Patriots Draft Picks 2012 Stock Pile
Dang it we know Belichick has a method to his drafting madness but I don't feel this was the year to stockpile picks for next year like we did again this year. We now have two draft picks in the first and two in the second of the 2012 draft but what do you think the chances of us using all of those are anyways next year? This was the year to go hog wild with drafting because free agent pick ups are going to be a dicey proposition if we get this pig of a season underway. I wish we would have done like the Packers and some other teams did and stockpiled late draft picks this year so we could get more of the guys who might be undrafted free agent types we like to pickup right after the draft. What do you want to bet the Packers with there five picks in the last two rounds actually found some guys who will contribute next year in a positive way and that is already one deep team they have. Overall though we like this draft by the Patriots and think the gamble on Mallett is very prudent as Brady sadly isn't getting younger, besides any team is wise to pick a QB in the top 4 rounds every five years ago whether they have a franchise QB or not just in case something does happen.
5 free agent Patriots should contemplate about signing
For this article, I am going to examine 5 free agents who Patriots could use. In my opinion, special team is in great shape so I will assume that Patriots will not make any significant changes. Order in which they are listed does not have any significant meaning except that I came up with their names first while writing this article.
5 free agents that would help Patriots
By Frank Hyun
1. DeAngelo Williams, Running backs from Carolina Panthers.
Williams has been an above average running back for the Carolina Panthers since he was drafted in 2006 annual NFL draft out of Memphis. Many draft analysts said that he did not have physical attributes to handle the NFL and he will be one of many collegiate running backs who fail to make adjustment in NFL. He was, at first, used as a complement to DeShaun Foster as a change of pace back then slowly took over the primary job, becoming the feature back in 2008. However, after scoring total of 20 touchdowns (18 rushing, 2 receiving) and gaining 1,515 yards on the ground, his stats fell for 2 consecutive years and only played in 6 games in 2010 due to injury. I think that he will be most complete back that Patriots will be able to acquire this off season. Signing him to 3-4 years, I believe, is worth the risk.
2. Braylon Edwards, Wide receiver from New York Jets
Before berating me for even thinking about bringing Braylon Edwards to Patriots, listen to what I have to say. Wide receivers who Patriots currently have are one of the hardest working groups in NFL but they simply lack physical gift that Braylon Edwards posses. Yes, he has character concerns and he talked some bad things about Patriots but he will bring physicality that none of Patriots wide receivers have. If you watch Patriots playoffs lose against Jets, Revis contained Deion Branch exclusively, shutting down one of Brady’s favorite target all game. Edward will be able to break away from jams. In my opinion, he is one of best slant route runner in NFL.
3. Ryan Harris, Offensive Tackle from Denver Broncos
Ryan Harris is a young, athletic offensive tackle with good amount of potential left in him. One of the reasons why Broncos did not sign him to an extension was because of his injury woes past two years but not many talented offensive tackles make free agency without one or more concerns attached to them. Matt Light does not figure to be in long term plan for Patriots and they might as well move Sebastian Vollmer to left tackle next season while putting Ryan Harris to right tackle. He is athletic enough to provide blocks in screen pass plays, which Patriots runs a lot.
4. Matt Roth, Defensive end/Outside linebacker from Cleveland Browns
Matt Roth may be familiar to you. He was ex-Dolphins whose favor fell out of Bill Parcells then switched the position from Defensive end to outside linebacker. He is not a great pass rusher by any mean but he excels in run support and pass coverage. As much as I am a fan of Rob Ninkovich, he is jack of all trade who does not have any strength. Yes, Patriots do need pass rusher, but someone who can stop the run and provide adequate pass coverage is also important. Also he can move to defensive end position in third down situations if needed.
5. Bernard Pollard, Strong safety from Houston Texans
This may be most outrageous suggestion I ever made. We all know how Pollard injured Tom Brady in week 1. However, he is one of best run-stuffing safeties in the league and a hard hitting safety. He was exposed numerous times as a strong safety of Houston Texans but entire Houston Texans secondary struggled. I believe that he can be Rodney Harrison type player in Patriots system. Coach Belichick will find ways to disguise his weakness. He will be relatively cheap signing and offers great upside. He is also young enough to reach his full potential and become complete strong safety.
5 free agents that would help Patriots
By Frank Hyun
1. DeAngelo Williams, Running backs from Carolina Panthers.
Williams has been an above average running back for the Carolina Panthers since he was drafted in 2006 annual NFL draft out of Memphis. Many draft analysts said that he did not have physical attributes to handle the NFL and he will be one of many collegiate running backs who fail to make adjustment in NFL. He was, at first, used as a complement to DeShaun Foster as a change of pace back then slowly took over the primary job, becoming the feature back in 2008. However, after scoring total of 20 touchdowns (18 rushing, 2 receiving) and gaining 1,515 yards on the ground, his stats fell for 2 consecutive years and only played in 6 games in 2010 due to injury. I think that he will be most complete back that Patriots will be able to acquire this off season. Signing him to 3-4 years, I believe, is worth the risk.
