hR Members Mock Draft

[DaveKShape]

I was thinking of a fun way to do a mock draft. How about we draft the first 2 rounds in order, with members making the picks of the respective teams. It'll create a unique mock draft in the sense that there will be multiple minds throwing wrenches into the engine. State your pick and reasoning.

Let's try to get different members to represent each team. If there's a lull in activity and you've already picked, feel free to take on another team's pick to keep it moving. If you want to get crazy and do trade-downs, etc., explain before your pick - but keep those within realistic parameters (Skins trade AH for both of NE's 1st rounders, anyone?!?!? - Hah). Have fun with it!

I'll start.

Pick: Carolina Panthers, #1: Blaine Gabbert, QB

I must admit that it's tempting to take Dareus here (or Fairley to a lesser extent), just to shore up my line with some beastitude. But the glaring reality that Jimmy Clausen is my starting QB is boldly staring me down. Moore had some good flashes, but he's simply too inconsistent to trust. There's a new coaching regime in town, and they want to hit the ground running with a guy who is as NFL ready as any QB in this draft. Also, Gabbert seems to have the maturity level and leadership ability that Clausen lacks. Time to build the offense around my new franchise QB.

_______________

Draft so far:

Round 1

1) Carolina Panthers (DaveKShape): Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
2) Denver Broncos (skins4life24): Marcel Dareus, DL, Alabama
3) Buffalo Bills (Arkangeist): Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
4) Cincinnati Bengals (shally): Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
5) Arizona Cardinals (nicefellow31): Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6) Cleveland Browns (wave6ten): A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
7) San Francisco 49ers (flave1969): Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
8) Tennessee Titans (tyrone_rush_fan): Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
9) Dallas Cowboys (firehawk157): Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10) Washington Redskins (Epochalypse): Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
11) Houston Texans (BigCountry): Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
12) Minnesota Vikings (DaveKShape): Anthony Castanzo, OT, Boston College
13) Detroit Lions:
14) St. Louis Rams:
15) Miami Dolphins:
16) Jacksonville Jaguars:
17) New England Patriots (from Oakland):
18) San Diego Chargers:
19) New York Giants:
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
21) Kansas City Chiefs:
22) Indianapolis Colts:
23) Philadelphia Eagles:
24) New Orleans Saints:
25) Seattle Seahawks:
26) Baltimore Ravens:
27) Atlanta Falcons:
28) New England Patriots:
29) Chicago Bears:
30) New York Jets:
31) Pittsburgh Steelers:
32) Green Bay Packers:


Round 2

1. New England Patriots (from Carolina):
2. Buffalo Bills:
3. Cincinnati Bengals:
4. Denver Broncos:
5. Cleveland Browns:
6. Arizona Cardinals:
7. Tennessee Titans:
8. Dallas Cowboys:
9. Washington Redskins:
10. Houston Texans:
11. Minnesota Vikings:
12. Detroit Lions:
13. San Francisco 49ers:
14. Denver Broncos (from Miami):
15. St. Louis Rams:
16. Oakland Raiders:
17. Jacksonville Jaguars:
18. San Diego Chargers:
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
20. New York Giants:
21. Indianapolis Colts:
22. Philadelphia Eagles:
23. Kansas City Chiefs:
24. New Orleans Saints:
25. Seattle Seahawks:
26. Baltimore Ravens:
27. Atlanta Falcons:
28. New England Patriots:
29. San Diego Chargers (from NY Jets):
30. Chicago Bears:
31. Pittsburgh Steelers:
32. Green Bay Packers:

[skins4life24]

Pick: Denver Broncos, Marcel Darius DT ALA;

Whether I am planning on running a 3-4 or a 4-3 in the future I have my main peice up front to build around.

[esmith1790]

is there anyway the OP can contain the running list of draft selections?

just a thought to help show who has been taken and who is on the clock.

[DaveKShape]

is there anyway the OP can contain the running list of draft selections?

just a thought to help show who has been taken and who is on the clock.

on it.

[Farmer Ted]

Pick 3: The Washington Redskins trade pick #10, pick #42 and their 2012, 2013, and 2014 1st round draft picks to the Buffalo Bills. They select Cam Newton, QB Aub.

[DaveKShape]

Pick 3: The Washington Redskins trade pick #10, pick #42 and their 2012, 2013, and 2014 1st round draft picks to the Buffalo Bills. They select Cam Newton, QB Aub.

hahahaha

[shally]

Pick 3: The Washington Redskins trade pick #10, pick #42 and their 2012, 2013, and 2014 1st round draft picks to the Buffalo Bills. They select Cam Newton, QB Aub.

shut this (*&^%$#@^% thread down NOW !!!!!!! lol

[skinsfan36]

what we could do is assign teams to different people and then have a draft. like if we get 8 people give them a division each.

