We Do Not Need Any More Receivers

[DaBruinz]

its almost impossible with all the draft picks not to get a WR. I think they sign a FA proven vet, but not a star.

The specific need they have is for a deep receiver. Caldwell and Gaffney have size, speed and hands so the are the faster possession types. CJ didn't do his part nor did Gabriel. They need the deeper threat. Someone who has a resume` like Kevin Johnson, Andre Davis or David Patten. Now Andre turned out not to have the head for this Offense, nor did Gabriel, but KJ might, and DP definitely did.

But your thesis that they really don't "need" a fifth receiver is apt. CJ will develop. Major improvement will come from simple repetition and familiarity from day one.

You won't see David Patten back. Reason being is that he was benched for much of the play-offs during his last year with the Pats.

 

[GoWhalers]

Gee... Its a shame that you unable to watch the playoffs. The Offense averaged 31.6 points per game in the playoffs. That sure sucks not being able to move the ball and score and score against "the tougher Defenses"...

You sound like a Clots fan complaining the Offens is bogging down when they didn't get to fifty.

Well, hang on a second there. Let's look at the playoffs again.

Pats-Jets: Great game all around by the offense. 3TDs (Asante had 1 late), 200+ yards passing and 100+ yards rushing. However, it's still against the Jets -- one of the weaker teams in the wild card round. I have them ranked only above the Chiefs and Giants in that round.

Pats-Chargers: I was at this game. Brady has 280 yards, 2 TDs and 3 INTs. Total rushing yardage was less than 50. If you actually watched this game, you had to see how much trouble the offense had, both running the ball and getting it to the receivers. 7 punts, 3 INTs, 3 FGs, 2 TDs. Those numbers spell a hell of a job by the defense in getting the offense more chances, and a amazing job by Brady winning that game. But the offense was in trouble -- you can't argue against that.

Pats-Colts: I know the Pats put up 34, but one TD was defensive. Look at the drive charts. First half: Two great TD drives, and two punts. Second half: One TD (scored on a 21 yard drive after a Colts turnover by the D), two FGs (on short drives of 33 and 29 yards after Hobbs' big returns),three punts (8,8,6 yards for each drive), and the last interception. The offense couldn't move the ball effectively in the 2nd half of that game. Total third down conversions for the game? 5-14.

I like the guys on our offense, don't get me wrong. But they struggled in the playoffs as the opponent caliber increased. Getting some talent on the offensive side of the ball will benefit both the offense AND the defense, which has proven itself to be solid, whoever is back there, as long as Belichick is coaching them.

 

[DaBruinz]

This is the site i use. Donte Stallworth wold be a nice addition.



http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagentsWR.html

Also, I read somewhere that BB likes Stallworth. However, PatsfaninPA was talking that Stallworth has all but said he would re-sign with the Eagles.

 

[Keegs]

yes we need at least 1 for when we cut Reche for choking in the biggest game of his career TWICE

 

[DaBruinz]

Why? Our receivers are not to blame for our playoff loss. We put up plenty of points in the playoffs and regular season. Our aging and injury-prone LB's and safeties were the main cause of our loss (as well as two dubious PI calls).

The entire offense, including McDaniels, deserves much of the blame for the play-off loss. They had the ball with under 3 minutes and couldn't get a 1st down.

Also, with 1:53 on the clock and the Colts at the Pats 30, BB should have let the Colts score immediately (kind of like the intentional safety against Denver) just so he could get the defense off the field and give Brady the ball with over 1:30 left. That way, there would have been less pressure, though not much, on moving the ball down the field. Trying to move the ball with less than a minute left was a huge thing to ask of the entire offense. And they weren't prepared for the pressure.

 

[mb6592]

Aren't you guys tired of Brady having to make lemonade out of lemons? We b*tch that Brady has never had the surrounding cast that Manning's had, yet we want to continue with Gaffney & Caldwell? Let's get this guy a top flight receiver already for crying out loud!

 

[maverick4]

Aren't you guys tired of Brady having to make lemonade out of lemons? We b*tch that Brady has never had the surrounding cast that Manning's had, yet we want to continue with Gaffney & Caldwell? Let's get this guy a top flight receiver already for crying out loud!

I could care less about Brady piling up Manning-like statistics. My primary wish is for the Pats to pile up more championships, and we don't need to splurge on receivers like the Detroit Lions to make it happen.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I personally would love having one more number 2 on the team, to make sure nobody gets the idea that anybody is a #1.

First, it goes without saying, re-sign Troy. Get it done early, and don't jack with him; he hasn't been greedy in the past, so I don't see the obstacle.

