Just like that, the most hyped about offseason procedure has already passed us by. The NFL draft has come and gone, and what many people thought happened in NE, a trade down to obtain more picks. I figured based on the lack of late round picks, the Pats and BB wouldn't stay put at 29 regardless of the talent that was available. They received a plethora of picks so the Vikings can move back into the first round (3rd pick for them) and get a dynamic player in Patterson. I say the Patriots made out pretty well getting four picks, to help add depth. So lets look at some key points this offseason the Patriots had.
1) The biggest move this offseason in my opinion is the resigning of Sebastian Vollmer. A guy that doesn't received a lot of recognition, he has battled injuries and performs at a high level. He not only excels at the run blocking game(most RT are known more for this responsibility) but he also has been great in passing downs. Vollmer can be considered in the top three for right tackles by most, but I would rank him as the top right tackle. I did say injuries has affected his playing time, but when healthy the guy has been a stu, and deserved the contracted extension that was fairly cheap.
2) Bringing back Aqib Talib was also an important decision, as he improved the defense as a whole. Also with Dennard not receiving any jail time this year, he will be ready to go as well. The reason I'm not sold entirely on Talib is last season the Pats got to the Superbowl without a stud corner anyways. Talib no doubt is a difference maker, but we will see with a full season if he keeps working hard, or if he fades during the season. Regardless, I don't see him mixing well in the future past this year.
3) The surprise decision to not resign Wes Welker will pay dividends to the future of the Patriots. If Welker was signed for say 3 yrs 24 mil you invest 8 mil a season and leave little flexibility. The Patriots got Amendola who is younger, and has the same characteristics as Welker for 5 yr 31 million. For a guy who is 27, and hasn't peaked due to quarterback inconsistency and no weapons around him. Also I believe Donald Jones will be a quite, but good pickup. Like Amendola, he had a bad QB in Fitz, who only tended to target Stevie Johnson and Scott Chandler. Jones will be a solid two receiver and will get chances to make plays.
4) CFL acquisitions in Jason Vega and Arnold Armstead will have their work cut out for them. It seems this year a lot of competition will happen at nearly every position. Armstead to me seems like a classic pass rushing guy who will sub in for Wilfork. He has good hands and footwork that fooled offensive lineman last season. Vega is thrown into a bunch that includes; Jones, Nink, Francis, Cunningham and others. He did get a 3 year deal which surprised me, so he must be in the future plans if they rolled out a 3 year deal.
5) The draft was highlights with a classic BB approach in acquiring more picks via a trade down. I liked the move, getting four picks from the Vikings to help add depth. In my eyes Aaron Dobson was the best selection we had. A guy that is 6'2" 210 pounds, he made some circus catches at Marshall. He is a big, strong guy who can spread the field. The stat I found with the most meaning. no dropped catches last year for him, so sure hands seem like a given. Josh Boyce was another good pick. He ran a 4.38 40 time, and put up 22 reps on bench. He seems like a strong, athletic kid that will add depth as maybe a 5th receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, Logan Ryan will help add depth to a weak cornerback committee. I didn't like the selection on Duron Harmon, feel like it was a wasted pick with getting Tavon Wilson last year. I believe Steve Beauharnais will be a solid rotational guy and special teamer. Jaime Collins is someone who on tape showed me he can read that spread offense that has been more popular in the NFL of recent. He reads the ball well and swarms whoever ends up with the ball. Look for him to get worked in like Justin Francis did last year, as a pass rusher off the edge.
Overall, I felt free agency was a success though I rather have gotten Sean Smith because he has youth and a ton of upside at corner. I did like the moves at receiver and feel Tommy Kelly will help plug the middle now he has a superior guy next to him. As far as the draft, I felt there were better players available at certain picks that would have benefitted the team better (Margus Hunt, Quinton Patton). Regardless it's hard to tell what BB is going to do, but we know the Patriots always come away better as a team and compete. It should be fun seeing how some of the new faces develop. I plan on going to training camp and evaluate some guys better come August.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
With the First pick in the 2013 Draft....
