Eugene Wilson for Next Year

[patsgo]

Can someone with a better memory remind me how he was playing before he got hurt ? I'm kind of focused on Safeties but if Harrison and Wilson are actually healthy next year (I know, I know), it's more of a 2008 need than 2007. But I forget how Wilson was playing. It's his contract year and we know how guys usually play in contract years.

wilson has proved fragile playiny safety he might be better suited at corner , nor nickel back

 

[wdkantro2]

Eugene didn't do much at safety this year, but I think he was hurt basically all season until he went on IR. He had a few terrible missed tackles in the beginning (against Denver on a big T. Bell run, maybe?), but I think he actually started to tackle better right before he went on IR.

 

[Remix 6]

wilson has proved fragile playiny safety he might be better suited at corner , nor nickel back

oooo yeah. Rodney too. move ihm to corner b/c hes injury prone. and since Gay is injury prone, move him to waterboy. Dillon..idk what to do with him. Graham..make him a WR..hes too injury prone @ TE in the trenches

 

[ATippett56]

So how many Safeties should they bring in? The NFL is less and less of a developmental league, we can't have 2-3 safeties "learning" the system. If we draft one and have one on the PS squad that may be the limit of what the roster can bear.

The 4,5,6,7 spots are JAGs and can easily replaced on a year to year basis. My proposal is:
FS - Wilson, mid round draft pick
SS - Harrison, Sanders
Special Teams - Andrews, Mitchell and maybe T Buck, and maybe Hawkins

Chad Scott and Gay (if brought back can also play S in a pinch)

What is your plan?

I disagree with your assessment. Wilson has been gunshy ever since he broke his arm in the Super Bowl. Since Wilson and Hawkins are in the last year of their contracts, I would not be surprised if the New England Patriots selected a safety in the first round such as Texas Longhorn Michael Griffin. As a matter of fact, l would not be shocked if Wilson is cut from the team in 2007, especially if he unable to convert to cornerback during training camp. Belichick has cut other safeties upon the conclusion of training camp before their contracts were up, most notably Lawyer Milloy and Dexter Reid. As for Chad Scott, he is in the twilight of his career and Patriots need to retool the linebacker and cornerback positions with youth. As for Randall Gay, he has been unable to stay healthy the past two seasons.

 

[cstjohn17]

I disagree with your assessment. Wilson has been gunshy ever since he broke his arm in the Super Bowl. Since Wilson and Hawkins are in the last year of their contracts, I would not be surprised if the New England Patriots selected a safety in the first round such as Texas Longhorn Michael Griffin. As a matter of fact, l would not be shocked if Wilson is cut from the team in 2007, especially if he unable to convert to cornerback during training camp. Belichick has cut other safeties upon the conclusion of training camp before their contracts were up, most notably Lawyer Milloy and Dexter Reid. As for Chad Scott, he is in the twilight of his career and Patriots need to retool the linebacker and cornerback positions with youth. As for Randall Gay, he has been unable to stay healthy the past two seasons.

I would be surprised if Wilson is cut, I think Hawkins is more on the bubble than Wilson. If a safety is drafted that will likely be the only new face.

Assuming a Safety gets drafted - Pick 5 or 6 from this group - Harrison, Wilson, Sanders, Hawkins, Andrews, Jones, Mitchell and maybe Baker (RFA)

As maligned as the secondary was for 2006, the were a key part of a defense that allowed a team record 14.6 PPG and only allowed 10 passing TDs (that is an amazing stat).

Cornerbacks - That is a different story, if Samuel leaves the position could be shaky. I see Wilson as only a safety, when Troy Brown is getting snaps at DB it indicates that they prefer Wilson at S.

Scenario 1 - Samuel leaves

RCB
----Starter ??? (Mid level vet, don't know who but someone we don't think very highly of)
---- Depth 1- Chad Scott (NARP)
---- Depth 2 - Gay (injury prone RFA??? not a lock that even make him an offer)
LCB
---- Starter - Hobbs
---- Depth 1 - ??? (Rookie Draft Pick, doubtful that even a round 1 pick would be asked to start)

Scenario 2 - If Samuel is signed, we could add a mid level vet or draft a player in rounds 2-3 and the position would be solid with potential to be very good.

