long distance
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2015
- Messages
- 10,300
- Reaction score
- 27,265
Registered Members experience this forum ad and noise-free.
CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Here some interesting takes by Riddick going Pats GM a bit:
Is there more Pats specific stuff in the entire podcast than this ?
Don't get me wrong but this is incredibly unspecific and just goes with the "pissed off BB" narrative that seems to be dumb to me. It is insulting because it implies that there were times where he -- and the rest of the staff -- didn't give it their best shot which is all just outcome-based stupidity.
I agree that most likely nobody at the organization was happy with how the season went but that doesn't mean that coaches and players didn't give their best shot at the time. There is no guarantee that "pissed off BB" -- or anyone for that matter -- will lead to any better results than last year.
I was hoping for something more substantial from Riddick, who is considered another GM in waiting by many.
Didn't post this for the sound bite but the whole pod.
Probably not as specific as you'd want but lots of interesting things imo if one has time..
f.e. you can see the difference how the league sees draft prospects spec. QB to draftnicks..
Philosophically you'd be interested in his argument on athletic vs pocket QBs . for one the game is still about 3rd/4th downs, 2 min, 4th Q and red zone where windows for throws & QB runs get smaller..
My case for the top FA to sign on defense: Giants NT Dalvin Tomlinson
Since Gilmore, Jackson & Jones were the primary CB trio in mid-2018 against the Vikings the pats pass defense has been the best in the NFL. Despite having a poor front 7 & a much harder schedule they still finished top 5 in TDs allowed, 1st in INTs & top 10 in passer rating allowed. Specifically, their pass defense on 3rd down was as impressive as 2019:
Getting to 3rd & long was the problem. When the DL was winning on early downs the defense' upside showed (holding the Chiefs to 19 in Arrowhead, shutting down the Cards, Herbert's worst game as a pro). The flip side was Russell Wilson's target practice on 3rd & short & losing up front in both games vs the Bills. Letting the Bills have 5+ ypc on the ground is game over with that level of talent in the passing game.
No on White and McCourtey, both good, important, long time Patriots but prefer to run Michel and Harris. If Taylor can help, fine but I would rather see backs that are more run/pass threats. They will find another back somewhere or Burkhead may return (for awhile). Never been as big a McCourtey fan as some. Would really like to keep Thuney but it's probably best to draft another tackle and move Onwenu inside. I like K.J.Wright but he's 31. There are several decent LB's that are going to be free agents and would like to see what they would cost. GB releasing Kirksey, Brown from Titans, Judon, Ravens. Would like Brate and Reddick.The fact is this year in NFL free agency, while there are a lot of options. This isn't one that truly is a game changer. There is no prime Revis, Sherman or Gilmore. No Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. While guys like Von Miller and JJ Watt are available, they aren't in their primes anymore. Barrett is good, but he isn't that caliber of guy.
This free agency has a lot of very interesting guys, but no corner stone type players. I think that should affect how you look at it. If a team signs a guy like Godwin for example in hopes he can be their super star #1 they will be regretting it years later. Sam thing for Dak. If you pay him near Rodgers/Wilson money he will keep you relevant but you will be stuck in the middle until he goes. As much as the Patriots might want to or we might want them to, this isn't the year to break the bank. This is the year to load up on solid players and keep some cap room for next year. Hopefully you manage to find a QB in the draft or one in FA whose super cheap but servicable and you can try to get the peices to really put you over the top next year. They currently have 69M free.
Here is what I'd do.
For our own players...
Sign Andrews 4yr/28M 6, 7, 7, 8
Sign White 3/13M 4, 4, 5
Sign Jackson 3/30M 9, 10, 11
Sign McCourty 2/11M 5, 6
Sign Guy 2/9M 5, 4
For other FA
Sign Jon Feliciano 3/22M (G) 7 7, 8
Sign K.J Wright 3/18M (LB) 5, 6, 7
Sign Cameron Brate 3/16M (TE) 5, 5, 6
Sign Hassen Reddick 2/16M (Edge) 7. 9
As for WRs, just sign whoever you feel can be low priced and reliable, unless you can get Allen Robinson. He's the only guy truly worth going after for big money in this market. I also don't sign an expensive QB as there is no franchise option.