1. Chiefs- Eric Fischer: The Chiefs have a good amount of talent of their roster after a very strong FA offseason. They obtained their QB, and got help at CB for the defense. To protect the investment in ALex Smith, the CHiefs take the smaller school Fischer over the big name Joeckle. You can't go wrong with either, but Fischer has a mentality that matches the Chiefs play style with Andy Reid.
2. Jaguars- Luke Joeckle: The Jaguars are in a situation with many needs, and have many options here. They may be able to deal this pick for others with Joeckle being available. I think they stay put and draft him. It's much safer a pick then a defensive lineman who they have missed on in past years (Derrick Harvey, Tyson Alualu, Terrance Knighton). Joeckle is a absolute monster, and a decade plus of a top caliber tackle.
3. Cardinals- Lane Johnson: The Cardinals need a lot of help on the offensive line, so they trade up to make sure they get a top tackle in this draft. Lane Johnson didn't get as much hype, but put up great combine numbers. His 4.7 40 time shows the athletic ability this kid has, and may have the best career of the top 3 tackles in the draft.
4. Eagles- Dion Jordan: The Eagles are in the best position because they can field trade offers for teams looking at tackles. But with the top 3 gone, they have to sit at home and look at the top defensive players available. I believe they take Dion Jordan to help fill their OLB core. The switch to a 3-4 defense, plus Jordan knowing Chip Kelly make a perfect match. He can lead the rushing group, along with Brandon Graham.
5. Lions- Ezekiel Ansah: The Lions lost a lot of players on the defensive line (Avril, Vanden Bosch) and need to address the tackle spot as well. They won't reach on DJ Fluker, so they take one of the most talked about players in Ansah. With comparisons to JPP, he features a ton of raw talent with good speed and footwork. It comes down to will he turn that raw talent into a better skill set?
6. Browns- Dee Millner: The Browns have a young and upcoming defense. They lost Sheldon Brown in the offseason, so they need a corner to replace him. Pairing Haden with Millner could produce the most dangerous young tandem in the nfl. Millner has had many surgeries that have been reported, but you can't deny his skill set.
7. Raiders- Star Lotulelei: The Raiders lost 3 defensive tackles this offseason (Seymour, Bryant, Kelly) and have a gaping hole in the middle of the line. It was between Floyd and Star, but I think Star has a better skill set and has medically checked out. He can help bring some inside pressure and leadership to a damaged unit.
8. Bills- Johnathan Cooper: The Bills want a new QB, but with none selected thus far, there isn't many other teams looking to fill a void at that spot outside the top 10. So they address a big need after losing Andy Levitre. If CJ Spiller is going to continue improving, then he needs a strong, versatile guard to open up holes on the line.
9. Jets- Barkevious Mingo: The Jets have plenty of rebuilding to do, and given they have a defense first mindset, they have to add a pass rusher. They did take Quinton Coples last year, but have lost many players on the front 7. Mingo is projected as a top OLB in this draft class, and should add speed on the outside for a aging defense.
10. Titans- Shariff Floyd: The Titans added some important pieces to the offense this offseason (Delane Walker, Andy Levitre, Fitz). They see that Floyd has fallen and scoop him up at 10. They don't have a great defensive tackle, and could use pressure up the middle of the defense. They also may look at a cornerback here like Xavier Rhodes.
11. Chargers- Chance Warmack: The Chargers had to piece together an offensive line last season, which was almost as bad as the Cardinals line. Warmack, who once was considered a top 5 pick has been falling on draft boards. With a high need at guard and tackle, the Chargers take a guy who will step in and start for Louis Vasquez who they lost.
12. Dolphins- Xavier Rhodes: The Phins complete the trade for Brandon Albert and address the lost of Jake Long. After that, they could use help at defensive tackle and cornerback. With the addition of Brent Grimes, that was a prove it contract. So they add Rhodes to replace Smith, who is also physical at the line. Rhodes has the best size of the corners in this draft class, and will start immediately.
