By: Tommy Rowe

The Patriots surprised everyone in this year’s draft by trading up, not once, but twice in the 1st round to grab to premiere defensive players (Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower) who both plan to meet all expectations at the highest ends. The last picks they had, in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th rounds were approached the same way as all Patriots’ drafts go; no matter what the review or talent status said on a player, if Belichick like the player; he was going to take him. Now as the Radio City Music Hall closes the doors on yet another exciting NFL Draft weekend, we look back to grade all the NFL teams and their drafting. Compared to most this season, the Pats had an outstanding draft. Personal I think they “did good”, in the words of Pro Bowl Tightend Rob Gronkowski (2nd round pick in 2010 and considered a Patriots reach).

The Patriots’ second round pick can be argued as a definite reach when reading up on Safety Tavon Wilson. Many had the Illinois alumni going in the 6th round or undrafted all together because of his lack of skill in coverage based schemes and being a huge liability at times struggling with passing plays. But he is your typical Belichick safety, strong, physical, run stopper, IQ level very high; sounds like Rodney Harrison huh? He is a great versatility weapon as well. He can play both corner and safety with the same strengths, but with the same weaknesses also. He is amazingly gifted in special teams coverage kickoffs and will serve the Patriots well under that role as he develops and hopefully overcomes his problems to become a good role or even starting safety in a Pats’ Uniform. Though Tavon is the most conversed player in the Patriots’ 2012 Draft Class, 3rd round pick Jake Bequette from Arkansas could end up being a steal for the team if the report on him is accurate.

Bequette has an unbelievable bull rush and is a very violent Defensive Lineman. The 6’5” 23 year old rookie can push O-linemen around his size down on their butts and use his hands to shred blocks like no one’s business. With great speed and reasonable IQ as well, you are probably wondering why he went in the 3rd round. He tends to be very predictable, doesn’t know when to move off a lineman at times and footwork along with flexibility is a huge issue of his. He is determined to work on all his weak points with the Pats says sources close to team.

6th round pick Nate Ebner and 7th round pick Alfonzo Dennard have very little info to go off of, but one of the rookie defensive backs has a troubling history with the law and Dennard recently showed that past when back in August he punched out a state trooper who tried to intervene in a bar fight he was involved with. The final pick by the Patriots was a wide receiver from Northwestern named Jeremy Ebert. Instead of detailing his whole report I can simply say he sounds like a raw, undeveloped Wes Welker; enough said there. The Patriots did a superb job in drafting key needs and wants. They stuck to their guns in the later rounds, but went for the talent and NFL-ready talent in the first round. Overall I give the Patriots an A-; only because very little has been done for the secondary. But as my grandmother likes to say when looking at the overall scheme of things great, that’s small potatoes for now.

By: Tommy Rowe

Like mentioned in the last post, you can never expect what the Patriots may due in the Draft when Bill Belichick is calling the shots. Last night was a proven point when they surprised everyone by trading up not once but twice to grab Syracuse star defensive lineman Chandler Jones and Alabama captain and star linebacker Donte Hightower. Some questions may arise about these two high profiled athletes good and/or bad, but if we know BB he would not of risked their entire draft selections on two questionable guys.

With linebacker not really a necessity for the Patriots when talking about other needs like Wide Receiver and Defensive Backs, this choice by Bill (a close friend and mentor to Alabama head coach Nick Saban) must suggest the Patriots are moving back to a 3-4 defense in place of the unorganized 4-3 they played under in 2011. This also means that either Jerod Mayo or Brandon Spikes will be moved to outside linebacker to make room for the rookie inside backer due to him being incapable of playing on the edge. Despite that weakness, Hightower is a starting NFL Linebacker for day 1 of his career, his ability to see the ball and lock on his target with his IQ is remarkable and is a big reason why 3-time NCAA Champion Nick Saban built his defense around him. His strength, speed, and leadership make him the perfect Bill Belichick player. Even though the linebacker is not a need and many will say it is the biggest surprise thus far, it was the only thing expected out of BB this year to take one of Saban’s unbelievably talented, NFL ready defensive players.

