Part Two: DEFENSE

Defensive Line (14):

Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Mike Wright, Ron Brace, Marcus Stroud, Gerard Warren (FA), Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick, Kyle Love, Darryl Richard, Eric Moore, Landon Cohen, Marlon Favorite, Kade Weston

I lumped the entire defensive line into one group since they all tend to move around.  I know, I sound like a homer, but it’s a solid group.  The top end talent isn’t there (yet), but there’s a lot of youth and depth.  You have one of the top NT’s in the league (Vince), a borderline Pro-Bowler in Ty Warren at one end, and I believe it will be Ron Brace at the other end.  When he’s been on the field he’s be a solid contributor and I think it’s his time.  The top two reserves will be Mike Wright who was great last year in sub-packages and the typical Belichick signing, Marcus Stroud.  I’m not sure how much he has left, but they’ll get everything he has.  The rest of the group is youth and bulk up front and due to injuries last year they have a little bit of experience as well.  We saw Brandon Deaderick, Eric Moore, and Myron Pryor all start a game last year and Kyle Love and Landon Cohen each saw time at the end of the year.  It should be a competitive training camp and I think you’ll see some improvement from last year.

Free Agency Targets:  Bill always grabs a veteran or two for camp and I think they make an offer to Gerard Warren. 

Outside Linebacker (6):

Jermaine Cunningham, Tully Banta-Cain, Rob Ninkovich, Marques Murrell, Tracy White (FA), Markell Carter

This group is an absolute mess.  Everyone thought that they would draft a few pass rushers in the first couple of rounds and instead they focused on the offensive side of the ball.  They didn’t take Markell Carter (not to be confused with Lawrence Taylor) until the 6^th round which is usually late to find an impact player.  He’s also making the transition from DE to OLB which isn’t for everyone.  Bill must think that Cunningham will take the leap in the second year and that Tully and Ninkovich can hold down the other side.  I have my doubts.  There is no reason to think that this group will be good enough to put consistent pressure on the QB.  It feels like another year with the defensive backs being thrown to the wolves.

Free Agency Targets: ANYONE THAT HAS A PULSE AND CAN GET TO THE F*****G QUARTBERBACK!

Inside Linebacker (4):

Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Gary Guyton, Dane Fletcher

This is certainly the strength of the defense.  You have four young players who understand their roles in the defense and are sure tacklers which is what you want from your inside backers.  I read this week that Spikes didn’t miss a single tackle last year in 52 attempts and Mayo missed only 3 tackles in 145 attempts.  That’s great production.  Also, Guyton and Fletcher have proven to be solid backups.  Bill has done a remarkable job replacing Bruschi and Ted Johnson. 

Free Agency Targets:  None

Cornerback (7):

Leigh Bodden, Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Darius Butler, Jonathan Wilhite, Malcolm Williams

I can’t tell if the problem is the cornerbacks or the fact that they have to cover for 15 seconds at a time.  With all the high draft picks at the cornerback position one would think that the problem isn’t the pass rush.  I think they’re finally done drafting them though.  Obviously you start Bodden with McCourty (very solid) and I think Arrington kicks down to the slot or Wilhite is your slot guy.  It’s put up or shut up time for Darius Butler.  He had a great opportunity to play last year and he was awful.  He needs to step up or he’ll be gone in training camp.  Dowling out of Virginia should be a key contributor in his first year.  He’s big (6’2), fast (4.4), strong (19 reps) and isn’t afraid to get involved in the run game.  He’ll certainly be a special teamer and I think their dime back to start the season.  It’s another solid pick. 

Free Agency Targets:  None.

