WFT's Off-Season Thread

[Scalper]

Originally Posted by SkinzWin

Obviously Tom Brady was a major component of NE’s sustained success (see 2020-21 record) but I do think it is worth mentioning that there is something to be said for Belicheck’s approach to letting top tier FA’s walk, almost yearly, and sign smart, mid tier FA’s that fit a specific skill set he was looking for. It allows you to develop quality starters and backup depth across multiple position groups instead of super star/elite talent at a few position groups with subpar talent everywhere else bc you are cap strapped by your biggest contracts.

Concur. But keep in mind Pats usually had one total stud at each level. They also had Brady's coattails attracting low-priced vets signing well-below market deals year after year.

Pats primarily built teams through drafts. You only get to that point by drafting well 4-5 years in a row. What Belicheat was actually doing was playing the comp pick game. Which is very smart. When you look at signing a pending FA to a huge deal, the cost isn't just the salary, but the comp pick you forsake. This coming year, Pats have a 3rd and 2 4ths probably, comps. Letting these vets walk makes no sense if you are simply signing other vets who may not fit your system, and negate comp picks.

The other thing, is that Belicheat understood several things (1) the draft is a lottery (2) most picks bust (3) the draft is the best way to build a team (4) success in the draft means maximizing number of tickets rather than focusing on higher-probability tickets (1st round picks). Belicheat repeatedly traded out of first round for 2nd round picks, and for picks in future years. He had this luxury, the extreme long view, because of job security. But once you eat the shitburger and get the machine grinding, at the cost of short term success, you end up with 2-4 comps each year, plus 1-2 extra picks per year trading back or future years, say 4 picks extra per year, hit on half, over say five year window, that is 10 extra starters or solid contributors minimum via draft on roster any given time, versus teams that suck. Imagine right now if we had 10 extra solid guys on team: a CB, a LT, a WR, a FS, a MLB, etc. Man would our roster be more rounded. We wouldn't have to sign tons of FAs (which negate our comp picks). The key point is that you only get to that point by adhering religiously to a strategy of minimizing FAs, building through draft, trading back lots, and NOT making dumb trades that surrender huge volumes of draft picks. You can also sign many FAs to short term deals and let them walk and get some comp picks, early in process.

Imagine going into draft this year with 3-4 comp picks, and next year, etc. Plus 1-2 add'l from tradebacks. What we should be doing--that math is emphatic--is trading back every time we can so long as value is fair, even if for future picks (which you discount one round). We need several drafts of 10+ picks, for like 5 years. But your point about lots of solid guys versus a few stars is true. However, the best teams have both, but their stars are usually home grown talent that resigning after drafting doesn't cost comp picks. If you don't work the comp formula, all else being equal (competent GMs and coaching), you will get beaten by teams that do. Two equally competent teams, one with 3-4 more draft picks per year, the one with more picks will come out ahead long term.

Look at KC. How many stud WRs RBs have they found in mid late rounds? I would carefully study how they are evaluating players.

[sdskinsfan2001]

Exactly 3 weeks until the league year starts.

Lots of WR options out there. Hopefully we end up with at least 1 of them.

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by sdskinsfan2001

Exactly 3 weeks until the league year starts.

Lots of WR options out there. Hopefully we end up with at least 1 of them.

I would be shocked if we didn't sign a WR to take the #2 spot.

[sdskinsfan2001]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

I would be shocked if we didn't sign a WR to take the #2 spot.

Agreed. I would be pissed if we didn't. We need a bona-fide No. 2.

[punch it in]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

I would be shocked if we didn't sign a WR to take the #2 spot.

That would really open up our options in the draft. Especially our first four picks. WR is clearly the deepest free agency market. We really need a number two so we can address the O line and the middle of our defense and cb in the draft. That would be a dream scenario. We would be complete! (Realizes we still need a quarterback ).
If Jones falls to us at 19 or another one of the top qb’s take them. Then address the o line and mlb.