We Still Need A Defensive End

[mgteich]

I've taken my eyes off the track somewhat with all hoopla with regard to re-signing Wright. All we did was to maintain the status quo for 2009. We have not dealt with the issue that we are likely to need DE help in 2010 and that it often takes a year or so for a DE to develop.

Even presuming the extending or franchising of Wilfork, we still have Seymour and/or Green in their last year. Unless Belichick has an awefully good feeling abour re-signing Seymour, I think that we need to consider signing a DE early.

 

[WhiZa]

This is why I was hoping they would leave that last DL position open for a high pick. I can't see them drafting a day 1 DL unless they cut someone else.

 

[patchick]

This is why I was hoping they would leave that last DL position open for a high pick. I can't see them drafting a day 1 DL unless they cut someone else.

Well, a day-1 DL really ought to be able to beat out Le Kevin, don't you think?

 

[KY Pats Fan]

I believe that a future DE replacement to Sey will be drafted this year on day 1

 

[mgteich]

I agree that a Day One DE should be able to beat our LeKevin. Also, we have at times carried seven defensive linemen.

Well, a day-1 DL really ought to be able to beat out Le Kevin, don't you think?

 

[alvinnf]

Tyson Jackson- LSU 23rd overall, or you could get someone like Bennett out of Texas A&M later on in the draft. Bennett would need to add about 15lbs. and would be a bit riskier than Jackson.

 

[14thDragon]

Even presuming the extending or franchising of Wilfork, we still have Seymour and/or Green in their last year. Unless Belichick has an awefully good feeling abour re-signing Seymour, I think that we need to consider signing a DE early.

I disagree. Even if Seymour and Green leave that still leaves two of the starters as 1st round draft picks. Not every position can be stocked with top draft picks. I do not want to continue to over invest at the defensive line.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I mentioned in some thread that I expect one of our early picks to be a DE to replace Seymour in 2010. Jackson or Gilbert seem like good options.

 

[mgteich]

Congrats! This is now a candidate the post I most disagree with in 2009. Obviously, it can't touch those who wanted to keep Cassel until training camp and then trade him.
===========================================

"Continue to overinvest in our DL" WOW!!!!!!!!

I think that we have gotten more than our value from Seymour, Wilfork and Warren.

I disagree. Even if Seymour and Green leave that still leaves two of the starters as 1st round draft picks. Not every position can be stocked with top draft picks. I do not want to continue to over invest at the defensive line.

 

[14thDragon]

Congrats! This is now a candidate the post I most disagree with in 2009. Obviously, it can't touch those who wanted to keep Cassel until training camp and then trade him.
===========================================

"Continue to overinvest in our DL" WOW!!!!!!!!

I think that we have gotten more than our value from Seymour, Wilfork and Warren.

At the expense of LB and DBs, and to a certain extent WR. Plenty of other spots that need infusions of young talent.

Also do you think have gotten the value out of Green, Hill and Brown?

 

[spacecrime]

I disagree. Even if Seymour and Green leave that still leaves two of the starters as 1st round draft picks. Not every position can be stocked with top draft picks. I do not want to continue to over invest at the defensive line.

It isn't about the two DL that are high picks, it is about who will start at RDE if Seymour goes, and I don't like your idea of Mike Wright as our starting RDE. I like him as a backup - he makes a good guy to give the starters a break, but not to be the starting RDE. Especially with no one backing up either DE except Lekevin SMith.

We are good as long as we extend Seymour. Otherwise we need a high draft pick DE this year or next, and like the OP, I would prefer this year.

You can't get top draft picks in every position, true, but DE is a good one to have a top draft pick.

 

[mgteich]

Green was certainly worth the 4th we used, and has been worth the cash and cap money we have paid.

At the expense of LB and DBs, and to a certain extent WR. Plenty of other spots that need infusions of young talent.

Also do you think have gotten the value out of Green, Hill and Brown?

 

[14thDragon]

It isn't about the two DL that are high picks, it is about who will start at RDE if Seymour goes, and I don't like your idea of Mike Wright as our starting RDE. I like him as a backup - he makes a good guy to give the starters a break, but not to be the starting RDE. Especially with no one backing up either DE except Lekevin SMith.

I'm not saying do not draft a guy, just not the number 1 or 2 3-4 DE available. Do a little bargin shopping and find a guy in rounds 3 and 4. Someone a bit raw, maybe needs to bulk up a bit, needs to learn the finer points of the position. Look in the 4-6 range and find the starter among the back-ups.

