Collins locks up the #2 job, Colt and Chase fighting for the #3

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I think they make as many, if not more ,than most teams. They just position themselves better to afford to make mistakes.

Really? You think they make more mistakes than most teams? How so?

A .708 winning percentage since 2000 would indicate otherwise.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Really? You think they make more mistakes than most teams? How so?

A .708 winning percentage since 2000 would indicate otherwise.

Well, I was referring more to their personnel decisions (based on the whole "eye for talent" thing)

2006-2008 they had 26 draft picks. Of those 26 picks, 16 are not on the Patriots anymore (some aren't even in the NFL). So basically my point was yes they stock up on draft picks which is great because even though 16 aren't even on the team anymore, 10 are. I mean you look at the Redskins 2004-2006 we only had 16 total picks.

So they put themselves in position to make mistakes with their "eye for talent" But I think a lot of people assume that because Tom Brady was a 6th round pick, the Pats have the magic touch when it comes to picking players.

[Lotus]

^I wonder how much Pioli's departure will harm their personnel track record. Pioli was a strong force who could provide a veto voice if Belichick was about to make a mistake. Now, if Belichick is wrong, the mistake remains because no one is there with the power to call him out.

I'm not picking on Belichick here. Even the most savvy personnel folks make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Lotus

^I wonder how much Pioli's departure will harm their personnel track record. Pioli was a strong force who could provide a veto voice if Belichick was about to make a mistake. Now, if Belichick is wrong, the mistake remains because no one is there with the power to call him out.

I'm not picking on Belichick here. Even the most savvy personnel folks make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast.

Early returns are: probably none. Since Pioli took the KC job, New England's player preferences have not changed, and KC seems to be operating a similar ship, but without a clear plan for future success.

Have not been impressed by Pioli (solo) at all. Trade for Matt Cassel? Eh. Draft Tyson Jackson with No. 3 overall pick? We'll see. Trade Tony Gonzalez? Good move in a vacuum, but inconsistent with Bowe's temporary benching/Cassel trade/Bobby Engram signing.

Not to bore with baseball details, but the other Kansas City team tried to replace it's incompetent GM with a much respected, intelligent baseball man from another organization, and he's been a complete disaster. The football version hasn't been all that impressive either, at least to date.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Early returns are: probably none. Since Pioli took the KC job, New England's player preferences have not changed, and KC seems to be operating a similar ship, but without a clear plan for future success.

Have not been impressed by Pioli (solo) at all. Trade for Matt Cassel? Eh. Draft Tyson Jackson with No. 3 overall pick? We'll see. Trade Tony Gonzalez? Good move in a vacuum, but inconsistent with Bowe's temporary benching/Cassel trade/Bobby Engram signing.

Not to bore with baseball details, but the other Kansas City team tried to replace it's incompetent GM with a much respected, intelligent baseball man from another organization, and he's been a complete disaster. The football version hasn't been all that impressive either, at least to date.

Can't argue w/ his record in NE. But I agree w/ his KC moves. Cassel has bust written all over him and to give him a huge contract off of one year is very suspect. But drafting Jackson was a real reach. He was the best players on a very average LSU defense. We'll see..

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Well, I was referring more to their personnel decisions (based on the whole "eye for talent" thing)

2006-2008 they had 26 draft picks. Of those 26 picks, 16 are not on the Patriots anymore (some aren't even in the NFL). So basically my point was yes they stock up on draft picks which is great because even though 16 aren't even on the team anymore, 10 are. I mean you look at the Redskins 2004-2006 we only had 16 total picks.

So they put themselves in position to make mistakes with their "eye for talent" But I think a lot of people assume that because Tom Brady was a 6th round pick, the Pats have the magic touch when it comes to picking players.

I'm glad you mentioned this because this is what irks me a bit about people that make the arguments that "oh our team can't recognize talent and others can". Every draft pick is a gamble and sometimes you get a Brady or some other diamond in the rough in the later rounds. Sure teams are looking at talent throughout all the rounds, but no one can tell for sure how each draft pick is going to pan out. If Bledsoe doesn't get hurt, Brady doesn't get his chance.

By the way, if Mitchell works out and makes the roster, this will be the second year that we get a 7th rounder to be good enough to make the roster and get significant playing time his rookie year.