By Kevin “Bird” Harrison

This off-season started with that heartbreaking loss in Indianapolis but since that devastating loss, it surely has been a fun ride. 

I’ve been a long suffering Jets fan / season ticket holder, and I love the aggressive attitude this team has taken on.  And yes, it still hurts that we blew a lead to the Colts and were so close to the Super Bowl for the 3rd time in my life.  I still have problems getting over losing a 10 point lead to Denver in the AFC Championship Game.  After losing to the Colts, I had problems sleeping that week and didn’t really speak much to my wife or my kids; I was kind of quiet.  It hurts to be so close for the first time in many of our lives; many of you like myself have been suffering since birth 40 years ago or less.  But, I’ve learned in sports that painful defeats can teach the team a lesson on how much it sucks to lose so we can try and rectify the situation the following year.  And based on the moves made this off-season and what the team has done; there was a ton of rectifying going on. 

It was just short of two weeks after that tough loss when Rex Ryan flipping the bird to a Dolphin fan.  I have no problem with this at all and thought it was justified.  Jets fans have been giving the Dolphin fans the finger for years.  This move by Rex, despite getting a fine, makes him one of us. We are frustrated Jets fans and to see our head coach give the finger to Dolphins fans, a team that we loathe, especially with all of the heartache Marino and Co. caused us back in the day, was great to see.  Rex should just keep on giving the finger to fans of the other teams.  People could interpret it as Rex giving the finger but to me, it’s Rex just saying that “we’re #1.”   

Then, before you know it, we hear that our franchise QB (aka Sanchise) his having surgery.  Wow…this came as a bit scary but once I read that he’d be back for training camp, it was definitely the right move.  Based on some of the off-season workouts and the start of training camp, it looks like the knee is ready and will give our leader even more mobility than he had last year during his rookie campaign.  I look for Sanchez to get even more plays from the play book and with a year of experience under his belt, be ready to utilize his new offensive weapons as he his attempts to take his QB skills to the next level this season and limit all of the interceptions.  I believe between the knee being repaired, a second go-around of training camp, a year of experience with the same coaching staff, an experienced backup quarterback to learn from, and some new receivers, should benefit him greatly. 

I love the fact that Rex had lap-band surgery this off-season. This should give a coach that already had a ton of energy even more energy to motivate the team.  And speaking of weight loss, I love that Kris Jenkins won the team’s Biggest Loser competition this year so he should be a rock this year as he’s much leaner. 

It was time for Free Agency and even though we were still in the Championship Game, we were still a flawed team. Since it’s an uncapped year, we got hurt but Rule 8 since we went so far in the playoffs.  This really annoyed me as we were only one game over average for the regular season even though we made it to the Championship Game.  We still needed to improve the roster to improve the team so this came as bad timing for an uncapped year. Lucky for us that Trader Mike (Tannenbaum) worked around our restrictions and improved this team from potentially good to potentially great.  The team will look even better playing on a new state of art stadium.

But as for player movement, you have to applaud the re-signing of Danny Woodhead.  This kid may never be a pro bowler but he has that Chrebet mindset. You can’t argue this guy’s passion for the game and his work ethic.  He’s a guy you just want on your team and have to root for.  

It was totally stupid that the team did not sign Jay Feely.  This guy was rock solid on kickoffs, extra points, and field goals.  It’s not easy in the NFL to get a reliable kicker.  With the Jets being so close, and in an uncapped year, this didn’t make much sense to let Feely walk.  As for his replacement, Nick Foley, hopefully do the job.  Feely was rock solid for us last year and fixed the problem we had when Nugent went down with an injury the year prior.  I know Folk has had his troubles but with Mike Westoff running the special teams, maybe he can fix Folk’s issues.  As Jet fan, we can’t cry over this loss because the loss of Feely gave us the ability to sign a free agent which we would not be able to do otherwise 

I loved the trade for Antonio Cromartie. I could care less that this guy loves unprotected relations with women without any concern for the birds and the bees. Who cares that he’s got 7 kids with 6 girls in 5 states or whatever the number is. If this guy uses protection on the field is as good as getting girls pregnant as he is in covering a wide receiver, then we got ourselves another stop cornerback to play opposite Revis Island.  Now we just have to hope that the Jets sign Darrelle Revis.  I think Cromartie will be great.  He is in a contract year and needs money to support his children so the best way to get money is to perform on the field and get a new long term contract.

Kerry Rhodes left the dog house and hit the road.  From what I’ve been reading, Kerry was a selfish player who cared more about himself and his Twitter account than he did about X’s and O’s.  I think the signing of Brodney Pool will actually bolster the safety position as he is more in the mold of a Rex Ryan player than Kerry was.

The releasing of Thomas Jones may be tough to swallow as he’s been our offensive leader for the past few years. I have to admit I was never a fan of the trade for him to begin with but it turned out to be a great trade.  So, the Jets are hoping that Shonn Greene can carry the work load.  He was amazing in the playoffs but he was coming off fresh legs from limited carries in the regular season.  I’m also a bit weary of his fumbling issues.  He’ll also be rushing behind an offensive line that lost a major piece of the puzzle last year.  More on the offensive line shortly.

To back up Greene will be future hall of famer LaDanian Tomlinson.  I can not believe that the Chargers let this guy go.  If he had left a few years ago, it would have been on almost the same magnitude as LeBron leaving Cleveland .  Since he’s a bit older in terms of a running back and did have an “off-year,” it’s not a fair comparison.  LT is ready to show the critics and prove to the world that he’s still got gas in his tank.  And he’s hungry.  This guy wants to win a Super Bowl before retiring and that’s the attitude I love to hear which will also rub off on the other players. I actually thing that all these beat writers who keep on saying it was the wrong move will see in the fall that it was the right move and will change their tune.  I feel LT could be the big surprise on our offense.

The biggest head scratcher of the off-season was the release of Alan Faneca. I thought in an uncapped year with this team gearing up to make a Super Bowl run that we should have kept this guy to teach Vladimir Ducasse, our 2^nd pick, how to play on the OL. The salary would be justified to have Faneca serve as a mentor for a year to help with the youth to replace him and then probably Damien Woody for the following season.  We just have to hope that either Ducasse or Slausen steps it up to fill in this open hole to protect the quarterback and continue to make holes for our rushing attack.

Then, you gotta applaud the Santonio Holmes trade. The Jets got one of the top receivers in the game for basically nothing. Yeah, he’s got some issues throwing glasses at chicks in bars and issues of not turning his I-pod off on planes and is suspended the first 4 games of the year but this is was a no-brainer. Look all of a sudden how deep our receiving corps is: Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller, and Brad Smith. This surely is going to help out Mr. Sanchez.  And right before the start of training camp, the Jets signed Laverneous Coles for his third stint with the team to fill in for Holmes the first four weeks of the season.  This will really just be an audition to see if the Jets retain him for the balance of the season.

