Lookin' for Love: Wide Receiver Edition
by Alec Shane on Feb 16, 2012 11:14 AM EST
in Opinion/Analysis
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I have a shocking confession to make: before I met my girlfriend, I didn't go on too many dates. You may find it almost impossible to believe, but I'm not exactly a ladies man.
I know, I know. Hard to believe. I mean, what woman wouldn't want a lazy, overweight, crude slob who spends most of his free time obsessing over the New England Patriots and is more likely to notice Tom Brady's new haircut than his girlfriend's? What lady wouldn't swoon over a man who can recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance in a single belch and whose idea of a romantic evening is watching Dumb & Dumber by candlelight? What's not to love in a man who hasn't bought a new article of clothing in over six years?
My glaring personal flaws aside, I also just wasn't a fan of the whole dating scene. I imagine a lot of it was because I got more than my share of polite "Nos" (and more than a few "HELL Nos") when asking women out, but there was more to it than that. Honestly, I just found the whole process exhausting. Once you finally do work up the courage to ask a woman out, it's only just beginning; you still have to put on pants, go out for meals, be on your best behavior, wonder what she's thinking, navigate that miserably awkward end-of-date-do-I-kiss-her-or-not moment, and then go through a whole back and forth as the two of you figure out if you're compatible and whether it's worth entering into a relationship. I always found it more enjoyable to just skip the whole process altogether and spend my evenings poring over my fantasy lineups.
I think another part of it was I that knew, underneath all of this flab and shame and powdered cheese dust, that I was a nice guy. And women didn't like nice guys. They liked good looking jerks who rode motorcycles to their modeling shoots and tipped valets with bills instead of coins. For a long time, it seemed that nice guys really do finish last, and so I didn't go on too many dates.
But then, one day, I realized something. Sure, I may not be the sexiest pick out there. I may not have the most money. And I may not see the use in showering every single day. But you know what? I'm stable. I'm honest. I look out for the greater good and put others before myself. I'm the kind of guy you want buying tiny little Tom Brady jerseys for your children. Once ladies get tired of riding on the back of motorcycles and pissing off their parents, I'm exactly the kind of guy they come looking for. There are plenty of women out there who value what I'm able to offer. Those that don't? Well there's the door.
And maybe that's why I love Free Agency so much. It's like knowing that on March 13, 2012, a whole bunch of gorgeous women are going to simultaneously hop off their loser boyfriends' bikes and come looking for a nice, stable guy who toes the line, puts others first, knows the meaning of hard work, and has a reputation for doing things the right way.
That he has a whole lot of money to throw around and desperately wants a ring on his finger certainly isn't hurting any, either.
The 2012 Free Agent Class is as solid as any I can remember in recent years. The Patriots have needs at wide receiver, defensive end, and in the secondary, and there are players available at all of those positions that will be a great fit for New England and can make a huge impact on this team. And, unlike me during my formative years, the Patriots present an attractive option for someone looking for something other than some jerk with a big mouth and a fat wallet.
I've compiled a wish list of sorts, broken down by position, that I'm going to be sharing over the next few weeks as Free Agency approaches. Some of the players on my list have virtually no chance of playing in New England, but that's why it's a wish list, right?
There is plenty to talk about in regards to all of the free agents out there, on these lists and otherwise, and I'm sure we'll be breaking them down in more detail down the line. For now, though, time to dust off the ol' aftershave and start wooing.
I figured I'd start with wide receiver. It is the most exciting position and one that is going to receive a lot of attention this month.
OUT OF MY LEAGUE
Below are receivers set to become free agents that have virtually no chance of signing with New England, mainly because their current teams will fight to keep them.
Mike Wallace. The thought of working out of a base 2 TE set with Welker and Wallace as receivers gives me goosebumps. And I'd gladly give up the first round tender that does with Wallace's restricted status - he's worth it and we have the pick to spare. But there is absolutely no way the Steelers let him go. He's young, he's talented, he likes the system, and he fits in there. Wallace won't be a free agent for long.
Dwayne Bowe. I'd I like Bowe a lot, and think he would make a great Patriot. But he's likely to get franchised by the Chiefs and I don't see him ever really hitting the open market.
Vincent Jackson. Jackson wants big money. Plus, New England had opportunities in the past to acquire Jackson during the Randy Moss trade and expressed zero interest. Jackson is a phenomenal talent, but he just isn't a good fit.
