TSW Mock Draft 2.0 - Completed!

[H2o]

2 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I mean, it’s tough to have the same exact situation as another team….but I think that we can agree that it would be a stupid move to draft a Qb @ 2 overall if you have a 2nd round grade on them.  You don’t have a 1st rd grade on any of these guys…..if you were the lions GM (and you had a handful of guys with 2nd rd grades, like you do) would you take any of these guys @ 2?  

Nope. Go BPA and go for a QB next year if Goff doesn't pan out. He wasn't terrible for them, he just wasn't anything special either. There is no QB that is worth a top 10 pick imo, but teams always reach for QB's. 

[Virgil]

With the 17th pick, the LA Chargers select Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State.

 

The Chargers could stand to upgrade 3 of it's 5 offensive line positions so Cross makes too much sense here.  Linebacker was our second consideration, but we like the depth later in the draft.  Cross can slide in and start at RT on Day 1.

 

The Eagles @H2oare on the clock

[NewEra]

4 minutes ago, H2o said:

Nope. Go BPA and go for a QB next year if Goff doesn't pan out. He wasn't terrible for them, he just wasn't anything special either. There is no QB that is worth a top 10 pick imo, but teams always reach for QB's. 

I agree, I don’t think there’s anyone worth it in this draft.  
 

But that doesn’t mean that one isn’t worth 32 or a late 1st round pick in someone else’s eyes.  
 

 

[GunnerBill]

8 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I mean, it’s tough to have the same exact situation as another team….but I think that we can agree that it would be a stupid move to draft a Qb @ 2 overall if you have a 2nd round grade on them.  You don’t have a 1st rd grade on any of these guys…..if you were the lions GM (and you had a handful of guys with 2nd rd grades, like you do) would you take any of these guys @ 2?  

 

I'd think really hard about Malik. I know it would be a reach and he is a risk but at some point you have to take a shot and the way the league is going you need a guy who can be special. I also think with two very good tackles, a solid vet to learn behind and a former NFL QB as my QB coach I have some of the ingredients that Willis is going to need to be successful. And I add to that I don't think there are a ton of elite guys I am passing on to gamble on a QB. If Nick Bosa was there at #2 or even a Penei Sewell or Jamar Chase from last year the calculation would be different. But the opportunity cost this year is lower. 

 

None of the other QBs fit that "could be special" criteria. All of them except Ridder I would say are higher floor than Malik but much lower ceiling. So if I was the Lions GM I'd pick Malik at two or I'd totally pass on this QB class. 

 

 

[NewEra]

7 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I'd think really hard about Malik. I know it would be a reach and he is a risk but at some point you have to take a shot and the way the league is going you need a guy who can be special. I also think with two very good tackles, a solid vet to learn behind and a former NFL QB as my QB coach I have some of the ingredients that Willis is going to need to be successful. And I add to that I don't think there are a ton of elite guys I am passing on to gamble on a QB. If Nick Bosa was there at #2 or even a Penei Sewell or Jamar Chase from last year the calculation would be different. But the opportunity cost this year is lower. 

 

None of the other QBs fit that "could be special" criteria. All of them except Ridder I would say are higher floor than Malik but much lower ceiling. So if I was the Lions GM I'd pick Malik at two or I'd totally pass on this QB class. 

 

 

Willis is my #1 too and is the only guy I would draft period…..but that doesn’t mean the lions feel the same about him and the other QBs.  Hence the fact that they might think another QB is worthy of their 2nd rd pick or a trade up. Some guys really like Corral, Pickett etc.  i don’t….but there’s a chance there’s more than 1 QB selected.  
 

The ravens drafted Lamar…..after they traded down and then back up again to get that 5th year option  iirc.  They liked him enough to trade up for him…..but not enough to draft him in the teens. 

[HIT BY SPIKES]

6 minutes ago, Virgil said:

With the 17th pick, the LA Chargers select Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State.