In letting free agent, Jay Feely go, the Jets were able to get even better signing one of the biggest enemies in Jets History in the form of Jason Taylor from the Dolphins. This was reminiscent of when the Jets signed Bryan Cox who we all hated.  However, that Cox guy turned out to be the heart and soul of our defense and at one point, was playing in the game with a broken leg. I think by the time week #3 rolls around and we see JT with about 4 sacks and a load of tackles, we’ll all turn to love this guy. The biggest flaw in our defense last year was pass rush especially in the fourth quarter.  Taylor wants to win and he came here to be one of those pieces that was missing in our run for glory last year.

I was a bit torn by the trading of Leon Washington who was one of my favorite players and a huge special teams weapon and target coming out of the backfield.  However, this guy had a major injury and we drafted his replacement in Joe McKnight who hopefully stops throwing up on the field once the season gets underway.  I do hope Leon makes it back and has a great year out in Seattle . 

To help with the loss of Leon Washington on special teams and to protect the team in case of not being able to sign Darrelle Revis to a long term deal, you have got to love Rex & Co. drafting another CB in Kyle Wilson.  You can’t have enough shut-down cornerbacks in this league.  Imagine this secondary with Revis on one side, Cromartie on the other side, Wilson in the nickel, and Poole playing safety. I’d say that would make it hard for Peyton Manning or Tom Brady to throw against.

The biggest distraction will be the Darrelle Revis contraction situation and his holdout from training camp.  Darrelle was the top defensive player in the league last year as far as I’m concerned shutting down opponent’s top receivers each week.  He still has two years left on his contract but really has outplayed the value of his current deal.  He deserves more money but $16 million per year is a hard hit to swallow.  I’m glad on not the GM on this issue.  Let’s hope they come to an agreement soon as this would change our entire defense if he sits out the entire season.  Let’s hope it doesn’t come down to that.

The Jets should have a great year.  On paper they look like an all-star team.  This offense will still run a ball controlled game but with Sanchez maturing, a nice receiving corps with Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller still there going along with the new acquisitions, we should be airing it out a lot more than last year and put up a lot more points.

On defense, we were rated #1.  The Jets did this with Kris Jenkins missing the entire season and with Calvin Pace missing the first four games of the year.  In addition, they did this while learning a completely new defensive scheme.  Look for Vernon Gholston, the Jets #1 pick of a few years ago, to get more action now that he’s been converted back to defensive end.  Supposedly he is in great shape this year.   With the addition of Cromartie and Taylor to a solid defense already led by David Harris and it is going to be very hard for teams to score.

The Jets have had so much heartbreak over the years.  We’ve been close to the Super Bowl three times in my 40 years on this planet.  I still cringe over the Mud Bowl.  I’m still disgusted over blowing a 10 point lead to the Broncos and John Elway.  We all know what happened last year.  And the last time I thought the Jets were going to the Super Bowl, Vinny Testervede blew out his Achilles in the first game against the Patriots.  Do I make another prediction like that and risk something devastating happening?   The answer is YES. This team is confident.  The coaching staff is confident.  So, why shouldn’t that confidence and arrogance spread.  Even though I hate the NY Yankees, they always believe they are going to win the World Series.  I’m going to take that approach this year and predict that for my 40^th Birthday, my sports dream comes true and the Jets lift the Lombardi trophy with this year’s AFC Championship Game being played on the home turf of the New Meadowlands Stadium.  What better way to christen a new stadium than to capture the AFC title!

So, I’m ready for the season even though most of our games it seems are at NIGHT time. But, I guess that’s the price to pay for being the HOT team in the league. Looking forward to see it all unfold on HBO’s Hard Knocks!

Is baseball season over yet…when’s kickoff???

http://khbirdmantalkingjets.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

Debate the Jets’ offseason needs in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Projection:

In terms of non quarterback talent, I can’t think of a better team in the NFL. Their receivers, stacked, with Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller. Their offensive line, one of the best in the league for what they want to do, which is run the football in your face. 2^nd round rookie Vlad Duccaase should take over the overrated Alan Faneca’s spot with ease. Their running backs, three strong, with Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Joe McKnight, as well as two talented fullbacks, John Conner, and Tony Richardson. Their defense, the best in the league last year, looking at the numbers.

Now they add Jason Taylor to give them some pass rush, as well as Antonio Cromartie, who, when right, gives them a 2^nd shutdown cornerback, and Kyle Wilson, a rookie cornerback with a ton of promise. Hell, maybe even Vernon Gholston will step up and live up to his promise. What’s the problem, quarterback play.

Mark Sanchez didn’t play as well last year as people give him credit for, but that’s okay. He was a rookie. He threw 20 picks last year, but that’s okay, so did Peyton Manning as a rookie. The key for him will be to limit those turnovers and start leading drives with his arm. He’ll have to bounce back from a bad rookie year the way Manning did. If he can play the way he did down the stretch last year, this team is going to be tough to beat all the way to the Jerry Dome for Super Bowl 45. If he throws 20 picks, again, the Patriots are too talented offensively for the Jets to overtake them. You can’t win the 11, 12, 13, 14 games needed to win this division without at least above average quarterback play, no matter how good the rest of your team is.

Projection: 11-5 2nd in AFC East

Power Ranking: 8

Last season: 9-7

Draft:

#29 CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)

I would have prefered that they took a pass rusher like Jerry Hughes because of the positional value, but this is fine. I know they have Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, but Cromartie is a bit of a boom or bust type trade and in this league, which is becoming progressively pass heavy, you almost need 3 strong cornerbacks to make it deep into the playoffs. They couldn’t stop the Colts’ last year because, while Revis shut down Reggie Wayne, Peyton just had too many other options. If Wilson is half as good as ESPN hypes him to be and Cromartie pans out, this is a scary secondary that I’m sure even New Orleans and Indianapolis would have trouble with, especially if they get a better pass rush.

Grade: A-

#61 G Vladimir Ducaase (Massachusetts)

I liked this pick even before they cut Faneca, but with Faneca gone this makes a lot of sense. Ducaase is a punishing run blocker who fits their run heavy offense well and he’s much cheaper and younger than Faneca, who is a bit overrated in my opinion. I still don’t like that they haven’t improved their pass rush, but this was the next best thing.

Grade: A-

#112 RB Joe McKnight (USC)

I liked this pick before they traded Leon Washington, but with Washington gone this makes perfect sense and McKnight is a steal at this point. He’s not a feature back, but he’ll compliment Shonn Greene well longterm and be a nice shorterm 3^rd down back.

Grade: A

#139 FB John Conner (Kentucky)

I happen to think Tony Richardson is one of the best fullbacks in the league, but he is getting up there in age. I’m not in love with the whole fullback of the future idea, but Conner is a decent value and a good addition to a run heavy team. He can also be a short yardage back and make some catches.

