Insanity is thinking that all our 2012 needs are going to be met through the 2012 draft. What is insane is to think that our current needs will be the needs at the time of the draft. My post discussed projected DRAFT needs, NOT team needs as of now. I understand that reading comprehesion is an acquired skill that many never quite get.
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OF COURSE, as of now, with no free agency, with no re-signing of players, TE is not a need in the first two rounds. OF COURSE, there are many, many higher needs.
But then, I expect belichick to meet some of our needs through re-signing of players and through signing of free agents.
As of now, we would have to replace Welker, Branch, Ochocinco, Connolly, Koppen, Green-Ellis, Carter, Anderson, Ellis, Warren, and Slater.
Many of us wanted a 3rd TE last year. Belichick did. He drafted the best blocking TE in the 2011 draft. He brought in a top UDFA. It didn't work out.
It is you have a knee-jerk reaction to those who have understood just how much Belichick values TE's of all types: blockers, receivers, h-backs, and those who can do more than one of the above. Folks like you have objected to Belichick's high value on TE's since he drafted Graham and Watson.
The bottom line is that teams (and posters) place different value on the TE position. Many teams and posters place higher or lower value on depth. I plae a high value on TE's. I believe that Belichick does also. There may be teams that value TE's more highly than we do, but there aren't many.
And just BTW, I would be fine with signing an Alge Crumpler equivalent in free agency. He presented HUGE value to the team. Such a player would be more valuable to the 2012 season than almost any draft choice we make, especially considering where we draft.
You are absolutely insane. Just a typical knee-jerk response to an injury that occurred during the AFC Playoffs.
The New England Patriots have far greater needs at the following positions:
Defense
3-4 Defensive End (NT-Wilfork, Love, Brace, DE-Deaderick, Pryor)
3-4 Outside Linebacker (Ninkovich)
Cornerback (Arrington, Dowling, McCourty, Moore)
Free Safety (a complete joke)
As far as I am concerned, the New England Patriots need at least one 3-4 defensive end, who is not a liability against the run and can rush the passer, via the NFL draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.
As far as I am concerned, the New England Patriots need at least one 3-4 outside linebacker, who is not a liability against the run and can rush the passer, via the NFL draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.
The New England Patriots need at least two legitimate NFL free safeties which is a far greater need than a third tight end.
Offense
Wide Receiver (Welker, Edelman)
The New England Patriots need at least three wide receivers via unrestricted free agency and the 2012 NFL Draft which is a far greater need than a third tight end.