Chandler Jones is another versatile player that possesses great pass rushing ability the Patriots have not had since the days of Richard Seymour. Though this isn’t a guarantee due to his early history of injuries, Bill obviously didn’t see this has a huge roadblock in developing the next pass rushing threat for the defending AFC Champions. Belichick when asked of what he thought of Chandler as an overall player he replied “he has little experience with the injuries he suffered the last few years, but he works hard, very smart player and full of talent and potential”. Bill also mentioned on of the deciding factors of grabbing the 21st overall pick was how well he played against the Big East’s platoon of talented and elite Tackles this year and winning almost every battle along the way. The New York native was a First Team All American in 2011 and many believe he will thrive and become a lethal player under the Patriots system.

Because of these two blockbuster moves, the Patriots now only have 2 second round picks remaining for the rest of the Draft and plan to find either a cornerback or runningback with either pick, if no luck is found they will do what they’ve been known for a trade back. But that is okay either way they approach it now. Because they just got incredibly better on the defensive side with the two prospects they picked last night and the rest of the AFC East knows it, rumor is Jets head coach Rex Ryan was asked, after talking about their first round pick Quinton Couples, about their rival’s new additions on defense. The former Raven’s D coordinator apparently just simply replied, “Just when I had Bill all figured out…” it’s a great day to be a Patriots fan and the best part is the offseason is just beginning.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

Patriots Left Tackle Matt Light has been one of the more productive and proven “football players” in the organization’s history. He did the job asked of him by his coaches and being called a “football player” is the biggest honor to a guy who just works his tail off to win games and be the best player he can be for his teammate. Light has been with the Patriots since the beginning of the dynasty in 2001 and played a huge role in winning all three championships. Despite how many think including me, whether he has been overrated or underrated, his contribution to this team over the last 11 years has to be recognized and appreciated.

Light was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2001 Draft (48th overall). For the last decade, he secured one of the most valued positions in all of football and protected the game’s best player in Tom Brady along the way. Offensive linemen in general do not get the credit they deserve or the flack also. The offensive line is the immune system of a football team, without them being at their best, the offense begins to break down like the body getting sick from a bug, no matter who is playing quarterback. In many aspects they are just as or more important than the guy calling the plays in the huddle. The last few seasons have been up and down for light, but in 2011 he reminded all fans in New England why he was the #1 blind side for the red, white, and blue for all these years. After signing a contract, that many thought was too much for a 11 year left tackle who truly was on the back burner of his career, Light went out and shocked the league by having his best year as a left tackle, he anchored the offensive line so well he nearly helped the Patriots come within a single minute from being crowned Super Bowl Champions again.

Light has been criticized for his poor performances throughout his career in games along with his outstanding ones, especially with Super Bowl XLII. It seemed when Light didn’t have a great game, it was really, really bad. In the infamous game that will never escape the minds of Patriots fans everywhere, he and the rest of the magnificent O line were absolutely obliterated by the eventual Champions, the New York Giants, and their aggressive defensive line. The only ones to blame the O line that day for the worst lost in NFL History, were the linemen themselves. Light has taken the Job seriously and responsibly whether he was good or bad week in and out. He will be remembered for being a team player and thinking about nothing else but winning games for the Patriots. He will be a Patriot for life and have a big part in the hearts and memories of fans who have witnessed the last decade. He deserves a long and happy retirement and I speak for Patriots’ Nation when I say simply “Thank you Matt”.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

Chad Ochocinco was supposed to be the acquisition for the Pats in 2011. No one was expecting Randy Moss type numbers from the 34 year old receiver, but he was expected to be the number one man along with Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski as a lethal 3-headed attack. He ended up being a huge disappointment and finished the year with only 15 catches 276 yards and 1 TD. The excuse all season was that Chad could not read and understand New Englands’ very complex playbook. Granted it has been duly noted that this is fact involving the playbook of the 3-time Champs is true, but in my opinion it does not excuse Ocho for being the pathetic waste of space he was in 2011. The news about the restructure of Chad’s contract being reduced from $3 million a year to $1 million per is not a cause for good thoughts about Number 85; it isn’t even news to begin with.

