Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Personally, I find the Donovan McNabb soap opera fascinating. The latest McNabb trade rumors has the Eagles sending their embattled QB to the wasteland properly known as the Oakland Raiders. There have been reports that McNabb will not report if that is the case, but what really can he do. At this point, you might be asking who cares about this, and what does this have to do with the New England Patriots? Well, if you recall, the Patriots received the Oakland Raiders 2011 1st round draft pick in return for Richard Seymour just prior to the start of the 2009 season.
Most people, like myself, still thought this was a pretty good deal because there was no way the Raiders could improve that much for this pick not to be a top 10 pick, right? Well, we just may be wrong. If McNabb does get sent to the Raiders, then they are a much better team than most people realize. They managed to win 5 games last year, and should easily be a .500 team with the addition of Donovan McNabb. The Raiders will still lack any decent receivers, but have a solid stock of running backs that line up behind a decent offensive line. My guess is Zach Miller turns into an All Pro Tight End thanks in part to having a quarterback who can actually throw the rock. It also helps they have a pretty decent defense. While they struggled against the run, the Raiders defense was 7th in the NFL in pass defense.
What will the Patriots do about this? Well, the Patriots will most likely not move this pick prior to, or during, the 2010 draft. Why? I don't see a new CBA being agreed to by either the owners or players without a slotted salary for rookies. The Patriots know this and will have two first round picks with a locked in salary. What do I think they should do? To heck with the slotted draft system, I want to win. The 2010 draft is being referred to the deepest draft in who knows how long. Use the 2011 first rounder to move up and get an impact player at a position of need like an edge pass rusher or offensive lineman.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to the new draft style?
Jimmy, you might be calling out for an offensive lineman in the draft, but quickly realize that rookies or even young offensive linemen, for the most part, are not instant success stories. Experience is so key at that position, unless you're targeting a can't miss top 10 offensive lineman with outstanding plus-skills. That's why my philosophy is to target offensive linemen in free agency and draft guys to groom.
ReplyDeletePats need way more help at defensive end or even linebacker ...those are the two spots I want them to address real quick. We need to get pressure on the QB. Then, if they want, address the offensive line in the second round, but we need impact starters on defense in a hurry.