 

[ATippett56]

As maligned as the secondary was for 2006, the were a key part of a defense that allowed a team record 14.6 PPG and only allowed 10 passing TDs (that is an amazing stat).

Artrell Hawkins is the weakest link in the defensive secondary and an upgrade at the free safety position is the highest priority (with regard to defensive backs), especially if Asante Samuel is willing to play the 2007 NFL season under the franchise tag. However, if the New England Patriots allow Asante Samuel to depart via unrestricted free agency, then the defensive backfield priority obviously changes.

 

[ATippett56]

Scenario 1 - Samuel leaves

RCB
----Starter ??? (Mid level vet, don't know who but someone we don't think very highly of)
---- Depth 1- Chad Scott (NARP)
---- Depth 2 - Gay (injury prone RFA??? not a lock that even make him an offer).

Never liked Chad Scott and never will. Chad Scott would have been "charred" if he was to cover Marvin Harrison in the 2006 AFC Championship Game. Besides, Chad Scott will turn 33 years of age at the start of next season.

 

[cstjohn17]

Never liked Chad Scott and never will. Chad Scott would have been "charred" if he was to cover Marvin Harrison in the 2006 AFC Championship Game. Besides, Chad Scott will turn 33 years of age at the start of next season.

I hear you, it is a very weak position based on the current depth. They would have scored 64 points with C. Scott in the mix. As much as it will cost $$$ Samuel is a critical link in the whole offseason. If he gets signed CB is no longer an urgent need and they can focus on the LB and maybe FS and you suggested. If he is not signed then CB, LB are critical needs with WR and FS having room for improvement.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I see Hobbs as THE starting cornerback for the next three years. He's steadily improved, he's reliable and never quits. He played despite a broken bone in his hand.

 

[cstjohn17]

I see Hobbs as THE starting cornerback for the next three years. He's steadily improved, he's reliable and never quits. He played despite a broken bone in his hand.

Can he cover both sides of the field? Hobbs was very up and down, played good in the playoffs but took quite a few PI penalties and was torched at crucial times as well (Cotchery - Jets, Walker - Broncos at end of first half).

I don't think he a bad corner but not a true number 1 (we all said this about Samuel as well). Hopefully Hobbs continues to perform better each year, as of right now I see him as an average to below average #1, a good #2, and a really good #3.

 

[ATippett56]

I hear you, it is a very weak position based on the current depth. They would have scored 64 points with C. Scott in the mix. As much as it will cost $$$ Samuel is a critical link in the whole offseason. If he gets signed CB is no longer an urgent need and they can focus on the LB and maybe FS and you suggested. If he is not signed then CB, LB are critical needs with WR and FS having room for improvement.

I still think cornerback is an urgent need if you follow this logic:

1. If Eugene Wilson is unable to switch to cornerback
2. If Randall Gay is unable to stay healthy
3. If age finally catches up to Chad Scott

Thus, the New England Patriots will only have two reliable cornerbacks at the start of the 2007 NFL season, if Asante Samuel is willing to play under the franchise tag. If Hobbs or Samuel is hurt during the 2007 NFL season, the cornerback position becomes woefully inadequate.

In my opinion, the New England Patriots will be able to find value at the cornerback position in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. Also, I would not be surprised if the New England Patriots selected another cornerback in the second day of the 2007 NFL draft.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Can he cover both sides of the field? Hobbs was very up and down, played good in the playoffs but took quite a few PI penalties and was torched at crucial times as well (Cotchery - Jets, Walker - Broncos at end of first half).

I don't think he a bad corner but not a true number 1 (we all said this about Samuel as well). Hopefully Hobbs continues to perform better each year, as of right now I see him as an average to below average #1, a good #2, and a really good #3.

Let's just remember that Asante was known for drawing PI calls last year and look at him this year. I think it's about earning the respect partially.

I believe he can cover both sides of the field. I believe it might have been BOR that said Hobbs was actually playing better than Asante last year and they switched them and that is where Asante got upset.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I believe Hobbs is a favorite of BB because of his competitve spirit.

 

[BigMike]

Wilson is not money or work ethic motivated, according to what I read....we need to sign a safety and draft another S and CB this April...

 

[cstjohn17]

I believe he can cover both sides of the field. I believe it might have been BOR that said Hobbs was actually playing better than Asante last year and they switched them and that is where Asante got upset.

