Umm...isn't that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

[patchick]

OK, so when they chose Logan Mankins it was kind of a buzzkill -- just because OG is the least exciting possible position for a 1st-round pick.

And when they chose Laurence Maroney, a lot of people had been really, really pulling for Manny Lawson.

But why on Earth is there so much negativity and anger today? A trade down, then the top 3-4 ILB in the draft and a playmaking CB who doubles as a lightning-fast kick returner! Isn't that just what everybody was dreaming about? Doesn't this fill the team's biggest needs? And now 3 picks coming up in the next round!

I'm confused.

 

[PonyExpress]

Personally, I'm giddy. We just acquired 2 quality starting players for our team, one of whom has the potential to be truly special. What's not to like?:rocker:

 

[ausbacker]

I'm with you. Given the historical drafting methods of Belioli, I'm reasonably pleased with the outcome of today. We've gone some way to addressing the team needs, whilst taking players high on the value board.

I believe it's a good start, with tomorrow to cause some more interesting debate.

 

[apple strudel]

I don't know, i'm pretty sure our draft board is made of glass.

 

[Lockdown06]

I'm really happy with this draft so far - Jerod Mayo is going to be a force in the middle for many years in New England, and while I wasn't familiar with Terrence Wheatley after reading about him he seems like a real gem - one draft site mentioned that he resembled Troy Vincent in that he was constantly taking aside his younger team members to show them the nuances of the game - always a characteristic I like to see.

Plus, we have 2 picks in the next ten for the upcoming round, with talent like Jonathan Goff, Cliff Avril, Charles Godfrey, Justin King, Barry Richardson, Zuttah, Steve Slaton, etc. still available - this is shaping up to be just an awesome draft for the pats.

 

[sebman2112]

These could both end up being very good picks, but you're drinking the koolaid just a little bit here.

Mayo's had some injury problems, and will need to make some adjustments in order to play at a high level in NE's system. I'm thinking he'll make those adjustments, but he wasn't anything close to a "safe" pick at 10th overall. I will say that he must have impressed BB during their visit in order for them to pull the trigger that high in the draft, so I have a good feeling about the pick.

Wheatley should fit the system well at CB, he's a good returner, and he has the potential to develop into a decent/good starter. The problem here is that he's had a significant injury history, and needs to gain some weight.

I'm happy with the picks, but I'm still hoping they draft Avril at 69th overall, and I kind of think Wheatley would have been available for that pick, but who knows.

I think part of the reason people might be a little bleh, is that NE seemingly (according to what everyone's read) didn't pick up one of the best CB's in the draft, and they haven't selected a pass rusher yet. A lot of posters wanted a pass rusher early. There was also quite a large gap between their picks, which might have taken the air out of some people.

I'm not happy with the idea of seeing Cason and Cromartie team up on the Chargers, but that's probably for another convo.

Here's looking forward to more additions on the second day of the draft, and hopefully one of these guys ends up being an elite player.

 

[dhamz]

I'm happy with today.

If we take those 3 3rds tomorrow and add 3 more young players with speed to our D, I will be downright giddy.

 

[DaBruinz]

OK, so when they chose Logan Mankins it was kind of a buzzkill -- just because OG is the least exciting possible position for a 1st-round pick.

And when they chose Laurence Maroney, a lot of people had been really, really pulling for Manny Lawson.

But why on Earth is there so much negativity and anger today? A trade down, then the top 3-4 ILB in the draft and a playmaking CB who doubles as a lightning-fast kick returner! Isn't that just what everybody was dreaming about? Doesn't this fill the team's biggest needs? And now 3 picks coming up in the next round!

I'm confused.

This is New England fans you are talking about. Most are Red Sox converts as well. So, anything short of exactly what they think should happen is a failure. So, the Pats taking Mayo (injury concerns) and Wheatley (height issues) is a "downer" to many people.

What they fail to understand is that the Pats wouldn't have drafted Mayo if he didn't get a clean bill of health from the med staff. The Pats wouldn't have drafted Wheatley where they did if they felt that Godfrey, Molden or King were better picks.

Would I have preferred other picks? Honestly, yes. Am I happy with the Picks. Damn straight.