 

The Chargers could stand to upgrade 3 of it's 5 offensive line positions so Cross makes too much sense here.  Linebacker was our second consideration, but we like the depth later in the draft.  Cross can slide in and start at RT on Day 1.

 

The Eagles @H2oare on the clock

 

CRAP!!!

 

1 hour and 45 minutes in the dentist chaIr on a back molar and now I can't make my Chargers pick.  Oh well.

 

I would have taken a 1st and a 2nd and traded back a 4th if necessary to trade down.  The Chargers are a solid team with very few needs.

 

Chargers want two rookie OL out of the first 3 rounds and don't have a 2nd round pick. 

 

They want to protect their young Franchise QB investment by giving him a rock solid OL.  An OL that not only protects the QB and gives him the time to pass however also forces its will to run the ball when the team needs to run the ball late in the game.  The Bills look for their OL at the Anchor Bar, Duff's or my personal favourite Gabriels's Gate.

 

A trade down would do that for the Chargers.

 

I like Cross for the Chargers.

 

I don't like him for the Bills.  The Bills need OGs and not OTs right now.  

 

So unless one of the managers is willing to accept this offer, the Chargers are done until the 3rd round...

 

THE CHARGERS ARE WILLING TO TRADE THEIR 3RD, 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH ROUND PICKS FOR ANY 2ND ROUND PICK IN THIS YEAR'S DRAFT

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, NewEra said:

Willis is my #1 too and is the only guy I would draft period…..but that doesn’t mean the lions feel the same about him and the other QBs.  Hence the fact that they might think another QB is worthy of their 2nd rd pick or a trade up. Some guys really like Corral, Pickett etc.  i don’t….but there’s a chance there’s more than 1 QB selected.  
 

The ravens drafted Lamar…..after they traded down and then back up again to get that 5th year option  iirc.  They liked him enough to trade up for him…..but not enough to draft him in the teens. 

 

Again though the Ravens had a guy who could play NFL Quarterback (or at least though they did at that point before his body totally gave up). Then they were swinging for a high ceiling guy. If Willis was there at the end of the 1st I could absolutely see it. While I get it that their ranking and my ranking are not necessarily the same - it comes back to I only think the Lions are taking a guy at QB this year if it is a swing for the fences guy. Even a team that doesn't like Malik is gonna have a hard job convincing me any of the others fit that description. 

[Virgil]

***Trade Alert***

 

Packers #22 (780) and #92 (132) for Eagles #18 (900)

 

The Packers @GunnerBill are on the clock

I feel a WR coming on.....

[mannc]

1 minute ago, Virgil said:

***Trade Alert***

 

Packers #22 (780) and #92 (132) for Eagles #18 (900)

 

The Packers @GunnerBill are on the clock

I have a feeling Jameson Williams is coming off the board here... 

[Bill from NYC]

Just floating this out there.....

The Cardinals are interested in trading down their pick. The thing is, the offer MUST include a 2023 1st round draft choice.

PM me if interested.

[GunnerBill]

TRADE!!!

 

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded the 18th pick in the TSW Mock Draft to the Green Bay Packers. And with the 18th pick the Green Bay Packers select:

 

Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

 

I am operating this draft as the Green Bay Packers and so even though my personal board has Chris Olave and Jameson Williams graded higher I executed this pick on the basis of what I know the Packers value in wide receivers. They like bigger guys who are tough to stop with the ball in their hands. It is one of the most underrated elements of Davante Adams's game but he was 2nd in the NFL in YAC in 2020 and 4th in the NFL in YAC in 2021. Adams ran a 4.56 at the Combine, had an uninspiring RAS score but was a physical player and a YAC monster. That description applies similarly to Treylon Burks. He fits their offense under Matt LaFleur and while I don't love the Deebo comparison some have used for him I see where they are coming from and Green Bay run a variation of that Shanahan offense that Deebo has thrived in. Burks can be a #1 receiver in this system. 

 

Trade Terms:

Packers get #18 (900)

Eagles get #22 (780) and #92 (132)

 

The New York Jets and @Big Blitz are now on the clock. 