Randy Moss. Listen, Randy, it was great. We had some amazing times together. But it's over. It's not you, it's me. I need something more right now, and I just don't think you can offer that. You have no idea how appealing the thought of watching your beautiful hands reel in pass after pass is...but it's time to move on. I'm sorry. I'll always love you.
SO YOU'RE TELLING ME THERE'S A CHANCE...
These are the receivers that could end up in New England, under the right circumstances, but I don't think it's going to happen.
Why he will play for the Patriots in 2012: Wayne has phenomenal hands, is a great route runner, still has a lot of speed, and can take the ball deep. He knows his chances at another ring are getting fewer and fewer, and being able to close out your career having caught passes from both Manning and Brady is pretty much all you can ask for as a receiver. Wayne has also said he would love to play with Brady. He won't be overly expensive and Bill Belichick absolutely loves him.
Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: Wayne isn't a long-term solution, as he's getting up there in age. He also may garner more money on the open market than he is currently being valued at, which may be a risk for an older receiver who has played in one system his whole career. I'd like to see the Patriots target a younger receiver who will be a threat for several more years, and I don't know how many more seasons of production Wayne has left.
Overall: I can almost see the ESPN article now: "Source says that Wayne, Patriots have Met." We all get excited at the possibility, and then are disappointed when he signs elsewhere. Ultimately, I see Wayne going wherever Peyton Manning goes, as the two have an undeniable chemistry and would jump at the chance to play together if given the opportunity. Reggie Wayne is definitely an exciting option, but at this stage in his career it may make sense to find a deep threat elsewhere. As much as I like Wayne, and as happy as I would be to be wrong on this one, I don't see him playing for the Pats.
Why he will play for the Patriots in 2012: Jackson has done himself no favors this season, both with his streaky play and his open disdain with his contract situation. I don't see him signing his franchise tender, and I ultimately don't see him reconciling with the Eagles. I also don't know how many other teams will be willing to give Desean the payday he is looking for, as he has to be considered high-risk and an underperformer right now, in spite of his tremendous talent. That said, he can absolutely fly, and is the exact kind of player that would make this Patriots offense absolutely lethal. His value as a return man can't be denied either, and he may be the kind of player that can benefit from a strong locker room. If he's looking to take a step back, get his career back on track, and toe the line, he would be a real asset to this team as a both a legit deep threat and a kick/punt returner.
Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: Jackson is the antithesis of the Patriot Way. He clearly values himself over his teammates and is looking for a big payday. Bill Belichick swung and missed with Albert Haynesworth last year, and I don't see him taking another high-risk player like Jackson in 2012. At this point, I haven't heard anything that has led me to believe Jackson is looking to change his ways, and he won't want to take the kind of money the Patriots would offer him. If he doesn't work something out with Philadelphia, he has Oakland Raider written all over him.
Overall: Maybe Jackson doesn't get a whole lot of offers from other teams and realizes that he will benefit from being in the Patriots locker room in hopes of getting a huge payday in a season or two, in which case I can see a potential scenario where he is given an incentive-laden contract with a very short leash. Other than that, though, I just don't see this happening.
MOM, DAD...THERE'S SOMEONE I WANT YOU TO MEET.
These are the receivers I want to see catching passes from Tommy B. None of them are sure things, but they all have the skillsets the Pats are looking for and are worth pursuing aggressively.
Why he will play for the Patriots in 2012: Brandon Lloyd is exactly the kind of receiver New England needs. He's fast, he's young, he has great hands, he can stretch the field, and he picks up offenses quickly. He isn't solely a deep threat and can run the underneath/middle routes as well. He also won't come at a huge price (although he may cost more than Wayne) and loves the Josh McDaniels-run offense. Lloyd hasn't had an elite QB throwing him the ball for his entire career, and the prospect of playing with Tom Brady has to have appeal.
Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: The Rams just made a trade for Lloyd, and he is the kind of receiver Sam Bradford needs to keep around if he is going to take that next step as a quarterback. I don't know why St. Louis wouldn't try aggressively to retain him and offer him more money than New England would. Plus, Lloyd has expressed his interest in playing for Jeff Fisher, so his motivation to follow McDaniels may not be as strong as we all hope.
