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Commish Encourages Fan Participation in All Forms
Commissioner Roger Goodell held an Q&A with representatives from the popular blog mill SB Nation on the final day of the NFL Draft here in NYC.
Most NFL teams rebuff bloggers and deny them media access mainly because they cannot control the message. Roughly 95 percent of bloggers do not get paid for their services, therefore are not beholden to a mainstream news entity.
Bloggers are welcome to attend NFL hosted events, such as the draft, but the league delegates local media access responsibilities to the 32 individual franchises. Since most blogs are populated with less-than-positive posts and unregulated, uncensored comments, teams have shied away from granting them access.
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The Patriots have never been afraid to trade down in the draft, seemingly trying to rack up as many second round picks as they can. Is this a smart strategy, both financially and in terms of the players they’re getting?
Well, looking at the 2003 NFL Draft (six to seven years to determine a player’s worth in the NFL seems reasonable), the drafting strategy of New England seems exceptionally brilliant.
First Round:
In the first round, 32 players were taken. Of those 32, 23 belong to a NFL franchise or were released into free agency this offseason. Players who have been free agents for the past two years are considered “finished,” and therefore are considered out of the league (despite being free agents).
Of the 23 players still in the league, 12 of them are Pro Bowlers.
Second Round:
In the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft, 32 more players were taken with their hopes of playing in the NFL finally fulfilled.
Unfortunately for some, only 20 of them are currently living the dream; that is 20 of the 32 drafted players are in the NFL right now.
There were five Pro Bowlers drafted that round out of the 20 total players.
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Offensively, the Patriots are set at quarterback and have a very solid offensive line. Sebastian Vollmer proved he was a dominant tackle, shutting down every end he faced (including Dwight Freeney). This gives the Patriots more depth at offensive line, something they have actually lacked in years past.
In terms of running back, the Patriots could use help, but the situation is not terrible. Laurence Maroney is a below-average every down back in the NFL, and will crack off a big run now and then. Last season, he was healthy, and he posted decent numbers, averaging just below four yards per carry.
The Pats do not need to kill themselves to find a starting, pro-bowl running back, but adding a back-up who can complement Maroney would be helpful.
In terms of wide receiver, the team has some questions. When Wes Welker returns, he would be the obvious number two behind Randy Moss. Behind Wes would be Julian Edelman, who was very good filling in for Welker, and showed a lot of passion in the playoff games.
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After winning the division last year, the Patriots’ main competitors are the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
My article is being written pre-draft, so outlooks may certainly change depending on draft manipulation/drafting by teams.
The ‘Phins were middle of the pack last year in terms of rushing defense, at No. 18 in the NFL in total rush defense, allowing 1,835 yards.
For the Dolphins’ organization, fixing their sub par rush defense was of great importance. They went out and signed linebacker Karlos Dansby, who last year totaled 101 sacks and an interception.
Dansby is a very threatening player; he is a force against rushers with sure tackling abilities, and has had success in bringing down the quarterback prior to last season (‘06, eight sacks and ‘08 four sacks).
One of Miami’s biggest in-season issues has been addressed by the team, and as we move towards the NFL draft, the Dolphins can focus on improving pass defense or even bring in new offensive players to rally around young quarterback Chad Henne.
Read Full Story at New England Sports Online
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The Jets seem to have made the biggest splash this offseason compared to any other East team, as well as during the season.
They traded for Braylon Edwards at the NFL trade deadline, giving Mark Sanchez a viable receiving option and the offense an overall deep threat
Defense:
This offseason, the Jets have been improving an already top defense, by adding previous shutdown corner Antonio Cromartie.
Cromartie has had off-the-field problems (six different children with seven women), but on the field he is still one of the fastest players around.
He clearly has the talent set to be a top corner, and with Rex Ryan’s defensive coaching he should be able to regain his confidence and play at the level he did in 2007, when he had 10 picks.
Unfortunately, the Jets lost a major player on their defense in Kerry Rhodes. Rhodes was a cog of that unit because of his experience and consistent tackling ability, as well as his knack for the ball and making the big play.
His absence will be felt as the Jets may initially lose out on communication, but with two shutdown corners (Cromartie and Revis), the result Rhodes’s absence will not compound itself.
Read Full Story at New England Sports Online
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