I meant both sides of the field at once... Hobbs is here and not going anywhere, the big question is who plays opposite him.

The part in bold is flat out insane, Samuel had a great year. 10 INTS, 2 more in the playoffs returned for TDs. Hobbs was benched and replaced with Chad freakin Scott... Hobbs is a feisty little player, I understand why people like him but at no point last year did even come close to approaching Samuel's play. Asante was solid pretty much all year, Hobb was a yo-yo.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

That's pretty close top how I see him. An adequate fill in at corner (Sometimes) but not a true, bonafide, starter. gets burnt easily which forces him to adjust and play too far off, and that allows the opposition to run quick inside slant patterns against him.

Because he is easily beaten, he has to recover and in so doing is easily spotted for PI, even in cases where he didnt do it, just the fact that he was beaten and had to hurry back creates the image of PI.

I believe the Pats see this , too, and will draft for corner with the intention of moving him to nickel. This is all assuming that Samuel either resigns or is franchised.

I dont think Hobbs can improve any more than he already has. His size is a big factor.....and he is beyond growing.

no, no, no, no NEM. You just don't get it. Its purely McDaniel's fault because if he battle-tested Hobbs with inside, crossing routes in practice, Hobbs would have more experience on covering those crucial routes. Instead, McDaniel only runs SIDLEINE fly routes.

 

[cstjohn17]

I still think cornerback is an urgent need if you follow this logic:

1. If Eugene Wilson is unable to switch to cornerback
2. If Randall Gay is unable to stay healthy
3. If age finally catches up to Chad Scott

Thus, the New England Patriots will only have two reliable cornerbacks at the start of the 2007 NFL season, if Asante Samuel is willing to play under the franchise tag. If Hobbs or Samuel is hurt during the 2007 NFL season, the cornerback position becomes woefully inadequate.

In my opinion, the New England Patriots will be able to find value at the cornerback position in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. Also, I would not be surprised if the New England Patriots selected another cornerback in the second day of the 2007 NFL draft.

It would have been really scary in 06 if either player missed significant time. If Samuels signs, they draft one player, position should be ok. if he doesn't sign (and we don't go after Clement), we draft 1-2 and sign a veteran FA, the position could be weakest on the team if he leaves.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I meant both sides of the field at once... Hobbs is here and not going anywhere, the big question is who plays opposite him.

The part in bold is flat out insane, Samuel had a great year. 10 INTS, 2 more in the playoffs returned for TDs. Hobbs was benched and replaced with Chad freakin Scott... Hobbs is a feisty little player, I understand why people like him but at no point last year did even come close to approaching Samuel's play. Asante was solid pretty much all year, Hobb was a yo-yo.

I'm talking the 2005 season, not this past season.

Hobbs has his ups and downs, he's a gambler, but you look at 31 other teams in the league and do all teams have two great cb's? Hobbs is solid, as to who is going to play across from him, I think it's gonna be like the past seasons where the Pats bring in several cb's and let them battle it out in training camp. Personally I'd like to see them franchise him one year or draft a cb to develop, but none of know where and ho the pats want to spend their money.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

It would have been really scary in 06 if either player missed significant time. If Samuels signs, they draft one player, position should be ok. if he doesn't sign (and we don't go after Clement), we draft 1-2 and sign a veteran FA, the position could be weakest on the team if he leaves.

why would they let samuel go and sign clement? the money would be around the same for either player. wouldn't you want to go with the known commodity? i'm not sure the difference on age, but asante knows the scheme and it appears he's peaking in his prime.

 

[cstjohn17]

why would they let samuel go and sign clement? the money would be around the same for either player. wouldn't you want to go with the known commodity? i'm not sure the difference on age, but asante knows the scheme and it appears he's peaking in his prime.

I don't know much about Clement but he and Samuel are the top 2 FAs at CB. Samuel has gotten better every year, is young (26 for 07 season) and knows the system. I would prefer him but as a fallback Clement is very talented, much bigger, can play press coverage and is more physical in run support.

My point was that after these 2 the FA market for CBs is very thin and there appears to be a big drop in talent. My preference is to sign Samuel, if they don't I expect 1-2 CBs to get drafted maybe both on Day 1.