Grade: B

Overall:

The Jets didn’t have a lot of picks, but they made them count. They took 3 guys who will have immediate impacts on their team and another who will in the near future. Also, the reason they didn’t have a ton of picks is because they traded them for veterans like Cromartie and Santonio Holmes, who will add a lot to the team. They didn’t upgrade the pass rush, but with their corners, that might not matter, especially since they got a veteran rusher in Jason Taylor in free agency. Who knows, maybe Vernon Gholston will pan out this year? I don’t think I know a more stacked team at every position. 3-4 defensive end and rush linebacker are really their biggest holes, but they’re aren’t huge holes. However, what seperates this team from being a true Super Bowl contender is Mark Sanchez. He did alright late last year, but he did throw 20 picks last season. This, of course, is nothing to be worried about as guys like Peyton Manning threw 28 picks as rookies, but there are some guys who throw that many and never improve. Sanchy needs to make that sophomore leap into a big time franchise quarterback. He has an excellent supporting cast and I truly believe in him, but he’ll still have to do it, and that’s, at the moment, a bit of a question mark. Still, great draft doing a lot with a little. As a Patriots fan, this is not a team I look forward to having to face next year.

Grade: A

Offseason needs: 

3-4 Defensive End

The Mark Sanchez deal was brilliant, at least for the Jets, but they did lose Kenyon Coleman in the process and have yet to replace him. Adding another big time defensive line pass rusher to their 3-4 defense would make it so much better because they really struggled getting pressure on the quarterback, both from their 3 man line and from their linebackers. They only managed 32 sacks last year and couldn’t get any pressure on Peyton Manning in their playoff loss.

Wide Receiver:

This one probably won’t get addressed as much as it should for two reasons. One, Rex Ryan is a conservative coach who I can’t see spending a lot of resources on a wide receiver. Two, the Jets seem to like Braylon Edwards even though he only caught 50% of his targets last season. They are reportedly going to slap the 1^st/3^rd tag on him, which means he’s not going anywhere unless some GM is really stupid. However, Edwards is not as good as they think and Mark Sanchez needs a more dependable #1. More likely, they’ll, at most, look for a slot guy in the 3^rd round range or in free agency if they really like one.

Traded for Santonio Holmes 

Cornerback:

Darrelle Revis is an amazing cornerback, but he can’t cover everyone. Imagine how much more effective their pass defense would be if they got a better cornerback opposite Revis. Their release of Lito Sheppard shows they probably view this as a need too and they could address this in the first 2 rounds if the draft with a guy like Kyle Wilson or Brandon Ghee in the 1^st or a guy like Kareem Jackson or Jerome Murphy in the 2^nd.

Traded for Antonio Cromartie, Drafted Kyle Wilson (#29)

Rush Linebacker:

The Jets had one of the best pass defenses in the league last year in almost every category. However, imagine how much better they could get if they had both an upgrade across from Revis and a better elite #1 rush linebacker. They only managed 32 sacks last year. I still have some faith in Vernon Gholston, despite his 0 career sacks in 2 years, but even if they keep him, they’ll have to look at rush linebackers early in the NFL Draft. Jerry Hughes, Ricky Sapp, and Jason Worilds could be options in the 1^st through 3^rd rounds respectively.

Signed Jason Taylor 

Running Back:

The Jets like to work with many running backs. Rex Ryan saw how effective that was when he was a coordinator in Baltimore and used that strategy last year with Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene. After releasing Jones, they may want to add one more guy to the mix, especially if Washington can’t bounce back from his leg injury well.

Signed LaDainian Tomlinson, Drafted Joe McKnight (#112) 

Nose Tackle:

Kris Jenkins will turn 31 before next season and he’s also coming off of a major injury. The Jets proved, when Jenkins was down, that they don’t have a reliable nose tackle behind him so they may want to target one this offseason.

Offensive Guard:

Their guards are among the best in the league, but they are also getting up there in age and there is very little depth behind them. Interior line depth is a need this offseason.

Drafted Vladimir Ducasse (#61)

 

Free agents:

QB Kellen Clemens (restricted)- 1 year 1.1 million

RB Leon Washington (restricted)- 1 year 1.7 million

RB Thomas Jones- signed with Chiefs 2 years 5 million

FB Tony Richardson- resigned

G Alan Faneca- signed with Cardinals 1 year 2.5 million 

WR Braylon Edwards (restricted)- resigned 1 year 5 million

WR Brad Smith (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

WR David Clowney (restricted)- resigned

TE Ben Hartsock- resigned

OT Wayne Hunter (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.2 million

OT Robert Turner (restricted)

3-4 DE Marques Douglas- signed with Dolphins 

NT Howard Green (restricted)- resigned 1 year

RLB Marquis Murrell (restricted)- signed with Patriots

OLB Larry Izzo

CB Lito Sheppard- signed with Vikings 1 year 2 million 

CB Drew Coleman (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.6 million

CB Donald Strickland- signed with Chargers 2 years

S Eric Smith (restricted) resigned 1 year 1.1 million

S James Ihedigbo (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1 million

K Jay Feely- signed with Cardinals 2 years

Offseason moves:

Jets re-sign WR Laveranues Coles 

Jets sign QB Mark Brunell 

Jets trade RB Leon Washington to Seahawks for 5th- and 7th-round picks

Jets cut G Alan Faneca 

Jets sign RLB Jason Taylor

Jets re-sign RB Leon Washington

Jets re-sign CB Drew Coleman

Jets re-sign QB Kellen Clemens

Jets acquire WR Santonio Holmes from Steelers for 2010 5th-round pick 

Jets re-sign OT Wayne Hunter

Jets re-sign WR Braylon Edwards

Jets re-sign WR Brad Smith

Jets re-sign S James Ihedigbo

Jets re-sign WR David Clowney 

Jets re-sign S Eric Smith

Jets re-sign FB Tony Richardson

Jets sign RB LaDainian Tomlinson

Jets sign S Brodney Pool

Jets re-sign TE Ben Hartsock

Jets trade S Kerry Rhodes to Cardinals for 2010 4th-rounder and 2011 7th-rounder

Jets acquire CB Antonio Cromartie from Chargers for conditional 2011 third-round pick

Jets cut CB Donald Strickland

Jets cut CB Lito Sheppard

Jets tender QB Kellen Clemens

Jets tender CB Drew Coleman

Jets tender S James Ihedigbo

Jets tender OT Wayne Hunter

Jets tender S Eric Smith

Jets tender WR Braylon Edwards

Jets tender WR/KR Brad Smith

Jets tender RB Leon Washington

Jets cut RB Thomas Jones

Jets sign K Nick Folk 

 

 

Debate the New York Giants offseason possibilities in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

The bread and butter of this team since they won the Super Bowl in 2008 has been the pass rush. That’s why it was so surprising for football fans that this team had just 32 sacks last year. That was a big part of why they missed the playoffs last year. However, you look at the names on this defensive line, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, Jason Pierre Paul, they have to be able to bounce back this year. Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Osi were a great pass rushing trio just 2 years ago and the addition of a talented, albeit raw, rookie in JPP only helps. I think they’ll bounce back and have 40-50 sacks this year once again.

