Does this mean 2/2 is the minimal standard? That 2/2 isn't itself a good draft? If not, what is the distinction you are going for here?
2/2 is a good draft for most teams. Most teams fans are not (realistically) expecting their teams to compete for SBs every year. Pats also need to get higher quality starters, which they have gotten in the past (see # of pro bowl players drafted 2010-2013 vs 2014-2017).
Are you suggesting that a draft with only four selections is still expected to generate 2 starters and 2 role players?
I'm not sure what the argument is here. Games aren't won based on points scored per draft pick. Its not the Pats fault that they lost a 1st and a 4th, but it will still affect future results on the field.
Or are you talking about including veteran trades like Kony, Gilly, Allen? It's not quite the same because you don't get the cheap rookie contract when trading for a vet.
I am not looking to assign "blame" for the underwhelming drafts. I am trying to point out that, for whatever reason, the recent drafts haven't been as good (especially compared to Pats historical standard) and will need to improve to continue competing for SBs. Is your argument that they will be likely to improve because 2016/2017 had unique circumstances?
Acknowledging that rolling a draft pick into the next year might diminish the expected return isn't remotely the same thing as this bizarre hypothetical. Especially if we ignore the free 1,100 yard receiving year NE got in the bargain, which you seem to be doing.
It's not a hypothetical. The original source of the Wynn pick is a 2017 draft pick. The original source of the Thuney pick is the 2012 CJ pick. CJ got the Pats 4 years of production + 4 years of Thuney. My point is you can't cherry pick when to include the carryover effect of previous drafts on future drafts. However, it's very hard to keep track of every trade, so I focus on when the player was drafted.
Cooks' 1,100 year performance is fine to include, but it doesn't impact future wins and losses.
There is no doubt that it's been a few years since NE drafted an elite talent, and that is disappointing. If that is really all you've been saying, then we agree on the crux of your argument.
Yes, that's what I've been saying.
Our disagreement lies in the elaborations you try to make on the periphery.
Which elaborations?