Safety (9):

Patrick Chung, James Sanders, Brandon Meriweather, Jarrad Page (FA), Brandon McGowan (FA), Sergio Brown, Bret Lockett, Josh Barrett, Ross Ventrone

This is another spot where Bill didn’t feel the need to draft a player which should tell you something.  I think Patrick Chung is the real deal and will be a Rodney Harrison-type safety.  He’s comfortable near the line of scrimmage and doesn’t shy away from contact.  The other starter, James Sanders, is a steady contributor and a good pairing with Chung.  Then there’s the issue of Brandon Meriweather.  He had some trouble with the law this offseason, he released a rap song, and he’s continued to waste his talent.  If the Patriots were able to move him I’m guessing they would.  He was plenty of talent, but he has a peanut for a brain.  He’s consistently beat due to poor decision making and he’s unreliable as the last line of defense.  The younger guys in the group (Brown, Lockett and Barrett) will have a chance in training camp to earn some time.  Sergio Brown earned some playing time last year and should have a leg up on the competition.

Free Agency Targets: I think they’ll offer Page and McGowan contracts.

Part One: OFFENSE

With the NFL season right around the corner (fingers crossed), I’m going to take a break from my NBA draft research to look at the Patriots roster and how it breaks down before free agency begins.  This also gives me a chance to comment on Coach Bill’s draft selections… 

Quarterback (4):

Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jonathan Crompton, Ryan Mallet:

There is no team in the NFL with a better situation at quarterback.  You have arguably the top QB in the league, a young and capable backup and a super talented rookie to groom.  Bill O’Brien should play the lottery with this kind of luck.  I thought the drafting of Ryan Mallet was genius.  If it’s true that the Patriots had him as their top rated QB then they got an absolute steal in the THIRD round.  In four years when Mallet’s contract is up you’ll have either the QB of the future or trade bait to improve other areas.  I love the move. 

Free Agency Targets:  None

Running Back (8):

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Thomas Clayton, Kevin Faulk (FA), Fred Taylor (FA), Sammy Morris (FA)

This is a position that appeared solid with BJGE and Woodhead receiving a bulk of the carries and Kevin Faulk hopefully returning from injury.  I guess Bill didn’t feel as comfortable as he drafted an outside runner (Vereen) in the 2^nd round and an inside runner (Ridley) in the 3^rd round.  I was baffled by both selections.  I didn’t see the need to use two high picks on RB’s.  This leaves Kevin Faulk in a tough situation.  What would his role be with 4 young backs on the roster?  Bill has obviously upgraded the position and created some competition which isn’t a bad thing.  To me, there were more pressing needs when the backs were selected.  I think it’s safe to say Taylor and Morris will not be back with the team.

Free Agency Targets:  None

Wide Receiver (8):

We Welker, Deion Branch, Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate, Taylor Price, Matthew Slater, Buddy Farnham, Darnell Jenkins

I love this group of receivers.  I think they’re everything Brady needs.  I know that people have issue with the lack of a deep threat, but they never had a deep threat when it was Branch, Givens and Troy Brown and they won a few Super Bowls.  I think the precision route running combined with the tight ends attacking the middle of the field is extremely tough to defend.  I’m not worried about Brady being able to throw over the top.  He’ll be able to pick his spots with Tate and Edelman streaking into the secondary.  The Randy Moss-less receiving core will be just fine. 

Free Agency Targets:  Santonio Holmes would look nice on the outside and it would give Bill a chance to tweak the Jets. 

Tight End (5):

Alge Crumpler, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Carson Butler, Lee Smith

The tight end position is similar to the quarterback position; they’re loaded.  The fact that they can switch from 5-wide to 3 TE’s is a huge plus.  Gronkowski is an absolute beast and is a magnet for the ball in the red zone and Hernandez might as well be a wide receiver with his skill set.  You would think that Bill would be content with those two, but of course he’s three steps ahead as he drafted Lee Smith out of Marshall as Alge Crumpler’s replacement.  This should set up the TE position for years and should help balance the offensive attack.  

Free Agency Targets: None

Tackle (7):

Sebastian Vollmer, Nate Solder, Nick Kaczur, Mark LeVoir, Steve Maneri, Matt Light (FA), Quinn Ojinnaka (FA)

The Patriots have done a good job of infusing youth into the offensive line over the last couple years and the selection of Nate Solder was just another step.  They now have their tackles of the future in Vollmer and Solder.  I think they will try to re-sign Matt Light at a reasonable cost as they are a little thin at the position.  Also, you may not want to count on Solder starting on Day 1.  Lastly, I’m not sure what will happen with Nick Kaczur as he’s carrying a high cap figure.  Don’t be surprised if he ends up on the chopping block.

