Ellis Hobbs analysis

The salary cap room is nice but that being said we always have lots of injuries in the secondary. I'm not sure how I feel about this one yet. I'm not a Hobbs fan but he was serviceable.

This was an easy decision for BB and Co. Hobbs was routinely picked on the past few years by opposing QB's and he really never lived up to any expectations except for his return skills. Great move by the Pats!! We are STACKED at CB this year with Springs, Bodden, Wheatley, Whilhite, and now Butler too!!

Vrabel & Cassell for Chung. No impact OL to protect Brady and no pass rush. Second worst weekend only to Raiders.

Hobbs = starter that met escalators/ 2.54 in a up to 9mil a year spot
Springs= old &injury
Wheatley =injury
Bodden =1 year & cash out or will want the $$$
Wilhite= slot

Thanks for the salary cap info Mike. Unless a player is a total bust (which Hobbs obviously wasn't), then the dollars always come into play. I don't mind this trade, besides the fact that they're losing an experienced player familiar with their system. I guess they like what they've seen from Wheatley and Wilhite.

2.2 million in savings against the Salary CAP!

Could be the first step toward something bigger. Jason Taylor??

So long, goodbye, go give up game winning TD's somewhere else.

Beautfully said, Claude! The moment we drafted Butler, Hobbs' time was over, here! For us to actually get two picks for him AND get out from under his $2.5 Mill is just outstanding work by Coach Bill!

Thanks for the service, Ellis! Good luck, Bro!

Well see how "stacked" we are when a vet or two goes down and a rookie has to step in.

I concur with Claude. Hobbs was the target of opposing QB's. No matter how great a return guy he is...his weakness at CB outweighed his value. BB may have a couple rookie FA's in mind also with this move.

D. Butler and P. Chung both have been return men.

I agree with Rodimus77 so long goodbye. However, what i will miss is his penchant for returning kickoffs....he was pretty good.

I wish I could drop a few F-Bombs so that I can truly express how *&^ing happy I am to see this.

Have him call me if he needs a ride to the airport cause I know that if he waits for the bus, it will go right by him.

we just have way too many in the backfield with 2 picks last year, a pick this year and couple from FA. Not sure if the 2 5th are justifiable (think maybe future 4th and 5th...) though....

Hobbs was never a #1 cover guy in this league, and never will. Saving 2.5mil on the salary cap is a pretty significant number. I like the trade, and have never truly forgiven Hobbs (Or the defensive gameplan) for the Super Bowl loss. His kickoff abilities will be missed, for sure, but thats why the Pats drafted Slater last yr.

VA Pats Fan is now an expert at evaluating football players. Bro, you should work for an NFL team in scouting, not sitting on the internet as a couch GM!

SO MUCH FOR DWERPS,( HOBBS ). LET'S HOPE IT WILL B W LONG. LONG TIME BEFOE WE SEE ANOTHER IN A PATRIOT UNIFORM.

I will miss his toughness and desire to play through injuries but will not miss his mouth.

I don't understand why some Pats fans are upset with this move? Seriously, have you been watching any games last year (or the year before)?? He has POOR coverage skills!! Whilhite, a rookie last year, was showing tremendous skills and was primed to have a good year until he got hurt. So guess what, both he AND wheatley are healthy and they will be perfect in the Pats system. Are you seriously 2nd guessing BB? Get real!! No one evaluates talent like BB, especially arm chair GM's like some ppl on here.

Thank You Bill.Could never stand Hobbs and that image of Burress will always be etched in my mind.(What the hell was NE thinking on that play?)
Hopefully the new DB's can do something Hobbs couldn't.Cover an NFL receiver.

A Great Day! Go play 20 yds off the receiver somewhere else.... tired of seeing 27 on every long pass play.....

Not enough money to pay for a first round draft choice, not enough to pay Vrabel or Hobbs. Sounds like Patriot Place is really starting to hurt the Krafts.

Ellis Hobbs trade = addition by subtraction.

This could be the best draft ever just based on this one move alone! Looking forward to him giving up game winning touch downs to opponents for the Eagles.

"the sorriest corner in the league" I forgot who coined that but soooo TRUE.

