Cooks traded to Rams for 23 overall pick

[luuked]

23 and 31 add up to 1360 on the draft vale chart...or SF's #7 pick with a 6th thrown in

Given that nobody really knows whats going on inside BB this is just speculation but I don't see them giving up one of the rare opportunities to rebuild this team in a year where they have 2 firsts and 2 seconds. There are so many holes that the coaching staff has been stuffing for 2-3 years now and the collapse of the defense in the SB was a reminder of that.

You don't need any of the early QBs because you have the benefit of knowing that unless injury strikes your new QB will have time to be groomed behind Brady.

That is unless they totally fell in love with one the guys. 3 more weeks..

 

[Triumph]

The guy was talented, but dropped passes and never felt like he was anywhere as vital as JE11 or Amendola. I'm happy to see him go, if it means we can address other needs.

A 2017 - 57% catch rate which is low for a NE WR.

Hogan is 58% but at a bargain price

 

[fnordcircle]

I don't think anyone else on this team catches that game winner

But now he's a bum who couldn't catch **** and Leeroy Jenkins'ed himself on purpose to screw us.

 

[luuked]

I don't think anyone else on this team catches that game winner

But now he's a bum who couldn't catch **** and Leeroy Jenkins'ed himself on purpose to screw us.

I am not sure if you are putting my comment of average hands into the same pile of garbage where some posters say he had a bad catch rate. I thought he was good on the deep throws even though on some INTs/almost INTs (Miami comes to mind) I was missing aggressiveness from him to get in there and rather give up the OPI than possession. But generally 57% for someone that played mostly deep is fine.

My issue with his hands was on quick throws around the LOS (WR screens ect.) where he consistently seemed to have issues securing the ball.

 

[carmelo15]

Take Lamer Jackson 21 and trade out of 31 since we’ll be doing that anyways

 

[Triumph]

Surprise trade, but the Pats need serious help on that sieve of a defense and at LT.

LB/DE and LT are needs. In 18 drafts, BB has picked defense 10 times with the # 1 pick and overall defense 13 times with NEs first draft selection. He has picked OL twice @ # 1 - Mankins and Solder. Waddle is nothing special and its no time to gamble with Bradys health.

The last time NE had 2 - # 1 picks in 2012 BB selected DE Chandler Jones and LB Donta Hightower.

DraftHistory.com

Though a small sample size, Dorsetts DVOA was way higher than Cooks and his catch rate was where the Pats like it in the 66% 2 receptions out of 3 attempts model.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | WIDE RECEIVERS 2017

The Pats must be banking on Dorsetts continued development. Without a doubt he showed positive signs in 2017. Patterson should pick up some slack too with him out in space catching the ball gaining yac where he is deadly. Look at his DVOA rushing the ball at the bottom. I can envision McDaniel s designing plays to his strengths.

 

[edkk323]

A 2017 - 57% catch rate which is low for a NE WR.

Hogan is 58% but at a bargain price

Cookies had to catch a ton of long throws. Let's not pretend he was garbage and be grateful for his contribution last yr and the incredible asset we got from his trade.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Given that nobody really knows whats going on inside BB this is just speculation but I don't see them giving up one of the rare opportunities to rebuild this team in a year where they have 2 firsts and 2 seconds. There are so many holes that the coaching staff has been stuffing for 2-3 years now and the collapse of the defense in the SB was a reminder of that.

You don't need any of the early QBs because you have the benefit of knowing that unless injury strikes your new QB will have time to be groomed behind Brady.

That is unless they totally fell in love with one the guys. 3 more weeks..

Despite incredibly overwhelming evidence to the contrary, built up over two decades of observing Bill Belichick's strategy, the two popular emerging theories are they are either trading for Odell Beckham Jr. (who will want way more than Cooks and is a headcase) or trading up for a quarterback in a market where multiple teams are putting draft capital all-in for some well-known names (despite having the reigning league MVP coming off arguably his best postseason.) It's astonishing that so many people are shocked time and time again. The (dis)honorable Denny Chin might say the evidence of a impending big splash is compelling if not overwhelming.

I'll say it again: the Patriots have had some horrible drafts recently. They almost always hit home runs on their first round picks, and they got zero return from Easley, had one stolen by Adolf Goodell, got a decent but unspectacular player in Malcolm Brown, and then traded one away for Cooks. Add in the bad luck with injuries to Garcia, Rivers, and the seemingly horrible Cyrus Jones pick, they are not in a position of luxury to trade away draft picks for shiny objects right now. They desperately need some young contributors. Virtually all of their core players are veterans who, if not in decline, are approaching it soon. When they opted to not re-sign guys like Jones and Collins at insane prices, I'm sure they were hoping for some better luck in replacing that production (whether it's the same position or not) through the draft, just as they will be with Cooks.