Another reason for them missing the playoffs last year was the inability of their secondary to tackle, having up huge plays. They added Antrel Rolle, Chad Jones, and Deon Grant into the mix, and they’ll also likely get Kenny Phillips back from injury. That will shore up their tackling, as well as their coverage, and lead to fewer big plays.

Their running game was also a big reason for them missing the playoffs last year and that’s the one area that I think is still a big question mark for them. If Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw rebound from injury plagued season, there running game should be fine. If not, that’s still an issue for them, unless someone else can step up and I don’t really see a step up type player behind Jacobs and Bradshaw on the depth chart. My guess is that the still young Bradshaw rebounds and Jacobs, getting up there in age, does not, and since Bradshaw is not a guy I see being able to carry the load because of his size, that’s not a good thing for this team.

The book on Eli Manning is pretty simple. He always will be slightly better than his supporting cast. If he has a good supporting cast, he can make them great, but he’s not the type of player who can lead a team all by himself. He needs help. He showed that last year. I think their defense will be better this year and their running game should be slightly better. Eli will also continue to build more chemistry with his young receivers, Mario Manningham, Steve Smith, and Hakeem Nicks, all three of whom were either first time starters or rookies last year. Another year with those three will only help him and this team.

Projection: 10-6 2nd in NFC East

Power Ranking: 11

Last season: 8-8

Draft:

#15 DE Jason Pierre Paul (South Florida)

JPP has a ton of upside and could be an excellent player here, but he could just as easily be a complete bust. He never dominated on the Division I level and while it’s easy to imagine a freak like this being a great player someday, that may not be what happens. I don’t know a ton about his work ethic, but high upside defensive linemen have a bad history over the best decade or so. Defensive linemen have to wrestle with 300 pound men and hit people so it’s understandable why, as soon as they get 15-25 million guarantee, they stop putting in as much work as you would like. If JPP does that, it’ll be very bad because he needs a lot of work.

Grade: C+

#46 DT Linval Joseph (East Carolina)

After taking one boom or bust defensive lineman, you’d think the Giants would go with a natural fit for middle linebacker in their scheme with a  guy like Daryl Washington, but instead they went with another boom or bust defensive lineman. Joseph has the nice measureables, but he’s a bit of a one year wonder and he needs a lot of work. He would have been a better fit for a 3-4, but the Giants don’t run a 3-4.

Grade: C

#76 S Chad Jones (LSU)

The Giants gave up a ton of big plays last year because their safeties couldn’t cover or tackle. This offseason, they have signed Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant, drafted Chad Jones, and have Kenny Phillips, presumably, coming back from injury. That aught to fix it, in fact some might even say it was overkill, though I won’t call it that because Jones was one of the best players available and you never know about Kenny Phillips’ health or whether or not Deon Grant will remember how to cover.

Grade: B+

#115 MLB Phillip Dilliard (Nebraska)

Positionally, he fills a need, but I don’t think he’s a great fit for their scheme, at least not as good as Sean Weatherspoon (who they could have drafted at 15) or Daryl Washington (who they could have drafted at 46). In fact, I don’t think he’s much different than a poor man’s version of Antonio Pierce, who was cut because he didn’t fit the scheme. It also puzzles me as to why they waited this long to address a position where they really had nothing.

Grade: B-

#147 G Mitch Petrus (Arkansas)

This looks more like a classic Jerry Reese pick, taking best available. Petrus is a 4^th round prospect, but they get him in the 5^th and he’ll help to turn around the Giants’ running game, which really struggled last year.

Grade: A-

#184 DE Adrian Tracy (William & Mary)

Actions speak louder than words. They say they don’t want to trade Osi, but they drafted two defensive ends. Tracy is a good value, but he’s undersized and doesn’t really fill a need. He could play some linebacker though which saves this pick’s grade.

Grade: B

#221 P Matt Dodge (East Carolina)

Leave it to Jerry Reese to take clearly the best punter in the draft class as the 3^rd punter off the board. However, what about Jeff Feagles. He’s old, but he’s still a good punter and this whole idea of a punter of the future doesn’t really appeal to me for some reason.

Grade: C+

Overall:

This draft was not as strong as we have come to expect from the Giants, but they did some interesting things and took two players who have a ton of upside. However, they didn’t really address the running game, with the exception of drafting a guard, so they are counting on Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw to be healthy next year, which could be a bit risky. They also passed up on too many middle linebackers who fit the scheme for a middle linebacker in the 4^th who doesn’t. So add the boom or bust start and some questionable mid-late picks, and this was not as strong of a draft, as they would have liked it to be.

Grade: C+

Key undrafted free agents:

MLB Lee Campbell (Minnesota)

DT Nate Collins (Virginia)

S Michael Greco (Central Florida)

Positions of need:

Safety:

The Giants gave up the 13^th fewest yards in the league, but also the 3rd most points. That means they gave up a ton of big plays for touchdowns, whether on the ground or through the air, and they couldn’t stop anyone in the red zone. Both of those show poor safety play, which means sense because they are starting Michael Johnson and Aaron Rouse at safety after losing James Butler to free agency and Kenny Phillips to injury. Even if Phillips does return from his injury, which is not a guarantee at this point, they need a good safety to pair with him. Look for them to target a safety in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, either Earl Thomas in the first or someone like Nate Allen or Chad Jones in the 2^nd.

Signed Antrel Rolle, Signed Deon Grant, Drafted Chad Jones (#76)

Defensive Tackle:

The Giants got only 4.5 sacks from defensive tackles last year and they ranked towards the middle of the packs in all run defense categories, except for run touchdowns where they ranked close to dead last. Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins were the two starters for most of last year, and accounted for 3 of those 4.5 sacks, but both are free agents this offseason and Robbins will be 32 when next season starts anyway. Given how much the Giants like to upgrade inside, they could target Brian Price in the first.

Drafted Linval Joseph (#46) 

Running Back:

Remember when the Giants had Earth, Wind, and Fire going for them in the backfield. Well last season, Wind blew out of town, Earth turned to stone, and Fire played most of the season with two bad ankles. Jacobs averaged 3.7 YPC last year and only had 5 touchdowns so they may target a power back replacement like Jonathan Dwyer in the 2^nd and cut him and his large contract. If they don’t, they at least need to grab some depth in the mid rounds.

Defensive End:

For all the money the Giants spent on the defensive line, they only had 32 sacks last year. Now Osi Umenyiora, who was converted from a starter to a nickel rusher late in the season, wants out unless he’s given his starting job back. He was their team leader with 7 sacks last year, but is weak against the run. If Derrick Morgan falls to them at 15, they will gladly take him and try to trade Osi. I wouldn’t be surprised if they traded to trade Osi either way. The Rams may have interest as they need a pass rusher and Osi, having already won a ring, may want to go to St. Louis to reunite with his former coordinator, now Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. He would also get to mentor young guys and try to rebuild a once proud franchise.

