neither of whom were RELATIVELY big (especially Light...no pun intended)

Wynn is STILL a 300 pounder, and though he might no be as big as the "standard" LT profile, he is STILL a lot bigger than the guys he is generally going up against. So while the defenses are getting faster, the players are generally smaller. Wynn will STILL be bigger than those he is going up against. Remember the thing that attracted the Pats to draft him that early was HIS speed and quickness

So while "conventional wisdom" may question why Bill drafted a guy that high that a lot of scouts looked at as a future G to play LT, I look at it as Bill, once again, proving he is AGAIN ahead of the game in finding the new breed of LT to play against the smaller, faster breed of edge rushers that are coming into the league.

 

[mgteich]

1) I understand that Brady is counting on a player who was injured for his entire rookie year. We are also counting on the oft-injured Cannon. This is not terrible but we do need backups, including a future replacement for Cannon.

2) I will stipulate that we will get a useful player or two from the FIVE late draft picks and from UDFA's. For me, the fact that we have these 5 late picks simply allows us to get a head start on UDFA level players. We do have seven early picks, and that is a lot.

3) I disagree that the OL isn't worth a 2nd if the quality is there. Obviously, that depends on what quality Belichick would expect in the 3rd and 4th.

4) The BOTTOM LINE for me is that I expect us to sign or trade for a veteran (a Tobin/Waddle type) and use a top draft choice for an OT. A few weeks ago, few would acknowledge the likelihood of an early OT pick. Now, we are agreeing that a 3rd round OT is reasonable. And some would consider using a 2nd, while some would be willing to wait until the 4th.

5) AS AN ASIDE. I suspect that Brady will miss the additional 60 pounds of bulk protecting him.

We have 12 freakin' picks, so it's reasonable to guess that at least one will be an OT, and likely in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

BTW- I hate the "undersized" comment. Granted I know we had some success with a 360lb giant of a man, but for the most part we've had even more success with guys like Matt Light and Nate Solder, neither of whom were RELATIVELY big (especially Light...no pun intended)

Wynn is STILL a 300 pounder, and though he might no be as big as the "standard" LT profile, he is STILL a lot bigger than the guys he is generally going up against. So while the defenses are getting faster, the players are generally smaller. Wynn will STILL be bigger than those he is going up against. Remember the thing that attracted the Pats to draft him that early was HIS speed and quickness

So while "conventional wisdom" may question why Bill drafted a guy that high that a lot of scouts looked at as a future G to play LT, I look at it as Bill, once again, proving he is AGAIN ahead of the game in finding the new breed of LT to play against the smaller, faster breed of edge rushers that are coming into the league.

 

[manxman2601]

We have 12 freakin' picks, so it's reasonable to guess that at least one will be an OT, and likely in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

BTW- I hate the "undersized" comment. Granted I know we had some success with a 360lb giant of a man, but for the most part we've had even more success with guys like Matt Light and Nate Solder, neither of whom were RELATIVELY big (especially Light...no pun intended)

Wynn is STILL a 300 pounder, and though he might no be as big as the "standard" LT profile, he is STILL a lot bigger than the guys he is generally going up against. So while the defenses are getting faster, the players are generally smaller. Wynn will STILL be bigger than those he is going up against. Remember the thing that attracted the Pats to draft him that early was HIS speed and quickness

So while "conventional wisdom" may question why Bill drafted a guy that high that a lot of scouts looked at as a future G to play LT, I look at it as Bill, once again, proving he is AGAIN ahead of the game in finding the new breed of LT to play against the smaller, faster breed of edge rushers that are coming into the league.

The comments about Wynn being undersized were more about height and length than his weight.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Yes. My guess is somewhere on day 2.

Which means Bill will take an OT in the first round

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Cannon need to be replaced sooner than later. He’s 3o going on 31.

 

[manxman2601]

Which means Bill will take an OT in the first round

Don’t be surprised if it’s an interior OL that can play outside or visa versa. They’re certainly showing interest in at least a couple pre-draft (including a Dante workout).

