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National Football League
Draft King Mailbag
February 19, 2007
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.
From: doescott@verizon.net
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Feb 19, 2007 9:55 AM
Subject: patriots
hello and thank you for your column.what do you think the patriots will do with there two #1's.a lot of mock's have them using a # one on a wide receiver.but i believe that there history shows that they don't use one's on a wide out.also with samuel tagged,do you think they will stay with all defense?
Lou: By choosing to use the franchise tag on Asante Samuel, the Patriots made a strong financial commitment toward its secondary. But, with two first-round picks, I suspect that the Pats will use at least one of their first-round selections on defense.
There has been talk about the Patriots potentially using a round one pick on a WR, but the Pats used a high second rounder just last year on Chad Jackson, who was seen by many as a first-round caliber player. While there is a great deal of depth at the WR spot in this draft, much moreso than there was last year, I would suspect that New England would be more likely to add depth at positions like safety and linebacker.
Linebacker remains a need spot for New England from a depth standpoint, and I think we're most likely going to see New England use a first round pick there. Of course, that also depends on how much the Patriots dabble in free agency.
Rodney Harrison is a game-changing player, but he's 34. In my most recent mock, I projected Virginia Tech SS Aaron Rouse to the Patriots. The reason: Rouse is talented but raw, and there is the potential for a smooth transition between Harrison (whenever his tenure in New England ends) and Rouse. The Patriots have been good at planning ahead with a bit more foresight than other teams have had, and I suspect that we'll see that approach continue this year.
From: schoentj@notes.udayton.edu
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Feb 19, 2007 7:32 PM
Subject: detriot lions trade possibilities
With reports that the Lions are looking to trade Dre' Bly, James Hall, and Marcus Bell, who do you think the lions would go after? What draft picks do you feel they could gain in a trade, especially for a guy like Dre' Bly, whose made a couple pro bowls with the lions and is only 29? You mentioned before that the lions might trade their first round pick with the cardinals. If this really happens and the lions went with a defensive end, who do you feel would have a bigger impact, Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson? I see Adams as more of a pass rusher who might not be able to play every down. Thanks.
Lou: It's a bit unusual to see a team tell three of its players to look for trade avenues, but you're right that Detroit has done just that. Bly is a solid cover corner, and there should be plenty of teams out there interested in acquiring him. Bly will be 30 before the season begins, but he should be able to find a new home with a team needing help at corner (perhaps Buffalo or Tennessee?) I'd guess that he could be had for a fourth rounder, or maybe a third depending on demand.
I'm a bit surprised at the Lions' attempt to move James Hall, as while he only played in 7 games last year, he still managed to record five sacks. And while his 11 1/2 sack season of 2004 might have been an abberation, he still offers good defensive pressure from the DE spot. It seems in Hall's case that his personality clashed with head coach Rod Marinelli, which has lead to Hall being on the way out. He's due to make $2.75 million in 2007 and $3 million in 2008, though that is unguaranteed money.
As for Marcus Bell, he'll be just 28 when the season begins, but he is seen as expendable by the Lions organization. With only one year left on his contract (for $950,000) he seems like the least likely of the three to be able to work a deal, unless he manages to negotiate a new contract elsewhere. I see him as being a likely cut.
With Shaun Cody and Shaun Rogers on board, the Lions are okay at DT, while the situation with Cory Redding could turn ugly if the Lions use the franchise tag on him (where Redding would be designated at DT instead of his natural DE position), a difference of about $2 million. But even if things with Redding can be resolved, a monster blitzing DE is what the doctor ordered for the Lions' defense.
It's neck-and-neck as far as Gaines Adams and Jamaal Anderson goes. My personal preference is toward Adams, who is a bit quicker and who is more experienced, though Anderson is a powerhouse at 6'6" 280. It's not like either one is a bad choice, but I'd give the nod to Adams if I had to pick.
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