[esmith1790]

Others i have seen people request certain teams with a limit of say 4 max. then just have the list and usernames listed by each team. just my input.

[Arkangiest]

Pick #3 the Buffalo Bills select:

Von Miller LB Texas AM

The Bills have many needs, but Miller is a freak. Drafting a guy who could potentially lead the league in sacks year after year is too tempting to pass up.

[shally]

Pick #4 Cincinnati Bengals

the Bengals are in a quandry. the ideal pick for them would be Green, WR to replace the fading Ocho Uno. Without the trio of Chad, TJ Whoseyourmamma, and the late C Henry, the Bengals have no downfield threats and Green would be a perfect fit..
BUT
Carson Palmer has thrown down the gauntlet and forces the Bengals to select a QB. The Bengals pick....

Cam Newton, QB.. too much talent to resist, and much star power for a team that desperately needs a new face of the franchise

[nicefellow31]

Cardinals need help at QB, G, and all acrooss the D. They were looking at Von Miller but he is gone already. Now they are debating between Nick Fairley from Auburn or Patrick Peterson of LSU. With the 5th pick in the draft, the Arizona Cardinals select Patrick Peterson, cornerback from LSU. Cleveland is now on the clock.

[wave6ten]

I'll play this game.

With the 6th pick the Cleveland Browns select:

WR-AJ Green-The Browns clearly need a playmaker on offense to give McCoy a legitimate target down field. Combined with their bruising running game and McCoys game management skills, the play action should become a staple in the BRowns offense. This pick is a no brainer. Top 5 talent.

[HanburgerBum]

Pick 3: The Washington Redskins trade pick #10, pick #42 and their 2012, 2013, and 2014 1st round draft picks to the Buffalo Bills. They select Cam Newton, QB Aub.


Thank God for the breakdown in labor talks. As I understand it, absent a new CBA, trades can be made involving only 2011 draft choices. Otherwise, the numskulls in the Redskins front office may actually do this.

[Emmanouel8]

Thank God for the breakdown in labor talks. As I understand it, absent a new CBA, trades can be made involving only 2011 draft choices. Otherwise, the numskulls in the Redskins front office may actually do this.

If that's the case we're probably screwed as far as getting value for Haynesworth and Mcnabb.

[HanburgerBum]

Pick #4 Cincinnati Bengals

the Bengals are in a quandry. the ideal pick for them would be Green, WR to replace the fading Ocho Uno. Without the trio of Chad, TJ Whoseyourmamma, and the late C Henry, the Bengals have no downfield threats and Green would be a perfect fit..
BUT
Carson Palmer has thrown down the gauntlet and forces the Bengals to select a QB. The Bengals pick....

Cam Newton, QB.. too much talent to resist, and much star power for a team that desperately needs a new face of the franchise


I presume you are predicting this is what the Bengals will do, not what you think they should do.

I believe Newton at #4 would be a huge mistake. I agree with AKH and others that CN has the potential to be a big bust. His measurables are hard to resist, but I have heard several personnel evaluators' concerns about Newton's accuracy, foot work and ability to read defenses quickly. I don't think the Skins should take CN at #10, much less any team taking him at #4.

[shally]

I presume you are predicting this is what the Bengals will do, not what you think they should do.

I believe Newton at #4 would be a huge mistake. I agree with AKH and others that CN has the potential to be a big bust. His measurables are hard to resist, but I have heard several personnel evaluators' concerns about Newton's accuracy, foot work and ability to read defenses quickly. I don't think the Skins should take CN at #10, much less any team taking him at #4.

yupp. considering this is a team that took Akili Smith with the same front office/ownership, do you really think they have changed ?

absent Palmer refusing to play for them again, i think they do the right thing and take Green with the pick, or go defense.. but if they dont have Palmer, they simply HAVE to have a QB to develop. you REALLY think they feel ok about going into the season with JORDAN Palmer or LeFevour as starter ?
Maybe they can get Kitna back ? but, i think they will roll the dice on Newton

[Farmer Ted]

you REALLY think they feel ok about going into the season with JORDAN Palmer or LeFevour as starter ?
Maybe they can get Kitna back ? but, i think they will roll the dice on Newton

Lefevour, wasn't he last year's Kaepernick? Or was he last year's Andy Dalton? I can't believe you're giving up on him so fast, lol.

