2014 Roster - Offseason needs

[fester]

And then, what does BB do if all three CB's with first round grades are on the board when we pick, Dennard of Michigan state (unlikely but possible), Olomu of Oregon and Gilbert of Ok state?

Trade down and get more picks

 

[Leemo]

Jason Verrett is also a first round CB

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

We need another quality TE!

 

[Deus Irae]

You missed QB,CB,OT,K and P

CB would be a depth move, as Talib (assuming he returns) and Dennard hold down the CB1/CB2 spots quite well, and Arrington is a viable slot CB. OT is 4 deep if they keep Svitek. K and P are set, barring injuries. QB actually may become a need, depending upon what they do with Mallett.






(And, yes, I know... But my first post was serious. There are definite needs at all those spots I listed.)

 

[Leemo]

CB would be a depth move, as Talib (assuming he returns) and Dennard hold down the CB1/CB2 spots quite well, and Arrington is a viable slot CB. OT is 4 deep if they keep Svitek. K and P are set, barring injuries. QB actually may become a need, depending upon what they do with Mallett.






(And, yes, I know... But my first post was serious. There are definite needs at all those spots I listed.)

For once I agree with you, in a way....

Tier 1 needs: TE, DT, OG, CB, C, S, WR

Tier 2: OT, LB

This makes it great for the draft cause we can 'almost' go BPA

 

[manxman2601]

For once I agree with you, in a way....

Tier 1 needs: TE, DT, OG, CB, C, S, WR

Tier 2: OT, LB

This makes it great for the draft cause we can 'almost' go BPA

I'm going to have to disagree with you and Deus, I just don't see safety as a priority at all. McCourty, Gregory and Harmon are pretty good.

As far as I'm concerned, TE is the #1 priority and it isn't even close.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I'm going to have to disagree with you and Deus, I just don't see safety as a priority at all. McCourty, Gregory and Harmon are pretty good.

As far as I'm concerned, TE is the #1 priority and it isn't even close.

I don't know if it's the #1 priority in a literal sense, but I think it's where the biggest upgrade is possible.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't know if it's the #1 priority in a literal sense, but I think it's where the biggest upgrade is possible.

Let me put it this way. I think that adding Ebron, Amaro or ASJ in the first round is the best way to improve next years team over this years through the draft.

 

[EwanSellars]

TE has to the biggest need then i would say OG/OC then DT then WR the only WR is there is because i want another big outside receiver to pair with dobson i like thompkins but getting someone 3rd round or later unless Allen Robinson is available who i love would be nice

 

[Deus Irae]

I'm going to have to disagree with you and Deus, I just don't see safety as a priority at all. McCourty, Gregory and Harmon are pretty good.

As far as I'm concerned, TE is the #1 priority and it isn't even close.

I see one starter caliber safety, in McCourty. I see a backup caliber safety in Gregory. We also disagree on where Harmon is right now.

That's where our difference on the position comes from. My needs list wasn't broken down by priority, though. I haven't fully evaluated that at this point, because I want to see the young players in the final game(s) first.

 

[cstjohn17]

Way to early but with a couple days off I looked ahead to 2014.

Looks like the Patriots should focus on a quality CB, LB depth and interior OL.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApWRaF25BKdAdHV6ZXlIMnNBQ3FNQXNhc0IweWJ6bUE&usp=sharing

I like the break downs, nice work.

My latest thinking is the offseason hinges on Talib. If he gets signed they have an excellent base to build from, if both Edelman and Talib sign they are is super shape. My assumption is that Talib stays and Edelman walks. I still view Edelman as a system player, I love him but think his production can be replaced.

Needs
C/G
- a starting Center or Guard has to be brought in, if it is a Guard Wendell can move to C

Units that can be improved
LB - very, very thin
DT - have liked the play of the young guys, Wilfork and Kelly are huge question marks
WR - with no Edelman a starter is needed (maybe Maclin or Roddy White)
CB - depends on Talib
TE - What will Gronk be like next year?
S - the Gregory factor, McCourty is a free agent in 2015
OT - Solder is a free agent in 2015
DE - no depth behind Jones and Ninkovich

Focus round 1 & 2 on biggest impact player from (WR, DT, DE, CB, OT)

Focus the rest of the draft on OG/C, S, TE

 

[PattieswinSB]

TE and DT.

 

[AQPE]

Let me put it this way. I think that adding Ebron, Amaro or ASJ in the first round is the best way to improve next years team over this years through the draft.

Couldn't agree more, though I think the DE and OG/C needs are a bit closer to the TE need than you stated earlier; just a quibble, not a big disagreement. The quality at TE and overall (seeming) depth of the draft are why I think the Pats have a great chance to snag one of those three players, even though they will be picking 32nd

 

[mayoclinic]

As far as I'm concerned, TE is the #1 priority and it isn't even close.

Let me put it this way. I think that adding Ebron, Amaro or ASJ in the first round is the best way to improve next years team over this years through the draft.

