PATRIOTS NEWS Rapsheet: Godchaux Given Permission to Seek Trade

[RobertWeathers]

It’s not bad but do other teams want to pay that or would they rather wait for him to be cut and then pay him the minimum. If they think they might have some competition though then they might spring the extra $3M and a 7th rounder. He’s also on the books for $6.5M next year, though not guaranteed.

I think hes better than the vet minimum but who knows.. Just gotta see what kinda market develops for him.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

NFL News: Jaire Alexander Reportedly on Packers' Trade Block Ahead of Free Agency

bleacherreport.com

Please pretty Please can I have him says gonzo... we will play well together!!

We are better off with a cheap rookie outside CB since this corner will cover the opposing WR2. Save the money for 4 years. Sign WRs not CBs in FA.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

We are better off with a cheap rookie outside CB since this corner will cover the opposing WR2. Save the money for 4 years. Sign WRs not CBs in FA.

Sound philosophy but the free agent CBs are simply better players this year, by my assessment of the respective FA classes. You sign players, not positions.

 

[Brick27]

If was playing Madden, would combine Godchaux with a pick and trade up

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

You sign players, not positions.

Some people think the team should use FA to plug holes, i.e. sign players for need, and then draft BPA, not to fill needs. That was what Vrabel indicated he preferred.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

It’s not bad but do other teams want to pay that or would they rather wait for him to be cut and then pay him the minimum. If they think they might have some competition though then they might spring the extra $3M and a 7th rounder. He’s also on the books for $6.5M next year, though not guaranteed.

I think you're underselling him. If he gets cut I bet he ends up signing for more than $4M next year. He's good in his role and there are some teams that will have a need for it. That being said, it's a strong DT class so I could see teams preferring to wait vs. even sending a late round pick. I think he'd be easily movable if we waiting until after the draft.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Some people think the team should use FA to plug holes, i.e. sign players for need, and then draft BPA, not to fill needs. That was what Vrabel indicated he preferred.

And you're arguing to do the opposite of passing on FA CBs (which is a need) to draft one instead. I'm not saying don't sign WRs. I'm saying also sign a CB, to do exactly what you're suggesting here.

 

[Ross12]

I think you're underselling him. If he gets cut I bet he ends up signing for more than $4M next year. He's good in his role and there are some teams that will have a need for it. That being said, it's a strong DT class so I could see teams preferring to wait vs. even sending a late round pick. I think he'd be easily movable if we waiting until after the draft.

Wouldn’t be too surprised to see one of those pick swaps. Like Godchaux + a 6th in exchange for a 5th.

 

[Ring 6]

Hope we can finagle a draft pick for him.... our run D was so-so last year...in particular that game in London vs. the Jags where we actually led at halftime.....

Our run D was horrendous last year. But coaching had a lot to do with it

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

And you're arguing to do the opposite of passing on FA CBs (which is a need) to draft one instead. I'm not saying don't sign WRs. I'm saying also sign a CB, to do exactly what you're suggesting here.

Yes, but CBs are a tough one because of Hunter. If the Pats sign DJ Reed, and then draft Hunter, that is Gonzo, Reed, and Hunter which is an overload. Kind of a tough spot having Gonzo and Hunter might be there at #4. What do you do in FA at CB? Tough call because the Pats don't want to pass on Hunter, but don't want a CB overload either. An extra DL is not so bad because the DL rotates, but CBs don't rotate. So I suggest don't sign a CB in FA if Hunter is rumored to be at #4, even though that is against the general rule of filling holes in FA.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

And you're arguing to do the opposite of passing on FA CBs (which is a need) to draft one instead. I'm not saying don't sign WRs. I'm saying also sign a CB, to do exactly what you're suggesting here.

I just saw in another thread that Carter is injured. Now it is less likely Hunter will be around at #4. So I changed my mind. Sign DJ Reed or another CB in FA, and concentrate on Graham and Walker.

 

[Real fan 02]

We are better off with a cheap rookie outside CB since this corner will cover the opposing WR2. Save the money for 4 years. Sign WRs not CBs in FA.