Draft - other posters are right. We just made our big draft forray. Maybe use a lower round pick on a wideout, but give Chad a chance here, people. We have 3 more cheap years for the guy to make good.

Free Agency

Drew Bennett
2006:
737 yards, 3 TDs
6'5" 205 pounds

You may remember his incredible run with Volek under center in 2004, when McNair was hurt. It's worth considering that when he's being targeted regularly, Bennett has been a dangerous weapon in the past. At the very least, he would be a great addition to the Pats' receiving corps. With the "1a, 1b, 1c" philosophy the Pats use, he could be highly productive. Were that to shift, given current personnel, it would likely shift Bennett's way, and he's shown he can handle the attention. $6M, 3-year deal, 2004 (including a $2M bonus paid in 2005.) What does it take to land this guy? Certainly not "top dog" money, especially since he had a pretty pedestrian contract year. Middle-class, high-upside guy, Going on his 8th year in the league. My favorite bang-for-the-buck guy.

Terrance Copper (Saints) would be a good guy to have, but he's an RFA, and my gut says NO wants to keep him. A "poor man's Marques Colston," he lit it up toward the end of the season when Colston was out. It might be that NO just has too damn many capable wideouts, but I don't think Copper is the one they let go.

Ernest Wilford (Jags), same thing (RFA). The only dependable Jag receiver now that Jimmy Smith is gone... I don't think they just let him go. But if they still think Matt Jones is the future... hey, worth making a run at.

Wes Welker, (Mia), the human Swiss Army Knife, another RFA, does it all. Definitely a Pats kind of guy in that regard. He's another guy who would relish moving into a "share of the limelight" instead of being in the shadows, and might not be that highly valued by the 'Phins.

These guys are all starting caliber on the Pats, and I'd especially love to see Bennett here. Based on previous contracts plus his contract year performance, I think you're looking at maybe $3-3.5M APY -- better capologists might have a better feel for the accuracy of that guess. I don't think he'd shy away from a contract that gets him, say, 4-7M over 2 years, with a heavy emphasis on incentives.

Stallworth? If BB likes him, hey, I like him.

My preference? Go for one of the above FAs (there are other worthies in there too, don't get me wrong.) Take a lower round flyer (remember Givens?) And that's it.

I don't think any position is a screaming position of need, though LB always needs shoring up, and we have to see what happens at CB. People have made their points about the O-line, but I think they're fine. Every now and then it would be nice to see what becomes of a Pats O-line that has the same starters 2 years in a row.

PFnV

 

[ATippett56]

The Patriots could use another wide receiver as an upgrade to Childress and Kight. Supposedly, New England Patriots scout(s) were seen talking to following wide receiver during Senior Bowl practices:

Name: Chris Davis
College: Florida State Number: 5
Height: 5-10 Weight: 180
Position: WR Pos2:
Class/Draft Year: Sr/2007
40 Time: 4.50 40 Low: 4.48 40 High: 4.53
Projected Round: 7 Stock:
Rated number 34 out of 289 WR's

Analysis

Positives: Has a lean frame, but shows well-defined muscles…Has the foot quickness to get in and out of his cuts…Demonstrates effective change of direction agility and the second gear to separate coming out of his breaks…Very alert to defensive coverages and is slippery enough to avoid the crowd…Times his leaps well and despite his lack of size, his jumping ability lets him win most battles when attempting to get to the pass at its high point…Generates the body control and ability to sink his weight to adjust to the ball in flight…Builds his acceleration quickly coming off the snap and has the balance and flexibility to run sharp routes…Short strider who can reach top speed well, if given a free lane…While not explosive, he flashes good initial quickness and shows the avoidance agility to get past the jam…Also utilizes his change of direction agility to get into his routes when releasing off the line…Puts the defensive back on his heels with Chris' ability to run quick, clean routes.

Shows very good field vision (former prep quarterback) and is alert to the blitz, working back to the line quickly when the pocket is pressured…Knows where the soft spots in the zone are and is quick to anticipate the opponent's coverage… Does a good job of uncovering and detach from the cornerback to separate after the catch…Has the stride to run away from that coverage…Gets into and out of his break point with no wasted motion…Best when used on deep routes, as he doesn't have the size to take on defenders in a crowd, but will not hesitate to settle underneath…Natural hands catcher who looks the ball in well and shows the arm extension to catch away from his frame…Can adjust to the ball on contact due to his good feel for the ball in flight…Shows good concentration and leaping ability…Has the functional speed to stretch the defense and the maneuverability to break away from a lethargic defender in the open field…Even though he lacks bulk, he shows true courage laying out and going vertical to secure the ball…More of a pester type cut blocker, but takes good angles when operating in space.