Gbaker, this has NOTHING to do with Patriot Place you tool....Hobbs stinks and they are getting rid of the guy because he sucks...

hobbs was probably on the block since he got beat by burress in the super bowl

Expect that Pats brain trust reviewed the film from LY numerous times and determined where they really needed to bring in new talent. They probably concluded Hobbs was the odd man out and better to get something now than release him and get nothing later. Only reservation is, as you noted, Hobbs was the only productive KO returner except of course KO/P returner extraordinaire Wes Welker... but don't want to risk him. Also, still I don't like the Cassel-Vrabel trade.

My report card is out until January, but on the surface a C-D draft. Pats have the luxury of having a solid player or two at almost every position already and to me, should have traded up to get a “Can’t Miss” (like Mayo) player or two to fill the few holes they have rather than draft countless lesser thans and hope.

Au revoir to Ellis "Burnt Toast" Hobbs.

Woot!

duh! It is strictly a cap space issue gbaker, Patriots Place has no effect on the cap.

So glad EH is gone. Every time someone threw in his direction, I'd get a sick feeling. He's a 3rd CB at best.

gbaker
Could you have said anything dumber?? I don't think Davio's or CBS Scene count against the salary cap. Unless you know something the rest of us don't.

Best draft since 2003. BB is a genius. WOW

This Ohrnberger kid looks like he has a mean streak. Chung and Butler could possibly be starters and Brace is contignecy for Wilfork's ability to leave. Very nice. Scartnecchia must really like Vollmer and Ohrberhger. All this with TWO added 2nd rounders next year.

Again, WOW.

Glory Days!!! Someone will step up to be a retrun man (Slater?)

No more seeing # 27 get smoked on routine plays. Good Luck Eagles hhahahahah

I agree with Otis--would like to have seen the Pats package whatever they had to to get that one good player....I see Chung and Butler making the team, that's it....

Cassell and Vrabel for Chung, I guess....Who wouldn't do that trade....

Mike

Thank God we got rid of Hobbs. He was way to arragant as he never backed up his hollywood attitude. He was pathetic and will continue to be a showboat for no reasons at all. The only thing he has going for himself is he's a great kick returner.

Here's how the conversation with the Eagles probably went.
BB: Hey Andy, would you be interested in Ellis Hobbs?
AR: Ellis who?
BB: You know, #27, plays CB for us. You see him in the end zone a lot.
AR: Oh yeah. Him. What do you want for him?
BB: How about a 3rd rounder.
AR: . . . . long pause while AR almost chokes on his cheesesteak while laughing hysterically.
BB: Well, what do you think he's worth?
AR: How about a 5th ?
BB: Would you consider two 5’s? Pleeeaaase?
AR: OK, but you need to wash my SUV for a year.
BB: Deal

Merriweather and Butler at the corners next fall, Chung will have to learn quickly to take over for Harrison.

Thank God. Hobbs at best was a liability at cornerback.

BB is just on fire. Great move. BB likes the big, physical backs, and Hobbs was just the opposite. He was a great kick off returner, but damn, he got burnt week after week by the opposing offense. Pats are pretty stacked @ the CB position now with all the new additions. And plus, they addressed the future need on the o-line. Flawless draft by BB & Company.

This was an excellent move not only for salary cap purposes, which I still do not understand fully, but also, because, Hobbs, while a gutsy guy, was way too small for the position and had an attitude..yes, he was an excellent kickoff returner, but there are others who can fill that role including Matthew Slater as well as the draft choices...having watched Hobbs in the locker room, I felt that he was a bit too impressed with himself and not enough of a team player...my guess is that BB shares some of these observations...I wish him luck with Philadelphia and hope he has a great career there!

Will miss his kick returning ability. Its probably a bit unfair , but I'll never get the picture of him faked out of his jockstrap at the 5 yard line in the Super Bowl out of my mind.

Hobbs played with a torn groin when Burris caught the TD, you could see he was unable to cover. Gave it his best. Got surgery in offseason. Did better last year. Best of luck to him. Some really exciting punt returns.
Hope the new CBs step it up.

this draft reminds me of Peyton Manning's mom's hole, it stinks

Hobbs will be Great in Philly - KO return man & a 3rd or 4th CB! Perfect fit!!!