Reddick is a bit of a risk so you make sure you can cut bait cheaply after year 1. This would cost you 53M of your 69M or so. Add a cheap/drafted QB and WRs and you will be at about 60M. Carry that last 9M over to give you a better chance next year. These contracts should give you good flexibility to get ride of or keep anyone you don't want after this for the most part.
After thinking about it didn't like signing Thuney. Paying top money for OL (particularly one who isn't an OT isn't a good idea). In that spot it's all about being cost effective, having depth and no weak link to attack. Paying Thuney 14/15M just doesn't make sense. He isn't even the best guard in the NFL. Feliciano is good and can be had for a far better price.
In the draft ideally you get/trade up for a good QB. Then you take a WR who is the WR you were NOT going to take. Draft a DL and call it a day.
I’m thinking it was a bad game. Coaches sometimes stretch players out to see what their true capabilities are. Bryant will likely never be an All-Pro, but I think he has a chance to be a valuable contributor like, say, Duron Harmon, for many years.I agree except for Myles Bryant. In the last game against the JETEs I thought he was awful. Maybe a bad game. We will see. Seems to short and slow.
They probably thought why bother because Cam didn’t have the arm strength to get the ball to him outside the numbers or down the field anyway. Hopefully, Stidham and Dolegala got him some good looks in practice.Agreed. I’ve always liked Zuber & was a proponent of him getting touches not only in space, but via the route tree as well. Definitely possesses an element that we could use going forward.
udfa priorities
QB
Brady Davis - lots of arm talent- strength, placement & accuracy pop every game. Mobility & toughness - both mentally & physically. Battled back from multiple knee injuries, somewhat highly touted coming out of HS. Ended up at Illinois St after a short stint with Memphis. Definitely not a straight line to where he's at today. I could see him going round 4-5 or udfa
Colin Hill - 24 yo right about when the league starts up. Knees are probably shot. He's got an arm, tough as **** and shown some leadership throughout his time in college - some teammates & coaches really loved him, willing to stand in the pocket, taking plenty of hits, injuries... I've seen him take brutal hits and pop right up. Long shot, possible back up bc of everything he's been dealing with. If healthy, few things go a different way and he's a day two prospect. He can keep the trains running on time, moving the offense and can spin it if need be.
Shane Buechele - Man I love me some Buechele. Small, physical traits don't stand out and definitely don't overwhelm you. Such a gamer though not afraid of the moment. Love the way he operates for the most part - everything is quick. He knows what's going on and where he's going. Does have a decent arm though. Again not special but its got just enough live action. Nice deep passes. Can move the chains, operate your offense but he can move. He's mobile. He can buy time, scramble but also take off for yards. He's elusive for a QB.
TE - some guys stand out as udfa and some years you never know who'll end up there. Most years are like that lol. Anyway here's a few that could end up udfa TE.
Miller Forristall , Nick Eubanks - anyone that's ever watched them play has come away impressed with effort, toughness, willingness to jump in and do the dirty work in the run game. Both know their role and are quick to initiate contact.
Noah Gray - I've been on a "let's turn smaller TE into versatile FB that can hurt you in the pass game" lately and I think Gray fits that mold if he can hold up as a blocker. He's a really decent, somewhat versatile rec threat. You can use him in the flat, seam/down field a bit off PA/misdirection. He took some reps as a FB at the SR Bowl I believe. Could have an uphill battle as full time anything TE. Could be a nice little project.