Negatives: Has a thin frame that might be close to maximum growth potential…Despite showing lean muscle tone, he doesn't have the leg drive to break tackles or maintain position when asked to block along the line…Does not show the hand explosion to shock a defensive back and get a clean release vs. a physical press (best when he avoids and gets a clean release rather than pushing off the defender)…Has good timed speed and acceleration, but doesn't show the suddenness or explosion to leave tacklers grabbing at air…Has adequate moves to get a release, but needs to use head and shoulder fakes more often…Even when he finds the seam on short routes, he will generally be brought down by the initial tackle vs. the larger defenders (needs to avoid rather than attack his opponent)…Elusive, showing very good acceleration after the catch, but he is not going to break many tackles and is easy to knock down once a defender gets a hand on him…. Good team leader, but struggles with academics and has gotten into the coaches' dog house for missing classroom work…Needs to do a better job of securing the ball before running with it, as he leaves it too exposed, resulting in costly fumbles.

Compares To: TROY WALTERS-Indianapolis-Davis is a slippery runner with good acceleration in the open, but once a defender gets a piece of him, the battle is usually over. He is a fearless sort, though, who will go vertical to make the tough catch. Like Walters, he shows some adequate return skills and is capable of gaining positive yardage on the reverse due to his cutback ability.

 

[patsox23]

The Patriots offense made a lot of progress this season and I expect it to continue in 2007. The offense isn't the problem. The defense needs to get a bit younger at LB and at safety/CB. These are not monumental issues. WR is DEFINITELY not.

 

[Kdo5]

+1 I completely agree.

Tom Brady didn't look good this year. Not in the playoffs either. I blame the WRs for that. Even at the end of the year we looked bad. Against the Chargers, nada. Against the Colts, sucky. We need a wideout that will allow Caldwell and Gaffney to take on their natural roles as #2/3 receivers.

Letting David Givens go was a good decision. I can't blame the Patriots for the Branch fiasco, but if he was on the team, I'm 99% certain Brady would be getting fitted for his 4th ring.

Do we absolutely need a WR to win? No. But I think the lack of a #1 is definitely a reason we didn't win this year.

Why would the sole addition of Branch get us to the Superbowl? Rodney playing could have also got us to the Superbowl. I bet if some of the experienced players on defense werent hurt we could have won. But we just didnt have them unfortunately. It wasnt like we werent scoring plenty of points to compete with the Colts and get a win, many of the drives we went on usually went for scores.

btw Keegs, are you positive we would have ended up beating the Chargers if Caldwell somehow dropped the TD in that game or perhaps he dropped the long pass that set up the Gostkowski field goal. We might not have gotten to the AFC Title game if Caldwell hadnt stepped up at the end.

 

[JoeSixPat]

When a team's "deep threat" receiver averages 13 yards per catch there is very clearly a need

With no deep threat, that's an open invitation to have Safeties act like extra LBs

Is there anyone here who would actually want to give a team 2 extra LBs?

Having someone who can keep D's honest in the 18 - 20 yrds per catch average, catching even just 30 passes a season would be a TREMENDOUS difference maker. (Yes, maybe that's Jackson, but I'd prefer not to put all my eggs in one basket)

While I give Caldwell Gaffney and Watson all the respect in the world for doing what they did this season, along with the entire team - especially the Defense - for getting us as far as they did, next season I'd prefer to have home field advantage and a bye going into the playoffs.

Having a deep threat alone I believe would have made enough difference to achieve that this season, and I have no doubt that with such an advantage we'd have been celebrating a 4th SB in 6 years.

So only if you are satisfied with this season would anyone in my opnion, not be interested in a deep threat WR.

 

[maverick4]

So only if you are satisfied with this season would anyone in my opnion, not be interested in a deep threat WR.

The difference between us is I believe CJ will become that threat, and am not willing to spend a high pick or big money for an additional deep threat. If CJ doesn't pan out, I'd rather sign a 2nd-tier WR or a 3rd or later pick to fulfill a 'deep threat' role.

 

[jczxohn1]

While Caldwell isn't a pure burner, he does have some quicks and moves. I was very impressed with the fake he put on the DB in the SD game to get separation on the 49y reception. Gaffney is coming along as well. To me, we could use a vet slot rec. such as Welker or Stokely, if he's recovered from his injuries sufficiently. I love Troy Brown, but question his ability to be effective another year. It just isn't a job for a rook, either.
BB has expressed a lot of confidence in CJ, lets let him play. IMO, no true #1 is going to fall to #24 in the draft and we already have 2 #2's. Having a vet slot rec. who can exploit the middle of the Tampa 2 would solidify our rec corps nicely, considering the weapons Tommy will have at TE.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

The entire offense, including McDaniels, deserves much of the blame for the play-off loss. They had the ball with under 3 minutes and couldn't get a 1st down.