13. Jets- Tavon Austin: The Jets have been looking at adding some speed at the receiver position, even though they grabbed Stephen Hill last season. Austin is versatile, lining up at receiver, returner and running back. The Jets look to mimic the Pats with having an elite slot guy to create mismatches. Austin is the most excited player in this draft.
14. Panthers- Sheldon Richardson: The Panthers tried waiting later in the draft last year to address defensive tackle last year, and you could see they made a mistake with a soft tackle play. McClain didn't have any impact for them. So they make sure they grab the top defensive tackle this year who can step in and help Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy who both have been huge for the defense.
15. Saints- Kenny Vacarro: The Saints were torched last year in many different games with a lack of back end talent. They need help in the secondary, so they grab the best player rated available at this spot. Vacarro is considered the best safety in the class, and will add youth and skill to a bismel group.
16. Rams- Alec Olgetree: The Rams have been adding pieces to the defense the last couple of draft's and offseasons. They still have some area's of need; safety and outside linebacker. James Laurinitis has no help next to him, and usually takes a beating. Olgetree adds some strength and will become an impact guy to the 2nd level of the defense. With 2 picks, the Rams can really make this team contend this season.
17. Steelers- Jarvis Jones: The Steelers lost James Harrison and have a need for a outside linebacker to bring pressure. Though Jones has a medical issue with his spine, the Steelers will take the risk of adding a stud pass rusher.
18. Cowboys- Sylvester Williams: The Cowboys need help on the offensive and defensive line. But the defensive tackle position has been non-existent for them last year. They add Williams to help get pressure up the middle and slow down inside running lanes.
19. Giants- D.J. Hayden: The Giants have had issues with having a healthy secondary in the past couple of seasons. Terrell Thomas and Prince Amukamara both have been banged up. Hayden has flown up draft boards, and can add good ball skills to a hurting secondary.
20. Bears- Manti Teo: There it is, Manti Teo after all the offseason drama and poor showing in the championship game gets selected. The Bears need a commander of the defense with letting Urlacher leave. They have hole at OLB as well, but Teo is someone that can command the middle and replae the talented and aging Urlacher.
21. Bengals- Eric Reid: The Bengals need help at safety between using Taylor Mays who was terrible, and moving Terrence Newman back there. Eric Reid was a force at LSU, displaying good ball skills, finding the ball, and helping in run support.
22. Rams- Cordarrelle Parrerson: The Rams lost Danny Amendola their top receiving threat in FA, and Brandon Gibson as well. They need a fast, downfield playmaker to fill the voids they have. Patterson has had limited football playing time, but has shown glimpses of big play threats.
23. Vikings- DeAndre Hopkins: After seeing a couple receivers get selected, the Viks use their first pick to replace Percy Harvin. Hopkins isn't as lightning quick, but had a great career at Clemson. He has good speed, has good hands and solid route runner. He should help add a passing threat for Ponder.
24. Colts- Datone Jones: The Colts made a lot of good free agent additions this offseason (Cherius, Thomas) to name a few. They also added some depth on the defensive line, but need a impact player to add pressure off the edge. Jones has versatility playing end and tackle, and has a great motor.
25. Falcons- Desmond Trufant: The Falcons have said they want to trade up in the draft and to me they have to be looking at a cornerback. With the lose of Grimes and Robinson they have holes to fill in the secondary. They move up and grab Trufant, who fights for the ball and will play bump and run with receivers.
26. Packers- Bjoern Werner: The Packers need help in the front seven for Clay Mathews. They should last season you can't rely on one player to slow down a good offensive team. Werner will bring in strong pass rushing skills, and a high motor to a team that looked flat defensively against the 49ers in the playoffs.
27. Texans- Robert Woods: Robert Woods has been electric at USC, he seemed to always be making plays when he got the ball. Andre Johnson needs a younger, athletic guy who can take pressure off him in the passing game. Woods will help in the intermediate passing game, and has good after the catch ability.