Everyone knew that after the season ended Ocho was either going to be cut or resigned to a smaller contract then he was acquired for. Nothing is truly guaranteed in the NFL, rosters spots especially. Just because the former pro bowler agreed to change his yearly salary to a still ridiculous rate doesn’t mean he is magically going to have an MVP like year for 2012. I would be surprised to see him on the field starting day after what we have seen and learned of him in the last calendar year. The signing of Brandon Lloyd alone proves that Chad is not safe from the boot of the GM. If the Patriots believed Ocho was the guy they needed to win in 2012, Lloyd would not be a Patriot and the same goes with Stallworth, Gonzalez, and other camp invites. And to make this news even more invalid, the Patriots have not ruled out the possibility of drafting a wide receiver with one of their first 4 picks. Along with most, I wanted him (Chad Ochocinco) gone after week 8 of last year, but the Patriots seem to be willing to give him once last chance. I am not questioning his IQ or intelligence level as a man what so ever; as many have been accused for talking about this topic. I am simply saying if Chad Ochocinco does not understand the playbook by opening week this season, he should be cut and that’s that.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

Benjarvis Green-Ellis has been a vital piece to the Patriots offensive dominance the past couple years. Having great ball security, football IQ, and the instincts of an all pro veteran runningback from day one he made his contribution to the team and then more. But, during a very crazy offseason, talks about Green-Ellis apparently broke apart as the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to sign the 4 year vet out of Ole Miss to a 3 year $9 million contract where he would get 4 million his first year along with a $1.6 million bonus for incentives. Now he is not a primary back or is a superstar talent, he is a serviceable player who can make a great and solid living being that and then some. But if all he was asking was $3 million a year, then the Patriots look like the fools here and not Benny.

With a backfield with Danny Woodhead as the starter (for now) along with Stephan Ridley and Shane Vreen, who never saw the field in 2011, the Patriots have a problem on their hands. As good as Tom Brady is and always has been, he still needs help at the age he is at now and that means help from the Runningbacks also. Danny Woodhead is not a starter point and simple and the two 3 round picks from 2011 cannot be just thrown into the Lion’s den with the small experience they have. News that the Patriots may be making a big move to help fill the void left by Benny involves Tom Brady, once again, taking a pay cut to help the franchise. With Brady restructuring his contract, the Patriots save 7.2 million dollars and it’s also added to the cap for this season. Now as cheap as we call the Patriots at times, not even they would just restructure the contract of the franchise’s great player ever to save them money. If they are doing this for that reason, then we have a problem in the office. But in all likelihood, the Patriots are planning something and something big. With 7.2 million added to the cap a month before the Draft, either a trade of huge proportions or hopefully a trade up through the Draft board to land the Pats a big rookie name. Nothing has been confirmed yet and knowing Coach Belichick nothing will till Draft Day, but we can only guess for now what the Patriots plan to do with their Quarterback’s generous contribution. One thing that can definitely make this assumption proven right is that Tom Brady would not have fought so hard to get the contract he did, then give up a huge portion of it without making a big move. Brady knows what’s about to happen and considering how professionally he was to make the deal; it most certainly will be big. Though it may not be a fill in at runningback, the move they make will most likely be the one to put them over the hump that they have been failing to do since 2005.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

In the 2000 NFL Draft, a struggling franchise took a quarterback with the 198th pick of the sixth round from Michigan University. According to scouts, he lacked nearly all the features that made a player successful as an NFL Quarterback; no strong arm, horrible spiral, gets knocked down easy, a poor system type player and so forth. Two years after he was drafted, that no name player who was told his whole like he wouldn’t amount to anything special, led the team that gave him a chance to their first Super Bowl Title ever; that player was Tom Brady who has now made his mark as one of the great players in NFL History. The comparisons to how Brady and soon to be former Broncos’ QB Tim Tebow have been noted and argued all season last year. I say strongly that those stats and comparisons are just merely and solely a coincidence.