Drafted Jason Pierre Paul (#15), Drafted Adrian Tracy (#184) 

Middle Linebacker:

Antonio Pierce was just cut so they need to target a young middle linebacker in rounds 3-5 to come in and compete with Jonathan Goff for the middle linebacker job. This position is fairly deep towards the middle rounds.

Drafted Phillip Dillard (#115), signed Keith Bulluck

Outside Linebacker:

Danny Clark is a free agent and he could have been upgraded anyway. Plus, on the other side of the linebacking corps, Michael Boley is often injured so some depth at the position would be needed even if the 32 year old Clark was retained.

Offensive Tackle:

There has been talk of moving Kareem McKenzie to guard. They would need to draft a right tackle replacement if they were the case because Williams Beatty, their top reserve tackle, is not a right tackle. Even if McKenzie doesn’t move to guard, they could still use some more depth at the position.

Cornerback:

Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are good, but they have very little depth behind them and if Aaron Ross gets hurt like he did this year, they could have some major troubles against the pass.

 

Free agents:

QB David Carr- signed with 49ers 2 years 6.25 million

RB Danny Ware (exclusive rights)- resigned 1 year

WR Domenik Hixon- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

WR Derek Hagan (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

WR Sinorice Moss (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

TE Darcy Johnson (exclusive rights) 

OT Guy Whimper (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

G Kevin Boothe (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

DE David Tollefson (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.6 million

DT Barry Cofield (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

DT Fred Robbins- signed with Rams 3 years 12 million

OLB Danny Clark- signed with Texans

OLB Gerris Wilkinson (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

MLB Antonio Pierce- retired

MLB Chase Blackburn (restricted)

CB Kevin Dockery (restricted)

S CC Brown (restricted)- signed with Lions

S Aaron Rouse 

S Chad Jones 

P Jeff Feagles- resigned

Offseason moves: 

Giants announce retirement of WR Ike Hilliard

Giants sign MLB Keith Bulluck 

Giants waive S Chad Jones

Giants claim DE Alex Hall 

Giants announce retirement of MLB Antonio Pierce

Giants re-sign DT Barry Cofield

Giants re-sign WR Derek Hagan

Giants re-sign OLB Gerris Wilkinson

Giants announce retirement of P Jeff Feagles

Giants re-sign WR Domenik Hixon

Giants re-sign WR Sinorice Moss

Giants re-sign OT Guy Whimper

Giants sign S Deon Grant

Giants withdraw tender to S C.C. Brown

Giants re-sign G Kevin Boothe

Giants re-sign P Jeff Feagles

Giants re-sign DE Dave Tollefson

Giants re-sign RB D.J. Ware

Giants sign QB Jim Sorgi

Giants cut S Aaron Rouse

Giants sign S Antrel Rolle

Giants tender RB D.J. Ware

Giants tender WR Derek Hagan

Giants tender G Kevin Boothe

Giants tender S C.C. Brown

Giants tender DT Barry Cofield

Giants tender OT Guy Whimper

Giants tender OLB Gerris Wilkinson

Giants tender DE Dave Tollefson

Giants cut MLB Antonio Pierce

 

 

Debate the New Orleans Saints’ offseason needs in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

The Saints won the Super Bowl last year, and they stayed relatively pat this offseason. So why aren’t they the favorites going into this year in my mind? Well, the first reason is that they won the Super Bowl last year. Repeating in sports is getting harder and harder to do. Last time it happened in the NHL, 1997-1998, last time in the NBA 2001-2002, last time in the 1999-2000, last time it happened in the NFL 2004-2005. It’s just not something that happens very often in sports, even when teams stand pat after winning a Super Bowl. Whatever reason, the players don’t try as hard because the already have a ring, they didn’t put in the work in the offseason because they got cocky after winning a title, they won’t sneak up on anyone, the entire league spend the entire offseason building their team to matchup to defeat them, we just don’t see repeat titles as much as you’d expect.

Another reason, they did lose some players. Mike Bell was a solid #2 back that took the pressure off of Pierre Thomas and his dangerous running style. Thomas will have to take on more of a load this year and with the way he runs, that could mean injuries, which means a struggling running game. They also lost Scott Fujita, a starter on their defense.

My last reason, I’ve said it before, if you aren’t getting better, you’re getting worse. They didn’t sign any big free agents. Their biggest free agent addition may have been Alex Brown. They drafted a cornerback in the first round. Cornerback was not a position of immediate need so 1^st round pick Patrick Robinson probably won’t see a lot of the field this year, unless there are injuries to the top 3 guys on the depth chart, in which case they have other issues. Charles Brown was drafted in the 2^nd to be their franchise left tackle of the future, but not of the present. Jimmy Graham was drafted in the 3^rd as a tight end of the future. They didn’t draft anyone that’s going to help them in a big way right away. The Colts added Jerry Hughes through the draft, to give themselves more defensive end depth, which, arguably, is why they lost the Super Bowl last year. They didn’t have the depth at defensive end. The Packers will be better this year. The Cowboys will be better this year. The Patriots, barring more injuries to Brady, will be better this year. The Saints, based on their offseason, won’t be.

Now, am I going to project this team to win a ton of games? Yes. Their offense is a machine and they should be good, barring a Madden Curse related injury to Drew Brees, for at least 11 wins this year, likely more.

Projection: 12-4 1st in NFC South

Power Ranking: 4 

Last season: 13-3

Grades:

#32 CB Patrick Robinson (Florida State)

With the way Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter played at cornerback last year, the Saints were already going to have a tough time finding playing time for 2009 1^st round pick Malcolm Jenkins, who may have had to move to free safety already. Now, they bring in another cornerback in the first? What? Besides, I had a 3^rd round grade on Robinson, though I am aware that others felt differently.

Grade: D

#64 OT Charles Brown (USC)

If the Saints had drafted him at 32, I probably would have given this a pretty solid grade. Jamaal Brown is a free agent next offseason and is probably trade bait now. There is no reason Brown (Charles) should have fallen out of the 1^st round and he’ll be able to take over for Brown (Jamaal) when they need him.

Grade: A

#95 TE Jimmy Graham (Miami)

Jeremy Shockey is getting old and has always been injury prone, but Graham is a risk in the 3^rd, even for a Super Bowl winning team like the Saints. I would have liked to have seen them take a defensive lineman in the first 3 rounds.

Grade: C

#123 DT Al Woods (LSU)

Woods fills a position of need at defensive tackle, but he has injury concerns and was a bit of a reach. I doubt he’ll be a future starter for this team.