Edited April 19, 2022 by GunnerBill

[Virgil]

7 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

TRADE!!!

 

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded the 22nd pick in the TSW Mock Draft to the Green Bay Packers. And with the 22nd pick the Green Bay Packers select:

 

Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

 

I am operating this draft as the Green Bay Packers and so even though my personal board has Chris Olave and Jameson Williams graded higher I executed this pick on the basis of what I know the Packers value in wide receivers. They like bigger guys who are tough to stop with the ball in their hands. It is one of the most underrated elements of Davante Adams's game but he was 2nd in the NFL in YAC in 2020 and 4th in the NFL in YAC in 2021. Adams ran a 4.56 at the Combine, had an uninspiring RAS score but was a physical player and a YAC monster. That description applies similarly to Treylon Burks. He fits their offense under Matt LaFleur and while I don't love the Deebo comparison some have used for him I see where they are coming from and Green Bay run a variation of that Shanahan offense that Deebo has thrived in. Burks can be a #1 receiver in this system. 

 

Trade Terms:

Packers get #18 (900)

Eagles get #22 (780) and #92 (132)

 

The New York Jets and @Big Blitz are now on the clock. 

 

Interesting choice.  I'm surprised to see some of these WR's sliding

[NewEra]

10 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Again though the Ravens had a guy who could play NFL Quarterback (or at least though they did at that point before his body totally gave up). Then they were swinging for a high ceiling guy. If Willis was there at the end of the 1st I could absolutely see it. While I get it that their ranking and my ranking are not necessarily the same - it comes back to I only think the Lions are taking a guy at QB this year if it is a swing for the fences guy. Even a team that doesn't like Malik is gonna have a hard job convincing me any of the others fit that description. 

Yeah….the ravens had a qb similar to goff……they identified a high ceiling guy…..and then traded down when that high ceiling guy fell into their laps…..because they didn’t feel he was worth the selection.  
 

We’re in agreement on the crux of the convo….if the lions think willis is their clear cut #1 qb and can be their guy, there’s a good chance they draft him at #2.  My argument is just that if he’s not their #1 guy…..another guy might be worth a late round pick or their 2nd round pick. 

[Bill from NYC]

11 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

TRADE!!!

 

The Philadelphia Eagles have traded the 22nd pick in the TSW Mock Draft to the Green Bay Packers. And with the 22nd pick the Green Bay Packers select:

 

Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

 

 

Trade Terms:

Packers get #18 (900)

Eagles get #22 (780) and #92 (132)

 

The New York Jets and @Big Blitz are now on the clock. 

Did you mean with the 18th pick GB?

[NewEra]

30 minutes ago, HIT BY SPIKES said:

 

CRAP!!!

 

1 hour and 45 minutes in the dentist chaIr on a back molar and now I can't make my Chargers pick.  Oh well.

 

I would have taken a 1st and a 2nd and traded back a 4th if necessary to trade down.  The Chargers are a solid team with very few needs.

 

Chargers want two rookie OL out of the first 3 rounds and don't have a 2nd round pick. 

 

They want to protect their young Franchise QB investment by giving him a rock solid OL.  An OL that not only protects the QB and gives him the time to pass however also forces its will to run the ball when the team needs to run the ball late in the game.  The Bills look for their OL at the Anchor Bar, Duff's or my personal favourite Gabriels's Gate.

 

A trade down would do that for the Chargers.

 

I like Cross for the Chargers.

 

I don't like him for the Bills.  The Bills need OGs and not OTs right now.  

 

So unless one of the managers is willing to accept this offer, the Chargers are done until the 3rd round...

 

THE CHARGERS ARE WILLING TO TRADE THEIR 3RD, 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH ROUND PICKS FOR ANY 2ND ROUND PICK IN THIS YEAR'S DRAFT

You’re done

[GunnerBill]

12 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

Interesting choice.  I'm surprised to see some of these WR's sliding

 

I have created myself a little Packers specific board for this exercise. I had Drake London as WR1 and Treylon Burks as WR2 based on the type of players the Packers go for. I have looked at who they have had in for visits too. While they haven't had London they have had Burks, Pickens and Watson in terms of day 1 or 2 types (all bigger, physical, guys) and then Samori Toure, Isaiah Weston and Tyquan Thornton as day 3 guys (again, all bigger receivers). They have a type. 