Free Agency Targets:  My guess is that they try to re-sign Light and Ojinnaka

Guard (6):

Logan Mankins (FT), Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Rich Ohrnberger, Marcus Cannon, Thomas Austin

The guard position could be fantastic or a little scary.  It all depends on Logan Mankins and Robert Kraft being able to come to an understanding.  If Mankins is signed long term then the Patriots will be able to pair him with the massive Marcus Cannon at RG and make the Patriots offensive line one of envy.  They’ll have youth, size, and a little nastiness for years to come.  Personally, I think the deal gets done.  Cooler heads will prevail and Kraft will pay the man his money.  They also have capable backups Dan Connelly and Ryan Wendell, who both started last year, in the mix.  The rich seem to get richer.   

Free Agency Targets:  If Mankins is signed, then no move is needed.  If he walks, then they have some concerns and you can expect a veteran or two to come in and compete.

Center (1):

Dan Koppen

Dan is one of the top centers in the league and has anchored a very good offensive line since he got to NE.  According to the depth chart the only backup for him is Ryan Wendell.  Since the Patriots didn’t draft a center I would assume that they feel very comfortable with the talent at the postion.

Free Agency Targets:  None


Part Two: DEFENSE will be available tomorrow...

NBA Mock Draft

1.  This is without trades (there will be many)
2.  Because of number one you might as well stop reading now. 

...or let the craziness begin...

1.  CLE - Derrick Williams - PF - Arizona
He's the safest pick and the most NBA ready player in a mediocre draft.

2.  MIN - Enes Kanter - C - Turkey
It will be tough for Kahn to pass on Irving, but he MUST go with the big man.

3.  JAZZ - Kyrie Irving - PG - Duke
The consensus number one falls into a great situation with a talented Utah team.

4.  CLE - Brandon Knight - PG - Kentucky
The perfect scenario for Cavs with them getting two of the top 3 players.

5.  TOR - Bismack Biyombo - PF - Spain
He adds toughness and athleticism to a 'soft' Raptors team.  The first gamble of the draft. 

6.  WIZ - Kawhi Leonard - SF - San Diego State
John Wall will be very happy with this pick.  He'll be a much better option than Josh Howard on the wing. 

7.  SAC - Kemba Walker - PG - UConn
A very scary backcourt is created with Tyreke Evans.

8.  DET - Jan Vesely - SF - Czech Republic
Joe Dumars tries the International route again.  This time successfully. 

9.  CHA - Marcus Morris - PF - Kansas
**the consensus pick**

10.  MIL - Alec Burks - SG - Colorado
He'll be the more athletic Michael Redd.  Oh ya, and he has two healthy knees.

11.  GS - Klay Thompson - SG - Washington State
He'll be the starter on opening night after Monta Ellis is traded this summer.

12.  JAZZ - Chris Singleton - SF - Florida State
A lock down defender and superior athlete to spell Paul Milsap.

13.  PHX - Jimmer Fredette - BYU
The perfect guy to learn from Steve Nash.  Still think he's 50/50 to flop.

14.  HOU - Valanciunas - C - Lithuania
Fills their biggest need and with two picks they can roll the dice.

15.  IND - Jordan Hamilton - SF - Texas
Larry said that he needed scoring and this is his answer.

16.  PHI - Tristan Thompson - PF - Texas
I just wanted to take two Texas players back to back alphabetically.

17.  NYK - Reggie Jackson - PG - Boston College
How can New York pass on Mr. October?

18.  WIZ - Markieff Morris - PF - Kansas
He's got 3 point range and is a tough rebounder.  That's a solid combination. 

19.  CHA - Nikola Vucevic - C - USC
MJ won with Will Perdue.  Maybe he sees a little Will in Nikola.

20.  MIN - Tobias Harris - SF - Tennessee
Should be able to play the 3 and give Minny a tough front court with Love and Kanter.