Also, with 1:53 on the clock and the Colts at the Pats 30, BB should have let the Colts score immediately (kind of like the intentional safety against Denver) just so he could get the defense off the field and give Brady the ball with over 1:30 left. That way, there would have been less pressure, though not much, on moving the ball down the field. Trying to move the ball with less than a minute left was a huge thing to ask of the entire offense. And they weren't prepared for the pressure.

I'd have to say blame should be equally distributed.

where was Corey Dillon? Flu? Injured?

Heath Evans was told to go on the field and apparently Ivan Fears does groupings. I believe they were confused on single back set versus I-Formation. That penalty hurt. Imagine if they had just went Power I and ran it?

 

[upstater1]

Why would the sole addition of Branch get us to the Superbowl? Rodney playing could have also got us to the Superbowl. I bet if some of the experienced players on defense werent hurt we could have won. But we just didnt have them unfortunately. It wasnt like we werent scoring plenty of points to compete with the Colts and get a win, many of the drives we went on usually went for scores.

btw Keegs, are you positive we would have ended up beating the Chargers if Caldwell somehow dropped the TD in that game or perhaps he dropped the long pass that set up the Gostkowski field goal. We might not have gotten to the AFC Title game if Caldwell hadnt stepped up at the end.

I agree there were many other ways to win the game. It's just my judgement that a WR that could keep the safeties from crowding the line would have been the most effective way to do it.

Also, I don't remember the long drives that you remember. I remember the 14 points that came off a Samuel INT and a Hobbs 80 yard return. After the first drive (which was great and featured a long Dillon run) the Patriots offense managed only a touchdown and two field goals.

That's not enough to beat Indy especially when you're constnatly going three and out.

Personally, if I had the chance (and I know this isn't going to be enough) I would trade the first two picks for Calvin Johnson because he is the best WR I've seen in college ball in the last 25 years. Before Johnson, Terry Glenn was the best i've seen. But Johnson is better.

 

[upstater1]

I personally would love having one more number 2 on the team, to make sure nobody gets the idea that anybody is a #1.

First, it goes without saying, re-sign Troy. Get it done early, and don't jack with him; he hasn't been greedy in the past, so I don't see the obstacle.

Draft - other posters are right. We just made our big draft forray. Maybe use a lower round pick on a wideout, but give Chad a chance here, people. We have 3 more cheap years for the guy to make good.

Free Agency

Drew Bennett
2006:
737 yards, 3 TDs
6'5" 205 pounds

You may remember his incredible run with Volek under center in 2004, when McNair was hurt. It's worth considering that when he's being targeted regularly, Bennett has been a dangerous weapon in the past. At the very least, he would be a great addition to the Pats' receiving corps. With the "1a, 1b, 1c" philosophy the Pats use, he could be highly productive. Were that to shift, given current personnel, it would likely shift Bennett's way, and he's shown he can handle the attention. $6M, 3-year deal, 2004 (including a $2M bonus paid in 2005.) What does it take to land this guy? Certainly not "top dog" money, especially since he had a pretty pedestrian contract year. Middle-class, high-upside guy, Going on his 8th year in the league. My favorite bang-for-the-buck guy.

Terrance Copper (Saints) would be a good guy to have, but he's an RFA, and my gut says NO wants to keep him. A "poor man's Marques Colston," he lit it up toward the end of the season when Colston was out. It might be that NO just has too damn many capable wideouts, but I don't think Copper is the one they let go.

Ernest Wilford (Jags), same thing (RFA). The only dependable Jag receiver now that Jimmy Smith is gone... I don't think they just let him go. But if they still think Matt Jones is the future... hey, worth making a run at.

Wes Welker, (Mia), the human Swiss Army Knife, another RFA, does it all. Definitely a Pats kind of guy in that regard. He's another guy who would relish moving into a "share of the limelight" instead of being in the shadows, and might not be that highly valued by the 'Phins.

These guys are all starting caliber on the Pats, and I'd especially love to see Bennett here. Based on previous contracts plus his contract year performance, I think you're looking at maybe $3-3.5M APY -- better capologists might have a better feel for the accuracy of that guess. I don't think he'd shy away from a contract that gets him, say, 4-7M over 2 years, with a heavy emphasis on incentives.

Stallworth? If BB likes him, hey, I like him.

