I Don't Care if it's at ILB or Safety

[VrabelMayeWin]

Preferably both - we HAVE TO get some damn speed on the defense up the middle. I can't wait to get Rodney back, and he plays faster than he is due to his instincts, but whether it's Wilson or someone else, we need to be able to cover the middle of the field faster.

It's why I want Merriweather. Bring the speed, baby.

 

[DB15]

honeslty from what I have learned over the years of watching football games, following the pats, and studying drafts there is just one things that I look for in a player... any player.. its not specifc speed,strength, or any of that. Its the ability to make plays. There are so many players out there who can fill positions on a team. but for my the deciding charasteric of any player I want on my team is a play maker. its what seperates form boys from the men.

 

[spacecrime]

honeslty from what I have learned over the years of watching football games, following the pats, and studying drafts there is just one things that I look for in a player... any player.. its not specifc speed,strength, or any of that. Its the ability to make plays. There are so many players out there who can fill positions on a team. but for my the deciding charasteric of any player I want on my team is a play maker. its what seperates form boys from the men.

All true. Still, I would not object to a playmaking ILB, S, and CB on day one

 

[carolinatony]

All true. Still, I would not object to a playmaking ILB, S, and CB on day one

I hope we get 2 of these players on day one.

 

[carolinatony]

I agree about the ability to make plays but; you can't coach Speed!

 

[DB15]

I agree about the ability to make plays but; you can't coach Speed!

... yes you can. My point was that now adays physically, players are on the same level. any given LB in the draft will be benching 400 squatting 500 running a 4.5/4.6 40. but all of that doesnt mean **** if that player isnt a "football player" as in the sence that BB uses it.

Take harrison for instance. Not the fastest safety in the leauge but still a top 3 with his wits and football instincts. The man is a "football player", a play maker which is exactly what every team wants out of someone on there team.

 

[carolinatony]

Point taken DB15
What 2 picks would make you happy to see us grab inthe first?

 

[makoute]

honeslty from what I have learned over the years of watching football games, following the pats, and studying drafts there is just one things that I look for in a player... any player.. its not specifc speed,strength, or any of that. Its the ability to make plays. There are so many players out there who can fill positions on a team. but for my the deciding charasteric of any player I want on my team is a play maker. its what seperates form boys from the men.

I agree. Playmakers make plays, and our LB corp just can't (for whatever reasons) make those game changing plays like they've done in the superbowl winning seasons. If Harrison is back healthy that should cure some of the problem in the secondary.

 

[NEPatriot]

Preferably both - we HAVE TO get some damn speed on the defense up the middle. I can't wait to get Rodney back, and he plays faster than he is due to his instincts, but whether it's Wilson or someone else, we need to be able to cover the middle of the field faster.

It's why I want Merriweather. Bring the speed, baby.

Agreed. One thing that BB/Pioli have shown me is that when there's a weekness, it's usually corrected the next year. I think there will definitely be an influx of speed next year.

 

[spacecrime]

... yes you can. My point was that now adays physically, players are on the same level. any given LB in the draft will be benching 400 squatting 500 running a 4.5/4.6 40. but all of that doesnt mean **** if that player isnt a "football player" as in the sence that BB uses it.

Take harrison for instance. Not the fastest safety in the leauge but still a top 3 with his wits and football instincts. The man is a "football player", a play maker which is exactly what every team wants out of someone on there team.

Young players need to be fast to get to where they belong. Slower but smarter veterans anticipate where they should be and get there on time by breaking earlier.

Players who get older and slower but not smarter are the guys who spend only a few years in hte league. Guys like Rodney and O.T.I.S play into advanced (NFL) age.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Bears 1st td pass to Wayne was the result of a god-awful decision by their safety. He had 2 guys playing bracket coverage on the TE. Yet, he still tried to jump the route and get a pick. Gave up TD. Got to play with brains too.
I'm leaning towards Meriweather if we keep Asante. Might allow us to play Rodney in that big-nickel role.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Young players need to be fast to get to where they belong. Slower but smarter veterans anticipate where they should be and get there on time by breaking earlier.

Players who get older and slower but not smarter are the guys who spend only a few years in hte league. Guys like Rodney and O.T.I.S play into advanced (NFL) age.