 

I was willing (as you are already aware) to give up a 2nd rounder to get up into the early teens for London, but then the Jets took him at #10. I then had conversations with a couple of teams about a deal to get up into the late teens to ensure I snagged Burks, but was only willing to give up a 3rd to make that move. Eventually found a dance partner with the Eagles. I could have sat and hoped he got to #22 and he might have, but if he hadn't I think I was a bit rock and hard place because as much as I like Williams and Olave, I'm not sure they feel like Packers picks. 

 

7 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Did you mean with the 18th pick GB?

 

Darn, yes. 

Edited April 19, 2022 by GunnerBill

[MrEpsYtown]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I am not sold that they are definitely not taking one at #2. 

 

Interesting. That would be a bit of a shock but makes sense. Could see an EJ Manuel type of trade down into the teens? Or do they have to stay in front of Carolina? 

 

I hope all the quarterbacks go early and allows the talent to fall. 

[MrEpsYtown]

2 hours ago, mannc said:

There is no way Beane trades back, out of the first round.  Absolutely no way. 

 

Let's say the Beane doesn't love the board and Seattle calls wanting to jump the Lions and offer 40 and 41? 

 

Or a team like the Texans want to jump up and grab a QB and offer 37 and a future first? 

 

I think it depends on who is one the board, but in my mind I am targeting pick 32 with the Lions moving up a bit to take their guy so they can go BPA at 2. 

[Virgil]

10 minutes ago, NewEra said:

You’re done

 

So angry

[NewEra]

6 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

So angry

[Big Blitz]

With the 19th pick in the draft, the New York Jets select Tyler Linderbaum, C Iowa.

 

2nd most important position on offense is the guy that touches the ball as much as the QB.

 

Special Advisor to the Front Office Kevin Mawae loves this pick.  

 

 

@LEBills is on the clock 

 

Edited April 19, 2022 by Big Blitz

[glazeduck]

I didn't think the idea to trade up for Stingley was a particularly good one, but THIS scenario at 20 feels perfect.

 

Steelers and Bills owners are friends.

21-24 could all very conceivably take WRs.

We'd have our pick (minus London) of any of the WRs on our board. 

25-20 would be a much easier jump to make.

If its true that the Steelers are looking at QBs, they can likely get a little more value and still select the same player at 25 that they would have at 20...

[NewEra]

5 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

I didn't think the idea to trade up for Stingley was a particularly good one, but THIS scenario at 20 feels perfect.

 

Steelers and Bills owners are friends.

21-24 could all very conceivably take WRs.

We'd have our pick (minus London) of any of the WRs on our board. 

25-20 would be a much easier jump to make.

If its true that the Steelers are looking at QBs, they can likely get a little more value and still select the same player at 25 that they would have at 20...

But Stingley is off the board in this scenario and most likely will be come the 28th

[glazeduck]

13 minutes ago, NewEra said:

But Stingley is off the board in this scenario and most likely will be come the 28th

would be for a WR

[LEBills]

With the 20th pick in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama.

 

The Steelers are pretty stunned to be in this scenario. When April 28th rolls around, I think the Steelers will give up next years first to move up for Willis or a small move up for Kenny Picket. 
 

On the bright side, maybe our second biggest need is WR and there are some spectacular players still available. The selection came down to Garret Wilson and Jameson Williams. 
 

With either Mitch Trubisky this year or a rookie next year, we want receivers with good YAC as well as the ability to run good routes. In the end it came down to William’s speed and how rare his type of speed is. This year is Mitch’s to hold down the fort while a rookie learns, and so they also feel comfortable giving the necessary rehab time so that Williams is 100% for next year.

