FanPost

Venting Some Thoughts

I have heard a lot of fans clamoring for Jace Amaro and Eric Ebron. Both are considered top prospects for the TE class in the 2014 draft. The way I take it, a replacement for Aaron Hernandez's production and skill set. But when I saw the limited film on Ebron, I feel like he's not what NE needs. He reminds me of Jimmy Graham a little. I have yet to watch Amaro. I'm honestly not inspired to yet.

I feel as though the TE position is not the key or top position that NE should be looking at for the first or second round of the draft. My further argument is that Aaron Hernandez had a unique skill set. He had the hands, moves, and he was a runner out of the back field at Florida at times. And Bill had uses for those skills. I just don't feel as though the Patriots need a move TE. They can flex Gronk out. He's more than a nightmare for anyone. I feel like Austin Seferian-Jenkins or Troy Niklas is more suited to NE's purposes. They are more traditional TEs. Even though Jenkins blocking could use some work.

My thinking for NE's first round choice would be an offensive linemen. The running game struggled against the Broncos in the AFC title game. In part because the team could not get good movement against Denver. I blame some of the play calling as well.

One of the main reasons I feel like a road grading offensive lineman should be the top choice, is because the last four number 1 offensive teams that have made the Super Bowl have come away empty handed. Why? Because they were all pass heavy teams. Very little in the way of balance to keep a defense honest with solid play calling.

The fact is that Bill Belichick INVENTED the way to beat that kind of philosophy. You pressure the quarterback with your front four. Drop the last seven in coverage, WHILE playing press man. And force the quarterback to hold the football while you push his linemen in his face and make him uncomfortable.

It has been working like a charm. For all of the points put up during the season, the last four top offenses have not scored more than 21 points in Super Bowl competition. With the Broncos being the latest victims. Scoring only 8 points after putting up staggering seasonal numbers. That just won't get it done.

The more balanced an offense is, the more difficult they are to defend. Which is why I lean towards making sure the running game has what it needs first. Then you can get sexy with all the pass catchers you want.

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