These are 2 different statements.

I agree that adding quality depth at TE and a "move TE"/H-back is a priority for the offense, and that the TE position is likely to be one of the biggest immediate holes for 2014, depending on how FA sorts out.

But I'm not all convinced that adding Ebron, Amaro or ASJ in the first round is "the best way to improve next year's team over this year's through the draft". There is good depth at TE, and recent years have shown that you can get studs on day 2-3 (Jimmy Graham late 3rd round, Jordan Cameron and Julius Thomas 4th round, among others). Troy Niklas, Richard Rodgers, Xavier Grimble and others have considerable talent. Trey Millard and even Colt Lyerla (though I doubt he will be on our board) could be late day 3 options with immediate impact. Larry Webster would be a conversion, but he has the athleticism to excel, and we've seen players with his kind of height, athleticism and basketball background make extremely fast conversions. Add 1 day 2/early day 3 guy and 1 of the late round options, and there would be a lot more depth and playmaking capability at the position.

In addition, I think we may be 1-2 players away from a legitimate top 5 defense, assuming we can re-sign Aqib Talib. The secondary is evolving into a championship unit, and Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan should improve. Jamie Collins looks like he could have a breakout year, Mayo will be back, both of which should allow Don'ta Hightower to settle down. Chandler Jones is still improving, and is close to being a perennial Pro Bowler. There is some work to do to sort out the DT position, but we have at least good depth in Chris Jones and Siliga, and hopefully Armstead will be able to contribute. Almost every single impact player is 27 or younger. Add 1-2 guys of the caliber that we have added in recent years (Devin McCourty in 2010, Chandler Jones in 2012 and Jamie Collins last year) and we could have a top 5 defense, the kind which can win games by itself. That kind of caliber defense, with Brady and the running game and the expected maturation of the WRs and the eventual return of Gronk, would win an awful lot of games, and be very well balanced for the playoffs.

I could also argue that a stud center who can hold his own in the middle without requiring major guard help and who can keep Brady upright some more would have as great or greater an impact.

But I certainly want to see the TE position addressed. No question.

 

[captain stone]

Ass-uming that Talib, Minitron & Blunt are all re-signed, I see the off-season needs as:

On Offense,

- Move TE to replace The Prisoner;

- Center to replace Wendy, who I hope signs elsewhere as a UFA;

- RG to replace Connolly, who should be cut if he doesn't agree to a salary reduction;

- Young vet UFA WR (we have enough rookies to worry about);

- Swing Tackle as SeaBass insurance.

On Defense,

- DE to replace Ancient Andre Carter;

- SS to replace Gregory;

- DT to replace Vellano & Kelly (& Sopoaga if he doesn't agree to a salary reduction);

- and another CB wouldn't hurt.

 

[mayoclinic]

Ass-uming that Talib, Minitron & Blunt are all re-signed, I see the off-season needs as:

On Offense,

- Move TE to replace The Prisoner; check

- Center to replace Wendy, who I hope signs elsewhere as a UFA; check

- RG to replace Connolly, who should be cut if he doesn't agree to a salary reduction; check

- Young vet UFA WR (we have enough rookies to worry about);

- Swing Tackle as SeaBass insurance.

On Defense,

- DE to replace Ancient Andre Carter; check

- SS to replace Gregory;

- DT to replace Vellano & Kelly (& Sopoaga if he doesn't agree to a salary reduction);

- and another CB wouldn't hurt. check

Pretty solid list. I agree with almost everything on it. Some thoughts:

- This is a good draft to find guard/tackle prospects - guys who can play inside or out. David Yankey, Zach Martin, Joel Bitonio, Billy Turner, Cameron Fleming and Brandon Linder all are guys who can probably play inside or out. Even Xavier Sua'Filo played LT for USC.

- I don't see SS to replace Gregory as a priority. In fact, I think the Pats may give Gregory an extension that lowers his 2014 cap hit. He just turned 31, and all of the players give him a ton of credit for his football smarts and savvy. It's a bit like where Rob Ninkovich a few years ago. I see adding a DB - ideally someone who can play both CB and S - as an area to address, but I'm not sure that replacing Gregory is in the cards, or necessary for that matter. Continuity of the secondary is important, too.

- What young veteran UFA WR do you have in mind? There's not a ton of talent out there, and WRs tend to be overpriced on the FA market. Eric Decker probably won't get out of Denver, and if he does it will be because he wants to be paid like a #1 WR. Kenny Britt? In this deep a draft, adding a day 3 WR could be more cost-effective than adding a young FA.

- Sapoaga hasn't done much for us and has been a healthy scratch. I don't see re-signing him as in the cards, regardless of his willingness to restructure. Tommy Kelly, OTOH, played very well for us and spoke openly about how much he enjoyed the "Patriot experience" before getting hurt. I think it's more likely that he's the one who is brought back with a salary reduction. Vellano has given tremendous effort, but he's limited, and I agree that he is upgradeable.

