Draft strategy: Pats-Jets dynamic
ANALYSIS
Teams that are successful in the NFL draft don't just scout players, they also have an in-depth knowledge of each NFL roster and pressing team needs.
For example, when the Patriots were considering selecting a kicker in 2006, they went into that draft knowing that teams like the Packers, Chiefs and Falcons had a high need in that area as well.
So when the Patriots were on the clock with the 118th overall selection, in the fourth round, they had it in mind that one of those needy clubs could make a move to snare Gostkowski, who was widely considered the top kicker in the draft. Instead of risking that Gostkowski would still be available 18 picks later -- at the top of the fifth round -- they selected him in that spot.
There are similar examples in every NFL draft, for every team, and the picture can change instantly.
One area to watch this year is the team picking in front of the Patriots in the first round -- the New York Jets.
The Jets agreed to a reported five-year, $33.5 million contract extension with safety Kerry Rhodes on Wednesday, and Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News makes the point that this could alter the Jets' draft strategy. Cimini projects that the Jets will now look to save money and trade down to avoid paying the No. 6 overall pick about $20 million in guarantees.
Such a strategy would naturally impact the Patriots.
In one respect, it could take a team that would be looking for the same type of player out of the mix, and potentially open the door for the Patriots to land the player they truly covet.
In another respect, it could create a situation in which both teams are speaking with the same clubs about trading down -- potentially affecting the level of compensation they receive.
Being aware of this ever-changing dynamic of the draft -- and how a team's moves/needs can have a domino effect on the next club -- is part of what adds to its intrigue.
Add in the fact it's the Patriots and Jets, and that intrigue grows a bit larger.
Interesting read, Mike. I remember the ESPN "experts" slamming the Patriots for taking Gostkowski that early, but what they failed to realize is exactly what you pointed out. The Patriots are always aware of what other teams are doing (or in many cases, SHOULD be doing), and this has an impact on their strategy.
Thejets may want to trade their 6th pick overall , but I do not think anybody wants it. They are stuck.
My enmity towards the Colts may have subsided somewhat, but I will always hate, no, LOATHE, the Jets.
As a Jets fan I have to say this is good, I have always pointed out that we are drafting to beat the patriots. Since Mangini and Belichick think in similar ways when it comes to football. However the Jets can trade down I think everyone says cowboys want Mcfadden but I look at several other teams, Panthers, Bengals, Bears, and maybe even the Bucs just to name a few.
Mangini and Belichick think is similar ways? NOT! The idiot JESTS went out this offseason and grossly overspent for over-the-hill never-were's. The result? The JESTS cannot now afford to pay a young stud and so must trade their high draft pick. Stupid. Meanwhile, what did the Patriots do? They shed some dead weight and quietly went out and signed veteran players to very small contracts. Oh, including a decent LB from the JESTS. The Patriots also left themselves cap room to deal with the draft, potential trades, and the inevitable training camp cuts. Completely different approaches, and they bring completely different results.
nice follow-on Three - I agree.
Eric: Mangini and Belichick think alike? no - Mangini tries to think like Belichick and it's not working out for him. and Tannenbaum is a fool - he was an accountant brought on as a cap'ologist - now he's picking players and negotiating contracts? $50M for Alan Faneca? Mankins is a much better guard and Faneca has already peaked where Mankins hasn't. this is just one example of J-E-T-S (R-A-T-S) foolery.
seems to me you Pat fans are still stinging from that pathetic superbowl loss
J....E.....T......S...... JETS, JETS, JETS
Jets will screw this up I am sure, how yet, is not clear, but most likely trying to screw the Pats will end up screwing themselves if I were them I would take my pick and worry about my own sorry team not what the Patriots are going to do.......
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