21.  POR - Kenneth Faried - PF - Morehead State
If the top rebounder in the country is available at 21, you have to take him.

22.  DEN - Marshon Brooks - SG - Providence College
The next Carmelo has arrived.  Except for his lack of winning pedigree. 

23.  HOU - Iman Shumpert - PG - Georgia Tech
Houston goes with best available.

24.  OKC - Donatas Montiejunas - PF - Lithuania
The perfect alternative to Perkins.  An offensively talented big who runs the floor well. 

25.  BOS - Jeremy Tyler - PF- Japan
Danny goes with the upside and selects a top 10 talent with a ton of baggage.    This is the perfect locker room for the kid. 

26.  DAL - Nikola Mirotic - SF - Serbia
Dallas upgrades on the offensive end selects an understudy for Dirk. 

27.  NJ - Kyle Singler - SF - Duke
Bobby Hurley's dad coaches in New Jersey and that's all I got here. 

28.  CHI - Travis Leslie - SG - Georgia
Thibs attempts to fill their biggest hole by selecting one of the most explosive guards in the country.

29.  SAS - Norris Cole - PG - Cleveland State
The Spurs are trying to get into the lottery (by trading Parker) which leaves a big hole at PG.

30.  CHI - Justin Harper - PF - Richmond
A stretch 4 who can offer a whole lot more than the overpaid Carlos Boozer.

Fresh Brew

** How did the 38-year old Jason Kidd shut down LeBron James? I know that he’s a wily veteran, but that should be no contest. 

** After looking through the draft prospects, I like Marshon Brooks out of PC.  Pairing his freakish wingspan (7’1), scoring touch (24 ppg), and rebounding ability with Rondo would be a great start in the rebuilding process. 

** Draft prediction:  Danny takes an athletic big that can stretch the floor and hit the open jumper.

** Maybe Salty just needed someone to believe in him.  After batting .218 over the first two months, he’s hitting .357 in June and he’s showing some promise at the plate.  I think the Sox may have found their catcher of the future.

** You have to love Josh Beckett hitting Jeter and A-Rod before Sabathia hit Ortiz for his flipping of the bat the previous night.  The guy is a pit bull.  A pit bull who’s 6-2 with and a 1.86 ERA. 

** I never knew the Na’vi could cry.  Thanks to Chris Bosh for clearing that up.    

** It sounds like June 21^st could be the end of the NFL lockout.  That will ensure a full season and absolute chaos for a few weeks as teams scramble to sign draft picks and free agents.  Prediction: Logan Mankins will be signed to a long term deal in New England.

** Jerry Jones should try and learn something from his NBA neighbor and keep his mouth shut during the season.  It worked out pretty well for the Mavericks. 

** Advice to Robert Luongo:  If you’re gonna run your mouth about your expertise as a goaltender, you might want to back it up.  Getting yanked after 8:30 minutes and 3 goals (on 8 shots) is a little embarrassing.  

** For all the fans that thought the Patriots needed a “true” starting RB:  I read a stat this week that adjusted the yards-per-carry by the strength of schedule (it was a little complicated) and do you know who tied Adrian Peterson at 4.7? You guessed it: BenJarvus Green-Ellis. 

** US OPEN prediction:  Phil finally breaks through after being the runner up FIVE times.

**Dirk vs. Larry:  If you look at the stats you’ll see it’s really no contest.  Larry beats him in points, rebounds, assists, steals, FT% and FG% (career averages).  If you’re still not sure, I’ll throw in Larry’s three MVP’s and 2 Finals MVP’s.  Moving on…

** I’m giving Carl Crawford a pass for the month of April (.155).  Since May 1^st he’s batting .295 and looks to have recovered the swing the Sox paid $142M for.  It’s good to be a big market team. 

** The Bruins could have easily won all 7 games.  Not sure you could say the same about the Canucks.  Maybe that’s why the Canuck fans tried to burn down the city. 