 

@Logic and the New England Patriots are now on the clock.

[NewEra]

19 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

would be for a WR

Gotcha. Absolutely 

[glazeduck]

12 minutes ago, LEBills said:

With the 20th pick in the draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama.

 

The Steelers are pretty stunned to be in this scenario. When April 28th rolls around, I think the Steelers will give up next years first to move up for Willis or a small move up for Kenny Picket. 
 

On the bright side, maybe our second biggest need is WR and there are some spectacular players still available. The selection came down to Garret Wilson and Jameson Williams. 
 

With either Mitch Trubisky this year or a rookie next year, we want receivers with good YAC as well as the ability to run good routes. In the end it came down to William’s speed and how rare his type of speed is. This year is Mitch’s to hold down the fort while a rookie learns, and so they also feel comfortable giving the necessary rehab time so that Williams is 100% for next year.

 

@Logic and the New England Patriots are now on the clock.

Wow. 

I don't think I have WR in the top 5 or 6 needs for the Steelers, especially considering their ability to find values later in the draft...

[Logic]

The New England Patriots are interested in moving down to accumulate more draft picks.

With some prime WR talent (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), quality CB, EDGE, and LB prospects remaining on the board...if anyone would like to jump up to 21 to ensure they get their guy, now's the time.

@H2o @Bill from NYC @Just Joshin' @GunnerBill @CNY Bills Fan @frostbitmic

(Don't worry. I won't hold everyone up too long. If I don't get any offers here in the next little while, I'll just make the pick)

1 minute ago, glazeduck said:

Wow. 

I don't think I have WR in the top 5 or 6 needs for the Steelers, especially considering their ability to find values later in the draft...

Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract, is looking for a payday, and didn't show up to OTAs for the first time ever. 

[Bill from NYC]

1 minute ago, Logic said:

The New England Patriots are interested in moving down to accumulate more draft picks.

With some prime WR talent (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), quality CB, EDGE, and LB prospects remaining on the board...if anyone would like to jump up to 21 to ensure they get their guy, now's the time.

@H2o @Bill from NYC @Just Joshin' @GunnerBill @CNY Bills Fan @frostbitmic

(Don't worry. I won't hold everyone up too long. If I don't get any offers here in the next little while, I'll just make the pick)

Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract, is looking for a payday, and didn't show up to OTAs for the first time ever. 

I too am looking to move down. 

[glazeduck]

2 minutes ago, Logic said:

The New England Patriots are interested in moving down to accumulate more draft picks.

With some prime WR talent (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), quality CB, EDGE, and LB prospects remaining on the board...if anyone would like to jump up to 21 to ensure they get their guy, now's the time.

@H2o @Bill from NYC @Just Joshin' @GunnerBill @CNY Bills Fan @frostbitmic

(Don't worry. I won't hold everyone up too long. If I don't get any offers here in the next little while, I'll just make the pick)

Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract, is looking for a payday, and didn't show up to OTAs for the first time ever. 

I'm guessing they'll pay him, but regardless, I'm not sure that justifies using such a high pick on a position they've proven over and over they can squeeze productivity out of for cheaper. 

[LEBills]

6 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

Wow. 

I don't think I have WR in the top 5 or 6 needs for the Steelers, especially considering their ability to find values later in the draft...

You should be in for a surprise soon

 

In real life, I think they get a QB but in this scenario WR was pretty clearly the top few guys.

 

Also, I think they are setting up the roster for a rookie QB with Najee last year and WRs this year in this scenario. For as bad as Ben was the last 1.5 years I think he made a lot of those later round receivers what they were.

Edited April 19, 2022 by LEBills

[BillsShredder83]

@Virgil is there some type of community vote we can do to trade up. I don't wanna tip my hand to these vulture GMs but there's some moves I'd consider making here... and if beane moves up, a few spots in the 20s is where it'd be

[glazeduck]

6 minutes ago, LEBills said:

You should be in for a surprise soon

 

In real life, I think they get a QB but in this scenario WR was pretty clearly the top few guys.