Overall: I can definitely see the Pats going after Lloyd and offering him decent money. St. Louis may offer him more money, though, and what it will likely come down to is whether he likes his role in St. Louis and is excited about what Jeff Fisher brings to the table or whether he wants to go to a contender and be catching passes from Tommy B. To me, that's a no-brainer, but you never know with these receivers.
Why he will play for the Patriots in 2012: Meachem is a young receiver who didn't see a ton of action in a Saints offense that featured too many receivers with a similar skillset. He is definitely a deep threat and an excellent red-zone target as well. Meachem would fit in beautifully in New England, as his abilities are different from the other players currently on the roster. In any other offense, Meachem would thrive; there just isn't enough football to go around in New Orleans. With Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Carl Nicks all set to become free agents, Meachem is likely to be the odd man out, and New England could get him relatively cheap.
Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: Meachem is the textbook definition of one of those players you see as a good fit for the Patriots but gets no interest from the team. I never hear Belichick say much about him other than your standard praise he gives everyone, so it's very possible Meachem isn't on the radar. Plus, he may get more money elsewhere or take less money to stay with the Saints.
Overall: I'd like to see New England at least kick the tires here. I have always liked Robert Meachem and think Tommy B could really bring out what I think is an underrated skillset. I don't know if I see the Pats actively pursuing him, but if the competition for his services isn't fierce, he'd be a great fit.
Why he will play for the Patriots in 2012: Dallas isn't going to give him the money he is going to ask for - not with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin on the roster. He isn't a blockbuster talent, but that is part of his appeal. He is definitely more of a system receiver, and I think the Patriots' system works for him.
Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: Robinson is on record saying that he wants to stay in Dallas. He obviously works well within that offense, finding success there that he didn't have in San Diego, Atlanta, or St. Louis. Robinson also isn't that legit deep threat that opposing defenses have to respect, a la Mike Wallace or Desean Jackson. If New England is going to make a move for a receiver, they may choose to aim a little higher than Robinson. The Patriots will likely have to take a "wait and see" approach here to see if he will even be available.
Overall: I don't see them signing him during the very first week of free agency, but if he is on the market once the initial dust has settled and the interest is mutual, I would love to see him in a Patriots uniform.
IF WE BOTH AREN'T MARRIED BY THE TIME WE'RE 40...
Lesser FAs that New England could pick up on the cheap. They won't be that impact player, but they can help the offense regardless:
Early Doucet
Roscoe Parrish
Jerome Simpson
Eddie Royal
Pierre Garcon
Anthony Gonzalez
Bernard Berrian
Patrick Crayton
Mark Clayton
Mike Sims-Walker
Donnie Avery
Donte Stallworth
What do you think? Who would you love to see catching passes for the Patriots next year?
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They might try the 2007 receiver shotgun approach to WR.
Just grab a bunch of guys and see who sticks.
At the start of that season the depth chart was Moss, Stallworth, Gaffney and Welker, in that order. The only holdover from the previous year was Gaffney. By the end of the year, it was Moss, Welker, Gaffney, and Stallworth. Welker had worked his way up and Stallworth had fallen.
The only receiver we have that can beat single coverage consistently is Welker. His future is uncertain. Branch is a FA. Ocho is overpaid for his production. Edelman is behind Branch and Ocho on the depth chart, and Slater is behind him.
It will be interesting to see what they do at the position.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 11:45 AM EST reply actions
I realize that the "over 40 " list is not great
….but Stallworth? I still remember all those dropped passes the last time he was here.
Singing him to anything would be like the Red Sox bringing back Bill Buckner.
I don't think we'll get Stallworth - or Moss or Gaffney for that matter.
Just think we’ll get a bunch of guys like when they were last here.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
As the Greek philosopher Mediocrites once said, "Eh, it's good enough."
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 20, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Now if only the main stream media could write like this,
they’d certainly get more hits from happy readers on their annual Free Agent preview articles. Great stuff Alec, as usual.
Brandon Lloyd makes all kinds of sense – unless he’s looking for the type of money we all know DeSean Jackson wants. I was a huge fan of Jackson’s until his pouting impaired his receiving ability last year. Such a turn-off.