** Tedy Bruschi must have been excited to have Bill Belichick as a surprise guest at his football camp this week until Bill chewed out a seven year old for being late.  The guy is always on. 

** If a pitcher throws a one hitter and no one watches it, did it actually happen?

** Keeping with the theme from last week (Seidenberg as my bodyguard), I would add Tim Thomas as my drinking companion.  There aren’t many elite players that seem completely normal and he fits the bill. He sees like the guy you’d be drinking beers with after a softball game. 

** Tim Thomas will forever be remembered as the hero, but a lot of credit needs to go to the Bruins top defensive pairing, Chara and Seidenberg.  They were tough, physical, and intimidated the hell out of the Canucks.  The Bruins held the top scoring offense in the NHL to 8 goals in 7 games and completely took the Sedin twins out of the series. Very impressive. 

** Saw this on my way into work this morning:  Hibernation always ends in October.  This year when the Bruins get back to work they’ll be the defending STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS.

 

Cuban!

Wow, he's taking it to a new level.

Great 00's

When I woke up this morning the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the Sports Gods had done their job (well, one out of three isn’t bad).  Since February 2002 the Sports Gods have been very kind to the Boston sports scene.  Granted, there would some tough losses (2003 Red Sox, 2007 Patriots, 2010 Celtics), but the Gods can’t come down on our side ALL the time.  It’s been an amazing run and it’s a travesty that the “Great 00’s” haven’t been done by Channel 4.  You bring back all the news personalities from the 80’s and you remake this: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqJSqG1X5Q8&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

 It would be a ratings bonanza.  Who wouldn’t want to see Lobel and Neumy together again?

Moving on to the present, last night the despicable Canucks were battered yet again by the Bruins at the Garden and now we have a Game 7 on Wednesday night in Vancouver for the Cup (a big one).  Things couldn’t get much better for Boston fans.  On Sunday afternoon the Red Sox annihilated the Blue Jays, running their streak to nine in a row and showing the league that they might be who we thought they were in spring training.  They are 6-0 on their current road trip (sweeps of NY and Toronto) and they can extend their AL East lead with a good showing in Tampa. With a lineup that’s on fire and Beckett and Buchholz starting two of the games, they have a great chance to finish the trip 8-1.  I’m guessing  Terry is sleeping a little better these days. 

 On to the NBA, roughly six hours after the Sox win we were treated to the dismantling of the Heat by the Dallas Mavericks and the crowning of Dirk as the NBA’s top dog (for the moment).   With the Celtics obviously enjoying their vacation, having the Mavs win was a nice consolation prize. The arrogance of the Heat was too much for most fans to handle and to see them go down in flames AT HOME was a beautiful thing.  We also were treated to LeBron’s press conference where he informed us that we can all go back to our miserable lives and stop bothering him since the season is now over.  Stay classy LeBron.  If I were LeBron, I would grab a giant bag of popcorn, ease onto the couch and pop in some tape of Jason Terry.  You know, the guy who outscored you 107 to 106 in the series and played like he had nothing to lose (even though a tattoo was on the line).  I’ll never understand how someone as supremely talented as LeBron could simply vanish on such a grand stage.  At least Eddie House went down swinging (or chucking up 3’s).

 Then last night the Bruins completely undressed Roberto Luongo and forced him to the bench after allowing 3 goals in 8 shots.  He may want to keep his goaltending pearls of wisdom to himself.  Talk about a fraud.  It will be very interesting to see: A) if he starts tomorrow night, B) if he decides to wash his hair between games, and C) how short his leash is if he does in fact start.  I’m optimistic about Game 7 and Tim Thomas is the reason.  He’s been incredible for this run and he’s got one more in him. I can just feel it.  Screw the stats and the Bruins trouble in Vancouver.  They’re bringing the Cup home with them! The Red Sox and Mavs have been nice, but the Bruins winning is all that matters right now. 

Quick Note:  Mark Cuban tweeted on Monday morning that he was in bed with the championship trophy.  That’s good stuff. 

Beautiful Day