2014 draft priorities

[edboc]

Is Aaron Murray overlooked because of his lack of size? I'm not sure they spend a high draft pick on a QB, maybe in the middle rounds on someone like Jeff Matthews or an undrafted free agent.

 

[stumeister]

BEEF OL & DL at least three between the two.

Then best available to meet our scheme of DB's, TE, QB

 

[AzPatsFan]

I am really surprised that this thread is not about the depth or lack thereof of the QB class in 2014 and the Patriots need for a top shelf Quarterback to compete with Mallett to succeed The Oldest Player on the Team.

There are several 1st round prospects:
WalterFootball.com: 2014 NFL Draft: Quarterback Rankings

Late first/second round guys I like are Zach Mettenberger from LSU, AJ McCarron from Alabama who plays in a pro set and Tajh Boyd who lacks height but is a Geno Smith-type QB.

A starter who is The Oldest Guy on the Team is an automatic designation for an early draft pick and maybe two.

All there is, is a bunch of rag-armed shrimps. Only if you were looking for a clone replacement for Hoyer, would you be interested using a high or medium pick,

 

[mgteich]

A) It seems likely that we would sign a veteran corner, hopefully Talib. So, I'm not sure that we need more top youth than Dennard and Ryan.

B) The DT situation is most interesting. I expect Jones, Vellano, Armstead and Forston to all be back.

The question is how many of the veterans will be back.

I would expect that at least one of the veterans would be back.

To me, Sopoaga is the MOST likely to be back. After all, he's healthy. His contract would be restructured, depending on who else is back.

I just can't us giving up on ALL the veterans and drafting a 1st or 2nd round DT. Would such a player be expected to be better than Jones and Vellano? As always, we should ignore discussions of the top DT's, since none will be available when we pick.

That'd be one hell of an assumption though, Bob Didgie.

Talib and Wilfork will be interesting enough in their own respect, but Kelly and Sopoaga are a whole other story altogether. The chances aren't looking too good for Kelly, as the contract is supposedly structured in a way where it pretty much makes it a no-brainer. That's certainly not my area of expertise by any stretch, but I've read a couple/few articles which stated that he's likely to be cut.

Sopoaga's number is also too high to keep, although they very well could get him to restructure and make that more affordable. Actually they could in theory get all of Wilfork, Kelly, and Sopoaga to restructure or extend, so it will definitely be interesting to see what happens. I'm not thinking that the odds are too good of keeping all 4 though. Just my opinion.

 

[RayClay]

To me, Sopoaga is the MOST likely to be back. After all, he's healthy. His contract would be restructured, depending on who else is back.

I just can't us giving up on ALL the veterans and drafting a 1st or 2nd round DT. Would such a player be expected to be better than Jones and Vellano?

Of course, that's why they would require a high draft pick. I agree we are unlikely to find the DT we need at our pick, but we need to start looking. Jones is a nice backup with pass rushing skills, Vince is likely to be a smart, athletically limited player at best the rest of his career, Kelly could very well be toast, it's hard to tell, and Velano is a nice story for a marginal NFL player who probably has seen the highlights of his career. Like Jones, he is a lightweight.

We really need two starting NFL tackles if we want a pass rush and coverage. We are overplaying linebackers and safeties on run downs right now.

Because of Wilfork's outstanding athletic ability and smarts, we've been counting on him as 1 1/2 tackles and some guy for the other half.

I could see drafting a center, ut we don't need a top pick for that. Otherwise, we have young talent at most positions and can fill in with lower picks and FA.

 

[RayClay]

We had two shots at Muhammad Wilkerson, for instance. Don't know if he's fit here as a DE/DT depending on defensive alignment, but he would certainly be disruptive, not average.

 

[supafly]

The DT situation is most interesting. I expect Jones, Vellano, Armstead and Forston to all be back.

Out of those 4 players, I don't think that any are going to fill our need at starters though. Rotational guys who can start in a pinch? Absolutely..I think we could feel very confident going into the season, but starters? I'm thinking no, especially based on what we've seen with the struggles this year (in the starting role).

Let me rephrase that--I wouldn't be comfortable with more than ONE of the starters on your list.

And I'm not sure that we still continue to assume much of anything regarding Armstead. From day one we've been hearing that he's going to be a force, but unfortunately he wasn't able to get healthy enough to play. I'm sure he'll be in the mix next season with a chance to make the team, but I'm not going to continue to pencil him in anymore.

I just can't us giving up on ALL the veterans and drafting a 1st or 2nd round DT. Would such a player be expected to be better than Jones and Vellano? As always, we should ignore discussions of the top DT's, since none will be available when we pick.