Kind of a big mouth for being part of the secondary, the weakest group on the team. When you put up 3rd down numbers like they did, EVERYONES job is at risk (as it should be.) He was going to be cut before the season, and even if injuries allowed him to stick around, he was gone to FA anyway. At least we got something in return.

This is a pure salary cap move. Hobbs has made a positive contribution to a spot that has been relatively weak during his time here. We've upgraded the corner position overall heading into 2009 and I think it's better to have a cohesive unit than Hobbs thinkinig he's battling for a spot - which I strongly think he would have gotten a raw end of the deal. Mike, regardless of these draft picks do you know where our salary cap stands?

What were the 5th round picks traded for?

Mike, it's Cassel and Vrabel for Chung and.....17 mil in cap space (assuming Chung makes about a mil this year)? That allowed Fred Taylor, Chris Baker, James Sanders, Hochstein, etc to sign or re-sign. That's a good move. The salary cap is a reality in this NFL.

Lest you people forget how quickly you'd all be sucking air when you saw that pass going to Hobb's side of the field and all you can do is HOPE that it's an errant throw. Hobbs was an AVERAGE to ABOVE AVERAGE CB on a BELOW AVERAGE DB corps. Do any of you honestly believe you know more than the Pats staff? You don't have to chug the kool-aid but at least have some faith and try to attempt to see what BB and Co. is trying to do.

Stacking up the DB corps with a platoon of unproven CBs and Ss. He's going to let them fight it out and watch the cream rise to the top. Do ANY of you have ANY reason to second guess BB at this point???

I'm not worried about the loss of Hobbs at CB, but I am concerned over the loss of one of the leagues elite return men. If not for the likes of Devin Hester, everyone would remark on all of his long returns of punts and kickoffs. Hobbs return skills have brought this team back in many critical games.

Micheal Holley must be crushed. Hobbs was his binky and loved his play. Only time will tell if this works out but you know the saying: "In Bill We Trust" so I have to go with it.

No Clue GBaker, The Pats are already up against the Cap & need to free up some cap space in order to sign the draftees, especially their first 3 picks who will make the roster & be earning some playing time.
All 3 of those picks are intelligent, strong Leaders who are successful on the field. Brace will give them a solid backup on the D-Line for at least this year, & gives the Pats some negotiating strength with Wilfork. I love Wilfork, but the Patriots have proven that no one player is going to break the bank. He may be worth the huge contract, but at what cost to the rest of the team & the Patriots Philosophy?

i agree with moehoward
gbaker do u kno wat a salary cap is?
the only thing hobbs was good for was returns and i can think of 3 other guys on this team that will be able to return the ball just as well
.... w.o. being oposing QBs primary target when they are in need of a long 1st down

Pete - Have to agree with you that this was a solid draft. Obviously BB knows more about outside linebackers than anyone here posting, so I can live with that.
But the 4 second rounders seem very solid with Butler being a steal. By trading Hobbs and not overspending on the draft look for the possibility of Jason Taylor coming on board. B+

what would make a defensive coach like Andy Reid want a pair of corners like Assante & Ellis? Will Ellis be able to handle the NFC east, I doubt it...

Are you kidding me? If you think this guy was burnt like toast...wait till you see what happens with an old man like Springs. CB is not a place where you can get away with a past his prime veteren...speed kills, and this guy doesn't have it. Must be more of a locker room / doesn't follow direction issue.

way to go pats...you really screwed up the draft this year. you let 3 quality picks slip through your fingers in the first round,and not only that...you trade hobbs for 2 fifth rounders who were later traded...i guess there was some thinking involved, but not much.

Sorry Holley, your boy is now officially gone! Thank you BB, it was getting old watching Hobbs make 1 good play (along with his chest pumping,etc) for every 3 bad plays.

kevin... it was phillip rivers, after the divisional game 06 i think

I don't like Chung at that pick either. However it was Cassel, Vrable and 18MM in cap space they got rid of for the pick. Cassel would have been traded happily for a 2nd rounder last year. When he became a successful starter in the last year of his deal he made his own destiny. The Pats weren't going to give him huge money to stay and he walks as an unrestricted free agent if they don't. Franchise was the option they used but who ever they traded him too takes a 14MM cap hit even if they negotiate a different long term deal. The patriots got value for him with a 2 and they actually asked KC to take Vrabel in the deal, probably to keep him out of the AFC East.