Grade: C

#158 C Matt Tennant (Boston College)

Jonathan Goodwin is a mediocre center so competition like Tennant in the 5^th round makes a lot of sense.

Grade: B

#239 QB Sean Canfield (Oregon State)

Canfield is a good pick in the 7^th in terms of value and the Saints needed a replacement for Mark Burnell at backup quarterback.

Grade: A

Overall:

The Saints only had 6 picks, but they still only managed to get 1 future starter out of this draft, two if Tennant pans out, but he’s a center. Patrick Robinson has bust written all over him, if he can ever get on the field. Graham and Woods are very big risks, even for this team. They made some decent late round picks, but overall this was a bit of a disappointing draft. They didn’t get enough help for their defensive line or their linebackers.

Grade: C+

Key undrafted free agents:

CB Rafael Priest (TCU)

S Harry Coleman (LSU)

DT Jay Ross (East Carolina)

DT Ekom Udofia (Stanford)

G Brandon Carter (Texas Tech)

DE Brandon Sharper (Texas Tech)

DE George Johnson (Rutgers)

OLB Jason Beauchamp (UNLV)

Positions of need:

Outside Linebacker:

Neither Scott Shanle nor Scott Fujita are very good and both could be upgraded. With no other major needs, I would be very surprised if they passed on Sean Weatherspoon at 32 in the first and then went for a strong side guy like AJ Edds or Perry Riley in the mid rounds.

Signed Clint Ingram 

Defensive Tackle:

Sedrick Ellis is a great young player, but when he was hurt for a little bit last year, their lack of depth at the position was obvious and teams had no problem running up the middle on them. Even when he’s healthy, they could use an upgrade next to him. They don’t have a ton of needs (and they won the Super Bowl, go figure), so they could look for a defensive tackle in the first 3 rounds. Which they draft depends on how they view Ellis going forward, as a 4-3 nose tackle guy or a 4-3 under tackle. They will take the opposite of whatever they view Ellis as.

Drafted Al Woods (#123) 

Defensive End:

Charles Grant and his massive gut and massive contract have been cut, so they need a replacement at left end. Will Smith is excellent, but they need someone better across from him and if they feel they don’t have someone capable of doing that on the roster, they’ll look for one in the draft early or look for a free agent.

Signed Alex Brown, signed Jimmy Wilkerson

Offensive Tackle:

Jamaal Brown is an amazing left tackle, actually one of the best in the league, but he missed most of last season with an injury and you never know how he’ll bounce back. Jermon Bushrod wasn’t awful in place of Brown, but he did give up 8 sacks. In fact, left tackle was probably the one weak spot on their entire offense last year so they could use some depth at the position, maybe a swing guy who can play some right as well where they need depth.

Drafted Charles Brown (#64) 

Safety:

Darren Sharper could be gone as a free agent and even if he isn’t, he’s definitely getting up there in years. I’m assuming their longterm plan with Malcolm Jenkins is to move him to cornerback (considering they spent the 14^th pick on him last year) and with both Jenkins and Sharper gone from the free safety position, they won’t have much left. At the very least, they need some depth at the position.

Center:

Jonathan Goodwin is average at best. He could be upgraded and if they like a center prospect in the mid rounds, I think they’ll pull the trigger.

Drafted Matt Tennant (#158) 

 

Free agents:

QB Mark Brunell- signed with Jets

RB Pierre Thomas (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.6 million

RB Mike Bell (restricted)- signed with Eagles 1 year 1.7 million

FB Jason McKie 

WR Lance Moore (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

WR Courtney Roby (restricted)- resigned 1 year

TE David Thomas (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

TE Billy Miller

TE Darnell Dinkins

TE Dan Campbell

OT Jamaal Brown (restricted)- traded to Washington

OT Jermon Bushrod (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.6 million

OT Zach Strief (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

G Jahri Evans (restricted)- resigned 7 years 57 million

G Jamar Nesbit

DT Kendrick Clancy

DT Remi Ayodele (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

DE Charles Grant- signed with Dolphins 1 year

DE Jeff Charleston (restricted)- tendered (low)

DE Bobby McCray- resigned 

DE Anthony Hargrove (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.2 million 

OLB Scott Fujita- signed with Browns 3 years 14 million

MLB Marvin Mitchell (restricted)- 1 year

MLB Mark Simoneau

CB Leigh Torrence (restricted)- resigned 1 year

#7 S Darren Sharper- resigned 1 year 1.5 million

A smart veteran with a ring and a ton of experience, he turned the Saints’ defense around by himself this year (with some help). He led the league with 9 picks and averaged 41.8 yards per interception return and even scored 3 times by himself. He’s a ballhawk, but he’s also amazing in coverage. He would be an upgrade to any defense, the only issue is, for how long? Sharper turns 35 next season and I’d be concerned about giving him more than a 2 year deal.

S Roman Harper (restricted)- resigned 1 year 2.5 million

S Usama Young (restricted)- tendered

S Pierson Prioleau- resigned

S Chris Reis (restricted)- tendered

K Garrett Hartley (restricted)

# refers to Unrestricted Free Agent Rank

Offseason moves:

Saints sign WR Mark Bradley 

Saints sign QB Patrick Ramsey 

Saints cut FB Jason McKie

Saints re-sign DE Bobby McCray 

Saints cut DE Bobby McCray 

Saints trade OT Jamaal Brown to Redskins 

Saints re-sign WR Lance Moore

Saints re-sign S Roman Harper

Saints re-sign RB Pierre Thomas

Saints sign FB Jason McKie 

Saints sign OLB Clint Ingram 

Saints cut DT Rodney Leisle 

Saints waive OLB Jason Beauchamp 

Saints re-sign G Jahri Evans 

Saints claim RB P.J. Hill 

Saints re-sign S Darren Sharper 

Saints sign DE Jimmy Wilkerson

Saints re-sign WR Courtney Roby

Saints re-sign MLB Marvin Mitchell

Saints announce retirement of RB Aaron Stecker

Saints re-sign TE David Thomas

Saints re-sign DT Remi Ayodele

Saints re-sign OT Jermon Bushrod

Saints re-sign OT Zach Strief

Saints sign DE Alex Brown

Saints re-sign CB Leigh Torrence

Saints re-sign S Pierson Prioleau

Saints cut DE Charles Grant

Saints cut G Jamar Nesbit

Saints cut MLB Mark Simoneau

Saints tender G Jahri Evans

Saints tender DE Jeff Charleston

Saints tender RB Mike Bell

Saints tender DT Remi Ayodele

Saints tender OT Jammal Brown

Saints tender S Chris Reis

Saints tender MLB Marvin Mitchell

Saints tender WR Lance Moore

Saints tender KR Courtney Roby

Saints tender TE David Thomas

Saints tender RB Pierre Thomas

Saints tender S Roman Harper

Saints tender OT Jermon Bushrod

Saints tender S Usama Young

Saints tender OT Zach Strief 

 

By Matthew Frank

I got a chance to go to the home opening game at the New Giants Stadium (which I will always call it), and I can best describe my thoughts as: “eh.”