Tim Tebow is an outstanding athlete and has a future in the NFL, but not as a quarterback and if he continues to follow the belief that he will be a franchise player it will only get worse for him. He can make a living as a journey player, hoping from team to team making a living as a role in quarterback like Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson did for their teams. Those two players won Super Bowls living and playing off those roles and Tebow can certainly do the same, but for people to say that if he learns under great players like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady is ludicrous and will never happen. First off, if Tebow is ready to become the Broncos next big quarterback and take them to the next level, then why is Peyton Manning being introduced in Denver with the team today? If he is the next Brady, Manning, or Elway, then why was Josh McDaniels fired during the season he drafted him? The fact of the matter is, Tebow last season started at the right time and circumstances and it was a team effort that helped Denver succeed into winning the AFC West; not because Tebow is great or special.

This notion that now Tebow is a perfect fit for the Patriots is also as ridiculous as the hype this unproven player has gotten. You bring him into a team with a leader and franchise caliber quarterback like Tom Brady; you are setting yourself up for a huge quarterback controversy the likes that haven’t been seen since the days of Montana and Young. Brady has a good 4 years left in him and once you have started in the NFL you will accept nothing less than that. Tebow and Brady might enjoy one another’s company and admire one another, but they will never coexist in Foxbrough. To the fans who want to see #15 taking over for Tom Brady in the future I say relax, give the man who wears #15 now on the Patriots a shot; quarterback Ryan Mallet has shown great maturity and pose during his first preseason in 2011 and nothing but positive feedback has come out when discussing the former Arkansas Star. Where ever Tebow goes, chances are he will be holding the clipboard and wearing the QB headset. He has much to learn if he wants a shot a succeeding as a quarterback. The hype that has followed Tebow out of the Draft party in 2010 has been so overdone and undeserving and not by his own doing. The story of the week is about Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, but yet we still find a way to turn it into Tebow Time. There is no doubt, success or bust, Tim Tebow will be remembered as the most controversial player in league history wherever he ends up; fortunately it won’t be in New England.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

Though they are not splashes or glamorous moves, the Patriots have been busy signing free agents the past few days. The biggest acquisition and possibly the riskiest was WR Brandon Lloyd who played for Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels while coaching the Broncos during his 2 year tender in Denver. The Patriots will be Lloyd’s 5th team in 9 years, this would spell obvious trouble to any team wanting to sign Lloyd, but the Patriots have dealt with worst players. The apparent locker room turmoil that Lloyd brings to his teams does not concern the Patriots who have dealt with the Corey Dillions, Randy Mosses, and Albert Haynesworths or the NFL and the Pats never put up with any of their drama. Quarterback Tom Brady is excited for the arrival of Lloyd and is as egger as ever to get back on the field after the lost to New York in Super Bowl XLVI. Along with Lloyd, former 2007 Pats’ receiver Donte’ Stallworth returns to the team along with the former #2 overall pick in the 2004 Draft Tackle/Guard Robert Gallery, former Broncos’ Tightend Daniel Fells and former Colts’ WR Anthony Gonzalez.