28. Broncos- Matt Elam: The Broncos won't admit it, but their safety play killed them late in the game against the Ravens in the playoffs. They have youth back there, but not playmakers. Elam has been a leader at Florida, and tends to make big plays. Many people also think cornerback is a need, with Bailey looking like he lost a step. But with the signing of DRC, and having Chris Harris and Porter there. I don't see it addressed yet.
29. Bills- Ryan Nassib: You can't shake your head and wonder all day what the Bills claimed the days leading up to the draft, but the Matt Barkley story was a smokescreen. As long as Nassib is available, the Bills will trade up and take Marrone's old QB at Cuse. There isn't a guaranteed homerun quarterback this year, so it comes down to preference.
30. Vikings- Jamar Taylor: The Vikings have lost Antoine Winfield in FA, and have a big need a cornerback now. Taylor has good speed (4.37 40), and helps in the run defense. He is quick and can get underneath coverage.
31.49ers- Margus Hunt: San Fran has a luxury of draft picks this year, with not many needs. They do need some depth on the defensive line. They take Hunt, who is vastly similar to Justin Smith, who is at the end of the line. Hunt is a force and created a lot of pressure. The only issue I have is his age, given he is already 26 but you can't knock his football skills, as he has been a beast for the SMU program.
32. Ravens- Kevin Minter: The Superbowl champs have completely gutted the team, losing a high amount of players (Boldin, Lewis, Reed, Ellerbe). They have many needs, even though they signed some decent players in FA. It starts with leadership, and they take someone who will try and mask Ray Lewis and command the defense. Kevin Minter was the leader of the LSU defense. He was always around the ball, and made a impact of so many plays. This could be a chance to trade back and gain more picks, but adding a guy like Minter seems hard not to do.
The trades included Buffalo sending their 2nd rd pick and 4th rd pick (41, 71) to the Pats for the 29th pick.
The Vikings received the 30th and 163rd pick of Atlanta for the 163rd pick.
There will be many more, but I don't have the time nor the patience to include all of them. I project at least 5 trades to happen, if not a upwards of 10 is possible.
2. Jaguars- Luke Joeckle: The Jaguars are in a situation with many needs, and have many options here. They may be able to deal this pick for others with Joeckle being available. I think they stay put and draft him. It's much safer a pick then a defensive lineman who they have missed on in past years (Derrick Harvey, Tyson Alualu, Terrance Knighton). Joeckle is a absolute monster, and a decade plus of a top caliber tackle.
3. Cardinals- Lane Johnson: The Cardinals need a lot of help on the offensive line, so they trade up to make sure they get a top tackle in this draft. Lane Johnson didn't get as much hype, but put up great combine numbers. His 4.7 40 time shows the athletic ability this kid has, and may have the best career of the top 3 tackles in the draft.
4. Eagles- Dion Jordan: The Eagles are in the best position because they can field trade offers for teams looking at tackles. But with the top 3 gone, they have to sit at home and look at the top defensive players available. I believe they take Dion Jordan to help fill their OLB core. The switch to a 3-4 defense, plus Jordan knowing Chip Kelly make a perfect match. He can lead the rushing group, along with Brandon Graham.
5. Lions- Ezekiel Ansah: The Lions lost a lot of players on the defensive line (Avril, Vanden Bosch) and need to address the tackle spot as well. They won't reach on DJ Fluker, so they take one of the most talked about players in Ansah. With comparisons to JPP, he features a ton of raw talent with good speed and footwork. It comes down to will he turn that raw talent into a better skill set?
6. Browns- Dee Millner: The Browns have a young and upcoming defense. They lost Sheldon Brown in the offseason, so they need a corner to replace him. Pairing Haden with Millner could produce the most dangerous young tandem in the nfl. Millner has had many surgeries that have been reported, but you can't deny his skill set.