 

[MosiT]

Re: Umm...isn\'t that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

OK, so when they chose Logan Mankins it was kind of a buzzkill -- just because OG is the least exciting possible position for a 1st-round pick.

And when they chose Laurence Maroney, a lot of people had been really, really pulling for Manny Lawson.

But why on Earth is there so much negativity and anger today? A trade down, then the top 3-4 ILB in the draft and a playmaking CB who doubles as a lightning-fast kick returner! Isn\'t that just what everybody was dreaming about? Doesn\'t this fill the team\'s biggest needs? And now 3 picks coming up in the next round!

I\'m confused.

Wheatley may have been a gem in college, against mostly players who are not NFL calibre. Fact is, that cant be changed is that he is 5-9 and 177 lbs and he probably wont survvive pre season. The day of the 5-9, 5-10 cornerback in the NFL is past. Today\'s receivers are 6-0 or better, and getting taller and faster.

This was a total waste of a draft pick in the class of Eugene Chung and Chris Canty.

Although it is not unexpected as the BB/Pioli team have made a disaster out of second round picks on a consistent basis. This one will go down as one of their worst.

The Mayo pick will probably turn out pretty good however.

 

[everlong]

I think it's just the nature of things where almost no pick will make everybody happy. If Chris Long or Gholston dropped others would complain. Personally I like the picks.

I would ask those who don't like the Mayo pick this: A team who under this regime hasn't take a LB before round 5 using the number 10 pick on one, think they are 100% sure about him?

I think so.

 

[Pedrorocks458]

Re: Umm...isn\'t that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

Wheatley may have been a gem in college, against mostly players who are not NFL calibre. Fact is, that cant be changed is that he is 5-9 and 177 lbs and he probably wont survvive pre season. The day of the 5-9, 5-10 cornerback in the NFL is past. Today\'s receivers are 6-0 or better, and getting taller and faster.

This was a total waste of a draft pick in the class of Eugene Chung and Chris Canty.

Although it is not unexpected as the BB/Pioli team have made a disaster out of second round picks on a consistent basis. This one will go down as one of their worst.

The Mayo pick will probably turn out pretty good however.

.5 inches shorter than Samuel.

 

[Disco Volante]

I like Mayo and feel he can really be a star.

As far as those who aren't digging today, some of those disappointed are those who had the pipe dream of grabbing one of 3 “elite” defensive prospects by moving up/them falling. (Dorsey, Long, Gholston) As well as those who felt we should have drafted one of the top CB prospects instead.

Wheatley reminds a lot of people of Ellis Hobbs, which doesn't exactly evoke the most excitement. I’m not going to lie and say I’m jumping in glee over drafting Wheatley – but hey I kind of like this Bill Belichick guy, I'll trust him.

Overall I'm excited with Mayo and intrigued to see how Wheatley turns out.

 

[everlong]

I'm not happy with the idea of seeing Cason and Cromartie team up on the Chargers, but that's probably for another convo.

I was really hoping he would slide to round two and we would be able to trade up. Give Smith credit he's a very good GM.

 

[reflexblue]

I like Mayo,but don't we have ENOUGH 5-9 corner backs,we had enough extra thid round picks to move up higher in the round and grab someone with more potential,not to mention size. The last time we took a CB high in the draft was Ty Law. And we haven't won a SB sinces he's left. BB is the greatest coach in history,an he can take street FA's and make them servicable. But eventually we have to take a CB with grade A size and ability.IMO

It seems every year were dealing with the same problem lack of quality corners.

I'm no expert when it comes to what player wa good in collage and who wasn't. I don't watch much collage football anymore. I do consider many people on this board very knowlagable when it comes to talent evaluation. So if you'all say Wheatly is that good then I'll take you're word.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Umm...isn\'t that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

Wheatley may have been a gem in college, against mostly players who are not NFL calibre. Fact is, that cant be changed is that he is 5-9 and 177 lbs and he probably wont survvive pre season. The day of the 5-9, 5-10 cornerback in the NFL is past. Today\'s receivers are 6-0 or better, and getting taller and faster.

This was a total waste of a draft pick in the class of Eugene Chung and Chris Canty.