But overall, very solid list.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Anyone else think McCourty would be better at SS than FS? His best attribute is his tackling. His worst is still his ball skills. Would he better off covering one of these new-age te's or playing the ball? I'd rather have a ball-hawking safety to pair with him than a thumper. The rules have changed the way the position is played. Wouldn't take one early. But, maybe one later.

 

[mayoclinic]

Anyone else think McCourty would be better at SS than FS? His best attribute is his tackling. His worst is still his ball skills. Would he better off covering one of these new-age te's or playing the ball? I'd rather have a ball-hawking safety to pair with him than a thumper. The rules have changed the way the position is played. Wouldn't take one early. But, maybe one later.

I don't think in terms of traditional FS/SS dichotomy. I'd ideally like 2 guys with the range and cover skills to play the ball-hawking safety role and also the skills to support the run and cover TEs/RBs.

One of my favorite prospects in this draft is Western Kentucky DB Jonathan Dowling. 6' 2 1/2" 198#. Was recruited to Florida by Urban Meyer, then dismissed for violation of team rules and transferred. Has been clean for 2 years. He's played mostly safety, but has the length, speed and coverage ability to play outside CB as well. I think he's got the ideal combination of size and skills. Whether the intangibles are there is a question, obviously.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I don't think in terms of traditional FS/SS dichotomy. I'd ideally like 2 guys with the range and cover skills to play the ball-hawking safety role and also the skills to support the run and cover TEs/RBs.

One of my favorite prospects in this draft is Western Kentucky DB Jonathan Dowling. 6' 2 1/2" 198#. Was recruited to Florida by Urban Meyer, then dismissed for violation of team rules and transferred. Has been clean for 2 years. He's played mostly safety, but has the length, speed and coverage ability to play outside CB as well. I think he's got the ideal combination of size and skills. Whether the intangibles are there is a question, obviously.

That's the way the game is headed. I don't mind taking risks on players late. Like we did with Dennard. Just don't want any injury risks or head-cases in first 4 rounds.

 

[manxman2601]

These are 2 different statements.

I agree that adding quality depth at TE and a "move TE"/H-back is a priority for the offense, and that the TE position is likely to be one of the biggest immediate holes for 2014, depending on how FA sorts out.

But I'm not all convinced that adding Ebron, Amaro or ASJ in the first round is "the best way to improve next year's team over this year's through the draft". There is good depth at TE, and recent years have shown that you can get studs on day 2-3 (Jimmy Graham late 3rd round, Jordan Cameron and Julius Thomas 4th round, among others). Troy Niklas, Richard Rodgers, Xavier Grimble and others have considerable talent. Trey Millard and even Colt Lyerla (though I doubt he will be on our board) could be late day 3 options with immediate impact. Larry Webster would be a conversion, but he has the athleticism to excel, and we've seen players with his kind of height, athleticism and basketball background make extremely fast conversions. Add 1 day 2/early day 3 guy and 1 of the late round options, and there would be a lot more depth and playmaking capability at the position.

In addition, I think we may be 1-2 players away from a legitimate top 5 defense, assuming we can re-sign Aqib Talib. The secondary is evolving into a championship unit, and Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan should improve. Jamie Collins looks like he could have a breakout year, Mayo will be back, both of which should allow Don'ta Hightower to settle down. Chandler Jones is still improving, and is close to being a perennial Pro Bowler. There is some work to do to sort out the DT position, but we have at least good depth in Chris Jones and Siliga, and hopefully Armstead will be able to contribute. Almost every single impact player is 27 or younger. Add 1-2 guys of the caliber that we have added in recent years (Devin McCourty in 2010, Chandler Jones in 2012 and Jamie Collins last year) and we could have a top 5 defense, the kind which can win games by itself. That kind of caliber defense, with Brady and the running game and the expected maturation of the WRs and the eventual return of Gronk, would win an awful lot of games, and be very well balanced for the playoffs.

I could also argue that a stud center who can hold his own in the middle without requiring major guard help and who can keep Brady upright some more would have as great or greater an impact.

But I certainly want to see the TE position addressed. No question.

I don't think they're opposing statements at all. As I've said, I believe TE is the biggest priority and the best way to service that priority is to draft the closest to a sure thing as possible and certainly Ebron and ASJ (character allowing) are that for me. Sure later round players might have better value but they come with risk too. Trey Millard? He isn't a very good blocker and plays for a team from which we've never drafted.Grimble, Rodgers et al do have talent and I've been higher on Rodgers than most but if you were tasked only with the job of finding a starting TE that could push 1,000 yards receiving, which of the top 3 would you replace with Rodgers? Rodgers might be better value than Amaro but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be a better player.

For me, as I said, TE is the #1 need and it isn't even close, and I'll stick by that. And to that end, I want to fulfill that need with the best player possible. I've also said that I want to double dip at the position so your later round players aren't out of the running anyway.