7. Raiders- Star Lotulelei: The Raiders lost 3 defensive tackles this offseason (Seymour, Bryant, Kelly) and have a gaping hole in the middle of the line. It was between Floyd and Star, but I think Star has a better skill set and has medically checked out. He can help bring some inside pressure and leadership to a damaged unit.
8. Bills- Johnathan Cooper: The Bills want a new QB, but with none selected thus far, there isn't many other teams looking to fill a void at that spot outside the top 10. So they address a big need after losing Andy Levitre. If CJ Spiller is going to continue improving, then he needs a strong, versatile guard to open up holes on the line.
9. Jets- Barkevious Mingo: The Jets have plenty of rebuilding to do, and given they have a defense first mindset, they have to add a pass rusher. They did take Quinton Coples last year, but have lost many players on the front 7. Mingo is projected as a top OLB in this draft class, and should add speed on the outside for a aging defense.
10. Titans- Shariff Floyd: The Titans added some important pieces to the offense this offseason (Delane Walker, Andy Levitre, Fitz). They see that Floyd has fallen and scoop him up at 10. They don't have a great defensive tackle, and could use pressure up the middle of the defense. They also may look at a cornerback here like Xavier Rhodes.
11. Chargers- Chance Warmack: The Chargers had to piece together an offensive line last season, which was almost as bad as the Cardinals line. Warmack, who once was considered a top 5 pick has been falling on draft boards. With a high need at guard and tackle, the Chargers take a guy who will step in and start for Louis Vasquez who they lost.
12. Dolphins- Xavier Rhodes: The Phins complete the trade for Brandon Albert and address the lost of Jake Long. After that, they could use help at defensive tackle and cornerback. With the addition of Brent Grimes, that was a prove it contract. So they add Rhodes to replace Smith, who is also physical at the line. Rhodes has the best size of the corners in this draft class, and will start immediately.
13. Jets- Tavon Austin: The Jets have been looking at adding some speed at the receiver position, even though they grabbed Stephen Hill last season. Austin is versatile, lining up at receiver, returner and running back. The Jets look to mimic the Pats with having an elite slot guy to create mismatches. Austin is the most excited player in this draft.
14. Panthers- Sheldon Richardson: The Panthers tried waiting later in the draft last year to address defensive tackle last year, and you could see they made a mistake with a soft tackle play. McClain didn't have any impact for them. So they make sure they grab the top defensive tackle this year who can step in and help Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy who both have been huge for the defense.
15. Saints- Kenny Vacarro: The Saints were torched last year in many different games with a lack of back end talent. They need help in the secondary, so they grab the best player rated available at this spot. Vacarro is considered the best safety in the class, and will add youth and skill to a bismel group.
16. Rams- Alec Olgetree: The Rams have been adding pieces to the defense the last couple of draft's and offseasons. They still have some area's of need; safety and outside linebacker. James Laurinitis has no help next to him, and usually takes a beating. Olgetree adds some strength and will become an impact guy to the 2nd level of the defense. With 2 picks, the Rams can really make this team contend this season.
17. Steelers- Jarvis Jones: The Steelers lost James Harrison and have a need for a outside linebacker to bring pressure. Though Jones has a medical issue with his spine, the Steelers will take the risk of adding a stud pass rusher.
18. Cowboys- Sylvester Williams: The Cowboys need help on the offensive and defensive line. But the defensive tackle position has been non-existent for them last year. They add Williams to help get pressure up the middle and slow down inside running lanes.
19. Giants- D.J. Hayden: The Giants have had issues with having a healthy secondary in the past couple of seasons. Terrell Thomas and Prince Amukamara both have been banged up. Hayden has flown up draft boards, and can add good ball skills to a hurting secondary.
20. Bears- Manti Teo: There it is, Manti Teo after all the offseason drama and poor showing in the championship game gets selected. The Bears need a commander of the defense with letting Urlacher leave. They have hole at OLB as well, but Teo is someone that can command the middle and replae the talented and aging Urlacher.