Although it is not unexpected as the BB/Pioli team have made a disaster out of second round picks on a consistent basis. This one will go down as one of their worst.

The Mayo pick will probably turn out pretty good however.

Man, nothing like talkin out your ARSE. TOTALLY and 100%.

The Pats have only had 2 2nd round picks that have been questionable. Johnson and Marquis Hill. Though, Hill had an uphill climb with Warren, Seymour and Green in front of him.

As for Wheatley, damn. Never survive the pre-season, huh? Ty Poole says HI to the Bandwagon fan that you are.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I'm happy with the picks, but I'm still hoping they draft Avril at 69th overall, and I kind of think Wheatley would have been available for that pick, but who knows.

I think the Pats took Wheatley because the Giants were going to take him next, if the Pats passed on him.

 

[BradyManny]

OK, so when they chose Logan Mankins it was kind of a buzzkill -- just because OG is the least exciting possible position for a 1st-round pick.

And when they chose Laurence Maroney, a lot of people had been really, really pulling for Manny Lawson.

But why on Earth is there so much negativity and anger today? A trade down, then the top 3-4 ILB in the draft and a playmaking CB who doubles as a lightning-fast kick returner! Isn't that just what everybody was dreaming about? Doesn't this fill the team's biggest needs? And now 3 picks coming up in the next round!

I'm confused.

I had Wheatley as the #2 player in the "late 2nd/early 3rd" section of my Pats draft board.

We got two guys that can contribute immediately in some shape or form, likely we'll see both of these guys on passing downs sooner rather than later. Both seem to have the work ethic and intelligence to grow into productive starters in time.

 

[MosiT]

Re: Umm...isn\\\'t that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

.5 inches shorter than Samuel.

Samuel\'s height was a disadvantage also. Where he excelled was instinct in knowing when to jump in front of a receiver to make interceptions. Many of us forget all the times he was a second late, and the receiver went on for a decent catch and YAC too.

Also, try to remember how many times Asante was the beneficiary of an overthrown pass and he was a few yards behind the receiver but the ball went straight into Asante\'s hands.

Asante had good numbers, but anyone who is honest will see that he had a very definite height disadvantage and was beaten, may times because of it. He rarely made an interception when going one on one in a jump ball situation with a receiver.

All that being said, because of his instinct he became a very exciting player to watch, but he definitely is no where in the class of Ty Law at his best, or any of the other premiere cornerbacks in the NFL and the Eagles will find that out this year.

In close situations man on man, height vs. height, Asante was beaten more often than not. As I said, he was exciting because he had instinct when to cut in front, but for as many times as he made the int, or the pass defense, he also was a second late and beaten.

It is normal to remember only the positive and not see the negative.

Cornerbacks today need to have the height to match with the taller wide receivers coming out of college every year now.

No Wr\'s were taken in the first round today, but those in the second round, many of them were 6-2, 6-3, 6-5, and so on.

5-9 does not cut it on defense, and this Wheatly is only 177 lbs on top of that. He may end up in the hospital in mini camp.

Sorry but that is an honest way that I see it. The Pats,IMO, goofed on this one.

Mayo was fine. But we will find out more come mini and regular camp.

 

[BradyManny]

I'm not happy with the idea of seeing Cason and Cromartie team up on the Chargers, but that's probably for another convo.

Potentially frightening CB corps. That was a bummer seeing that happen. SD, like NE and Indy, definitely knows how to make their team stronger via draft.

I'm sure you were as bummed as I was that we didn't make the move up for Groves...but in BB/Pioli we trust. I am happy with the selections.

 

[MosiT]

Re: Umm...isn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t that EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED?

I had Wheatley as the #2 player in the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"late 2nd/early 3rd\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" section of my Pats draft board.

We got two guys that can contribute immediately in some shape or form, likely we\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'ll see both of these guys on passing downs sooner rather than later. Both seem to have the work ethic and intelligence to grow into productive starters in time.

Terrell Thomas, CB, would have been a better pick, IMO.

I cant post url\\\\\\\'s so go to scout.com

2007: Thomas, known for his lock-down skills on receivers returns for his second year as a starting cornerback as a senior in 2007. He had surgery on a dislocating left shoulder prior to 2007 spring practice.