 

Also, I think they are setting up the roster for a rookie QB with Najee last year and WRs this year in this scenario. For as bad as Ben was the last 1.5 years I think he made a lot of those later round receivers what they were.

Devonte Wyatt is a pretty screaming value at this point, multiple IOLs are high up the board, as is Dax Hill who seems like a great fit for what they do. 

 

You do you, but I'd be absolutely floored if they chose a WR at 20...

[LEBills]

Just now, glazeduck said:

Devonte Wyatt is a pretty screaming value at this point, multiple IOLs are high up the board, as is Dax Hill who seems like a great fit for what they do. 

 

You do you, but I'd be absolutely floored if they chose a WR at 20...

I think Wyatt would be a little wasted in Pitts 3-4. I thought about Safety but those can be had later, same for IOL. Receiver seemed like the best bet at this moment  
 

It’s not how it will really go but best situation for this current draft

[GunnerBill]

29 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

I'm guessing they'll pay him, 

 

That would be a mistake IMO.

[Virgil]

41 minutes ago, BillsShredder83 said:

@Virgil is there some type of community vote we can do to trade up. I don't wanna tip my hand to these vulture GMs but there's some moves I'd consider making here... and if beane moves up, a few spots in the 20s is where it'd be

We’ve considered it before, but it just never works out.  So we just stay put 

[Virgil]

58 minutes ago, Logic said:

The New England Patriots are interested in moving down to accumulate more draft picks.

With some prime WR talent (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), quality CB, EDGE, and LB prospects remaining on the board...if anyone would like to jump up to 21 to ensure they get their guy, now's the time.

@H2o @Bill from NYC @Just Joshin' @GunnerBill @CNY Bills Fan @frostbitmic

(Don't worry. I won't hold everyone up too long. If I don't get any offers here in the next little while, I'll just make the pick)

Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract, is looking for a payday, and didn't show up to OTAs for the first time ever. 

If you haven’t received any offers in this first hour, then no offers can be received.  
 

You can still use your 3 hours if you need to decide, but the trade part would be done. 

[H2o]

1 hour ago, Logic said:

The New England Patriots are interested in moving down to accumulate more draft picks.

With some prime WR talent (Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson), quality CB, EDGE, and LB prospects remaining on the board...if anyone would like to jump up to 21 to ensure they get their guy, now's the time.

@H2o @Bill from NYC @Just Joshin' @GunnerBill @CNY Bills Fan @frostbitmic

(Don't worry. I won't hold everyone up too long. If I don't get any offers here in the next little while, I'll just make the pick)

Diontae Johnson is in the last year of his contract, is looking for a payday, and didn't show up to OTAs for the first time ever. 

Yeah, I'm going to pass. I'm good at #22. 

[Logic]

With the 21st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Nakobe Dean,  LB, Georgia

When we last saw Bill Belichick's defense, it looked like the Patriots players were stuck in mud against the Buffalo Bills. For years, New England employed big, strong, thumping linebackers weighing a minimum of 250 lbs. Multiple staff members in Patriots land have recently made it known that change is coming, because the direction of the league demands it. The Patriots need to find a way to keep up with division mates Buffalo and Miami, who both employ speed and athleticism that the Patriots defensive front seven currently can not match. 

Said Co defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo: "“We’re definitely going to look to get faster, look to get more explosive and look to put more playmakers on the field”.

Patriots personnel man Matt Groh: “There’s not as many of those big linebackers. They just — they don’t exist...colleges want them smaller because they’ve got to be able to adapt to the college game...So, you can’t just create these guys out of thin air and so it’s with all the positions, it’s what the college game provides us. We have to just take what they are going to give us from year to year."

In Dean, Belichick gets the new quarterback of his defense, whose speed and athleticism continue the sea change at linebacker that recently began with the acquisitions of Mack Wilson and of LB/S hybrids Jabril Peppers and Adrian Phillips.