Initially I didn't like this move, mostly because I think the talent in the secondary is still questionable, and keeping as many players in the mix until we really know what Springs, Bodden et al can do seems like a good idea. But Hobbs is below average for an NFL starting CB and he certainly isn't a long-term solution at that spot. Two fifth round picks aren't a lot for him--but then there's the salary cap savings which may help the Pats sign some additional free agents before the season starts. I think it's interesting that Belichick apparently believes that an un-tested guard is better for the team than a tested, but still mediocre, cornerback. If the guard works out for the long term, this will have been a good trade because Hobbs was a short-timer no matter what.

.

I don't like Chung at that pick either. However it was Cassel, Vrable and 18MM in cap space they got rid of for the pick. Cassel would have been traded happily for a 2nd rounder last year. When he became a successful starter in the last year of his deal he made his own destiny. The Pats weren't going to give him huge money to stay and he walks as an unrestricted free agent if they don't. Franchise was the option they used but who ever they traded him too takes a 14MM cap hit even if they negotiate a different long term deal. The patriots got value for him with a 2 and they actually asked KC to take Vrabel in the deal, probably to keep him out of the AFC East.

I am fully ready to accept that BB knows exactly what he is doing. I just wish I knew what he was doing. I defer to his football godliness. But I still want to know why we didnt take Matthews. BB must think Crable is gonna be the real deal. Im so confused.

Horrible trade, I can't beleieve how many people like this move, we traded him for basically nothin, cause we are tradeing every dam pick we got, he was our best cover corner and our best return man, shawn springs is 34 and since when he so great anyway? I like t. wheatley but after a couple of injuries we will be wishin we had ellis. I think bb just wasn't a big fan of ellis as far as his personality and that's a shame. our secondary was the weakest link and we trade our best corner brilliant!

why did this take so long.

I voted bad move, not because I think I am smarter than BB in any sense, but because I think that Hobbs' return abilities alone were worth more than two fifth round picks.

I know that he has his naysayers on this blog, but in my view Ellis Hobbs has consistently performed at 100% of his abilities. He has never been a shutdown corner, but struck me as "above average" in coverage, and very good in returns.

But I'll go back to in BB we trust, and he must see better opportunities out there. I just hope this doesn't mean we have to watch Slater [yikes!] or Faulk or Welker [too risky] doing returns.

I never understood the Hobbs pick in the first place. I'm so tired of smurfs getting manhandled in the d backfield, and he just got abused pretty consistently. The excuse of "they know I was covering turf that wasn't part of my coverage" seems to have fallen flat. I also never understood why he felt comfortable being the defensive quote machine for the writers. Don't you have to produce for this to occur?

I'm glad he's gone and the fact we only got two 5s for him speaks volumes.

Deval Patrick backpedals quicker than Hobbs. Smell ya later, Ellis!!!!

What a weekend. Sox looking to sweep the Yanks, Celtics in overtime and were rid of Ellis. Can't get any better than that.

Andy Reid must owe Bill a favor.

2 fifth rounders for someone who started at corner last year? and one of the best returners last year?

and everyone who is pointing out the superbowl, he was hurt and did pretty wellt he rest of the game, just that one bad play. and we do have some possible returners, but for those of you calling for Slater, do you remember how many mistakes he made last year?

AMEN Justin-r except for the in bill we trust part, since when does havin a lil swagger make u a bad player I played corner and u need 2 have the up most confidence, every corner gets beat and no he's not a num 1 but he an above average number 2, nevermind his return abilities, Like i said not bb kind of player, what a shame this trade ruined my whole draft day wkend. HORRIBLE!

I love the move...Although he can return a kick or two, he can not cover anyone in the league. I think I have about 3-4 obscenity laced tirades about Hobbs playing 15 yards off a guy a game. Just remember how wide open Plaxico Burress was in that Super Bowl game

My question is...Can I drop him off at the airport????

Brandon Tate is a great kickoff return man. I would be surprised if this did not play into BB's decision making process.

The secondary has definitely cost the Patriots one Super Bowl and most likely two, as Indy went on and beat Chicago as the Pats would have. It is time for a new people to be given the chance... Tom Brady won't be around for ever which makes every year that much more important...

HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!
HE JUST DOSEN'T GET IT!!! HE SUCKS !!!!!
LOUD MOUTH EGOTISTICAL BRAGGART WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP.
WAS HE AFRAID PLAXICO WAS GOING TO SHOOT HIM???
HIS COVER ON PLAX WAS FROM 20 YRDS AWAY..........JUST PITIFUL

HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!
HE JUST DOSEN'T GET IT!!! HE SUCKS !!!!!
LOUD MOUTH EGOTISTICAL BRAGGART WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP.
WAS HE AFRAID PLAXICO WAS GOING TO SHOOT HIM???
HIS COVER ON PLAX WAS FROM 20 YRDS AWAY..........JUST PITIFUL

The Pats save the cap room and money on all the jock straps he got burnt out of on the field. Too much cap money for a guy who MIGHT be a Dime back at best. At least they got something for him, they drafted an OG with the picks who projects to be a decent starter. As far as not having a pass rusher? His name is Thomas, did you forget he was on your roster? The rush disappeared when he did. Chung is a smart player who plays to contact. Great pick. Solid draft, good value, also have three second rounders next year. I smell a fourth Super Bowl win.

Glad to see Hobbs go, he was a liability on defense, too short, and too slow., no catchup speed. Tate can return kicks, was very good in college. Good job by BB to trade for 2 second rounders in 2010. I think the competition in the defensive backfield will produce a much better result than last year.

HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!
HE JUST DOSEN'T GET IT!!! HE SUCKS !!!!!
LOUD MOUTH EGOTISTICAL BRAGGART WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP.
WAS HE AFRAID PLAXICO WAS GOING TO SHOOT HIM???
EVERY TD SCORED ON HIM WAS SOMEONE ELSES FAULT
HIS COVER ON PLAX WAS FROM 20 YRDS AWAY..........JUST PITIFUL

Brandon Tate is an excellent return man and was pretty much drafted as a third-rounder to do only that, so that aspect of losing Hobbs is also negligible.

Bye bye Hobbs. Thanks for nothing.

Tell Hobbs to remember to pack his Yankees hat.

Good riddance. Worst corner since Duane Starks.

Though I can't say I'm exactly thrilled with the group of CBs the team currently has, good riddens. The guy would give up two touchdown bombs, then break up a pass on 1st and 25 and start dancing like he just won the Super Bowl. Not gonna miss that, Ellis Duane Starks Hobbs had me wanting to reach through the tv and strangle him at least once a game.

Best wishes to Ellis Hobbs and thank you for the services rendered in New England.
Despite what is wirtten here, you were still a" Patriot."

Tks. and best wishes in Philadelphia.

Hobbs is a perfect example of not being able to cash the checks his ego was writing. But, he did his best. He never could grasp the fact, that fans can be tough and unfair, they are the sole reason he plays a game for a living, and a pretty good living, at that. So, he should have learned to keep his trap shut. If he makes the same mistake in Philly Eagle fans may pelt him with batteries.

The only statistic I need to know about Hobbes is 18-1. On 4th down with seconds remaining, any other defender in the league would have kept Burress in front of him. Instead, Burress blew past him and once again I'm looking at the back of Hobbes' shirt as 6 more points go up on the board.

Bill must like the two rookies from last year, I do too.Hobbs was a pretty good player that played hurt, and played with some rookies, he did better then most Pat fans give him credit for. Philly got a good deal for two fifths.

Holly isn`t going to be happy, But I say Outstanding.

I loved Ellis and will miss his gritty attitude, but he was never a great corner, and Butler, Chung and Slater are all capable return men.
gb baker, patriot place is already starting to make a profit, and in a few years, will be the reason that we can afford to sign some players who other teams couldnt.

The biggest problem with Hobbs was his chest pounding "I'm the MAN" attitude on even meaningless plays. I was bothered more by that than even him getting burnt on a play. He was NOT a "Patriot" in the true sense of the word. He did not conduct himself with the same class that the rest of the team did.

The Sox, Celtics and even the Bruins have taken a page from the Patriot's winning template which includes winning ( and losing) with some class. Hobbs was
JAP.........Just another Punk.

BB must really like this new kid Butler. and Hobbs was average corner at best. two second rounders next year. In Bill I trust. and Tommy "cool" Brady is back. Go Pats!

