Ok, before the playoff games: Patriots player personnel needs for 2012

[Haley]

Defensive End
Safety
Outside Linebacker
Center
Safety
Cornerback
Wide Receiver

I would pretty much go along with this list with one exception. If we do find some good safeties, the need for cornerbacks will diminish.

I would add that I don't see Wendell returning next year. I expect us to gain a C in the draft and send him on his way. What little I have seen of him this year has not impressed me. I can't remember which game it was but I still have nightmares about Wendell giving up and stopping play with Riddley behind him pushing on his back for a block he was never going to get. I don't think he has the heart to be on this team, even as a backup.

 

[UK_Pat37]

What? Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have never been wrong before? You guys can say whatever the hell you want. Right now the proof is in the pudding.
TACKLE
T-A-C-K-L-E
TACKLE.

Dude, you don't get it!!

The Patriots put GUARD on the draft card! He was solely projected as a guard. When a team writes on the card they send to the front, 'Canon, OG' you generally think that's what they want him for

Have you ever heard of a 358lb offensive tackle?

Not wasting my breath anymore

Why has he played tackle you've asked? People told you. Injuries.

He's going t=o be a RG with his size and athleticism, and I think he's going to be one of the best in the game in a couple of years.

You're right, he's played a lot of tackle...and he's listed as one as he played it straight off of the PUP list...and he could be a good tackle. But he's going to be a greater guard.

 

[The Scrizz]

1. A safety who can cover.
2. A safety who can stop the run.
3. A safety who can rush the passer.

 

[Huckleberry1]

C- I would take P. Konz with a 1st if he is still there, which I doubt he will be, they would have a great OL for years to come.

WR-Deep and sideline threats-2 1 FA 1 draft

DL/LB/DB-Other than Konz and a WR i would focus all my attention on the defense and do everything I could in free agency and the draft to turn it into a top unit. If the Texans can go from a weak defense to a top 5 defense so can NE.

 

[Potstickas]

All DBs because our hit rate stinks. Then more TE's. I'm a BB TE convert. Let's find another TE in the hernandez hybrid role and let him take over a WR position.

 

[VrabelJr]

Dude, you don't get it!!

The Patriots put GUARD on the draft card! He was solely projected as a guard. When a team writes on the card they send to the front, 'Canon, OG' you generally think that's what they want him for

Have you ever heard of a 358lb offensive tackle?

Not wasting my breath anymore

Why has he played tackle you've asked? People told you. Injuries.

He's going t=o be a RG with his size and athleticism, and I think he's going to be one of the best in the game in a couple of years.

You're right, he's played a lot of tackle...and he's listed as one as he played it straight off of the PUP list...and he could be a good tackle. But he's going to be a greater guard.

New England Patriots: Marcus Cannon

 

[ay-yo]

Assuming we bring back Welker, Carter, BJGE and Andersen:

1. Safety

2. LB - Doesn't matter where but we need another top LB to pair with Mayo. With Bush, Fred Jackson and Spiller in the division, not to mention the influx of TE use this past year, we need some more speed at LB. Spikes and Ninko are both too slow. Guyton has the speed but isn't good enough.

3. CB - We play a lot of nickle so we need 3 good corners and a backup in case of injury. Dowling is an unknown.

4. DL

 

[UK_Pat37]

New England Patriots: Marcus Cannon

As I said, he's listed as a tackle this season as that's where he was forced tpo play straight out of the gat.

He's a future RG...his size and speed is elite RG caliber and he will soon materialise as our best run blocker; which traditionally is your right guard.

You said RG was a need...well to be fair it isn't. If we were going to draft anyone on the offensive line the most glaring need is center, with Koppen coming back from injury and aging, we need to address the position either this year or next in the draft.

Cannon has played tackle this season because injuries forced him into it. I can guarantee you that he was projected, and will play at Guard when he eventually starts...he's too big and you can't ignore a guy like that at guard....he will be one of the top guards int he league (just like he was projected to be a top guard in the draft) and will be there next season.

That's where everyone has him projected. We have a RT, he just happened to be injured this year.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Offense:

1. With Mcdaniels back, get Brandon Lloyd here. No doubt with Brady and Mcdaniels he will come flying over. Obviously resign Welker too.

Welker-Lloyd-Gronkowski-Hernandez. Offense is even more of a juggernaut, next.