21. Bengals- Eric Reid: The Bengals need help at safety between using Taylor Mays who was terrible, and moving Terrence Newman back there. Eric Reid was a force at LSU, displaying good ball skills, finding the ball, and helping in run support.
22. Rams- Cordarrelle Parrerson: The Rams lost Danny Amendola their top receiving threat in FA, and Brandon Gibson as well. They need a fast, downfield playmaker to fill the voids they have. Patterson has had limited football playing time, but has shown glimpses of big play threats.
23. Vikings- DeAndre Hopkins: After seeing a couple receivers get selected, the Viks use their first pick to replace Percy Harvin. Hopkins isn't as lightning quick, but had a great career at Clemson. He has good speed, has good hands and solid route runner. He should help add a passing threat for Ponder.
24. Colts- Datone Jones: The Colts made a lot of good free agent additions this offseason (Cherius, Thomas) to name a few. They also added some depth on the defensive line, but need a impact player to add pressure off the edge. Jones has versatility playing end and tackle, and has a great motor.
25. Falcons- Desmond Trufant: The Falcons have said they want to trade up in the draft and to me they have to be looking at a cornerback. With the lose of Grimes and Robinson they have holes to fill in the secondary. They move up and grab Trufant, who fights for the ball and will play bump and run with receivers.
26. Packers- Bjoern Werner: The Packers need help in the front seven for Clay Mathews. They should last season you can't rely on one player to slow down a good offensive team. Werner will bring in strong pass rushing skills, and a high motor to a team that looked flat defensively against the 49ers in the playoffs.
27. Texans- Robert Woods: Robert Woods has been electric at USC, he seemed to always be making plays when he got the ball. Andre Johnson needs a younger, athletic guy who can take pressure off him in the passing game. Woods will help in the intermediate passing game, and has good after the catch ability.
28. Broncos- Matt Elam: The Broncos won't admit it, but their safety play killed them late in the game against the Ravens in the playoffs. They have youth back there, but not playmakers. Elam has been a leader at Florida, and tends to make big plays. Many people also think cornerback is a need, with Bailey looking like he lost a step. But with the signing of DRC, and having Chris Harris and Porter there. I don't see it addressed yet.
29. Bills- Ryan Nassib: You can't shake your head and wonder all day what the Bills claimed the days leading up to the draft, but the Matt Barkley story was a smokescreen. As long as Nassib is available, the Bills will trade up and take Marrone's old QB at Cuse. There isn't a guaranteed homerun quarterback this year, so it comes down to preference.
30. Vikings- Jamar Taylor: The Vikings have lost Antoine Winfield in FA, and have a big need a cornerback now. Taylor has good speed (4.37 40), and helps in the run defense. He is quick and can get underneath coverage.
31.49ers- Margus Hunt: San Fran has a luxury of draft picks this year, with not many needs. They do need some depth on the defensive line. They take Hunt, who is vastly similar to Justin Smith, who is at the end of the line. Hunt is a force and created a lot of pressure. The only issue I have is his age, given he is already 26 but you can't knock his football skills, as he has been a beast for the SMU program.
32. Ravens- Kevin Minter: The Superbowl champs have completely gutted the team, losing a high amount of players (Boldin, Lewis, Reed, Ellerbe). They have many needs, even though they signed some decent players in FA. It starts with leadership, and they take someone who will try and mask Ray Lewis and command the defense. Kevin Minter was the leader of the LSU defense. He was always around the ball, and made a impact of so many plays. This could be a chance to trade back and gain more picks, but adding a guy like Minter seems hard not to do.
The trades included Buffalo sending their 2nd rd pick and 4th rd pick (41, 71) to the Pats for the 29th pick.
The Vikings received the 30th and 163rd pick of Atlanta for the 163rd pick.
There will be many more, but I don't have the time nor the patience to include all of them. I project at least 5 trades to happen, if not a upwards of 10 is possible.
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