[shally]

Lefevour, wasn't he last year's Kaepernick? Or was he last year's Andy Dalton? I can't believe you're giving up on him so fast, lol.

have to admit i did like him.. that is the peril of college qb's.. he might still develop.. on the other hand, he was never considered a 1/2 round talent so that says a lot

[HanburgerBum]

yupp. considering this is a team that took Akili Smith with the same front office/ownership, do you really think they have changed ?

absent Palmer refusing to play for them again, i think they do the right thing and take Green with the pick, or go defense.. but if they dont have Palmer, they simply HAVE to have a QB to develop. you REALLY think they feel ok about going into the season with JORDAN Palmer or LeFevour as starter ?
Maybe they can get Kitna back ? but, i think they will roll the dice on Newton


Given that we are talking about the Bengals, I think you are right that they could be clueless enough to take Newton at #4. Maybe some team like Buffalo will save them and grab CN at #3.

[shally]

Given that we are talking about the Bengals, I think you are right that they could be clueless enough to take Newton at #4. Maybe some team like Buffalo will save them and grab CN at #3.

seen some mocks that have the Panthers thinking about Newton first overall.. could happen

[HanburgerBum]

seen some mocks that have the Panthers thinking about Newton first overall.. could happen


Who made those mocks? Newton's agents?

While CN has a lot of athletic ability and almost irresistible measurables, there are a lot of issues with his character, footwork, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. It would be a huge gamble to take him first off the board. I would be very surprised if the Panther go that route. I think it will be Blaine Gabber.

[fent]

Who made those mocks? Newton's agents?

While CN has a lot of athletic ability and almost irresistible measurables, there are a lot of issues with his character, footwork, accuracy, and ability to read defenses. It would be a huge gamble to take him first off the board. I would be very surprised if the Panther go that route. I think it will be Blaine Gabber.

A lot of draftniks and legitimate NFL reporters have said they think Newton goes number 1. From what I've seen/read over the last couple weeks, it's about a 50-50 shot that he goes to Carolina.

[flave1969]

My Brother in Law is a Niners fan and he says they need a QB in the worst way. With Gabbert and Newton gone here he says either a genuine pass rushing OLB or best Corner available.

I therefore enter the pick of CB Prince Amukamara from Nebraska for the 49er's.

[DSkinFan]

Sorry wrong thread. I mistakenly posted my mock draft here.

[tyrone_rush_fan]

I'll make the Tennessee pick, because it's easy. They finally get their Albert Haynesworth replacement, complete with the attitude problems.

Pick #8, Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley.

[HanburgerBum]

A lot of draftniks and legitimate NFL reporters have said they think Newton goes number 1. From what I've seen/read over the last couple weeks, it's about a 50-50 shot that he goes to Carolina.



Not sure who these draftniks and NFL reporters are, but I would be absolutely shocked if Newton goes #1. There are just too many questions about him compared to Gabbert, especially since the demise of Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell (two QBs similar to CN) is still fresh on people's minds.

[fent]

Not sure who these draftniks and NFL reporters are, but I would be absolutely shocked if Newton goes #1. There are just too many questions about him compared to Gabbert, especially since the demise of Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell (two QBs similar to CN) is still fresh on people's minds.

Well, Schefter for one is saying it to anyone that will listen (and recall he's the first one that said Bradford to the Rams last year). Kiper and McShay have both said they see it as a good shot now, though both their latest mocks have others at number 1. I recall Mayock mentioning it in passing as well, but I can't find the link for it now.

edit: and actually, questions are beginning to arise on Gabbert -- specifically his low completion percentage for that offense and his ability to read a defense. Perhaps that's just the draft process as doubts begin to arise on everyone, but the consensus seems to be that both these QBs are going to be drafted a lot earlier than they should be.

[firehawk157]

Well, Schefter for one is saying it to anyone that will listen (and recall he's the first one that said Bradford to the Rams last year). Kiper and McShay have both said they see it as a good shot now, though both their latest mocks have others at number 1. I recall Mayock mentioning it in passing as well, but I can't find the link for it now.

edit: and actually, questions are beginning to arise on Gabbert -- specifically his low completion percentage for that offense and his ability to read a defense. Perhaps that's just the draft process as doubts begin to arise on everyone, but the consensus seems to be that both these QBs are going to be drafted a lot earlier than they should be.