I wouldn’t reject Reggie Wayne if he were to show up here. The Patriots have had more success than not when bringing in older players at a value price. Wayne is a true professional who I can easily imagine finding a rhythm with Brady but he’s not a long-term solution here and I believe he would be more of a stop-gap until a draftee could gain Brady’s trust – as Taylor Price was unable to do. It wouldn’t surprise me either if the Colts made an offer to bring him back, and if it was decent enough, that Wayne would accept it to stay in Indy. Everything over there depends on what happens with Manning & Irsay so… I’m not holding my breath.
I feel the same way as you about the “If we both aren’t married by the time we’re 40” list. If BB brings any of them in as he’s done with Torry Holt and David Patten and others, then we’ll see if any of them have anything to offer at that point. Otherwise… none of them really do anything for me.
Keep the faith!
Great article, Alec
I love Meachem and am on the bandwagon right now.
He’s got the height, speed, talent, and ability. He can run any route, is used to being a role player, and had good chemistry with Brees. Did I mention he’s only 27?
Not as big a fan of Lloyd. People forget that he complained his way out of the Bronocs and onto the Rams. The Rams tanked. The Broncos…the fact that they traded him when Tebow was struggling for WR weapons shows me that they didn’t think much of his attitude. I don’t know if we want somebody who prophesied doom over the Tebow. He’d bring bad energy into our locker room.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Wayne has lost some speed, and as dmstorm22 (Colts fan) put it, he might be only a slight upgrade from Branch.
I would think it would either be him or Branch on the field, but not both.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
uhhh....Wayne is much much much better than Branch.
Let’s be clear.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Believe me (a Colts fan) he isn't that much better at this point.
He still has good hands and runs great routes, but that describes Branch. He can’t get deep, he can’t get good separation. He’s nowhere near the player he was from 2003-2008. Colts fans have been watching this for three straight years. He’s a good player. I won’t lose sleep if the Pats pick him up.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
You said it.
I’m just the messenger.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
I hate bashing Reggie too
I would love to think he’s still a top player. The fact is that WRs don’t age well (unless you are Jerry Rice). Marvin Harrison was a HOF player, who basically got hurt once in 2007, and whether it was lingering issues or just age, was never the same since. Seeing him get just one step too slow for umpteen deep balls in 2008 was heartbreaking. Wayne can be valuable if you know what he does and focus on that. If you want him to be a top outside receiver, he’s probably going to command more money than he is worth.
I can see him following Peyton, but I doubt he waits to see where Peyton goes (which could be decided in June or July if it takes that long for him to get fully healthy).
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
That's what we all thought about Branch
Then he got a career rejuvenation and suddenly had 2 great seasons at an advanced age? Why? Because the Patriots team is already stacked.
Wayne has faced double-teams all his life. Now with Gronkowski, Welker, Hernandez already there, you’re telling me he won’t have a 1000 yard season?
I do agree he is a band-aid though. And there are better options. But I wouldn’t be crying if we do sign him.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
He didn't face double teams in 2003-2006
because there was Harrison. Branch didn’t have two great seasons, and Wayne won’t either. He’ll be good. He’ll be serviceable, but he won’t give you much more than what Branch did. He is not a deep threat at all.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Wayne just had 75 catches and 960 yards catching the ball from Painter and Orlovsky. You guys don’t think if Manning was healthy he wouldn’t had another 90-100 catch, 1300 yard, 10 TD season?? Come on guys, stick Calvin Johnson on Indy this season with those two horrible QBs and his stats probably aren’t much better than Wayne’s were last season.
He would have atleast a few great years left with Tom Brady. Plus he has had atleast one catch of 49+ yards in each of the last 9 seasons but everyone is saying he isnt a deep threat because his two QBs this season couldn’t throw the ball that far….Come on
His last year with Manning he had 111 catches for 1355 yards and 6 TDs
However, he was thrown the ball 175 times. His efficiency as a receiver has gone down. Sure he can get deep, but generally against only really mediocre corners. I’m probably being a bit harsh by saying he’s not much of an upgrade from Branch. That said, he isn’t exactly what the Patriots need from a WR.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
And I do believe you dmstorm, because you know more about Wayne than any of us do.
Perhaps he has slown down. but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was an upgrade over Branch. In terms of overall skills, Wayne beats him in every category. I would rather have a slown down Wayne, then a slown down Branch.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'll admit saying he's barely better than Branch was wrong.
He’s better at Branch at almost everything (other than chemistry with Brady, which isn’t probably that big of an issue).