Some other deals the Patriots are still actively pursuing is new a deal with DE Andre Carter who led the team in sacks before suffering a torn ACL in Washington and with Mark Anderson seeing the high life in Miami more appealing, Carter is a must resign for the team’s 32nd ranked Defense in 2011. With a high weight load of offensive free agents coming to Foxbrough, the thought that the Patriots will draft Defense once again is evident; more specifically the secondary. With the cornerback market nearly swiped of the talent and the free agent safetys lacking some, the Patriots will be going hard once again in drafting defensive backs. It has been a disaster for the Patriots when it has come to drafting DB’s, from Terrence Wheatley and Johnathan Whilite, to Darius Butler and (hopefully not) Devin McCourty. The Corner position has not improved under the GM decision making of Head Coach Bill Belichick, but the plan will not change due his growing draft failures. I would like to see the Patriots trade a few of their picks to grab proven, talented Corners in the league already. They have to have a backup plan if McCourty does not return to his rookie status or if Rasi Dowling cannot remain healthy. Kyle Arrington had a remarkable 2011 year, but he is not a #1 Cornerback for long term purposes. Laron Landry is rumored to have signed with the Jets and if that is proven correct, expect the Patriots to be looking hard into the Draft boards, but if they want a quick fix like they have been trying to get, they should take the approach of building off other teams. Offensively it seems the Patriots are set to go, while in talks still with Benjarvis Green-Ellis the Pats are safe on that side for now. Defense, once again, will be the main focus for the conference champs come next month in New York.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

The Patriots have been known to keep their noises out of the big free agent pool for years, for reasons that are too weak to justify. The pool this year in the market is unlike anything the NFL has seen in the near 20 year history of Free Agency. With players like Mario Williams, Carl Nicks, Cortland Finnegan, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Carr, and some of the other Elite players of this generation swarming around for a new team to call home, the Patriots stand by and stick to their head scratching philosophy of finding “valued” guys who fit their system. After talking to many Patriots fans and analyst close to the team, I am as fed up as they are with the Patriots just letting impact players walk by them like they don’t care or they are not as good as they truly are. Their decision to stay quiet and sign only a small portion of guys from their previous roster this season thus far will be a big mistake as players who could have thrived with the Patriots commit to other teams.

I understand the fear that the front office has for signing big money to players after the history of their contracts turning out to be bust (ex. Adalius Thomas and Roosevelt Colvin). But at some point you need to take risks to have success, but the Patriots seem like they want to remain with the environment they have been comfortable with for the last 12 years. That kind of attitude will destroy a franchise, that’s it fact. The Patriots must take charge in this free agent signing month before there is no one left. Vincent Jackson and Robert Meacham have found new homes in San Diego and Tampa Bay, Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are now a duo with the Redskins and Mario Williams may end up circling the wagons with the division rival Buffalo Bills if the Pats don’t jump on him for a talk. These player that are out now are not the Colvins or Thomas’s that the Patriots have brought in and failed to make impact players and notably knowing their cautions, they need to “suck it up” and take risks, especially when they are now playing in a league that knows how to get the Patriots off their horse.

They cannot rebuild or add players through every draft class and with their draft history of passing up great players for other small not as impactful guys, nothing this season tells me they will change and draft big. So the need for a big signing in the free agent is a must for the defending AFC Champs. The league has changed and even though New England has been figured out by the other 31 teams, they are in a perfect position to be kings of the conference again and possibly more in 2012, but unless they change their ways and put aside their fears of signing big money players the Patriots will have a very tough road to just get into the playoffs for the upcoming year. Wes Welker has been franchised and talks of his contract look really tough with Calvin Johnson of Detroit scoring the biggest contract of all time for a wide receiver and Pats free agents Benjarvis Green-Ellis, Andre Carter, and Mark Anderson, all who had big years in 2011, look like they are nowhere near agreements with the red, white, and blue. The offseason is still young and the Patriots I know will make a move, they question for all who love this team is will it be the right one or will it be too late.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tommy Rowe

The last couple seasons, Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace #17 has been one of the hottest rising stars in the NFL since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the 3rd round of the 2009 Draft. There is no doubt he is the fastest receiver the game has now and he is quickly rising through the ranks of the marquee or elite players at his position, but is he worth giving up draft picks for? If you’re the Patriots then I’d say; grab him!