(Ocho/Branch wouldn't matter much if they stay or go, the 3rd WR in this offense is like a 5th WR)

2. I feel the O-line is all set. Maybe draft a player that can play G/C for depth, don't see the need for a high pick.

Defense:

1. This is debateable, if we go back to 3-4, I would love to get Upshaw, even if a slight trade up is required. ILB is all set, get a real OLB please. Ninkovich is a serviceable #2.

2. I have loved Deaderick's play/progress, in a 3-4, I like him starting near Vince in 2012. Maybe find another DE next to those two. Love is all set to be the NT backup.

3. FIND A SAFETY to play opposite of Chung.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

People could argue CB, but with Arrington, Mccourty, Dowling, and Moore, I don't see the need for pick in the first two rounds.

Resign: BJGE, Carter, Anderson, Waters, Welker.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

C
FS
CB
OLB
DE

Must resign Welker/Carter/Anderson and a few other key FA's, which after those 3 probably won't be so hard to retain.
Hope to bring in Brandon Lloyd. Evaluate Branch and bring him back if he has another year left.

I think we're pretty good elsewhere

 

[PatsFan2]

I'd thought about waiting on this until after the season, but that would just result in people being happier/sadder about players based upon how the playoffs went. So....

Where do people see the team's player personnel needs for next season?

Great year for FA WR's try to nab P. Garson - R. Meacham or M. Colston type wide out. One of those three would really give us a legitimate threat outside.

 

[VrabelJr]

As I said, he's listed as a tackle this season as that's where he was forced tpo play straight out of the gat.

He's a future RG...his size and speed is elite RG caliber and he will soon materialise as our best run blocker; which traditionally is your right guard.

You said RG was a need...well to be fair it isn't. If we were going to draft anyone on the offensive line the most glaring need is center, with Koppen coming back from injury and aging, we need to address the position either this year or next in the draft.

Cannon has played tackle this season because injuries forced him into it. I can guarantee you that he was projected, and will play at Guard when he eventually starts...he's too big and you can't ignore a guy like that at guard....he will be one of the top guards int he league (just like he was projected to be a top guard in the draft) and will be there next season.

That's where everyone has him projected. We have a RT, he just happened to be injured this year.

If you can find where I said RG is a need I'll PayPal you $50. I said Guard/Center is a likely first round pick due to the best player available most likely being Peter Konz when it's our time to pick.

 

[VrabelJr]

Great year for FA WR's try to nab P. Garson - R. Meacham or M. Colston type wide out. One of those three would really give us a legitimate threat outside.

I love Robert Meachem. Him and Dashon Goldson are my top 2 FAs I'd like to go after. Meachem offers a better price point than Colston and honestly I think Meachem could thrive in a system where he has a better chance to be featured more.

 

[EJ Blitz]

OLB
S
DL
CB

How about we draft some impact defensive players like we should have done last year in the first place.

 

[VrabelJr]

I imagine we will be sticking with the 4-3 next year. Needs based on that statement in order of priority:

- RDE - Can get good DEs in the 2nd round
- Safety - Address this in Free Agency, this years crop of Safeties sucks
- DT that can play the 3 tech and get some penetration. Get this in 1st round
- MLB - Spikes and Fletcher are serviceable but we need a 3 down player at this spot
- WR - Address via Free Agency or draft if there is huge value at a good spot

 

[ayjackson]

• 4-3 ends
• safety
• LB's
• agree that a WR should be picked up in FA

 

[Kontradiction]

You'll win this argument when I see footage of Marcus Cannon playing Guard for us. Right now all I see is footage of him playing Tackle and nothing right now convinces me he is going to make that switch. That was pure speculation from the day we drafted him. Seeing is believing. Show me it.

You are aware that we have a guy on the O-Line CURRENTLY who has played both guard and center, right? Belichick and Dante have done that since they first started here.

 

[VrabelJr]

How is your post related to what you quoted from me in anyway? I've never said anything about Guard and Center. In fact the only thing I've ever said is that we could draft a Guard/Center based on best player available, implying a person who could potentially play both positions.

 

[Stilla]

Just making a notable comment.

The patriots have made more than 150 player transactions since the Sept. 3 cut-down day. It amazes me that practice squad defensive end/outside linebacker Markell Carter was never apart of a roster move.

Not only that, Carter is the highest paid member of the Patriots' practice squad @ $306,000.

This kid might have something special about him.

 

[cstjohn17]

I try to grade each position, this is what I came up with so far.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...QXNhc0IweWJ6bUE&single=true&gid=0&output=html

Not an exact science but IMO they should focus on defense (D Line & secondary), WR and Center.

My preference would be to sign an impact free agent at DE/OLB and then draft for the rest. But beggers can't be choosers.