Or should it come to it, get a mid-level free agent next year. A nice hungry veteran looking for his ring.

More then one way to skin a cat here.

 

[WhiZa]

Someone mentioned that the 2010 draft is stocked with DL. That could very well be an option especially if we can turn a 2nd rounder into a 1st next year. Otherwise the pats will need to use a second on a DL this year which seems like more risk with not having the roster spot and quality of player.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I've taken my eyes off the track somewhat with all hoopla with regard to re-signing Wright. All we did was to maintain the status quo for 2009. We have not dealt with the issue that we are likely to need DE help in 2010 and that it often takes a year or so for a DE to develop.

Even presuming the extending or franchising of Wilfork, we still have Seymour and/or Green in their last year. Unless Belichick has an awefully good feeling abour re-signing Seymour, I think that we need to consider signing a DE early.

With Green making 5M per season as the Pats backup DE, do the Pats really need another high priced backup to Seymour and Warren?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I've taken my eyes off the track somewhat with all hoopla with regard to re-signing Wright. All we did was to maintain the status quo for 2009. We have not dealt with the issue that we are likely to need DE help in 2010 and that it often takes a year or so for a DE to develop.

Even presuming the extending or franchising of Wilfork, we still have Seymour and/or Green in their last year. Unless Belichick has an awefully good feeling abour re-signing Seymour, I think that we need to consider signing a DE early.

I would love for BB to draft LSU's Jackson at #23, but I doubt he falls that far.

I think a couple of late rounders or UDFA could be excellent developmental projects/practice squad guys. Potter of Nebraska and Greenwood of Alabama. Of course with Saban in Alabama, BB will get the full scoop on this kid.

 

[Metaphors]

I've taken my eyes off the track somewhat with all hoopla with regard to re-signing Wright. All we did was to maintain the status quo for 2009. We have not dealt with the issue that we are likely to need DE help in 2010 and that it often takes a year or so for a DE to develop.

Even presuming the extending or franchising of Wilfork, we still have Seymour and/or Green in their last year. Unless Belichick has an awefully good feeling abour re-signing Seymour, I think that we need to consider signing a DE early.

Think you are right on target. With 6 picks in the top 100 (gotta figure the Pats use at least 4 of them), I'm not sure how a 3-4 DE won't be in that group.

Tyson Jackson would be about the only one that makes sense at #23. If he happened to slide to #34, I don't think the Pats would need the full time to get his card to the table. He is the only elite 3-4 DE in the draft and that makes him a valuable commodity.

In the 2nd round (picks #47 or #58), I think Fili Moala would be a solid pick as an eventual Seymour replacement...key word being "eventual". Needs to get stronger, especially in the lower body, to dominate against the run. Does have enough functional strength to be effective outside but I'm less convinced he would do well if called upon to slide inside in the occasional 4-3 alignment.

My 3rd round choice in this area is Dorell Scott. Was looking at his weight at the combine and it looked like he slimmed down quite a bit. Quickness looked improved but his main ability is being able to hold up against the run. If he could show improved ability to collapse the pocket and better hand technique to disengage on the pass rush, he could get lots of reps in the Pats scheme.

Once you get into the 4th round, I think you look at Ricky Jean-Francois. All the ability in the world but only showed it in flashes at LSU. In looking for a Jarvis Green replacement, I like Kyle Moore in the 4th round range. Not as explosive as board-favorite Jarron Gilbert, but you wouldn't have to use an early 2nd to get him. Would need to put on some weight but has the frame to do it.

So I agree that a 3-4 DE needs to get a part of the Pats haul. I do think there are opportunities to get good value outside of picks #23 and #34.

 

[mgteich]

So you would pass on a DL who might be ready in 2010 in the HOPE that we will be able to draft a DE starter in 2010? That's not Belichick's kind of logic.

Someone mentioned that the 2010 draft is stocked with DL. That could very well be an option especially if we can turn a 2nd rounder into a 1st next year. Otherwise the pats will need to use a second on a DL this year which seems like more risk with not having the roster spot and quality of player.

 

[WhiZa]

I think BB will always expect a 1st rounder to come in and be able to start right away. That's the nature of 1st round picks.

 

[14thDragon]

So you would pass on a DL who might be ready in 2010 in the HOPE that we will be able to draft a DE starter in 2010? That's not Belichick's kind of logic.

How about drafting a guy next year and signing a mid-level free agent (like with Traylor) to split the reps with the rookie? That soulds like Bill logic too me.