2. Braylon Edwards, Wide receiver from New York Jets
Before berating me for even thinking about bringing Braylon Edwards to Patriots, listen to what I have to say. Wide receivers who Patriots currently have are one of the hardest working groups in NFL but they simply lack physical gift that Braylon Edwards posses. Yes, he has character concerns and he talked some bad things about Patriots but he will bring physicality that none of Patriots wide receivers have. If you watch Patriots playoffs lose against Jets, Revis contained Deion Branch exclusively, shutting down one of Brady’s favorite target all game. Edward will be able to break away from jams. In my opinion, he is one of best slant route runner in NFL.
3. Ryan Harris, Offensive Tackle from Denver Broncos
Ryan Harris is a young, athletic offensive tackle with good amount of potential left in him. One of the reasons why Broncos did not sign him to an extension was because of his injury woes past two years but not many talented offensive tackles make free agency without one or more concerns attached to them. Matt Light does not figure to be in long term plan for Patriots and they might as well move Sebastian Vollmer to left tackle next season while putting Ryan Harris to right tackle. He is athletic enough to provide blocks in screen pass plays, which Patriots runs a lot.
4. Matt Roth, Defensive end/Outside linebacker from Cleveland Browns
Matt Roth may be familiar to you. He was ex-Dolphins whose favor fell out of Bill Parcells then switched the position from Defensive end to outside linebacker. He is not a great pass rusher by any mean but he excels in run support and pass coverage. As much as I am a fan of Rob Ninkovich, he is jack of all trade who does not have any strength. Yes, Patriots do need pass rusher, but someone who can stop the run and provide adequate pass coverage is also important. Also he can move to defensive end position in third down situations if needed.
5. Bernard Pollard, Strong safety from Houston Texans
This may be most outrageous suggestion I ever made. We all know how Pollard injured Tom Brady in week 1. However, he is one of best run-stuffing safeties in the league and a hard hitting safety. He was exposed numerous times as a strong safety of Houston Texans but entire Houston Texans secondary struggled. I believe that he can be Rodney Harrison type player in Patriots system. Coach Belichick will find ways to disguise his weakness. He will be relatively cheap signing and offers great upside. He is also young enough to reach his full potential and become complete strong safety.
3 trades that I would love Patriots to make but will never happen
by Frank Hyun
After the Super Bowl, NFL fans face bleak future with potential lockout of NFL looming. However, off-season represent full of new ideas, however they may be crazy. I came up with these 5 potential trade that I wish Patriots would make but know deep down that will never happen (may be they will, who knows?). Anyway, here it goes.
1. Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Wilson from Arizona Cardinals to Patriots for two first round picks (17th and 28th overall), a second round pick (60th overall), Dane Fletcher or Gary Guyton, Darius Butler, Brandon Tate and Brandon Deaderick.
This trade, I think, makes a lot of sense for both sides. Cardinals get three high draft picks that they can use to fill holes they have such as quarterback, offensive linemen, tight end, inside linebackers, outside linebackers and corner backs. They also get multiple players who can fill in several needs and have decent amount of potential. Dane Fletcher or Gary Guyton can fill one of inside linebacker position without being a liability, Darius Butler has potential and may need change of scenery to reach that potential, Brandon Deaderick can provide quality depth at defensive line and Brandon Tate, while not polished, is still young and has potential to become a good receiver. We all know what Patriots would get from this trade. Larry Fitzgerald will make already dangerous passing game unstoppable and Adrian Wilson will imitate Rodney Harrison with his physical play style. This will make Patriots clear cut Super Bowl contender but I doubt that Coach Belichick will send all those picks for any player(s).
2. Larry English from Chargers to Patriots for Darius Butler
For those who do not know who Larry English is, he is outside linebacker from Northern Illinois. He was 16th overall pick in 2009 but he was defensive end at Northern Illinois. However, he has enough quickness, speed, strength and other physical ability to become a successful 3-4 pass rusher. However, he has not produced as Chargers expected and has fallen out of favor. I believe that change of scenery can make a lot of difference and maybe becoming a Patriot will help him become a good player. Also Chargers need help at secondary and Butler might be their answer. This trade probably will not happen because neither team, I do not think, have enough information to pull this one off
3. Davin Joseph from Buccaneers to Patriots for 124th overall pick (4th round)
Davin Joseph, a guard from Oklahoma, has been fairly consistent player until this year when he missed 5 weeks due to fractured foot. However, he has shown Pro Bowl caliber talent and skills. There has been report that Buccaneers are trying to resign him so maybe 4th round pick is too low but they have adequate replacement for Davin Joseph in Ted Larsen ( yes that Ted Larsen who was drafted by Patriots in 6th round then got cut) And Buccaneers has always been cheap, having lowest payroll in NFL this year. If Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, decides not to spend much money on offensive guard, Buccaneers will have to look to trade him instead of losing him in free agency later. He will be suitable replacement for either Stephen Neal or Logan Mankins.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at guswngks@yahoo.com and I will reply as soon as possible
After the Super Bowl, NFL fans face bleak future with potential lockout of NFL looming. However, off-season represent full of new ideas, however they may be crazy. I came up with these 5 potential trade that I wish Patriots would make but know deep down that will never happen (may be they will, who knows?). Anyway, here it goes.
1. Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Wilson from Arizona Cardinals to Patriots for two first round picks (17th and 28th overall), a second round pick (60th overall), Dane Fletcher or Gary Guyton, Darius Butler, Brandon Tate and Brandon Deaderick.
This trade, I think, makes a lot of sense for both sides. Cardinals get three high draft picks that they can use to fill holes they have such as quarterback, offensive linemen, tight end, inside linebackers, outside linebackers and corner backs. They also get multiple players who can fill in several needs and have decent amount of potential. Dane Fletcher or Gary Guyton can fill one of inside linebacker position without being a liability, Darius Butler has potential and may need change of scenery to reach that potential, Brandon Deaderick can provide quality depth at defensive line and Brandon Tate, while not polished, is still young and has potential to become a good receiver. We all know what Patriots would get from this trade. Larry Fitzgerald will make already dangerous passing game unstoppable and Adrian Wilson will imitate Rodney Harrison with his physical play style. This will make Patriots clear cut Super Bowl contender but I doubt that Coach Belichick will send all those picks for any player(s).
2. Larry English from Chargers to Patriots for Darius Butler
For those who do not know who Larry English is, he is outside linebacker from Northern Illinois. He was 16th overall pick in 2009 but he was defensive end at Northern Illinois. However, he has enough quickness, speed, strength and other physical ability to become a successful 3-4 pass rusher. However, he has not produced as Chargers expected and has fallen out of favor. I believe that change of scenery can make a lot of difference and maybe becoming a Patriot will help him become a good player. Also Chargers need help at secondary and Butler might be their answer. This trade probably will not happen because neither team, I do not think, have enough information to pull this one off
3. Davin Joseph from Buccaneers to Patriots for 124th overall pick (4th round)
Davin Joseph, a guard from Oklahoma, has been fairly consistent player until this year when he missed 5 weeks due to fractured foot. However, he has shown Pro Bowl caliber talent and skills. There has been report that Buccaneers are trying to resign him so maybe 4th round pick is too low but they have adequate replacement for Davin Joseph in Ted Larsen ( yes that Ted Larsen who was drafted by Patriots in 6th round then got cut) And Buccaneers has always been cheap, having lowest payroll in NFL this year. If Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers, decides not to spend much money on offensive guard, Buccaneers will have to look to trade him instead of losing him in free agency later. He will be suitable replacement for either Stephen Neal or Logan Mankins.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to email me at guswngks@yahoo.com and I will reply as soon as possible
Bill Belichick wins Coach of the Year
By Ryan Hannable
Belichick had 30 of the possible 50 votes. Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris had 11.5 and Todd Haley of the Chiefs had four. Pretty unanimous choice I would say.
And for good reason. No one had ever thought that the 2010 Patriots team would go 14-2 and win their last eight regular season games. Not with such a young defense Belichick had put together. Especially not after the day the Patriots traded Randy Moss to the Vikings.
Some thought that this was Belichicks best coaching job ever. Well, not with losing in the divisional round of the playoffs it wasn't, but if the Patriots had won the Super Bowl I think people would have a pretty good case. 2001, the year the Patriots won the Super Bowl over the Rams would be Belichick's best coaching job.
Regardless of the way the season ended, the 2010 was a very good beginning for this Patriots team. There were a lot of new faces, especially on defense and they showed that they have a great deal of potential. Under Belichick's guidance, the 2011 Patriots team should be one of the favorites to represent the AFC in Indianapolis next January.
I will be posting periodically this off-season with anything Patriots related that may come up. Feel free to email me at ryanhannable@yahoo.com with any questions or comments. Follow me on Twitter at Hannable84.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
| Patriots Mix blog featured writers | Ed Mahan |
| Write about the Patriots | We believe that you the avid fan, student journalist, and or freelance writer deserve to be heard. Avid fans have a strong desire to hear from the common (or not so common) "man" as well. You are always free to write about the material of your choice, in your own unique style, and on your own schedule. So vent,enlighten and share with us! Contact us at: writers@sportsmixed.com |
| Enjoy Patriots rumors, news, talk? | Please help us spread the word on the Sports Mixed Network by letting friends, and family know about it. The more we grow our community of avid fans, the more features we can add. So please send a Tweet, Facebook message or better yet tell them in person.
|