Yall are bunch of losers...

This whole weekend should be rated a Capital F for the Patriots. Priority one was an outside linebacker to replace Vrabel & an inside linebacker to replace Teddy B. Absolutely Pathetic draft.

Why did it take so long. Hobbs could not cover anybody. The Pats defense got even better.

Bodden and Springs at the corners, Chung and Merriweather the safety's with Wheatley, Wilhite, Butler all getting a turn in the nickel and dime packages. And maybe Rodney coming back to take a bow in Nov/Dec.

Faulk, Welker, Maroney, Butler, Slater, Tate.....all can return kicks.

BB clearly thought there wasn't much to this draft.

Hobbs is gone, the Patriots saved cap money and loaded up with multiple 2nd round picks for next year. Not bad.

Later "toast". You shouldn't have talked so much.

I called the Patriots winning it in 2001 based off their offseason moves, I can say that this is not 2001 and they will not make the playoffs, and say goodbye to Wilfork to you homer nazis.

Stop the madness! We did not trade Vrabel and Cassel for Chung. Understand getting rid of Cassel and Vrabel allowed the Pats to get Fred Taylor, Joey Galloway, Leigh Bodden, Chung and other free agents. Now what!

Sad and glad. Sad because we lost a guy who played hurt, played his heart out. Glad that BB did not let emotions affect his decision. Production wise, Hobbs has to go. His performance over the years is ueven, to say the least. Last year, he reminded me of Antonio Langham, who BB brought in from his Cleveland days. He ran with the receivers---but gave up big plays anyway!

"BB is has jumped the shark", awesome English skills bro.

The Cowboys, Giants and Redskins are thrilled with this trade.
But really, I think he gave it his all, but came up a little short at times. Good kick returner though.

Hobbs was the best return man the Pats have had for years, played hurt, and was
a plus most of the time and doesn't deserve the bashing. He EARNED the incent-
ives. Even BB can make a bad trade. Hobbs should have brought a future 2 or 3.
I give the Eagles the win on this trade.

Let's see, the Pats were able to snag the safety most experts ranked second best, the nosetackle many ranked at the top, and a corner most experts ranked second best, all in the second round. They also picked up some talented players who could fill holes in 2010 when other players move on to other teams. Oh, and they now have 3 second-rounders in next year's draft, which most think will have more talent than this year. And they may not be done dealing yet, don't forget. Nicely done, Bill.

It's amazing all the yahoos on here who think they know more about football than Belichick.

So this draft is a failure because we didn't address any linebacker positions??? I don't believe we have issues in that department, reigning AFC Defensive Rookie of the year, Adalius Thomas, deep veteran leadership, and some young talent. Stop falling in love with glamorous Sports talk mock drafts, Kiper & McShay are not GM's for a reason. Also with BB proven draft track record...why question him now? We didn't get the flashy USC guys, or anyone who got Heisman hype...but since when do the Pats go for those guys??? Let the man with rings do his thing. Ellis Hobbs sucked!!! If you think otherwise, grab this book called "Football for Dummies" cause you need it. We got CAP space, with the KC deal. Signed Free-Agents, Bodden alone had better numbers than Hobbs the past 2 years. Jason Taylor is coming soon....let's see who's back on the bandwagon when it's all said and done. BB has always made the right move...where's Lawyer Milloy? Ty Law? Tebucky??? Exactly my point!

Hobbs had some great plays, but he also had some great misplays. I just hope the next guy does not showboat like Hobbs did. Most of the time it was not justified.

I always liked Ellis Hobbs and he has made some very good plays for the Pats. He will be forever chastised for Buress' TD. But why was he in single coverage on that play, at such a critical moment in the game? Coaching Mistake!!
His kick returns will be missed and he never seemed to dog it out there,always hustling.
And in response to an earlier post about giving up the winning TD, Someone always gives up the winning play. Hobbs is a good player player.playerhopehope hope that he does well

Tough kid that always gave his best effort. I wish him well in Philadelphia.

I remember Hobbs' first game in his rookie year, he made a routine play and absolutely went crazy with his celebration, as we would learn he always did. As the next play started, he was still celebrating, about 10 yards out of position and still buckling his chin strap. He got smoked on that play and I've despised him ever since. I will miss his special teams work but he was useless at corner.