That intelligence/instinct vs. 40 time trade-off is the entertaining challenge we play with while awaiting the best guesses of the guys sitting on the hotseat. I was able to get to the first practice broadcast from the Senior Bowl and break it down within the limits of my own ignorance, it's interesting trying to puzzle out which players are playing "smart" and which are wearing rockets in their underwear to get them back where they should have been. Your analogy helps synthesize my own thinking a bit better in that regard. I now can understand why a "reach" like Logan Mankins made so much more sense to BB/SP in the first round. I doubt if it will help me predict their choices any better, but it may help me understand them more quickly after the fact.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

That intelligence/instinct vs. 40 time trade-off is the entertaining challenge we play with while awaiting the best guesses of the guys sitting on the hotseat. I was able to get to the first practice broadcast from the Senior Bowl and break it down within the limits of my own ignorance, it's interesting trying to puzzle out which players are playing "smart" and which are wearing rockets in their underwear to get them back where they should have been. Your analogy helps synthesize my own thinking a bit better in that regard. I now can understand why a "reach" like Logan Mankins made so much more sense to BB/SP in the first round. I doubt if it will help me predict their choices any better, but it may help me understand them more quickly after the fact.

BOR, I know that Merriweather won't be on your board, but would you mind seeing if he is always running to the ball in practice? Because I noticed that it looked like Merriweather on running plays was always at the ball in the Senior Bowl. I was just wondering if what I saw was accurate.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

BOR, I know that Merriweather won't be on your board, but would you mind seeing if he is always running to the ball in practice? Because I noticed that it looked like Merriweather on running plays was always at the ball in the Senior Bowl. I was just wondering if what I saw was accurate.

I'll make a point to report on him for you and mix.

 

[DB15]

Point taken DB15
What 2 picks would make you happy to see us grab inthe first?

thanks man. As for picks? specific players or positions they will be drafting for?
well as for positions I feel as if they will be taking a DE/DT/MLB/OLB/CB/FS/SS

ahahahaha
I know thats not very specific.. let me explain

I really can not see the pats drafting a wr with one of the two picks..for starters I dont like the wrs in this years draft and not to mention they will be scooped up by the 15th team (roughly) I can not jump on the ginn bandwagon and CJ looks to be the real deal but thats within the top 5 talent.

I love defence and I think the pats know what they have to do. If I had to narrow my list down I would say the patriots are going to draft a safety and a DE with there first two picks (depending who is on the board of course). I can see that DE being moved to a OLB but I really dont like that whole process if you ask me. It takes a very long time and is really a big gamble. That is why I will not be suprised if the pats were to draft a DT ahead a true LB in the draft. I am a big beliver in the 3-4 and drafting a quality back up for wilfork is almost "easier" than drafting a quality back up linebacker (see TBC).

The patriots LB system is one of the most complex in the NFL and for any rookie no matter position to step into a starting or even back up role is always a bit much to ask no matter who you are (see Chad Jackson) but at the same time in the right system/time/place etc a rookie can work magic (see big ben)

honeslty I can see the pats restocking the lb corps with draft picks but not necessarly with big names and high picks. The position is too much for rookies and now that draft picks can only be signed for 5 years on there rookie contract it doesnt bode well for drafting high end talent at any LB position (see TBC, 4 years into his career and only now is panning out to be a 3rd down lb at best).

I know this is alot to read but I have alot more to say, ill stop now and wait for feedback from the rest of you all.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

I'll make a point to report on him for you and mix.

Don't forget BBfan. LOL

 

[DB15]

I agree. Playmakers make plays, and our LB corp just can't (for whatever reasons) make those game changing plays like they've done in the superbowl winning seasons. If Harrison is back healthy that should cure some of the problem in the secondary.

I agree with you the lbs have lost a step (see Brushie) its sad and a tough pill to swallow but thats the way it goes. Do I see him being replaced next year? no. The only way Teddy would loose his starting position is if the pats feel as if TBC is a starter (which he is not) or draft a freak who comes in right away at OLB (merriman) forcing vrable to move back inside and Seau comes back.

 

[DB15]

Young players need to be fast to get to where they belong. Slower but smarter veterans anticipate where they should be and get there on time by breaking earlier.

Players who get older and slower but not smarter are the guys who spend only a few years in hte league. Guys like Rodney and O.T.I.S play into advanced (NFL) age.

very well said man, I completly agree. now just think how scary ed reed really is with his ability phyically going into his 6th year

 

[DB15]

That intelligence/instinct vs. 40 time trade-off is the entertaining challenge we play with while awaiting the best guesses of the guys sitting on the hotseat. I was able to get to the first practice broadcast from the Senior Bowl and break it down within the limits of my own ignorance, it's interesting trying to puzzle out which players are playing "smart" and which are wearing rockets in their underwear to get them back where they should have been. Your analogy helps synthesize my own thinking a bit better in that regard. I now can understand why a "reach" like Logan Mankins made so much more sense to BB/SP in the first round. I doubt if it will help me predict their choices any better, but it may help me understand them more quickly after the fact.

I hear ya, thats why BB/SP get paid the big bucks lol

 

[Seneschal2]

I agree about the ability to make plays but; you can't coach Speed!

I'm all for speed, but get me a player who can read the play and arrive on time. Tebucky was very fast during his late arrivals.