Mike Wallace was given a restricted franchise tender deal for 1 year and 2.5 million dollars. By league rules, any team now that can match or offer a greater deal to Wallace along with a specific draft pick and Pittsburgh doesn’t match the offer then Mike leaves the Black and yellow. Rumors state any team willing to offer a better tender to Wallace must also put up a 2 round draft pick, the Patriots have 3 and they will either draft a receiver or go the free agent approach restricted or not. Wallace to me is there best available option because you won’t be able to get Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston, he is young, fast, great ball skills and plus he was the next pick after the Patriots drafted Brandon Tate in 2009, so a little bit of a redemption factor could motivate the Pats to grab the Pro Bowl wide out who they absolutely over looked. The talks that he is a risky player and isn’t as good as he seems is a load a baloney. The stats of this soon to be elite receiver are no joke and the talent that Mike holds just doesn’t grow on trees or is developed easily.

Mike Wallace’s Stats for 2010/2011
2011: 72 Rec 1,193 yards 16.6ypc 8TD
2010: 60Rec 1,257Yards 21ypc 10TD

New England has done a poor job drafting receivers as stated earlier and they are afraid of the unrestricted market after busts like Adalius Thomas, but all they have to do is offer Wallace 2 million dollars extra and one of their 2nd round picks and they have the wide receiver they have failed to developed and always dreamed of having along with Tom Brady.

Receiver is a big need for the AFC Champs and no one can say otherwise. Wes Welker and Deion Branch are your two primary receivers outside of the Tightend duo and as much as they have been productive for the Pats they are not at the marquee level that Wallace is quickly rising to. This offseason is all about chances and making moves the organization would never have done prior their lost in this past Super Bowl. Personally if they make a move like this or anything to similarity I believe the Patriots will be the first team since the 1971, 1972 Dolphins to make it back to the Super Bowl after a lost a possibly win it. He may not have the smarts of a Brandon Lloyd or the physical toughness of a Colston or Jackson, but give this guy the quarterback and incentives he needs; he will be a top 5 receiver very soon and prove all those who think he is over rated. Free agency starts next week and it definitely will be one of the craziest free agent frenzies ever for the NFL.

Follow @trowe9110

By: Tom Rowe

The defending AFC Champion New England Patriots placed their franchise tag on Wes Welker yesterday afternoon like it was known to happen for months. The 5’10” wide out who has caught more balls in the last 5 seasons than any other receiver in the NFL is now about to make 9.4 million dollars with his new tag under his belt. Despite what fans might think and still feel about the “catch that could have been” in Super Bowl XLVI, a contract is still in the works but Welker will be a Patriot for at least the upcoming 2012 season and with the Patriots history of signing players after a franchise label is placed, no one can argue he will be here for many other years to come. Welker has been a part of an offense that has dominated the league the last 3 seasons in top 5 statistics with 554 catches and has been the leader of an arsenal of outstanding weapons for Tom Brady. Plus, with the way the AFC is shaping out, Welker and the Pats may just be more dominate and have a great shot at going back to the Super Bowl for 2012.

The Pats will be the favorite in the AFC for quite some time now after seeing what the Conference may look like. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a huge financial bind even after releasing a large number of some key veterans that have made them as good as the Patriots. The Colts are going through a major rebuilding stage with the future of their quarterback and owner in question still. The Jets are falling behind within their own divisional race let alone the AFC with chemistry and other work related problems. The Ravens seem to be the only team the Patriots need to keep an eye on, but they aren’t getting any younger as their defensive stars are reaching the bottom of the latter for their careers. The Patriots have Welker in hand and are planning that he will retire a Patriot. With Wes locked up for 2012 along with Gronkowski, Hernandez, and other future options the Patriots may bring in to help them and their Hall of Fame quarterback win another title, New England must be the overwhelming season favorite to not only win the AFC, but win it all one more time.