Patriots Training Camp- Monday August 15th

[BTTA]

I love the snark. Sorry for trying to engage in opinion based discussion. From my armchair it seems like we have a number of rookies with starter potential. Say for example the Team projects a raw prospect like Roberts as having starter potential 2 years out, would it always be the right move to default to the core special teamer when building the current year's roster? Just trying to explore BB's thought process in this scenario which played out before when BB opted to keep a 4th string QB.

And no I'm not equating any rookie as being the next TB.

No, it wouldn't be the right move, and absolutely nobody, including and especially the Pats' coaching staff, would say so.

All of the examples that have been given in this thread are of journeymen and JAGs that the Pats cut in order to keep long term, high quality ST performers who saw the field many times in every game and had real and measurable impact. They don't fill out anyone's fantasy team and most of their contributions are preventative (e.g. keeping long runbacks from happening) so 98% of fans don't notice those contributions in games.

 

[moosekill]

I love the snark. Sorry for trying to engage in opinion based discussion. From my armchair it seems like we have a number of rookies with starter potential. Say for example the Team projects a raw prospect like Roberts as having starter potential 2 years out, would it always be the right move to default to the core special teamer when building the current year's roster? Just trying to explore BB's thought process in this scenario which played out before when BB opted to keep a 4th string QB.

And no I'm not equating any rookie as being the next TB.

You asked a leading question not looking for discussion. There are bottom of the roster decisions that have to be made that cause the coaching staff to make tough choices. When you have a really strong team it is tough to make the roster. Every year there are more players being drafted and coming in as free agents. If that 4th string d-lineman you want to keep isn't going to play this year, or next year as he "improves" how many games have we lost because our special teams suck? You can't always be building for the future, you have to have a team that plays now. The Patriots were a playoff team last year. It looks like they have a better team this year. How many years would you like to give up to keep players who might get better in three years?

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Pretty sure it was Elandon Roberts...

Thanks

 

[captain stone]

There was a time a few years ago that we did lose a lot of our young players.

One year we lost two NFL corners to the Jets and Bears, and a solid special teams linebacker to the Eagles.

The Jets current punt returner was a forum binky.

Still is, to some, for some reason.

The reason I believe was because Berrios became a superior WR to Gunner, especially from the Slot, and a similar-enough PR...That should no longer be the case here this season because whoever emerges as our top Returner will almost certainly see snaps at his original position also...

 

[TommyD4207]

The reason I believe was because Berrios became a superior WR to Gunner, especially from the Slot, and a similar-enough PR...That should no longer be the case here this season because whoever emerges as our top Returner will almost certainly see snaps at his original position also...

It's possible they both kinda suck, which is why they are elsewhere.

 

[Water Boy]

You asked a leading question not looking for discussion. There are bottom of the roster decisions that have to be made that cause the coaching staff to make tough choices. When you have a really strong team it is tough to make the roster. Every year there are more players being drafted and coming in as free agents. If that 4th string d-lineman you want to keep isn't going to play this year, or next year as he "improves" how many games have we lost because our special teams suck? You can't always be building for the future, you have to have a team that plays now. The Patriots were a playoff team last year. It looks like they have a better team this year. How many years would you like to give up to keep players who might get better in three years?

Ya its an interesting component of team building. The conventional wisdom is that a team needs to be built through the draft. The Pats were skewered for having to spend a record amount in free agency last year. Now there is at least optimism among a few that they have some rookie depth that might be able to backfill starting positions eventually, but it does raise the question of how long a team can reasonably wait for a player to develop. BB has certainly shown patience or stubbornness depending how you look at it with some players. I believe PFF's Sam Monson's philosophy is that it when it comes to QB, you should pull the plug after 2 or 3 years if the QB doesn't develop to be top tier.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

It's possible they both kinda suck, which is why they are elsewhere.

Could not agree more. Both do kinda suck ..... The Pats were hoping Gunner would fill out and take a leap forward. It didn't happen. Not sure BB is the best scout, but he is excellent at judging talent he sees in NFL practice and games.

 

[TommyD4207]

Could not agree more. Both do kinda suck ..... The Pats were hoping Gunner would fill out and take a leap forward. It didn't happen. Not sure BB is the best scout, but he is excellent at judging talent he sees in NFL practice and games.

I mean, you're talking about a 6th round pick and an undrafted player who are still both playing in the NFL.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I mean, you're talking about a 6th round pick and an undrafted player who are still both playing in the NFL.

I was commenting in general. Scouting college kids versus picking players already in the NFL (at joint practices, camp, games, etc.). BB rarely, if ever, misjudges an NFL player. Examples Vrabel, Ninkovich, Harrison, and even Gilmore are high profile players other organizations let the Patriots sign away.