I certainly don't think we'll be getting rid of ALL the vets, but I also don't think we'll be keeping all either.

I'm not seeing the relation to needing to give up all of the vet DT's to draft one in the first 2 rounds myself, so this seems to be a difference in opinions for us.

As pointed out, Muhammed Wilkerson was passed on twice by us, most notably with the 28th pick. There are definitely plenty of opportunities to draft a good DT in the first/second round. The league has a lot of top 10 picks at the position, but they certainly aren't all that way. There is talent to be found in the late 20's-early 60's too.

 

[mgteich]

I'm fine with drafting a DT with one of our top picks. I just think that we have higher priorities at OG/OC, TE and S.

I'm fine with starting ONE of the kids (Jones, Jones, Forston, Armstead) and ONE of the vets (Wilfork, Kelly, Sopoaga).

Out of those 4 players, I don't think that any are going to fill our need at starters though. Rotational guys who can start in a pinch? Absolutely..I think we could feel very confident going into the season, but starters? I'm thinking no, especially based on what we've seen with the struggles this year (in the starting role).

Let me rephrase that--I wouldn't be comfortable with more than ONE of the starters on your list.

And I'm not sure that we still continue to assume much of anything regarding Armstead. From day one we've been hearing that he's going to be a force, but unfortunately he wasn't able to get healthy enough to play. I'm sure he'll be in the mix next season with a chance to make the team, but I'm not going to continue to pencil him in anymore.




I certainly don't think we'll be getting rid of ALL the vets, but I also don't think we'll be keeping all either.

I'm not seeing the relation to needing to give up all of the vet DT's to draft one in the first 2 rounds myself, so this seems to be a difference in opinions for us.

As pointed out, Muhammed Wilkerson was passed on twice by us, most notably with the 28th pick. There are definitely plenty of opportunities to draft a good DT in the first/second round. The league has a lot of top 10 picks at the position, but they certainly aren't all that way. There is talent to be found in the late 20's-early 60's too.

 

[ATippett56]

I'm fine with drafting a DT with one of our top picks. I just think that we have higher priorities at OG/OC, TE and S.

Considering the Redskins and Raiders are known for doling out insane contracts, it would not surprise to see Aqib Talib sign with the highest bidder. With that said, cornerback would become the number one priority.

 

[supafly]

Considering the Redskins and Raiders are known for doling out insane contracts, it would not surprise to see Aqib Talib sign with the highest bidder. With that said, cornerback would become the number one priority.

I think that most are assuming a veteran CB signing (right or wrong), whether that is Aqib Talib, Charles Tillman, Brent Grimes, DRC, Corey Webster, DeAngelo Hall, Terrell Thomas, Kelvin Hayden, Parrish Cox, Aaron Ross, Tracy Porter, etc. Some are worth exploring, some are not.

There's also the idea of signing a vet safety and moving McCourty back to CB. Some of the possibilities include Jarius Byrd, Donte Whitner, Chris Clemons, Mike Adams, Charles Woodson, Yeremiah Bell, etc. Some of these guys are SS, so we'd have to continue to mix and match a bit.

I agree with your thoughts of wanting to explore at least one more high secondary pick at either CB/S, and we may need to do that no matter what the choice is--although I wouldn't have it as the first priority in some of the circumstances.

I still think both sides of the trenches will need to be addressed in the higher rounds too, so we'll have to see how Belichick handles free agency first. At this point in the process it's hard to predict much of anything prior to free agency, aside from the fact that we'll likely need interior offensive lineman and DT's no matter what; along with at least one secondary pick in the top 4 rounds.

 

[supafly]

Considering the Redskins and Raiders are known for doling out insane contracts, it would not surprise to see Aqib Talib sign with the highest bidder. With that said, cornerback would become the number one priority.

It's been reported that Talib turned down the Redskins in free agency, as they were one of the multi-year offers that he received.

That said, I think both sides are interested in seeing how much the market for CB's will stay the same as 2013. This is also the main reason why I see getting a deal done between now and the start of free agency as very difficult, as either side has a clear cut idea as to what the market value will hold. This is much different than other years, when we pretty much all knew what top level CB's would go for.

Another obstacle that may present itself is the Patriots feelings on whether or not they wish to address Talib's longstanding problem with his hip via surgery in the offseason. This is now the 4th season in a row where he has missed significant time due to this issue. It's obviously nagging and chronic, and if Belichick gives out a bigger multi year deal he may want to see this addressed on some level.