That said, if you want a deep threat, if you want someone to stretch the field, to open up space underneath for Welker and Gronk, Hernandez and whoever, Wayne won’t do that. No one needs to keep a safety over the top of Wayne. He’s not Moss of 2007. He’s not Moss of 2010 in terms of getting deep.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Understandable.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
not to be grammar/ conjugation police
but I hope you know that “slown” is not a word. Just wanted to tell you because you used it a bunch.
yeah I figured. The red line was underneath all of them
but I didn’t care. lols
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Actually Calvin Johnson can put up 1000 yard, 10+ TD seasons with mediocre QBs.
Just look at his years previous of last year. :P
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Marques Colston
Hey Alec, how about this guy? Should be good in NE, right
Saints like him too much.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Brees.
If they franchise him, then that option isn’t open for Colston, Meachem or their guard, Nicks.
They do have the opportunity to tie these guys up before anyone else can, but in the end, they can only force one of them to be a Saint in 2012.
New Orleans may offer some of the best offseason shopping.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
I think Nicks is gone.
They already paid big money to Jahri Evans, iirc. I can’t see them paying big money to two OGs, no matter how good they are together.
I think Brees will be resigned with the Franchise Tag, and Colston will either get that or get resigned. Meachem will probably hit the open market. I don’t know how good he will be outside that system. The Saints receiver that fits the ‘downfield threat’ theme is probably Henderson, but I guess he’s under contract.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
agree but...
I thought of that, but if they allow him to test the market, Pats do have a chance, plus he is fairly young..
I really like us to add
(1) one receiver through free agency
I don’t think we’ll be looking for one of the marquee names rather a solid route-runner who’s capable of being a major upgrade over Deion Branch. In that regard Brandon Lloyd or Reggie Wayne makes the most sense. I think Lloyd makes a whole lot of sense as stated above. Attitude is a question but he’s not a terror.
Wwhen I’m in the business of agreeing with just about everyone I could also state that I can definitely see Meachem here as well. He will come at a price though given he’s in his prime.
(2) one rookie
I’m not sure it’s wise to spend one of our first-rounders on a wide receiver that’s not named Blackmon. To me Kendall Wright has a lot going for him but size to take on physical corners isn’t his thing. I’m also a bit hesitant to say Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery are safe bets. I like Mohamed Sanu a whole lot and he could be an option.
However, the wide receiver position is very deep in this years draft and one player that jumps out and distinguishes himself every time I watch him is Marvin McNutt. He was also ultra-productive and has that good route-running abilty, good hands combo that is needed to succeed here.
If we were to get Lloyd/Wayne and Sanu/McNutt I think we would be a matchup nightmare for just about every defense. That and the fact that I expect Gronk and Herndo to be even better has me salivating.
Mike Wallace is not out of your league
RotoWorld: "NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora agrees with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the Steelers are “more likely” to place a first-round restricted tender on Mike Wallace, rather than franchise tag him.
Placing only the tender on Wallace would leave Pittsburgh open to being poached for its top wideout by teams willing to fork over a long-term contract and a first-round draft pick. One such club could be the division-rival Ravens, who draft 29th overall. The cap-strapped Steelers may see the monetary difference between the tender ($2.742 million) and tag ($9.6 million) as worth the risk."
The Steelers’ cap situation is horrific; currently (before they start reworking contracts) they are $22.5 mm over the cap; after the reworking SteelersDepot believes they could get under the cap by $5mm… franchise tender for WR is $9.4mm. Not to mention they have the same problem next year with Antonio Brown (the team’s MVP in 2011) and Emmanuel Sanders, both of whom will be RFAs.
Don’t know how much fight the Steelers can really have on Wallace…
If we cant have Wallace, I prefer Colston. The Saints have about $20mm in cap before they sign Brees… feeling is they will let Hicks walk due to have Greer but I don’t feel that way. But assume so I would say Meachum will be available. But I don’t see Brady bringing anything out him Brees didn’t… he just doesn’t excite me.
Interesting. Thanks for posting that.
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
Lloyd doesn't do it for me, but I "like" somebody else
9 years in the league, 5 different teams and he has two good seasons. Plus he’s only 6 feet tall. Too much money for the risk.