The two biggest weaknesses with the Cowboys are CB and OL. With Prince and Peterson gone, there's not enough value at CB to justify their first and you can pick up good interior OL later. So with the 9th overall, the Cowboys pick OT Tyron Smith.

[Epochalypse]

Not sure why no one is jumping on picking for the Skins, unless they fear the tirades of all the Skin draftniks who've honed their skills ripping apart the fruits of Cerrato all these years. Luckily, I know I can draft better than him so I'll give it my take.

I considered Julio Jones but I believe that is a position we can fill through free agency. So knowing the importance of the front 7 to properly run the 3-4, I'm going Robert Quinn.

Edit: Reason I didn't go with Da'quan Bowers is because the knee frightens me. If that knee checks out okay 1 Apr, that would've been my pick but picking now, I go the safer route. Malcolm Kelly has shown drafting players with knee injuries is bad mojo.

[shally]

Not sure why no one is jumping on picking for the Skins, unless they fear the tirades of all the Skin draftniks who've honed their skills ripping apart the fruits of Cerrato all these years. Luckily, I know I can draft better than him so I'll give it my take.

I considered Julio Jones but I believe that is a position we can fill through free agency. So knowing the importance of the front 7 to properly run the 3-4, I'm going Robert Quinn.

Edit: Reason I didn't go with Da'quan Bowers is because the knee frightens me. If that knee checks out okay 1 Apr, that would've been my pick but picking now, I go the safer route. Malcolm Kelly has shown drafting players with knee injuries is bad mojo.

a very good pick... i think if the Skins cant trade down (sending the rights to the Rams for a chance to pick Jones) it is the way they will go.. or at least, the smart way to go.

in the end, however, i DO think they will trade down and then use the pick on a QB later in the first round.. my guess would be it will be Locker, and you will be able to hear the molars grinding..

Bowers might fall all the way into the second round if his knee doesnt check out, or if he keeps on being deceptive about it.

[Epochalypse]

I agree that trading down would be ideal so long as we dont get fleeced in the process.

[shally]

I agree that trading down would be ideal so long as we dont get fleeced in the process.

this is Shanahan, not Vinnie...lol



..................................and dont remind me about the McNabb trade lol

[CNYSkinFan]

this is Shanahan, not Vinnie...lol



..................................and dont remind me about the McNabb trade lol
youll be reminded for a bit longer....he is the only qb under contract

[DaveKShape]

youll be reminded for a bit longer....he is the only qb under contract

john beck is also under contract.

[CNYSkinFan]

john beck is also under contract.
as i said......

[SKINSATIONAL]

as i said......

LMFAO ! :smash:

[BigCountry]

With the 11th pick houston selects Jimmy Smith cb Colorado. They had one of the worst pass defenses in the history of passing and defense

[shally]

as i said......

ouch !!!!

well, Grossman is ADDITION via subtraction

[firehawk157]

a very good pick... i think if the Skins cant trade down (sending the rights to the Rams for a chance to pick Jones) it is the way they will go.. or at least, the smart way to go.

The way I see it is there is a logjam of borderline 1st/2nd round QBs this draft. We could stay put in the second round and realistically have a shot at a QB with equal chance at success as all the others graded like him...

Having said that, trading down is going to be EXTREMELY difficult. It has to consist of 2011 draft picks ONLY. Having said that, there are VERY few options for trading without one team getting fleeced. I think the most likely scenario involves a player dropping who was projected high. Julio Jones is a player I could see BUT I think a team would probably call the Cowboys first to trade with them, fearing the Skins will take Julio with their pick.

[HanburgerBum]

this is Shanahan, not Vinnie...lol



..................................and dont remind me about the McNabb trade lol



Doesn't it seem to you that Shanahan was a lot smarter when he was in Denver? As soon as he gets to Wash, he seemed to have taken the stupid pill--as evidenced by the McNabb trade.

Is there some kind of a curse over the Redskins?

[HanburgerBum]

Well, Schefter for one is saying it to anyone that will listen (and recall he's the first one that said Bradford to the Rams last year). Kiper and McShay have both said they see it as a good shot now, though both their latest mocks have others at number 1. I recall Mayock mentioning it in passing as well, but I can't find the link for it now.

edit: and actually, questions are beginning to arise on Gabbert -- specifically his low completion percentage for that offense and his ability to read a defense. Perhaps that's just the draft process as doubts begin to arise on everyone, but the consensus seems to be that both these QBs are going to be drafted a lot earlier than they should be.