I really like Alex Austin and he has the size, skill and mentality to play CB st a high level.. but to have a chance to totally lock down the perimeter with a player the caliber of jaire Alexander across from gonzo I think Vrabel probably still inquires.

 

[Real fan 02]

I know that he's incredibly talented, but he just can't stay off of IR. If he can't stay on the field and perform optimally, he (or any player for that matter), isn't worth it.

This is why I still believe we should make a run at him.. Lattimore had the same issues with injuries and he was traded to Washington and thrived.

 

[Real fan 02]

I called this one a couple weeks back in one of the threads here... Don't remember which. Figured it'd happen. Not a bad player but with the scheme change and some of the locker room stuff last year, makes sense. Get a 6th for him and move on.

I always viewed him as a player BB liked. However the DT, NT position has morphed into a position that requires some type of pass rush ability goddy has none. He's a 2 gap player and Obviously is an older player that's not part of the plan going forward... draft Graham and sign BJ hill.. the position is instantly upgraded.

 

[Rob0729]

Yea looking at their DTs from the Vrabel days they were all in the 310-325 range.

They had one dude who was 361. Sheesh..

If I am wrong, I am wrong. It was my understanding that Vrabel used a smaller faster defense. It could have just been LBs and not the line.

 

[Real fan 02]

If I am wrong, I am wrong. It was my understanding that Vrabel used a smaller faster defense. It could have just been LBs and not the line.

He did. Landry for example..is the prototype of LBs he likes. Go figure even after an ACL in 2022, and age 28 he had 9 sacks last season and 31 in his career we had 28 as a defense last season and had to blitz to even get pressure. Graham at DT would be an all pro under Vrabel and Williams.

 

[Real fan 02]

If was playing Madden, would combine Godchaux with a pick and trade up

Bye bye goddy..

 

[Ross12]

I really like Alex Austin and he has the size, skill and mentality to play CB st a high level.. but to have a chance to totally lock down the perimeter with a player the caliber of jaire Alexander across from gonzo I think Vrabel probably still inquires.

Fair - CB is one position group at least where if they signed an injury-prone guy and he went down, they would have experienced players who can step up - whether that's Alex Austin or putting Marcus Jones outside again. Jonathan Jones will most likely come back on a cheap deal as well as a CB4/CB5.

 

[Boston Boxer]

Godchaux, Bentley, Tavai and to a lesser extent Jennings all have skill sets that don’t fully jive with what was done in Tennessee, who all signed extensions from 2023 onward. But you’re not going to get rid of everyone in one offseason, especially those who are team captains like Bentley. I suspect Tavai would be the other guy who could wind up going, with Bentley and Jennings sticking around.

you know you have issues at LB when Bentley is your best option. He is fine but should be your best LB. We need to improve in that area and also add some speed.

 

[RobertWeathers]

If I am wrong, I am wrong. It was my understanding that Vrabel used a smaller faster defense. It could have just been LBs and not the line.

Oh no.....My intent was to support your point. You aren't wrong. 310-320lb for DTs is small these days lol.

They aim to play a 4 man front. DEs on the edge are smaller.

According to Kyed...

Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams are expected to run the same defense that they deployed while together on the Titans from 2018 to 2023, according to a source.

It will look like a 3-4 but will actually be a 4-3 under. The defensive front will take more of a one-gap, attacking approach.

That’s a shift from last year’s scheme, which was still using Bill Belichick’s style, emphasizing two-gapping inside on the defensive front and versatility on the edges. For the first time in 25 years, the Patriots’ defense will look significantly different.

There will continue to be a nose tackle in the middle of the defensive front, and a 3-technique defensive tackle will be positioned on the weak side of the line. The nose tackle will be flanked by a 5-technique defensive end on the strong side of the line. Next to the 3-technique defensive tackle will be a weak-side defensive end, who can stand up or put his hand in the dirt. In base, two linebackers will be positioned off-ball in the middle of the defense. A third linebacker will primarily be standing on the line of scrimmage next to the 5-technique defensive end. That strong-side linebacker will have the flexibility to rush the passer or move back and play in space.

MSN