LB Tuf Borland liability in the pass game. Offers next to nothing but he'll gladly accept CTE in order to play in the league. Good football IQ, awareness and tough as hell. Undersized at like 6 230 but he'll try to take on anyone. Situation project prospect
Amen Ogbongbemiga smart, said that a few times about a few guys but he's quick to ID what's going on. Don't see a lot of guessing. ST ability. Potential 3 down player. Plays a little bigger than his size 6'1 235. From Texas, moved to Canada before ending back down south. Really like him as a gamble late\udfa.
Riley Cole will be added to my list soon. He's a PTP. Quick, physical and finish. Can chase and run, stack and shed. Really like his potential as a second level defender. Has worked hard getting his body where it is. Came in light. He's a worker.
WR - there will be a ton of talent that end up udfa. A ton. Guys like Dax Milne, Tamm Terry, Jhamon Ausbon, Whop Philyor could all go round 3 or 7 or end up udfa. It's a such a deep class. With other positions of need no doubt some "names" could end up there.
I really like Whop Philyor. He's a tough cover, tough all-around player with return/slot skills. Really nice hand/eye coordination. YAC. Catches through contact. Can stretch the field a bit. Route savvy, knows how to manipulate the space around him. Use leverage. Love his attitude.
Terry has been known to get into with coaches. Attitude and off the field bs. He's 6'4 215 and can absolutely fly. I'm not in love with him but the talent and potential is there.
Dax Milne was Wilson go-to guy, favorite target. Former walk-on. Like Philyor he has + concentration and hand/eye coordination. + tracking ability for a little guy. Did a lot of work outside but should be slot next level, mostly I'd assumed. Very familiar and comfortable working back to the ball. Creating off Wilson's off-script stuff.
OL - James Hudson - anyone who's watched him sees the nasty demeanour and play style. Got him in trouble in his last game I believe. Tough tackle with strong hands/grip. Good movements, looks the part there. Plays a little high at times. Interesting prospect.
Sadarius Hutcherson - love his attitude and demeanour on the field. Played both G spots and LT. At times he flashes everything in all areas at times. + Motor & drive.
Tommy Kraemer - power pig RG with potential in certain systems. Bully type that survived in pass pro. I doubt he goes udfa but would be a priority bc of his versatility in the run game.
CB
DiCaprio Bootle - wasn't recruited heavily at all. Under the radar. Tough physically and mentally, + awareness vs pass/run and had his hands on a lot passes the past two years.
Marco Wilson - athletic CB with inside/outside versatility if he gets his **** together. Smooth mover but again he's a Florida boy. Needs a wake up call. Late-udfa could do it. I'll probably have a draftable grade on him but I could see a fall.
Shemar Jean Charles - been on my board for months but overvalued him a bit. Again another guy that could go anywhere from mid-udfa but that's the draft. One of the leaders from that defense. So many big plays that don't show up in terms of just being in the right place to prevent a big play. You can see the football IQ and awareness. Really in tune every play. Has some length. Not afraid to make a play. Lots of confidence and attitude.
RB
Gerrid Doaks - bull type of runner with soft feet. Runs hard!
CJ Marable - good power, some elusivness and rec ability. Good vision in close quarters, on tough short yard runs.
Caleb Huntley - throwback type. Could be a nice short yardage back. Patient let's the big guys work then he's making it work himself. Decent contact balance and ability to roll off halfass tackles.
DL - Shaka Toney is explosive at times. Can turn a corner and takes an extremely efficient path to the QB but he's like 6'2 230? Where are you playing next year, few months after the draft? If you have a spot, a plan and some weight to throw around then take him middle/late but I could see him falling in a good rush class. Pass rush specialist with potential off-the ball upside? Again lots of fun and some traits but size is a real factor here.
Jack Heflin - underachiever from Iowa with some position versatility at 6'4 310 if it clicks. Practice squad project.
Phil Hoskins - is a long shot. Just getting back to himself after a knee injury in 2019. Some academic issues. Big boy with some size and length. Actual considered going back for a 7th!!! year but college kicked him out. Another project with upside to move around if works out in any way. Legit udfa type. Flashed on a talented defense. His teammate Bohanna is another to keep an eye on. 6'4 350+.