I was high on Wayne initially too, but he might be slowing a bit, he’s only 6 feet tall and he is a band aid. Plus, he’s only played with Payton. Lots of guys look good with him as QB. Too much money for the risk and long term implications.
One guy I didn’t think about until this article is Robinson. I think with all the FA’s out there looking for big money, he could be had later at a bargain as mentioned. He has height, he’s still young and he pulled in 11 TDs last year. I’m not sure he’s a bonafide #1 receiver, but the Patriots do not need one. They need a guy that can stretch the field and make plays. In fact, I think a big name #1 expecting the ball may be a detriment. Sign this guy, retain Branch, maybe bring in Moss and pick up a sleeper WR in the draft.
It's not whether you win or lose.
It's whether you win.
-Trump 'The Game'
You're right
I totally forgot about Laurent Robinson. He filled in beyond-admirably for Miles Austin when he was hampered by injuries most of the season. He’d be much cheaper than the Wallaces, Colstons and Jacksons of the class, and he has plenty of tread left for years to come (only 26).
Can I Scream?
loveeee what laurent dis this year!
Dunno if he can pick up offense but he is a physical specimen. And one that deserves having a few plays catered to him.
by AMORALES on Feb 17, 2012 4:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The sad, sad thing is we could have drafted Wallace
I didn’t know Stallworth was available…
Wanna get him and Moss and keep Welker and have JMD and pretend its 2007 again? =D
Seriously. If we get one big guy (like Moss, Wayne, Lloyd, Jackson, etc) and go after a lesser guy (him, or draft someone) could he be that lesser guy? Either way, I agree, looking at FA is fun, especially when you know you’re likely to get someone for that position.
Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner
by New Century Silver on Feb 16, 2012 1:55 PM EST reply actions
eh
Might’ve been sadder if we drafted him. The world would’ve never known how good he is. We don’t play rookies, we don’t play talent either it seems. We would rather waste time with a washed up branch than adjust our offense to fit a stud like ocho or Wallace if we would of had him. I guarantee u one thing. The offense he runs in pitt ain’t that complicated bit it works. Dunno why our fourth option can’t have his tree simplified if it allows us to get our best talent on them field. Kinda maddening, n if price blows up next year n we still don’t find an answer on the outside ima be furious.
by AMORALES on Feb 16, 2012 7:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Uh....
Ocho isn’t a stud at this point.
Put down your revolver that you’ve been holding to your head since February 7th and swear off the crack.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
i still think hes better than branch
by AMORALES on Feb 17, 2012 6:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree
Adjust to the talent. I mentioned several times over the past that if you have a guy that is talented physically, but isn’t mentally picking up the offense – simplify his route tree. There will be no guessing mid-route by Brady or Ocho (or Price). They have a simplified tree and everybody else does the normal offense.
Maybe McDaniels knows how to adjust. I know O’brien could not – even within a game he made very little changes. It was mostly Brady figuring out what the defense was doing.
It's not whether you win or lose.
It's whether you win.
-Trump 'The Game'
O'Brien adjusted pretty well with slot receivers and a 2 TE offense.
Price kept getting injured and could not stay on the field. We run an option offense, so its difficult for any receiver to pick it up.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I expected Ocho to pick it up in about 4-7 weeks,
but I guess Brady prefers Branch over him….
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Eddie Royal is very underrated.
As well as Mike-Sims Walker. I would love to get either one of them. Stallworth….. meh.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
yeah he can drop the ball.....
I think he was injured the past two seasons too….. ____
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
But there is also Donnie Avery
That guy has great body control.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
At least half of the video is donnie avery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdOkmafcvvQ
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
stevie??
how abt stevie johnson? know he drops a few balls but is good.. will the pats consider?
I doubt the Bills would let him go. lol
But one can hope…
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
No love for Mario Manningham?
I got a GIF for that!
Giants by 17 over GB, take it to the bank!
Giants by 10 over SF, take it to the bank! Well, OK, by 3, but we are Super Bowl bound!!!!!!!
Giants will score 30 (correction 21 (damn FG's/failed 2 pt conversion)) or more points, NE 20 or less. Guess who wins? Take it to the bank!
by Fester McDougal on Feb 16, 2012 2:31 PM EST reply actions
No
'You are banned from Gang Green Nation'
"You can browse the blog, but you can't participate."