 

[supafly]

I'll say it again: the Patriots have had some horrible drafts recently. They almost always hit home runs on their first round picks, and they got zero return from Easley, had one stolen by Adolf Goodell, got a decent but unspectacular player in Malcolm Brown, and then traded one away for Cooks. Add in the bad luck with injuries to Garcia, Rivers, and the seemingly horrible Cyrus Jones pick, they are not in a position of luxury to trade away draft picks for shiny objects right now. They desperately need some young contributors. Virtually all of their core players are veterans who, if not in decline, are approaching it soon.

Pretty much my thoughts, exactly. The pond needs to be restocked, and quickly. I usually yammer on about what a luxury the draft is in most years, but I’m not seeing that, this spring.

Pick a position that needs to be addressed:

QB, OT, TE, RB, even possibly WR.

DE, LB, CB, S.

I’ll leave IOL and DT out, but if the right players are there I can’t say that I’d be shocked.

Most years we talk about how difficult it would be to see a handful of rookies make the squad. I agree that those recent drafts have added to the issue, if not created it entirely. Even the players who have hit like Flowers and Mason are going to be costly to try and keep.

 

[long distance]

Given that nobody really knows whats going on inside BB this is just speculation but I don't see them giving up one of the rare opportunities to rebuild this team in a year where they have 2 firsts and 2 seconds. There are so many holes that the coaching staff has been stuffing for 2-3 years now and the collapse of the defense in the SB was a reminder of that.

You don't need any of the early QBs because you have the benefit of knowing that unless injury strikes your new QB will have time to be groomed behind Brady.

That is unless they totally fell in love with one the guys. 3 more weeks..

1. The “collapse“ of the D in SB was game specific. The heralded PHI D collapsed as well giving up record yds in history of SB.

2. For most of the year the “stuffed holes“ D was among best in the league in points allowed. Business as usual for BB and NE coaches. Would they mind an upgrade? Hell no. But Im sure they don't see it as needs . more like opportunities..

3. Many of the “holes“ were created by a string of substantial bad luck on D side - starting with Ninko's retirement, troubles with well paid Branch, HT health hell - so three pillars on each front 7 position. Quite misfortunate situation in McClellin who they thought was coming back for second part of the season and concussioned himself out just when he was activated. Valentine couldn't bring himself out of IR to replace Branch as well. Then further unfortunate injuries to top draft pick Rivers, exciting slot CB option in JJ, possible D depth Cyrus, intriguing rotational option in Langi, Rowe never coming to form after mid season injury . not to mention M.Butler story. Quite a lot to take even for notoriously insured BB roster.

4. The “collapsed“ SB D lost Bademosi, RJF and Harrison (for now).
They are adding:
DL - Shelton, Valentine, Claybron, Rivers, K.Davis
LB - Hightower, Langi
DB - J.McCourty, J.Jones, C.Jones

Id say this is a solid unit going into the draft. There they now have every opportunity to find high end pieces for the future incl. QB.

 

[DarrylS]

I liked Cooks, but like this move better... got #23 in a draft that is considered to have more talent then when we had pick #32 in 2017.

Gives the Pats tons of draft flexibility, and some desperate team may offer more than #31 is worth. Of course I am banking on keeping #23, but you never know with BB.. difficult for him to turn down an offer he cannot refuse.

Shh!! Don't tell Roger, he might want to try to steal this from the Pats..

 

[PatsFan2]

I have said it before and will say it again "Football Fans are Hypocrites". Seriously I was among the few who called Cooks a complimentary WR but got roasted by the BB disciples. The ones who thought he was the second coming. I thought Cooks played very well in the Playoffs had that unfortunate injury in the SB. That said I expected a better year two and Cooks is a player the Defense have to respect. So don't give me that Dorsett crap he has sucked up to now and in no way in Cooks league. I don't like the Trade why?? BB have a Horrible track record in drafting WR on the Patriots. You can have alot of draft picks but it's who you Draft. We haven't Drafted well recently and losing First round picks didn't help. This is a Huge Draft for BB and the Patriots.

 

[Snooky97]

One of the key things for us to all remember is all we really need is WR who can catch and make room for themselves. Brady will put them in the position to succeed.

Personally I can see 3 of our first 4 picks being on Defence, with maybe Christian Kirk being the offensive player selected, that's what i'd personally like.

I can see Kyle Lauletta being drafted in the third round for us.

 

[supafly]

I have said it before and will say it again "Football Fans are Hypocrites". Seriously I was among the few who called Cooks a complimentary WR but got roasted by the BB disciples. The ones who thought he was the second coming. I thought Cooks played very well in the Playoffs had that unfortunate injury in the SB. That said I expected a better year two and Cooks is a player the Defense have to respect. So don't give me that Dorsett crap he has sucked up to now and in no way in Cooks league. I don't like the Trade why?? BB have a Horrible track record in drafting WR on the Patriots. You can have alot of draft picks but it's who you Draft. We haven't Drafted well recently and losing First round picks didn't help. This is a Huge Draft for BB and the Patriots.

The reports are that the team tried to extend him, but that the two sides were too far apart. I think this was simply a situation where the Rams were offering something that was too good to refuse, particularly in a year when QB, LB, and OT should be high priorities.