 

[supafly]

Take a look at some of the DL who will hit the free agent market:



--Jared Allen

--Michael Bennett

--Alan Branch

--Jason Hatcher

--Michael Johnson

--Arthur Jones

--Israel Idonijie

--Linval Joseph

--Brett Keisel

--Henry Melton

--Jay (now going by Jeremiah) Ratliff

--Ryan Pickett

--Antonio Smith

--Paul Soliai

--Anthony Spencer

--Randy Starks

--Justin Tuck

--Kevin Williams

--Tony McDaniel

 

[meatface]

TE- Even if they dont want to go back to the two TE offense it would still be a need as Hoomanwanui is a FA. Obviously if they plan on going back to that offense is a huge part of determining how big a need it is.

OL- Do they want to move Cannon inside to guard? If not then they need a decent pick on a guard and if so then a late pick for a backup perhaps. Either way they will need to figure out what they want to do at Center, Really seems like they would have to draft a center but I guess they sign a center or move Connolly back to center. Maybe Wendell wont be terrible the rest of the way

DT- Wilfork and Kelly will both be coming off injury and winding there careers down. Chris Jones has played well but even if they view him as a starter the pats would need another tackle.

S- Gregory has played well this year but the only depth behind him is Harmon. Wilson is a bust which is terribly shocking.

DE- need to fill the situational pass rush hole, but they could like their internal options for this.

LB- I expect Spikes to leave and hightower to move inside with Collins taking his place, but they will want depth.

CB-Franchise Talib, makes too much sense not to do

 

[Huckleberry1]

I love the idea of signing Arthur Jones and think that with Kelly and Wilfork back really solidifies their interior DL and gives them many more options come draft day. It would be great to be able to count on a high quality DT when they are picking but having that role filled though free agency would certainly sound much better to me. If they can keep Talib and address the DT with Jones then they can really focus on skill positions in the draft and go get another top WR, TE, or possibly a really good interior OL or a safety.

This is a pretty good team, but it really could be a hell of a lot better with one more really strong offseason.

 

[supafly]

This is a pretty good team, but it really could be a hell of a lot better with one more really strong offseason.

That is a valid point. I think that we are still seeing somewhat of a rebuilding process, and although that may likely continue on some level, this team has the potential to grow with another solid offseason.

As always, the cap implications will go a long way towards determining the future moves.

 

[Huckleberry1]

That is a valid point. I think that we are still seeing somewhat of a rebuilding process, and although that may likely continue on some level, this team has the potential to grow with another solid offseason.

As always, the cap implications will go a long way towards determining the future moves.

I'm no capologist but I'm guessing they are in decent shape against it the next couple of years and have the flexibility to keep the guys they need to keep and make some solid moves, and other than signing Talib the really don't have to go that far to deal with their more pressing issues.

1) Love the idea of signing A. Jones, imo it fixes the need at interior DL and allows them to focus resources elsewhere, and i don't think he is going to bust the bank but would cost a decent price.

2) Re-sign Talib, it is a hefty price but if he finishes the season the way he started it then they should do what they can to keep him. Hate the tag but it could come to that.

3) Let Spikes walk. Love his big hits but he can't cover and he is going to want way too much for what he brings.Really do hate to lose the intimidation though.

4) If they do address DL and Talib in free agency then go offense in the first round unless there is a defensive steal staring them in the face. a dominant OG/C, another serious threat at WR, or the complementary TE to go with Gronk.

5) Fill out the remaining needs in subsequent rounds or with good free agents.


While I always want the Patriots to be competitive imo there is a lot to be said for giving Brady the best supporting cast possible to finish the last 3-4 years of his career and if that means pushing the limits a little in terms of managing their cap and taking some chances then I'm all for it. I would take 1-2 more rings over 6-7 more winning seasons in this decade any time. They do have needs across the board, but they are also in really good shape and those needs can be addressed pretty readily, one really good offseason could do it.

 

[supafly]

I'm no capologist but I'm guessing they are in decent shape against it the next couple of years and have the flexibility to keep the guys they need to keep and make some solid moves, and other than signing Talib the really don't have to go that far to deal with their more pressing issues.

1) Love the idea of signing A. Jones, imo it fixes the need at interior DL and allows them to focus resources elsewhere, and i don't think he is going to bust the bank but would cost a decent price.

2) Re-sign Talib, it is a hefty price but if he finishes the season the way he started it then they should do what they can to keep him. Hate the tag but it could come to that.

3) Let Spikes walk. Love his big hits but he can't cover and he is going to want way too much for what he brings.Really do hate to lose the intimidation though.