Tarron Johnson - bigger end with good hands. Can shoot through gaps, hold up at poa. Maybe some upside rushing inside next level. Could go anywhere from mid-late but anything is possible. He's someone to know though. Decent prospect for sure.
Jordan Scott is someone else who could go mid-udfa. Strict run stuffer, 0/1 tech. Like Davis or Slaton he's one dimensional and not effecting the pass game.
S
Darrick Forrest - SS/Rover/LB versatility. That defense and secondary was fun and physical. Forrest is a decent little project - second level/MOF defender, he's everywhere at times. Seems like a worker on & off the field.
Tyree Gillespie - love his potential versatility next level. He'll be mostly a box defender but he's an athlete also. Physical, plays big and has np taking on bigger backs. I'd be surprised but not shocked if he goes udfa. He's be a priority though.
Aashari Crosswalk - knack for big plays since HS. Plays eyes but doesn't sell out. FS potential, on the smaller side. Not sure he's a single high guy but I like his style and would be a decent look if he goes udfa.
I know these guys are being linked to us but I've been on these guys for a minute now. Ask @long distance
Leonard Williams - 4/80 45 guareented. Consistent run defender with a little versatility. He's not a 10 sack guy but again very consistent and offers some versatility.
Shelby Harris - you should remember him from this past year. Offers pass rush and can play the run. + motor. He's be an upgrade over both Butler & Guy imo. 3/35 13 guareented
Matt Milano - should be here. Loved him coming out, had a 4th on him. Sure his run defense and tackling are inconsistent but he can actually cover RB/TE and there's only like 5 LB that can do that. Great in coverage. Local kid with great upbringing. Loves football. I would go 4/48 23 guaranteed
Haason Reddick - KVN role. Leave him on the line. Let him chase and cut off angles to the sidelines. Knife. Attack the QB. 2/13 type deal.
Curtis Samuel - Samuel has been underutilized since day one. It's not hard though. He's a nice slot option that can get down field and handle 2-3 carries a game. 3/27 17 guaranteed
I'd take back Guy or Butler on the cheap. If Watt or Hendrickson are available I'd pay for them in a second. Either one, Williams, Harris and Guy/Butler would be a huge upgrade. Add a one dimensional run stuffer through the draft and our DL & LB group is set if HT is back.
Sub could be fun
Watt Williams Harris
Reddick Wino
Milano HT
JC JJ Dugger Gilly
I would love him here, said it few times in other threads, i am a big Shelvin fan. I wouldn't mind some of the other mentioned names here as well, Tomlinson, Williams, Harris, Rankins and Wolfe for DE above average run defenderI like Dalvin Tomlinson and Leonard Williams. Both are more a fit for a 3-4 base defense, but I have fond memories of NE running a 3-4 defense with Warren, Wilfork, and Seymour. If they can get Barmore early, he is a 3-down player. If not, then a true NT like Tyler Shelvin would go a long way towards stopping the run.
View attachment 30680
I think our last update was November 2, when Belichick said he wouldn't play this season after a setback in practice. We know that he initially got hurt during conditioning workouts at the beginning of training camp (there are pictures of him participating in at least two days before he got hurt) and that he was in a walking boot, but that's really about it. I'm guessing the next we'll hear of him is either a release or pay cut sometime in about a month. Turning 30 next season and coming off a season with 0 games played, he's the perfect example of a guy who's going to struggle to get more than minimum salary with the reduced cap this offseason.Btw- Has anyone got any new info on Beau Allen?