 

[mgteich]

Don’t be surprised if it’s an interior OL that can play outside or visa versa. They’re certainly showing interest in at least a couple pre-draft (including a Dante workout).

another wynn?

Yes, an OG who plays tackle would provide great flexibility

 

[manxman2601]

another wynn?

Yes, an OG who plays tackle would provide great flexibility

Wynn had outstanding tape at LT. I’m thinking more of a potential future Thuney replacement that could take swing tackle reps too.

 

[Hyped]

The Pats hardly ever trade up...but when they do...they do with a target/need in mind though. So, if they trade up for an OT....it was a priority...if they just sit back and wait for an OT to fall into their laps..it wasn't a priority...

I think it's the latter....but we have not only lost Solder/Brown in back to back seasons...we also lost Fleming and Waddle...two valuable back ups....that's what we need to replace, IMO. I think Wynn is the real deal....but yeah...he already lost a season and Cannon isn't always healthy...

 

[Joey007]

We have 12 freakin' picks, so it's reasonable to guess that at least one will be an OT, and likely in the 3rd or 4th rounds.

BTW- I hate the "undersized" comment. Granted I know we had some success with a 360lb giant of a man, but for the most part we've had even more success with guys like Matt Light and Nate Solder, neither of whom were RELATIVELY big (especially Light...no pun intended)

Wynn is STILL a 300 pounder, and though he might no be as big as the "standard" LT profile, he is STILL a lot bigger than the guys he is generally going up against. So while the defenses are getting faster, the players are generally smaller. Wynn will STILL be bigger than those he is going up against. Remember the thing that attracted the Pats to draft him that early was HIS speed and quickness

So while "conventional wisdom" may question why Bill drafted a guy that high that a lot of scouts looked at as a future G to play LT, I look at it as Bill, once again, proving he is AGAIN ahead of the game in finding the new breed of LT to play against the smaller, faster breed of edge rushers that are coming into the league.

I’m just referring to height. Bottom line is he is 6’2. That is much smaller than the average LT. Just about every starting LT in the NFL isn’t anything much under 6’4. That is a fact.

 

[Joey007]

Yes. My guess is somewhere on day 2.

I think in rounds 3-4 most likely.

 

[Julius]

Wynn had outstanding tape at LT. I’m thinking more of a potential future Thuney replacement that could take swing tackle reps too.

That kid from Boston College, Lindstrom?

I could see BB going the Logan Mankins route with pick 32.

 

[manxman2601]

That kid from Boston College, Lindstrom?

I could see BB going the Logan Mankins route with pick 32.

Yup. And Kaleb Mcgary today was reported as meeting with the Pats.

 

[mgteich]

Wynn had outstanding tape at LT. I’m thinking more of a potential future Thuney replacement that could take swing tackle reps too.

fair enough

 

[SBLIII]

yes the needs are
DL
WR
TE
OT
S

 

[mgteich]

???
Perhaps my memory is failing, but I believe that we trade up, down and out in about the same proportions. Didn't we trade up for Chandler and Hightower?

from last year's analysis
"Per ESPN, on draft days the Patriots have moved down 21 times, have made 20 trades to move up in the draft, and made 21 moves for players or future picks. There is no definite way to predict what the Patriots will do, "

The Pats hardly ever trade up...but when they do...they do with a target/need in mind though. So, if they trade up for an OT....it was a priority...if they just sit back and wait for an OT to fall into their laps..it wasn't a priority...

I think it's the latter....but we have not only lost Solder/Brown in back to back seasons...we also lost Fleming and Waddle...two valuable back ups....that's what we need to replace, IMO. I think Wynn is the real deal....but yeah...he already lost a season and Cannon isn't always healthy...

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

Yup. And Kaleb Mcgary today was reported as meeting with the Pats.

Are these two strictly interior OL? Can either kick outside to tackle if needed?