Interesting insight, at the Boston Globe website, boston.com.... Teams that are successful in the NFL draft don't just scout players, they also have an in-depth knowledge of each NFL roster and pressing team needs. For example, when the Patriots were considering selecting a kicker in 2006, they went into that draft knowing that teams like the Packers, Chiefs and Falcons had a high need in that area as well. So when the Patriots were on the clock with the 118th overall selection, in the fourth round, they had it in mind that one of those needy clubs could make a move to snare Gostkowski, who was widely considered the top kicker in the draft. Instead of risking that Gostkowski would still be available 18 picks later -- at the top of the fifth round -- they selected him in that spot. There are similar examples in every NFL draft, for every team, and the picture can change instantly. One area to watch this year is the team picking in front of the Patriots in the first round -- the New York Jets. The Jets agreed to a reported five-year, $33.5 million contract extension with safety Kerry Rhodes on Wednesday, and Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News makes the point that this could alter the Jets' draft strategy. Cimini projects that the Jets will now look to save money and trade down to avoid paying the No. 6 overall pick about $20 million in guarantees. Such a strategy would naturally impact the Patriots. In one respect, it could take a team that would be looking for the same type of player out of the mix, and potentially open the door for the Patriots to land the player they truly covet. In another respect, it could create a situation in which both teams are speaking with the same clubs about trading down -- potentially affecting the level of compensation they receive. Being aware of this ever-changing dynamic of the draft -- and how a team's moves/needs can have a domino effect on the next club -- is part of what adds to its intrigue. Add in the fact it's the Patriots and Jets, and that intrigue grows a bit larger.
Interesting, but my main concern with the Jets picking one spot ahead of the Patriots is that the Jets may give too much attention to the Patriots. The Jets should pick the past player for the Jets - either at 6 or lower if they trade down - and not worry about the Patriots (there is plenty of time to worry about them during the season). I do not want the Jets to take someone simply to prevent the Patriots from getting them - the Jets' focus should be on the Jets, not the Patriots. A great sign of the Jets worrying too much about the Patriots - if they give up value to switch picks with the Raiders or Chiefs to avoid having the Patriots trade up with the Chiefs and pick before them. Given the players in this draft, and how "even" most of the top tier probably are (watch Parcells negotiate with multiple players with the first pick), the Jets should not trade up, and my guess is that most folks wouldn't think of it if the Patriots were picking at 31 instead of 7. If Jake Long, Chris Long or Gholston are available at 6, they should take them (I doubt two would be available). I'm having trouble making up my mind about McFadden, but I don't think Ryan is a franchise quarterback. If Long, Long, Gholston and possibly McFadden are off the board, the Jets should trade down to 8-13, pick up an extra draft pick (hopefully in Round 2), and use their first pick on the best corner left to put opposite Revis. I am not sure that any DE/OLB outside of Long and Gholston are a value pick that high, and no WR is worth a pick in the Top 15. Getting a 2nd round pick for trading down (even if Jets have to give up a 4th round pick or something to make it fair) would allow them to go CB, WR and DE/OLB with three picks in the first two rounds, thereby filling their largest holes. Mike
Namath....well said. The Jets do need to be concerned a little about the Patriots but only from a positioning respect. They can not worry too terribly much about who they covet etc....The Jets need to look at their board and roll from that. And I would be very unhappy if they picked a corner in round one this year....everyone keeps forgetting about Justin and I think he'll come back healthy and a year wiser...but we'll see. Peace! The Mezz
Mezz - I hear you. I keep forgetting about Justin either, although I'm not yet convinced he's the goods at cornerback. Last year was a waste, and prior to that I thought he contributed more as a returner than a cornerback. Even if Miller is back and better than ever, you cannot have enough good cornerbacks. I think the Jets biggest need is a pass-rushing DE or OLB. If Chris Long and Vernon Gholston are off the board, however, there is no one else that fills that role that I'd use the 6th pick to grab. I'm not even sure the next DE or OLB is worth it in the 8-14 range (perhaps Rivers?). After a pash-rushing DE or OLB, I think the next two biggest needs are: a shutdown corner to put opposite Revis (maybe Miller will be it, but that's a question) and a speedy WR (and given the lack of standout WRs and the depth at that position, I would not use a top 10 - or even top 15 - pick on a WR. A good one will fall to the Jets near the top of the 2nd round, if that's what they are looking for. Mike
"(perhaps Rivers?)" I've been wondering about Rivers lately, after his impressive performance at his pro day. If, the 2 long's, gholston & dmac are gone at 6, and thinking that giving big money to CB a second yr in a row might not be so wise (not to mention a reach), could Rivers fit our scheme? He's not the pass rush threat you want at OLB but he's great in coverage and so athletic not to mention the intangibles - would putting him inside next to Harris make sense and have any more value at 6 if so?
If Rivers is going ILB and not OLB, then using the 6th pick to get him is way too high in the current NFL, where ILBs are devalued compared to OLBs. I'm struggling to remember the last ILB that went in the top 10. Anyone?
Patrick Willis last year was picked a #11, one off of the top 10. Yet the way he plays, i'd take him top 5-- if he's healthy, he's going to the hall of fame. USC LBs are known for being highly talented. Seau, Tatupu to name a couple. If we do trade back to 9-12, this is the kid i want. Him and Harris will embarrass alot of teams and stop running games with Jenkins eating up blockers.
I find it all pretty funny. Anybody who buys into this is crazy. The Jets didn't spend all they have spent to now look to cut corners in the draft. They will have plenty of money to spend on whoever it is they ultimately end up picking and they won't have to trade down to do it. If Ellis, Ryan and Dorsey are the only blue chip prospects left when the are on the clock they might trade down. Anybody else and there is no way they don't take them and leave them for NE. The press would have a field day setting them up to get fired at season's end if that person turned out to be a star.
how about getting a qb with a real arm who can make all the throws? ryan, flacco, brohm, etc...........:jets:
My fear is that you guys somehow find a way to trade down and still get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, I'm hoping Mangini has McKelvin rated higher, DRC's the top corner and I'm hoping he's a Patriot whether it be with the #7 pick or a trade down to get him.
