Stop criticizing the Patriots' 2007 draft (merged)

[mcbee]

When a rookie is judged against a veteran player, the evaluator has to
factor in is how good the rookie will be in a couple of years. Otherwise,
very few rookies would make any team. Rookies are valuable assets in salary cap management. Their relatively low salaries offset the higher
veteran salaries. The Colts are experts at drafting good young players
and signing UDFAs to offset salaries like Peyton Manning, etc.

Finally a voice of sanity.

It's like "we traded a #2 for Welker so that's like picking him in the 2nd round!". No, it isn't. He doesn't make 2nd round money.

When we signed Colvin, was that like trading an 8th round draft pick for him? Because we gave up NOTHING! Brilliant! We traded another 8th rounder for Thomas...we gave up NOTHING! Brilliant! But you can't have a team full of FAs, it would break the bank.

Moss doesn't make 4th round money and has a one year contract. When he re-ups, if he does, NE will have to pay him top $. Which means less money for the rest...which is why you want the rest to be filled at least somewhat by guys in their rookie contract. Rookie contracts are cheap (as long as they're not top of the first round).

Big mistake not getting some linebacking talent...but this year things look good so I guess I'll just hope there are no more injuries.