I don't disagree that Gabbert is not a slam dunk prospect. But, Newton is even more suspect, if Gabbert is suspect. There is no way Newton is going #1 off the board. I don't know if Schefter truly believes Newton is going #1, but a lot of the mocks may be influenced by agents of the players involved.

[Epochalypse]

I don't care where Cam Newton goes so long as it's not to the Redskins.

Please Lord, let someone take him before we draft.

[Lou2144]

Trade back scenario- With the Patriots. Skins get the #28 and #33 picks. According to the draft value chart, the points are pretty close and the first pick of day 2 could be very valuable. Gives the Skins 3 nice players at #28,33 and 41.

[shally]

Trade back scenario- With the Patriots. Skins get the #28 and #33 picks. According to the draft value chart, the points are pretty close and the first pick of day 2 could be very valuable. Gives the Skins 3 nice players at #28,33 and 41.

welcome to the site !!

the Pats most often trade back, not up.. but you never know

[Lou2144]

Thanks. I've been following the forums for a few yrs and finally logged in. great info and chatter from all of you!
Yes, the pats usually go down but maybe the fall in love with a DL or J.. jones and make the jump. Then skins could go Phil Taylor, Pouncey at #28 and #33 then go QB at #41. Kapernick, Dalton or Ponder should be there. I'd be happy with that!

[Emmanouel8]

Thanks. I've been following the forums for a few yrs and finally logged in. great info and chatter from all of you!
Yes, the pats usually go down but maybe the fall in love with a DL or J.. jones and make the jump. Then skins could go Phil Taylor, Pouncey at #28 and #33 then go QB at #41. Kapernick, Dalton or Ponder should be there. I'd be happy with that!

I know some die hard Pats fans that are utterly frustrated with this trading back for picks philosophy when they are way over due a legit pass rusher. Based on what I'm gathering from them, they'd trade up to get a stud pass rusher if it were up to the fans but they've been saying that since at least the year we drafted Orakpo.

Oh and welcome ;)

[shally]

I know some die hard Pats fans that are utterly frustrated with this trading back for picks philosophy when they are way over due a legit pass rusher. Based on what I'm gathering from them, they'd trade up to get a stud pass rusher if it were up to the fans but they've been saying that since at least the year we drafted Orakpo.

Oh and welcome ;)

good point. a lot of the "trade back picks" have been very modest in contribution. might be better off trying for a guy who is a game changer?

[Lou2144]

good point. a lot of the "trade back picks" have been very modest in contribution. might be better off trying for a guy who is a game changer?

So maybe they try and pull the trigger on a game changer sitting on the board at 10. they still need a replacement for Seymour. Would Bowers or Watt be that guy? Plus they would still have their #17 pick. So Pats end up with #10 and #17 and Skins get #28 and #33 and their #41. Sounds like a win-win to me!:beer:

[Emmanouel8]

good point. a lot of the "trade back picks" have been very modest in contribution. might be better off trying for a guy who is a game changer?

Absolutely. They have argubly the best QB in the league but time is running out. Once Brady's gone who knows what they end up with at QB, and all those picks is like dying with millions in your savings account. Pull the trigger, move up to 10 and give us 2 of your 1st round picks. C'mon man!

[Emmanouel8]

So maybe they try and pull the trigger on a game changer sitting on the board at 10. they still need a replacement for Seymour. Would Bowers or Watt be that guy? Plus they would still have their #17 pick. So Pats end up with #10 and #17 and Skins get #28 and #33 and their #41. Sounds like a win-win to me!:beer:

+1

We can end up with a NT, G/C, and QB.

[DaveKShape]

to keep things moving:

The Minnesota Vikings - Pick #12: Anthony Castanzo, OT, Boston College

they could also go for gabe carimi here, but i think castanzo has more upside. the offensive line that gave favre so much time 2 years ago completely fell apart last season. mckinnie's decade is about up. time for a replacement.

[HanburgerBum]

to keep things moving:

The Minnesota Vikings - Pick #12: Anthony Castanzo, OT, Boston College

they could also go for gabe carimi here, but i think castanzo has more upside. the offensive line that gave favre so much time 2 years ago completely fell apart last season. mckinnie's decade is about up. time for a replacement.


I guess you don't agree with Baldinger of NFL Network. He thinks Castanzo is the most over-rated player in this draft--someone who will be a total bust at the next level.

[HanburgerBum]

I know some die hard Pats fans that are utterly frustrated with this trading back for picks philosophy when they are way over due a legit pass rusher. Based on what I'm gathering from them, they'd trade up to get a stud pass rusher if it were up to the fans but they've been saying that since at least the year we drafted Orakpo.

