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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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Matt Cassel Traded to Chiefs
Friday, February 27, 2009
Patriots Mike Vrabel Traded to Chiefs
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. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Patriots Sign Fred Taylor - Host Two Others
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. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Combine Results: Defensive Backs
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. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Connor Barwin: Patriots Player
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. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
NFL Combine Results: RB/WR
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 Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
OL/TE Combine Results
Here is a look at some of our Patriot Targets for the upcoming draft and how they fared today at the combine.
Alex Mack, C, California
DNP, Injury
Max Unger, OL, Oregon
5.27 Dash, 22 Reps, Looked good in drills
Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
5.35 Dash, 29 Reps, Good punch in drills
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
5.27 Dash
Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
5.23 Dash, 23 Reps
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
4.85 Dash, 22 Reps, 33" Vert, 9'10" Broad, Complete TE Prospect
Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
DNP, Injury
Cornelius Griffin, TE, Florida
4.68 Forty, 21 Reps, 33" Vert, Had a few drops Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
NFL Combine: Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen
At 11:00am Eastern time, the athletic extravaganza known as the NFL Combine will truly kick off with the tight end and offensive linemen class showing up to showcase their skills. We here at NE Patriots Draft will be looking at a few players in each group that seem to fit the Patriots mold and might be available where the Patriots will be picking.
On Saturday, we'll be taking a look at:
Alex Mack, C, California
Max Unger, OL, Oregon
Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
Cornelius Griffin, TE, Florida Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Patriots Sign Banta-Cain
After a failed experiment with the San Francisco 49ers, the Patriots have re-signed OLB Tully Banta-Cain. Cain was originally drafted by the Patriots in the 7th round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He parlayed some quality backup play and pass rush ability into a good contract in San Fran. Ultimately though, it seems like he is more adept in a defensive package like the Patriots.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but speculation states that it is a one-year deal. You can read more from Reiss at his blog. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Combine Time!
Well folks, tomorrow marks the official start of the NFL Draft season, with the NFL Combine starting its week-long drain on work productivity and familial attention.
We'll be enabling your poor employment and spousal skills, posting updates related to many of the players that fit needs that the New England Patriots have during this offseason.
Now go work on that PowerPoint and take the missus out for dinner, you've got some football to get ready for. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Patriots Postseason Grades: Defensive Line
While linebackers and defensive backs are fun to watch, it all starts in the trenches with the big boys. While the Patriots linemen played well, they didn't open big enough holes for the linebackers to apply pressure the quarterback. Whether that was due to poor OLB play is up for debate.
Richard Seymour: A
A return to dominance once again. Although he was snubbed for the Pro Bowl, Seymour commanded that sort of attention this year.
Vince Wilfork: A
I'll chip in a few dollars if that is what it will take to resign this template of a 3-4 nose tackle.
Ty Warren: B
Was still stout against the run when healthy, but failed to apply as much direct pressure to the quarterback as he had in the past.
Jarvis Green: B
A great situational pass-rusher that can step in on first and second down when needed.
Mike Wright: B
Solid backup for big Vince who routinely creates disruption when he is in the game.
LeKevin Smith: C+
A solid year for Smith, who saw more time than usual due to a rash of injuries during the year. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Patriots Offseason Grades: Linebackers
Gary Guyton: B+
A coveted undrafted free agent, Guyton proved to be worth it. Although he struggled a bit in coverage, his physical skills are incredible.
Jerod Mayo: A+
When Belichick drafts a linebacker this high, he has a lot of expectations. Mayo lived up to every one of them, winning the DROY.
Tedy Bruschi: B-
Still brings leadership and savvy to the huddle, but might be better suited to be even more of a situational player.
Pierre Woods: C+
Played well in the time that he had, but might not see the field again if the Patriots upgrade the OLB during the offseason.
Mike Vrabel: B-
Not an explosive pass rusher any more, Vrabel was still able to set the edge and make some good plays in run support.
Roosevelt Colvin/Junior Seau: B-
They played pretty dang well from coming directly from surfing, mowing the lawn, and other non-football stuff.
Adalius Thomas: B-
Thomas needs to stay healthy to help out the Pats DB's by applying pressure to the opposing qb's. Once he was out, the rush dried up quick.
Vince Redd: C
Filled in okay in spot duty, but looks as if he could develop into a Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots Version) type player down the road.
Shawn Crable: I
Maybe next year. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Patriots Place Franchise Tag on Matt Cassel
On the first possible day, the New England Patriots have placed the non-exclusive rights Franchise Tag on quarterback Matt Cassel. The Patriots would have had another two weeks to make the decision, but there was obviously no hesitation coming from the Patriots Front Office.
Cassel now has the opportunity to sign a 1-year $14.65 million dollar tender. He also can negotiate with other teams that would be willing to part with some draft picks to procure his services.
Many fans and pundits alike have expressed the likelihood that Matt Cassel will be traded, due to Tom Brady progressing well in his rehab. Patriots Coach Bill Belichick didn't even mention the word trade in the team's press release today. "Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance," said Belichick. "We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009."
As long as Tom Brady is ready to go for 2009, we wish Matt the best playing somewhere else, hopefully in the NFC, and we look forward to picking up some defensive help with the picks acquired. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Patriots Postseason Grades: Cornerbacks
After letting Asante Samuel head to greener pastures during the offseason, the Patriots put faith in Ellis Hobbs and some rookies/vets. The Patriots generated very little pass rush in 2008, and the corners performed accordingly, poorly, and even worse on 3rd down.
Ellis Hobbs: B+
His return skills bumped him up from a B. Unless he grows five inches or adds the same to his vertical, Ellis will never be an all-pro corner. Fade routes and jump balls continue to plague him, even when he covers the route well.
Terrence Wheatley: C+
Showed flashes of brilliance as proof of why the Patriots drafted him in the 2nd round, but also showed why many others passed on him by injuring his wrist once again.
Jonathan Wilhite: B
The less heralded Wilhite showed his talent in 2008 by picking up the system and being caught out of position too often. Had some nice deflections, and I think he will develop into a good nickel back in the future.
Deltha O'Neal: C+
He didn't suck all the time, and actually secured the victory against Kansas City with some outstanding goal line defense.
Mike Richardson: C
Solid depth and special teams contributor, but I wouldn't want to see him starting on the corner. Like What You Read? - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
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