Archive for February, 2009

Matt Cassel Traded to Chiefs

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

According to Adam Schefter of NFL.com, the Patriots have traded Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs. Terms of the deal, which may or may not include Mike Vrabel, are supposed to be announced later today.

UPDATE
It appears that the Patriots will receive the #34 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft in exchange for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. While many Patriot fans will be disappointed, we here think that the additional $18+ million in Salary Cap room will also be very beneficial – especially if the Patriots can extend Vince Wilfork, which according to John Clayton the Patriots are already doing.


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Patriots Mike Vrabel Traded to Chiefs

Friday, February 27th, 2009

In a shocking move, the Patriots have dealt veteran OLB to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Patriots old VP of Player Personnel, Scott Pioli. Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but compensation appears to be draft picks.

Vrabel, who led the team in 2007 with 12.5 sacks, was scheduled to count $4.4 million dollars against the cap. However, due to signing bonus amortization, the Patriots will only realize a little of $3 million in cap savings.

At a position that was already thin on talent, Vrabel’s departure really puts OLB as the #1 area of concern for the 2009 off-season.
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Patriots Sign Fred Taylor – Host Two Others

Friday, February 27th, 2009

According to the NFL Network and Adam Schefter, the Patriots have signed former Jacksonville Jaguar running back Fred Taylor. Terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, but speculations puts the deal at two years.

Taylor was a cap casualty for the Jags and looks to be primed to perform for the next couple of years, as his workload has been lower due to splitting time with Maurice Jones-Drew.

In other news, Chris Baker (TE, Jets) is firming up a contract with the Patriots, and Leigh Bodden (CB, Lions) has been in Foxboro meeting with Patriot officials. Baker has been a solid performer for the Jets, while Bodden struggled last year for the lowly Lions. Bodden had a few good years under Romeo Crennel at Cleveland before being traded in the Shaun Rogers deal.


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Combine Results: Defensive Backs

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

After watching the spectacular performance by Connor Barwin, I wasn’t sure anybody could impress me out of the defensive backs. While they didn’t run the fastest, three defenders succeeded in making a good impression.

Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Ran in the 4.5′s, but looked very smooth in all of the on-field drills. Delmas looks to be an instant upgrade over James Sanders.

Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
This Ute is a big boy at 6’3″+ and has the added value of being able to play CB. The Patriots have always needed somebody to guard the fade route.

Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State
We love the fact that Jenkins ran in the 4.5′s at the combine, as that may give him the chance of dropping into the Patriots range. In our opinion, he should be gone in the top 10, as he is the most polished CB out there.


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Connor Barwin: Patriots Player

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

I originally planned on breaking down the whole day of LB and DE combine results, but after watching one performance, I knew my job was going to be much easier. There is only one person that the Patriots need to focus on for the OLB position: #5 from Cinci.

We have had Connor Barwin (DE/OLB/TE, Cinci) being selected by the Patriots in the second round of our mock draft for over two months. However, during our next update, I’m unfortunately going to have move him up to pick #23. He absolutely decimated the combine, running a 4.6 forty, with an off the charts 41″ vertical and nearly 11′ broad jump. Not only is he athletic, but check out this video: Barwin can play – Seriously, watch the explosiveness at the 45 second mark.

While he has never lined up at OLB, this kid looks the next iteration of Mike Vrabel in Bill Belichick’s vaunted 3-4 defense. Wonders never ceasing, Barwin can also play TE and is a special teams ace. Mr. Barwin, welcome to the hearts of Patriots fans everywhere.

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NFL Combine Results: RB/WR

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Considering the fact that the Patriots are pretty well stocked with regards to the offensive skill positions, we just took a look at a few of the WR and RB prospects that seem to fit in well with the Patriots scheme.

Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

4.49 Forty, 38″ Vert, Some amazing catches, quality cuts

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
4.41 Forty, 19 Reps

Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State

4.46 Forty, 26 Reps, Caught the ball well

Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
4.51 Forty, 41″ Vert


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