Oh and welcome ;)


Talk about never be satisfied! The Pats are THE team of the last decade and a half. Aside from winning all those SBs, they never seem to have a down period. They have a terrific front office that keeps putting a great product on the field while at the same time is able to hoard draft choices. Maybe these "frustrated" Pats fans should put themselves into the shoes of the Redskins fans.

[Emmanouel8]

Talk about never be satisfied! The Pats are THE team of the last decade and a half. Aside from winning all those SBs, they never seem to have a down period. They have a terrific front office that keeps putting a great product on the field while at the same time is able to hoard draft choices. Maybe these "frustrated" Pats fans should put themselves into the shoes of the Redskins fans.

Yeah there's actually faction of them that believe Tom Brady isn't. Clutch anymore. The other said is screaming no its because Brady can't sack the other QB, enter this frustration. Anyways it has to still be frustrating to be so close and see the end of the tunnel approaching.

[HanburgerBum]

Yeah there's actually faction of them that believe Tom Brady isn't. Clutch anymore. The other said is screaming no its because Brady can't sack the other QB, enter this frustration. Anyways it has to still be frustrating to be so close and see the end of the tunnel approaching.


The end of the tunnel approaching for NE? Really? Why?

The Pats are not an old team--they are very good at trading off older players and hoarding draft picks and thereby keep replenishing the team. To me, NE is THE model for success.

If these NE fans are getting bored with what the Pats are doing, I would be glad to switch team rosters, coaches, front offices and owners with them. They will have plenty of upheaval and excitement with the Redskins version.

[shally]

The end of the tunnel approaching for NE? Really? Why?

The Pats are not an old team--they are very good at trading off older players and hoarding draft picks and thereby keep replenishing the team. To me, NE is THE model for success.

If these NE fans are getting bored with what the Pats are doing, I would be glad to switch team rosters, coaches, front offices and owners with them. They will have plenty of upheaval and excitement with the Redskins version.

take away Brady and the are a good, but not special franchise.. 1 extraordinary piece of luck has shaped the past decade or more.. i say luck because Brady was a 6th rounder

[Emmanouel8]

take away Brady and the are a good, but not special franchise.. 1 extraordinary piece of luck has shaped the past decade or more.. i say luck because Brady was a 6th rounder

Exactly. Brady makes that team. The defense has not been that great in recent years. They've never had anything more than a mediocre running game at best. Brady is the patriots. Where else would players like Woodcock and Welker have that kind of production? No where.

They can have all the draft picks they want, doesn't guarantee they come across another QB like Brady. Don't get me wrong the franchise did everything right, but can't take Brady for granted. Strike while the iron is hot.

[HanburgerBum]

take away Brady and the are a good, but not special franchise.. 1 extraordinary piece of luck has shaped the past decade or more.. i say luck because Brady was a 6th rounder


Sorry, but the Pats are more than about luck. Sure, getting Brady in the 6th round was fortunate. But, if you would remember, NE won a lot of games the year Brady was out hurt. Cassel won something like 10-11 games and fetched the Pats a high draft choice in trade.

NE got Randy Moss for very little, got good production out of him and received a 3rd rounder for him when he wore out his welcome. When Richard Seymour also wore out his welcome, NE got a 1st rounder for him. These are the moves of a smart, well-run organization, not a front office just relying on luck. Who is to say the Pat won't come up with a capable replacement for Brady when the time comes? Their track record indicates that they would.

For the last decade or so, the Pats have rarely been out of contention. And, the team was hardly ever old. If you are a NE fan and this is still not good enough for you, then you are a truly spoiled fan.

[fent]

I don't disagree that Gabbert is not a slam dunk prospect. But, Newton is even more suspect, if Gabbert is suspect. There is no way Newton is going #1 off the board. I don't know if Schefter truly believes Newton is going #1, but a lot of the mocks may be influenced by agents of the players involved.

Think what you want, but the ball keeps rolling toward Newton going first. Rivera is reportedly VERY high on him based on his comments at his pro day. Perhaps a smoke screen, but they've been adamant that they're not trading that pick (and with no rookie wage scale likely in place before the draft there's little chance they could anyway) so there's no real use to trying to deceive everyone with what they're going to do. We'll see in a couple weeks, but I'd put my money on Newton over everyone but "the field" and that only because the odds require you to ALWAYS take the field until someone's under contract.