There are definitely some upgrades such as the four new huge screens in each of the corners.  They are super clear and really easy to find from any point of view.  Also, there is a lot of information posted throughout the stadium so it is easy to find up to date stats and information.

One of the best things for the regular fan are the widened concourses.  It definitely got dingy in the old stadium and it is much easier to walk around and get from place to place now.  Outside the stadium (but still inside the ticket booths) were a large field where kids can do football drills which is great.  Also, they had some promotional things (such as a Captain Morgan’s booth) and the WFAN booth.

Overall though, you have to wonder about some of the design choices.  In the old stadium fans could just walk up, pick one of the three escalators, and go directly to their section.  Now, all fans (except those in premium sections) are herded into the “great hall.”  This sounds great until you realize the great hall is really more like the great overhang.  I think they were aiming to make it something like the entrance to Yankee Stadium or the Robinson Rotunda at Citifield, but it really just comes across as a big overhang with no real character.  Then, all of the fans, regardless of level, are put through the same flight of stairs up the first level.  This creates a big log-jam and a huge mess of people; especially those trying to get up to the upper levels.

The food was also really disappointing.  Yes, it is a sporting even and you do expect to be gauged, but the prices were far higher then that of both new baseball stadiums and the food wasn’t nearly as good.  Somebody is going to have to re-write the menu for the entire stadium.

I made it to the Giants Hall-of-Fame, which they refer to as the Legacy Club, and it was definitely neat to see the three Superbowl trophies as well as teh busts of all of the greats.  But the room was fairly small and cramped; the ceiling especially was very low.  There appears to be another room with more memorabilia, but that is apparently only open on non-game days.

Overall, the stadium was a bit dull and not much of a major upgrade of the old Giants Stadium.  Except for a plethora of suits and luxury boxes, you have to wonder if the massive price tag for both the stadium and tickets are worth it.

http://www.bigbluefootballreview.com/

 

Debate the New England Patriots’ offseason possibilities in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

New England’s offense last year wasn’t what he have come to expect from them. However, a lot of that can be blamed on Tom Brady’s health. Whether it was trying to get his feet under him early in the season, after coming back from a major injury, or bruised ribs, or a broken finger, or a phantom shoulder problem, he wasn’t quite right most of the season. When he was right, he was right. He destroyed Tennessee. He destroyed Jacksonville, even though injuries, so we know he can still put the points on the board in big ways.

His receiving corps this year are actually looking pretty underrated, if you can believe it. Randy Moss was a top 5 receiver last year, despite injuries and not trying 100%. This year, he’s fully motivated, in his contract year. Torry Holt will probably be lining up opposite him. Holt hasn’t been his same self the past few years, but having Marc Bulger and David Garrard as his quarterbacks probably had a lot to do with that. Julian Edelman will be a solid replacement for Wes Welker, for however long he’s out, and don’t sleep on Welker’s ability to get healthy. He reportedly practiced at 75% as recently as this week, less than 5 months after tearing his ACL and MCL. If that’s true, Welker being ready for the opener doesn’t seem like a stretch. Add in a pair or talented rookie tight ends, and Brady’s got some weapons to work with. By all indications, their offense should be as good this year, if not better, than most years over the past 8-10 years.

However, this defense won’t even be close. The Patriots won championships as much with smash mouth defense as they did with a big offense. Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Ty Law, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, those guys are all long gone. This defense has some nice players, Leigh Bodden, Jerod Mayo, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Brandon Merriweather, rookie rush linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, but, as you can see, it’s just not the same. They lack those proven players of their Super Bowl winning teams. Now, Miami and New York, they’re coming up fast. Both of those teams are very talented. The Patriots aren’t going to be able to win this division with ease, though I give them a slight edge because of how important the quarterback position is in the NFL.

Projection: 11-5 1st in AFC East

Power Ranking: 5 

Last season: 10-7

Draft:

#27 CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers)

This pick caught me by surprise, but I do think it makes sense now. The Patriots have to go up against the Jets twice next year and the Jets are three deep at receiver with Edwards, Holmes, and Cotchery. The Pats have decent depth at corner, but Shaun Springs is getting pretty old, Darius Butler is an unproven 2009 2^nd rounder, and Jonathan Wilhite is a nickel corner who could be upgraded.

Grade: B

#44 TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

If Gronkowski had gone back to school, he almost certainly would have been a 1^st round pick in 2011. He’s is a big target with good hands over the middle and he’s also a strong blocker and fills a huge need for the Patriots. If Wes Welker can’t play next year, there’s no doubt that the Pats will hurt, but having a legit big target like Gronkowski over the middle definitely would help remedy the hurt and if Welker plays, this is once again going to be one of the strongest receiving corps in the NFL (assuming Randy Moss plays well in his contract year).

Grade: A

#53 RLB Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)

I liked Cunningham a lot last year, at times even more than Dunlap, though it’s tough to ignore Dunlap’s measurables and potential, so I’m glad Cunningham went 1 pick before Dunlap, his former college linemate. Cunningham is a good fit for their 3-4 and he fills a major need as a pass rusher. There may have been some better rush linebacker available, and their may have been some better rush linebacker values later, and Cunningham may be a bit of a reach at 53, but it’s good to see the Patriots finally addressing the rush linebacker position and taking a player who they got a close look at during Florida’s Pro Day.

Grade: B+

#62 MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Now when the Patriots need linebacker depth, they won’t have to raise Junior Seau from the dead. I don’t like Spikes’ speed, but he has good upside in a 3-4 and Bill Belicheck is good friends with Urban Meyer.

Grade: B-

#90 WR Taylor Price (Ohio)

He fills a need and has a ton of athletic upside in the 3^rd, but I’m not a big fan of his, even though I can see him being, possibly, a future starter for this team. However, if they think that Price is an adaquate future replacement for Moss, they could very well be negatively surprised in a few years.

Grade: C

#113 TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)

Two tight ends in the same draft? Normally the strict positional valuist in me screams no, but when you have as many picks as the Patriots do, it’s not a bad idea to take BPA in the 4^th and take Hernandez, who is a perfect fit for the scheme and compliments Gronkowski nicely.

Grade: A

#150 P Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)

I understand the need for a punter, but they have like 6 7^th rounders. Certainly they could have used one of those on a punter and taken someone who can play on offense or defense here.

Grade: C-

#205 C Ted Larsen (NC State)

Larsen fills a bit of a need, but not a huge need and I still have images of his ugly snap in the Senior Bowl burned into my head.

Grade: B-

#209 OT Thomas Welch (Vanderbilt)

Not a major need, but with as many picks as the Patriots had, taking some depth at the offensive tackle position makes sense and Welch is a solid value.