"BANNED LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
by BostonBeasts on Feb 16, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
The way I see it, the FA WR class is good and deep.
Some guys will get franchised, some will be signed by their own clubs (franchised, restricted tag, or they just work out a deal.
After that there will be a feeding frenzy by WR needy teams, and then some lower dollar action as some guys will fall through that first round of action. That’s most likely where we’ll hit.
We’re not giving up #1 money to a guy that won’t get #1 snaps. As much as I’d like to float names, we’ve got the Feb20 – Mar5 dealine for tags still coming up, and the start of free agency on Mar 13. We’ll see by then who’s still on the board.
It’s not as much fun as guessing, but with BB always seems to screw up my guesses.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 3:10 PM EST reply actions
This is the big threat to what teh Pats want to do
There are some WR needy teams out there.
Chicago and San Francisco immediately come to mind. Both are good teams that can really use a good WR (especially San Fran). Washington is always a candidate to overpay for someone (I can really see Wayne getting way too much to go there at the end of his career). Some of those names in the bottom list are good players, like Early Doucet (although I can see the Cards resigning him) or Jerome Simpson. I think Garcon is definitely getting resigned by the Colts.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Yeah, the risk in going too early is you get someone for a load of cash that may or may not work in your system.
The downside, is you might not get a guy who would be better.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 16, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Of the names mentioned, my favs would be either Meachum or Loyd.
I think either would thrive in this system.
I also think it’s worth grabbing one in the draft, but depending on how the draft plays out, I’m not sure I’d use our top pick on one (over using it on defense). Take a flyer on a burner in a lower round.
Finally, while I think its a long shot that he’s even got any gas left in the tank, I’d at least invite Randy to camp to stopwatch his 40 time. No real risk there.
NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.
with a deep WR draft class
why spend big money on FAs? address other needs.
Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 16, 2012 6:31 PM EST reply actions
wr draft class is pretty weak
The fa class is what’s impressive, on top of the fact we do not pick nor develop wrs well, and most wrs take three years to develop anyway.
by AMORALES on Feb 16, 2012 7:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Somebody is smoking
The WR is definitely better than last years.
We’re looking at least 10 decent WRs.
Blackmon
Sanu
Wright
Flloyd
Jefferies
Toon
Streeter
And I know I’m missing at least 6.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Chris Givens, Joe Adams, Stephen Hill...
All three are worth mentioning.
It is what it is
Yeah just look at my post on the right side. lol
The WRs in this draft is stacked into the 4th round. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
juron criner
big guy who can adjust to a poorly thrown ball (catches the pass welker dropped 99.9% of the time as well as welker)
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 16, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
outside of blackmon n maybe floyd
There are no sure fire players. Can’t depend on any one else to perform early in theory career. N blackmon is not aj green or cj either. It may be deep but its not overly impressive. There are always names of productive wrs, but that means very little if one you have no idea which one of those names has legit talent, two neither do the patriots, n three we most likely are not playing any of them as rookies. For our team free agency is definitely the way to go. N that is not a pipe dream or an exageration.
by AMORALES on Feb 17, 2012 6:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
n not that im against drafting someone
I wouldn’t even mind taking alshon in round one, but I also want a guy like lloyd or vjax or meachem, someone whom has proven himself at this level, has shown he has a ridiculous catching radius, can go over the top and underneath, n has some really good hands.
by AMORALES on Feb 17, 2012 6:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
It may be deep but its not overly impressive. There are always names of productive wrs, but that means very little if one you have no idea which one of those names has legit talent, two neither do the patriots, n three we most likely are not playing any of them as rookies.
There is damn good talent going up to the 4th round. I suggest reading my post on 3rd-7th round WRs on the right side and get to know them.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
With the receiver corps as its built right now
I would argue a rookie would have more opportunity to see the field than they have since 2006. With Branch slowing down and not under contract and Ocho being invisible those outside slots are anything but locked down.