Thx,Sciz, pretty much what I thought. But if hes reasonably healthy, a big if I know...I think our last update was November 2, when Belichick said he wouldn't play this season after a setback in practice. We know that he initially got hurt during conditioning workouts at the beginning of training camp (there are pictures of him participating in at least two days before he got hurt) and that he was in a walking boot, but that's really about it. I'm guessing the next we'll hear of him is either a release or pay cut sometime in about a month. Turning 30 next season and coming off a season with 0 game played, he's the perfect example of a guy who's going to struggle to get more than minimum salary with the reduced cap this offseason.
QB POOL
NE ROSTER
4Stidham (25, 2022, $0.8), 8Dolegala (24,futures)
FREE AGENTS top market: 40M-apy 2021 proj. FT=24M
Prescott, 28, DAL [40]— FT 37.7
Fitzpatrick, 39, MIA [PFF:1/10] —
Winston, 27, NO [7-10; PFF:1/5] — NO, CHI —
Newton, 32, NE — [PFF:1/5]
T.Taylor, 31, LAC — [PFF:2/10]
Dalton, 34, DAL [7, PFF:2/10] —
Brissett, 29, IND — [PFF:2/14]
Trubisky, 27, CHI — [8; PFF:2/15]
Mullens, 26, SF —
K.Allen, 25, WAS —
Sudfeld, 28, PHI —
Bortles, 30, DEN —
Glennon, 32, JAX — [PFF:1/1.5]
B.Allen, 29, CIN —
CJ Beathard, 28, SF — [PFF:2/6]
Griffin, 32, TB —
Shaub, 40, ATL —
McCarron, 31, HOU —
Flacco, 36, NYJ — [PFF:1/2]
--
Heinicke, 28, WAS — RFA — WAS 2y/8.8M
TRADE OPTIONS/CUTS
Stafford, 33, DET — $20+$23 — LAR, IND, SF, WAS, CAR — LAR : Goff, '21 3rd, ’22 1st, ’23 1st
Goff, 27, LAR —> DET
Wentz, 29, PHI (25.4,22,25,26) — IND, CHI — trade to IND ’21 3rd ’22 2nd(1st)
[Watson, 26, HOU (10.5,35,37,32,32) (no-trade)
[Carr, 30, LV (19.5, 19.8)
[Cousins, 33, MIN (21,35) — SF,
[Garoppolo, 29, SF (25, 25) (no-trade) [2-round+]
[Ryan, 36, ATL (23, 23.5, 28 )
[Bridgewater, 29, CAR (17/10, 20) — possible cut —
[Mariota, 28, LV (11.4) [5-round] — NE, WAS?,
[Darnold, 24, NYJ (4.8) (5y.opt=25Mfgtd) [2rd] — WAS, CAR, SF
[Minshew, 25, JAX (1) [late round]
[A.Smith, 37, WAS (18.8,20.8/14.7) — possible cut/retire —
DRAFT
QB *Trevor Lawrence #16 Clemson (6’6-213-10“) - 1
QB Zach Wilson #1 BYU (6’3-210) - 1
QB *Justin Fields #1 Ohio State (6'3-228) - 1
QB Trey Lance # N Dakota St (6’3-220) - 1/2
QB Mac Jones #10 Alabama (6’25-217) - 1/2
QB Kyle Trask #11 Florida (6’5-240) - D2/3
QB *Davis Mills #15 Stanford (6’4-212) - D2/3
QB Jamie Newman # Wake (6’25-235-30”) - D3
QB Kellen Mond #11 Texas A&M (6’25-205) - D3
INTERESTING POSSIBLE UDFA
QB Brady Davis #1 Illinois St (6’3-210)
QB Shane Buechele #7 SMU (6'1-207)
QB Sam Ehlinger #11 Texas (6’1-222)
QB Feleipe Franks # Arkansas (6’6-234)
QB Ian Book 12# ND (6’0-210)
[8; PFF:2/15] = projected apy contract (2021 cap hit 20-40% lower) - projections are not mine..
(6.9,6.3,6.3) = cap hits of remaining contract yrs. black is guaranteed, grey not gtd
FT = Franchise Tag