Grade: A-

#247 3-4 DE Brandon Deaderick (Alabama)

The Patriots really should have taken a 3-4 defensive end earlier, but Deaderick is a good value here and has experience playing in the 3-4 at Alabama. He had a down year last year, but only because he hadn’t fully recovered from being shot in the arm during the offseason.

Grade: A

#248 NT Kade Weston (Georgia)

Weston is one of the most underrated nose tackles in this draft class and he provides solid depth at the position, but I think he could also slide outside and play the 3-4 end position at 6-5 320. If the Pats weren’t going to address the 3-4 end position earlier, they might as well take two prospects at the position in the late rounds to increase their chances.

Grade: A-

#250 QB Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State)

Robinson is a great value and the Pats played all last year with 2 quarterbacks so using one of their many late rounders on a quarterback is not a bad idea. He may also be able to play some receiver, a la Julian Edelman.

Grade: A

Key undrafted free agents

RB Pat Paschall (North Dakota State)

RLB Dane Fletcher (Montana State)

WR Bryan Anderson (Central Michigan)

CB Terrence Johnson (California PA)

Overall:

I think the Patriots got some pretty good talent here and filled some holes, but I would have liked to have seen them taking a 3-4 defensive end earlier, maybe Jared Odrick at 27 instead of Devin McCourty, and I wanted them to take at least one running back. They also did do some questionable things like taking a punter in the 5^th with a ton of 7^th rounders and taking Taylor Price, who I am not high on, in the 3^rd. However, they took a bunch of players who fit the scheme, fill needs, and have solid upside.

Grade: B+

Positions of need:

Rush Linebacker:

They only managed 31 sacks last year and 9.5 of those were from Tully Banta Cain who is a free agent this offseason. I understand why Bill Belicheck is afraid to draft a rush linebacker because the positions doesn’t really exist in college, but he needs to. Derrick Burgess is also a free agent, Adailus Thomas is never going to be the same player he used to be again, and Shawn Crable, who they like, has had two major injuries in his first 2 years in the league.

Drafted Jermaine Cunningham (#53)

3-4 Defensive End:

Getting the Raiders first rounder in 2011, likely a top 10 pick, for Richard Seymour was brilliant. Maybe they should trade more often with the Raiders. However, they do need to replace him on the defensive line. Unless they fall in love with Jared Odrick at 22, they’ll use a 2^nd rounder on this need.

Signed Damione Lewis, Drafted Brandon Deaderick (#247), Signed Gerard Warren

Tight End:

Benjamin Watson is a free agent and based on how he has declined in recent years, they’ll likely go another direction at the position. Aaron Hernandez would fit the scheme well in the 2^nd.

Signed Alge Crumpler, Drafted Rob Gronkowski (#42), Drafted Aaron Hernandez (#113) 

Running Back:

They benched Laurence Maroney late last year after another fumble. The Patriots could target a replacement for him, either Jahvid Best or CJ Spiller, at 22 in the first round. They really don’t have any big speed guys at the position so they may want to focus on obtaining a homerun hitting back that can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Wide Receiver:

Randy Moss has only one year left on his deal and given his effort last year, I’d be surprised to see him back in 2011. I wouldn’t actually be surprised if he was traded this offseason. Maybe they could trade him to Oakland for a first rounder and then in a few years trade a 4^th rounder to get him back. They could start a business off of this. Back to the point, they’ll need a young wide receiver early in the draft to be his future replacement. Even if he’s brought back, he’ll be 36 in 2011.

Signed Torry Holt, Drafted Taylor Price (#90)

Cornerback:

Depth at least is needed. Leigh Bodden is a free agent this offseason and, given the weak cornerback market, he could get a large deal that the Pats won’t want to match. I’m not sold on Jonathan Wilhite as their nickel corner either and Shawn Springs is getting up there in years.

Drafted Devin McCourty (#27) 

Guard:

Stephen Neal is a free agent and has hinted towards retirement. He’s also injury prone and over 30. He’ll need to be replaced.

Middle Linebacker:

Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton have the starting job down fine, the issue is if one gets hurt, they’ll probably have to wake Junior Seau up from the dead again. They really lack depth at the position right now.

Drafted Brandon Spikes (#62) 

 

Free agents:

QB Jeff Rowe 

QB Mike Teel 

RB Kevin Faulk- resigned 1 year 2 million

WR Isaiah Stanback- signed with Seahawks

TE Benjamin Watson- signed with Browns 3 years 12 million

TE Chris Baker- signed with Seahawks 2 years 4.7 million 

G Logan Mankins (restricted)- tendered (1st, 3rd)

G Stephen Neal- resigned 2 years

NT Vince Wilfork- resigned 5 years 40 million

3-4 DE Jarvis Green- signed with Broncos 4 years 20 million

RLB Tully Banta Cain- resigned 3 years

RLB Derrick Burgess

RLB Pierre Woods (restricted)- resigned 1 year

RLB Adalius Thomas 

MLB Bruce Davis- signed with Broncos

#4 CB Leigh Bodden- resigned 5 years 28.5 million

I’d move him up if he wasn’t so horrible in a zone scheme in Detroit in 2008. The Patriots made a brilliant move by signing him. He fit their scheme perfectly and he would fit other teams will if they ran a similar man scheme. He’s one of the top 5 best man to man shutdown corners and Chad Ochocinco even said he’s the best man to man corner in the league. If you have the right scheme, he’ll be an amazing addition and command a large contract.

CB Shawn Springs 

K Stephen Gostkowski (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

Offseason moves:

Patriots sign C Eric Ghiaciuc 

Patriots announce retirement of WR David Patten 

Patriots cut QB Mike Teel

Patriots sign RB Thomas Clayton 

Patriots waive MLB Bruce Davis

Patriots waive WR Isaiah Stanback

Patriots claim QB Mike Teel

Patriots cut QB Jeff Rowe 

Patriots cut CB Shawn Springs

Patriots re-sign RLB Derrick Burgess 

Patriots sign 3-4 DE Gerard Warren 

Patriots cut RLB Adalius Thomas

Patriots sign WR Torry Holt 

Patriots re-sign RLB Pierre Woods

Patriots re-sign K Stephen Gostkowski 

Patriots 3-4 DE Damione Lewis 

Patriots sign TE Alge Crumpler 

Patriots re-sign RB Kevin Faulk

Patriots sign RLB Marques Murrell

Patriots re-sign CB Leigh Bodden

Patriots re-sign G Stephen Neal

Patriots re-sign NT Vince Wilfork

Patriots re-sign RLB Tully Banta-Cain

Patriots cut TE Chris Baker

Patriots tender K Stephen Gostkowski

Patriots tender G Logan Mankins

Patriots tender MLB Gary Guyton

Patriots tender RLB Pierre Woods

Patriots sign WR David Patten

Patriots franchise NT Vince Wilfork

FB Patrick Pass retires

# refers to unrestricted free agent rank