My preference? Go for one of the above FAs (there are other worthies in there too, don't get me wrong.) Take a lower round flyer (remember Givens?) And that's it.

I don't think any position is a screaming position of need, though LB always needs shoring up, and we have to see what happens at CB. People have made their points about the O-line, but I think they're fine. Every now and then it would be nice to see what becomes of a Pats O-line that has the same starters 2 years in a row.

PFnV

I honestly don't care if we have a #1, #2 or #3 receiver, a great draftee, a FA, or Reche having a huge breakout year, Chad jackson turning into the next Jimmy Smith. I don't care how it gets done.

I just want the safeties to stay off the line of scrimmage, I want them off Brady's back. Man, Yeremiah Bell almost made the Pro Bowl off his performance against the Patriots (yeah, I exaggerate, who the hell is Bell?) but it was sickening to watch teams disrespect Brady and our offense.

 

[maverick4]

Personally, if I had the chance (and I know this isn't going to be enough) I would trade the first two picks for Calvin Johnson because he is the best WR I've seen in college ball in the last 25 years. Before Johnson, Terry Glenn was the best i've seen. But Johnson is better.

This kind of talk happens every year. I think that WR can be among the most hyped up positions in all of football, they get lots of attention, and I don't think high WR draft picks translate into wins very often.

By the way, I watched a Calvin Johnson clip, and he does not seem very quick to me. He will have trouble separating in the NFL beyond pure sprint patterns. At best, he will become something like Michael Irvin or Plaxico (at best).

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0BPsx77TkqA

 

[PaulNEPats]

It's not an easy problem to solve, that's for sure. There is definitely a need for a go-to receiver on this team, but there's slim pickings in FA. The early draft rounds should be used to address the LB (assuming we can't get fletcher or adalius thomas) and DB positions. We could draft another receiver in the 1st or 2nd round, but as we realized with CJ this past year, it's probably not going to help us until year 2 or 3. Maybe the Pats look for a trade along the lines of Jerry Porter?

There are bigger needs, but this remains a big need nonetheless.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Aren't you guys tired of Brady having to make lemonade out of lemons? We b*tch that Brady has never had the surrounding cast that Manning's had, yet we want to continue with Gaffney & Caldwell? Let's get this guy a top flight receiver already for crying out loud!

No, let's not.

Top flight = top coin, unless you're referring to picking up someone who's in the "middle class" and hoping he's top flight. It's possible that, for instance, someone will hope that, pay top coin for bennett, and put my personal first choice to rest. Know what? I don't care. Knock him off the list.

A "top flight" WR is not desireable in an offense that thrives on spreading the ball around, based on "bang for the buck," "return on investment," however you want to phrase it. Of course, that's unless you get one in the draft -- which we just (possibly) did last year. Here's how I see it:

For a "top flight" free agent, you have a ceiling that's below "top flight," based on the tried and true, Sirius-radio-commercial-tested concept that Brady does not play favorites. Now, were Brady looking to one guy first every play, the lazy way to do it, the top flight guy would pan out, but Brady's effectiveness would be reduced to playing pitch and catch with his new toy. And how do you justify $6M+ APY, if he's not your "favorite"?

So there's a point at which he's a great upgrade within a spread offense, and there's another point at which he's a superstar, and maybe even a little antithetical to the spread offense. So, you change the offense to maximize his talents. But Brady's signature talent is the ability to find the open guy, making a collection of anyone else's 2s and 3s into a group of 1a, 1b, etc. receivers. You've already paid for that talent, and now you have to pay for Mr. Top Flight Receiver.

I don't want to say it's a black and white, zero-sum game, but I would say that the Pats can do well with an infusion of competence and depth, and someone like Bennett would even represent an upgrade. But if you go above the "middle class" of receivers in the FA market, you are getting in a bidding war to secure an asset you've already paid for, via Brady's abilities in a spread attack. So past the middle class, you get diminishing returns.

If you keep using 1st and 2nd rounders, you're jumping the gun based on not evaluating your current talent (in the person of Chad Jackson.) Giving up on Jackson after a first season would be a rookie mistake, unless the Pats' personnel see something you see, and I don't. I doubt it. I think it's a matter of him being a first year guy who was hurt a lot. Haven't heard BB call him a bust yet. So unless the Pats' coaches see Chad as a bust, I would think a "need" pick for WR in the early rounds would be a very bad move.

Now a value move, that's something else. If someone the Pats covet falls to them, when they think he goes ten picks higher, of course they jump. Otherwise I don't see WR as a first day selection.

But then, the Pats never do what I think they will on draft day :beersign:

PFnV