They could’ve had him for one more year and received a third round comp pick for 2020, but they decided they wanted the first in 2018. I don’t know if they necessarily saw him as a complimentary receiver like you say, but more of someone who just wasn’t going to be able to be extended. We’ve seen similar trades with guys like Chandler Jones and Richard Seymour.

 

[maineman209]

We gotta hope Shelton plays like the college player. He was dissapointing in Cleveland. I still feel he should drop some pounds.

No. Shelton wasn't "disappointing" in Cleveland. He shined in his first two seasons as an NT in the Browns 3-4 defense (where his heft is an asset).

Then, last season, they hired Gregg ("I still get NFL jobs!") Williams as their DC, and he imposed his version of the 4-3 on a roster full of 3-4 personnel who didn't fit his scheme - including Shelton.

The Pats will use Shelton as a 3-4 NT in their hybrid scheme.

 

[supafly]

One of the key things for us to all remember is all we really need is WR who can catch and make room for themselves. Brady will put them in the position to succeed.

Personally I can see 3 of our first 4 picks being on Defence, with maybe Christian Kirk being the offensive player selected, that's what i'd personally like.

I can see Kyle Lauletta being drafted in the third round for us.

I’m wondering if Lauletta doesn’t go in the second with all of the hype that he’s receiving.

It’s interesting that you see 3/4 high round draft picks going to the defense, when QB, OT, and maybe even TE or WR could be taken. It’s possible we could see 2 on offense (QB, OT) and 2 on defense (LB, CB/S).

 

[maineman209]

Apparently people can't remember that we traded Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch rather than pay him.

Well, Branch pretty much shot his way out of town by demanding an exorbitant extension a year before his contract was up, and then threatening to sit out if he didn't get paid. Ultimately he demanded to be traded.

 

[luuked]

1. The “collapse“ of the D in SB was game specific. The heralded PHI D collapsed as well giving up record yds in history of SB.

2. For most of the year the “stuffed holes“ D was among best in the league in points allowed. Business as usual for BB and NE coaches. Would they mind an upgrade? Hell no. But Im sure they don't see it as needs . more like opportunities..

3. Many of the “holes“ were created by a string of substantial bad luck on D side - starting with Ninko's retirement, troubles with well paid Branch, HT health hell - so three pillars on each front 7 position. Quite misfortunate situation in McClellin who they thought was coming back for second part of the season and concussioned himself out just when he was activated. Valentine couldn't bring himself out of IR to replace Branch as well. Then further unfortunate injuries to top draft pick Rivers, exciting slot CB option in JJ, possible D depth Cyrus, intriguing rotational option in Langi, Rowe never coming to form after mid season injury . not to mention M.Butler story. Quite a lot to take even for notoriously insured BB roster.

4. The “collapsed“ SB D lost Bademosi, RJF and Harrison (for now).
They are adding:
DL - Shelton, Valentine, Claybron, Rivers, K.Davis
LB - Hightower, Langi
DB - J.McCourty, J.Jones, C.Jones

Id say this is a solid unit going into the draft. There they now have every opportunity to find high end pieces for the future incl. QB.

I am not disagreeing with much of what you wrote. I still think that the defense that finished the regular season or the one who kept us alive against the Jaguars to reach the SB in the first place is more indicative of who this unit was than what happened against the Eagles.

That being said there are holes that the coaching staff was rushing to plug with situational guys, schemeing, a lot of specific packages, mid season trades and compromises. And those things worked good enough for the most part. However, at some point you have to start a) restocking your roster with young talent and b) adding 1-2 potential impact players to the front 7 gives you more depth and a better rotation to keep pressure up throughout a game.

I honestly believe that our defense will be pretty good next year unless injuries strike or Flores turns out to be abysmal at playcalling.


Either way the team is in such a flexible situation with all those draft picks that they can go anywhere. From the predictable trade down to bridge the gap between the 3rd round pick and the 6th rounder to even trading up once or twice.

 

[luuked]

No. Shelton wasn't "disappointing" in Cleveland. He shined in his first two seasons as an NT in the Browns 3-4 defense (where his heft is an asset).

Then, last season, they hired Gregg ("I still get NFL jobs!") Williams as their DC, and he imposed his version of the 4-3 on a roster full of 3-4 personnel who didn't fit his scheme - including Shelton.

The Pats will use Shelton as a 3-4 NT in their hybrid scheme.

No matter what will happen in the draft the Shelton trade will be the best offseason move from my point of view. Those players are either outpriced in FA or drafted way before we pick in the draft.

Even those 2.5 years that Branch has given us were only because of his alcohol issues. Otherwise he would have never been available to us.

 

[maineman209]

So he traded for him last year known he was gonna trade him this year.

Either way he wasnt long term for bill. I'm fine with it. He didnt shine here like some said he would.

Yeah, his 1,122 yards from scrimmage and 7 TDs was pretty mediocre. And, catching 6 of 8 for 100 yds in the AFCCG was pretty awful.