Dean has met several times with the Patriots, saying of his extensive conversations with them “I definitely enjoyed talking ball with them...Everything that they do is kind of from under the same tree [as Georgia]...They kind of run the same system as far as defense."


The New England Patriots have also traded the 54th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to Pittsburgh in exchange for WR Diontae Johnson.

The Patriots were eager to add a playmaker at wide receiver to help Mac Jones. They were approached by the Steelers when Diontae Johnson made it known to the team that he would be staying away from organized team activities until he got a new contract. The Steelers, who did not want to meet Johnson's contract demands, are not shy about drafting and developing WRs, nor are they shy about trading away young WRs (Santonio Holmes, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant) or letting them walk (Emmanuel Sanders, Plaxico Burress) when their contract demands are too high. 

The Patriots -- who are absolutely, beyond-the-pale terrible at drafting WRs -- saw that Diontae Johnson spent the offseason training with Mac Jones in Tampa, recognized the degree to which his dynamic skillset would help their offense, and were thus happy to part with the 54th pick in exchange for his services.

Having addressed two of our biggest needs with a dynamic leader and tone-setter on defense and a proven commodity at WR on offense, the Patriots move on to the third round looking at interior offensive linemen and corners.


@H2o and the Philadelphia Eagles are now on the clock.

 

 

Edited April 19, 2022 by Logic

[Floydboy12]

36 minutes ago, Logic said:

With the 21st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Nakobe Dean,  LB, Georgia

When we last saw Bill Belichick's defense, it looked like the Patriots players were stuck in mud against the Buffalo Bills. For years, New England employed big, strong, thumping linebackers weighing a minimum of 250 lbs. Multiple staff members in Patriots land have recently made it known that change is coming, because the direction of the league demands it. The Patriots need to find a way to keep up with division mates Buffalo and Miami, who both employ speed and athleticism that the Patriots defensive front seven currently can not match. 

Said Co defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo: "“We’re definitely going to look to get faster, look to get more explosive and look to put more playmakers on the field”.

Patriots personnel man Matt Groh: “There’s not as many of those big linebackers. They just — they don’t exist...colleges want them smaller because they’ve got to be able to adapt to the college game...So, you can’t just create these guys out of thin air and so it’s with all the positions, it’s what the college game provides us. We have to just take what they are going to give us from year to year."

In Dean, Belichick gets the new quarterback of his defense, whose speed and athleticism continue the sea change at linebacker that recently began with the acquisitions of Mack Wilson and of LB/S hybrids Jabril Peppers and Adrian Phillips.

Dean has met several times with the Patriots, saying of his extensive conversations with them “I definitely enjoyed talking ball with them...Everything that they do is kind of from under the same tree [as Georgia]...They kind of run the same system as far as defense."


The New England Patriots have also traded the 54th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to Pittsburgh in exchange for WR Diontae Johnson.

The Patriots were eager to add a playmaker at wide receiver to help Mac Jones. They were approached by the Steelers when Diontae Johnson made it known to the team that he would be staying away from organized team activities until he got a new contract. The Steelers, who did not want to meet Johnson's contract demands, are not shy about drafting and developing WRs, nor are they shy about trading away young WRs (Santonio Holmes, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant) or letting them walk (Emmanuel Sanders, Plaxico Burress) when their contract demands are too high. 

The Patriots -- who are absolutely, beyond-the-pale terrible at drafting WRs -- saw that Diontae Johnson spent the offseason training with Mac Jones in Tampa, recognized the degree to which his dynamic skillset would help their offense, and were thus happy to part with the 54th pick in exchange for his services.

Having addressed two of our biggest needs with a dynamic leader and tone-setter on defense and a proven commodity at WR on offense, the Patriots move on to the third round looking at interior offensive linemen and corners.


@H2o and the Philadelphia Eagles are now on the clock.

 

 

Hope the real Patriots aren’t as clever with their draft as you. My only question is would Pitt settle for a second for Johnson? You guys know more about veteran players worth in draft picks than me, but he really seems to have come into his own.