Who the heck is going to replace Vrabel and Bruschi?

Stop blaming Hobbs for Burress. one on one was ridiculous and calling a blitz on that play was obvious. Blame the coaches for the scheme not Hobbs. He was an ok cornerback who gave 120 percent and he was a great return man. Period.

They weren't going pay him next year so they took what they could get. The End.

I am going to miss Hobbs getting burned on the deep ball and mistiming his jump.

Thank goodness the man who let the Super Bowl go if gone. He was serviceable at best, with all the new corners things should be much better. I would be happy if we have a good kick returner in the mix, BB must have something up already for that slot, it is very important, the Pats would get at least 3-4 a game.

I couldn't be more plesed. Hobbs is awful in coverage. Let's hope he's a starter and we play the eagles in the superbowl. I'd put anybody back there to inprove the position.

I couldn't be more plesed. Hobbs is awful in coverage. Let's hope he's a starter and we play the eagles in the superbowl. I'd put anybody back there to inprove the position.

its about time. thank god i don't have to see this guy get burnt all the time, then eventually make a play and dance around like he just won a superbowl.

Hobbs always had the right attitude but not the production to match. Time to move on.

go Giants

His kick return skills may be missed but his defense will not and he was too expensive to be just a special teams player. The Pats were lucky to get as much as they did for him.

I don't keep stats, but I seem to remember Hobbs getting burned a LOT the past 2 years, esp. on crucial third downs. I think this will turn out to be an excellent move!

I didn't realize that crystal meth was so popular up there these days. I have actually read a few different comments suggesting that Ellis Hobbs is NE's best cover corner. Understand this, Leigh Bodden became NE's best cover man the day he signed. He is a big, physical corner much closer the the Ty Law mold than most people appreciate. Springs may be a #2 corner or he may be seeing time at safety. Either way, Ellis Hobbs was certainly expendable as an average at best CB. I'm still not fully sure about this draft for the Pats but I like the Butler and Brace picks.
BTW- Just how many rookies do you think have any realistic chance of making this team in'09? Why not trade for more 2010 picks?.

Any of you guys ever get left one-on-one with a guy when you are giving away a 7 inch height advantage? Didn't think so. If you think that Hobbs lost the Superbowl to the Giants you need to have your GM credientials checked. The Pats should never have ended up in that situation. He is a little mouthy but he played hurt and with a lot of enthusiasm. Compared to a lot of corners I have seen in a Pats uniform, I'd say he was a little above average. I actually would have liked to see him in the mix assuming the more competition the better. That said, I can't ever question a BB move until it plays out. This is one less contract expiring at the end of this season.

While having a lot of draft pics sounds cool, the Patriots failed miserably in drafting a linebacker or multiple linebackers... the biggest mistake was not being aggressive in going after a LB in the 1st round then panicking, not knowing what to do with the 40th pick and committing the fatal error of drafting Ron Brace.

The Patriots have had consistently bad drafts since getting lucky with Brady - if Mayo wasn't such a stud their recent draft selections and strategy would be absolutely laughable.

i think the PATROITS and the REDSOX both have great managenent and make very few mistakes with trades and draft picks

Just a Philly guy who was not familiar at all with Hobbs...I wanted to get the fans take on this guy, and it's not exactly the same as Brian Dawkins leaving Philly..lol. These forums are usually the best indicator of how a guy really is, not what the reporter writes...all I knew was that Hobbs was a pretty good return man, but the Birds already have desean Jackson and now Jeremy Maclin to return- same thing on philly.com. I think the truth is that Bellichek is doing Andy Reid a favor, allowing the Eagles to move Sheldon Brown, who wants out now. Don't be shocked if Sheldon makes his way to Boston... BTW, I love all good fans of any team, but the Pats cheated to beat Eagles in the SB! Haha..and they poisoned #5 DMac!

Good returners are overrated. Someone else will step up as long as the rest of the Special Teams are solid. Look at the Bears. One year Devin Hester is the greatest return man of all time, next year he sits in favor of Daniel Manning, who did a fine job himself.

ellis hobbs was the really good it hard to say a rookie can come in and take over but we ewill see i dont like it that he is gone but im not the one with the money