4) If they do address DL and Talib in free agency then go offense in the first round unless there is a defensive steal staring them in the face. a dominant OG/C, another serious threat at WR, or the complementary TE to go with Gronk.

5) Fill out the remaining needs in subsequent rounds or with good free agents.


While I always want the Patriots to be competitive imo there is a lot to be said for giving Brady the best supporting cast possible to finish the last 3-4 years of his career and if that means pushing the limits a little in terms of managing their cap and taking some chances then I'm all for it. I would take 1-2 more rings over 6-7 more winning seasons in this decade any time. They do have needs across the board, but they are also in really good shape and those needs can be addressed pretty readily, one really good offseason could do it.

Lots of our own free agents to deal with in 2015, but I think we get off rather easily for next year 2014. Either way, there will be some tough decisions to be made in the next 16 or so months with guys like McCourty, Solder, Wilfork, Ridley, Vereen, Talib, Edelman, Bolden, Wendell, etc. We're not in a great cap situation for next year, with approx. 4.1 million at the moment to carry over for 2014. Some have speculated that the cap will see a more dramatic spike in 2015, but I think there have been a lot of hints that we won't see that until 2016. That would be my main concern.

Guys like Gregory, Connelly, Sopoaga, Wilfork, Kelly etc all have cap hits that will need to be dealt with next season one way or another, so I expect that some of them will be moving on, extended/restructured.

I think that will go a long way towards helping to determine what our needs are for the draft, but I think interior OL and DT will be a need somewhere. As usual, we should be in a fine position to still choose the best player available for the most part. Lots of great DL in free agency too, check out the list at the top of the page. Signing one of those guys would also go a long way towards helping the cause.

 

[varjao]

McShay posted his first mock draft and he picked CB Darqueze Dennard as our 1st round pick. He is Alfonzo's cousin.

I can see a CB being drafted on the 1st or 2nd round, Talib's durability is now in question more than Amendola's. On the other hand he can deal with this fact and accept that he's not making big money and he can have a fair deal here. I don't think at this point there will be many teams giving him a big contract, it can happen but he's not playing even close to the level he was on the first 6 games of the season.

Unless he put up some performance like against the Falcons on the playoffs, I think BB might move on from him.

 

[jsull87]

I am in the minority but don't think signin Arthur Jones is a good move.

He will cost medium DT money and what happens if Wilfork and Kelly are both fit? IMO I think Kelly was playing really well before the knee injury. Having a rotation of Jones, Kelly, Wilfork, Jones, Vellano, Siliga is probably too much.

I think we are a little blinded by the fact we lost our 2 best DT's this season and are calling it a need. IMO Kelly, Wilfork, Jones, Velano and Siliga offer a great mix of youth and vets and run stopers with penetrators.

For me the big needs for the pats (even tho I think its more luxury than need as we have been killed by injuries) are TE, 4/3 DE and OG/C.

IMO we are set at QB, RB, WR (although Sanders would be interesting), OT, LB, CB and Saftey.

Arguments could be made for coverage LB (but I think Collins will take up that role), CB ( but I think we franchise Talib) and WR (but I think we have when healthy a very good group of WR's right now in Edelman, Amendola, Dobson, KT and Boyce).

 

[varjao]

I am in the minority but don't think signin Arthur Jones is a good move.

He will cost medium DT money and what happens if Wilfork and Kelly are both fit? IMO I think Kelly was playing really well before the knee injury. Having a rotation of Jones, Kelly, Wilfork, Jones, Vellano, Siliga is probably too much.

I think we are a little blinded by the fact we lost our 2 best DT's this season and are calling it a need. IMO Kelly, Wilfork, Jones, Velano and Siliga offer a great mix of youth and vets and run stopers with penetrators.

For me the big needs for the pats (even tho I think its more luxury than need as we have been killed by injuries) are TE, 4/3 DE and OG/C.

IMO we are set at QB, RB, WR (although Sanders would be interesting), OT, LB, CB and Saftey.

Arguments could be made for coverage LB (but I think Collins will take up that role), CB ( but I think we franchise Talib) and WR (but I think we have when healthy a very good group of WR's right now in Edelman, Amendola, Dobson, KT and Boyce).

Don't forget Armstead although I have a little feeling that this guy will never play.

I agree with your analysis, I disagree on the RB part, I think we have a weak core and it deserves special attention, if a good player slips on the draft I'm not against pick him.

I think safety is ok , thanks god BB will not draft a safety this next draft, I think. We can count this as an extra pick