2011
aj green > blackmon
julio jones > sanu
jonathan baldwin probably as good a scouting report as blackmon
tandon doss
torrey smith
greg little
titus young
jerel jernigan
matt sczur
dwayne haris
austin pettis
terrence tolliver
paul niles
james kurley
denarius moore
dane sanzenbacher
jordan white
randall cobb
leonard hankerson
a lot of names, many of whom played extremely well when given the opportunity, kurley, cobb, moore, pettis, young, little, torrey smith, hankerson, j jones and obviously green. yet how many would of had succes on the patriots this year? maybe green n jones. maybeeee n thats only if they understood the playbook. o n there is no green nor jones in this draft. free agency is the way to go, and if its free agency i hope its a stud wr, because if not i would much rather not sign anyone but welker and let these young guys battle it out. but so long as we resign branch or wayne i doubt they get a crack at playing this year and that would be unfortunate because definitely not branch n most probably wayne as well have very little to offer in the vertical game.
sign me up for VJax or Lloyd...
But I can’t believe TFB wouldn’t like throwing to a 6’5" spiderman like Streeter, especially if he goes in the third round.
Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 17, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Or Juron Criner....
Or Brian Quick… or Marvin McKnutt…or Marvin Jones…
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Streeter
looks very interesting. McNutt as well although not really a vertical threat, but he does have good hands and a good radius. However even if we draft one of them, i do not believe that they will be a huge presence on our team next year. just look at all the studs in last years draft, very few made huge impacts on their teams, even julio jones was quite inconsistent and he projects to being light years ahead of where a raw talent like streeter is. Our offense is a complex offense, i want a wr who understands pro-level offenses and has proven himself. I would also love a young guy, but we need both, definitely not a rook in spite of a fa. I think that is asinine. fa classes at wr and safety are super deep. attack those positions in fa, use the draft for cb and dl, two much deeper than normal positions in this years draft, plus positions that are scarce in fa. If we can also pick up streeter in the third then fantastic, but do not count on him to be the answer and only resign branch, i believe that would be a mistake. If that makes me high then lemme kiss the sky but it all makes sense to me.
with that being said
alshon criner and streeter look interesting, but i wouldnt risk the season on them
Im not saying they all will be immediate answers.
Just that the talent in the 2nd round, you can find in the 3rd and 4th. Even argue the talent from Sanu, Randle, and Criner are about the same as ones in the 3rd and 4th.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
yeah i definitely agree with sanu not being much better than the later guys
i go to rutgers games all the time being an alumn, n i like him, he is very very physical. BUTTT he is not vertical. maybe it was savages fault and he could not get it to him. But i think it was part of sanus game that limits him in that department as well. my only reason for getting on this soap box was cuz someone asked why we would even look at free agency when the draft is so deep. The draft is deep every year. look at my names from last year alone. But you can not rely on them. It is a much more inexact science than free agency is. especially when we talk about vjax and lloyd.
Yeah. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
makes more sense
if we’re only going to get one WR to go FA if we can get a relatively young burner who’s shown he can play in this league, rather than take a chance on an unknown quantity. But rather have one of each, one for impact now and one to bring along, which the Pats haven’t done too well at in the past.
by poindexterregan on Feb 17, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
"Why he won't play for the Patriots in 2012: Meachem is the textbook definition of one of those players you see as a good fit for the Patriots but gets no interest from the team."
So he’s the Math Roth of 2012?
It is what it is
matt roth does not apply
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 16, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Marvin Mcnutt
I would love to get him in the third round. 80+ receptions, 1,300+ yards, and 12 TD’s last year and he has the exact size we need right now: 6’4’’ 215 lbs.
by iso1512 on Feb 16, 2012 9:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
oohhh...will look at the film and give verdict soon.
but looks promising.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
He looked great in some of the Iowa games I watched last year
by iso1512 on Feb 16, 2012 10:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He is in the post I made
http://www.patspulpit.com/2012/2/15/2799843/looking-at-wrs-from-the-3rd-round-7th-round
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
that was juron criner's stat line in 2010
he easily could’ve put that up this year if he played all 12 games instead of 9
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 16, 2012 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
i like criner more than mcnutt
mcnutt may be more polished, but we do not need a possession wr… criner has speed and can go deep. mcnutt is more of a possession guy and does not fill our needs.
Marvin or Marvin
Jones or MacNutt, plus Meachem or Laurent Robinson. All talent on the cheap.
by poindexterregan on Feb 17, 2012 1:28 AM EST reply actions
Thanks for breakdown...FA will be the way to go for BB this year
BB’s pattern is FA form the WR’s and he will assuredly get one.
Josh will influence this decision and I am happy about that. Lloyd? Who knows except for the $. Too much $ no Lloyd.
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