It worked for the Jets, and it could be the only way the Patriots avoid being left in the dust by their AFC East rival.
Whatever happens the rest of this NFL postseason, Gang Green is not going away. They’re about as close to being a one-hit wonder as JaMarcus Russell is to being a Hall of Famer. The Jets have their sights set on world domination, and at the very least, they have the pieces in place to be the Beast of the East for years to come.
Coach? Check.
Quarterback? Check.
Running back? Check.
Defense? Check.
Swagger? Check.
If Bill Belichick isn’t careful, Rex Ryan and Co. could turn into last decade’s Patriots this decade. But before that happens, Belichick should pull a Belichick — and do something unconventional.
Last year, the Patriots traded out of the first round in the draft and stockpiled picks. This year, they should load up on first-round picks. They already have one, the 22nd selection. Why not get another first-round pick or two? How about make sure one of those picks is in the top 10?
The Patriots need playmakers on both sides of the ball. They need a pass rusher and outside linebacker, could use a running back and wide receiver, and ball hawks are always welcome.
There’s no shortage of exceptional prospects:
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU
Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Jahvid Best, RB, California
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Damian Williams, WR, USC
First-round picks don’t grow on trees, so it would take a monster package for the Patriots to add another first-rounder. Maybe that means giving up a second-, third- and collection of late-round picks? Maybe it means giving up a future first-round pick? Maybe it means throwing in a starter or two?
Find a deal that makes sense.
Then, push replay.
Getting two first-round picks might seem like grounds for a trip to Bellevue, but why not shoot for the stars?
Think big.
The Jets do, and it’s worked out pretty good for them. Thinking big — and playing big — is what it’s going to take to compete with Rex Ryan’s crew.
Belichick has been bold before. Does fourth-and-2 in Indy ring a bell? Going against the book is his specialty. Now is the time to be fearless.
Target the best players who could fill the biggest holes, and do whatever it takes to get them.
Of course, such outside-the-box thinking/gambling would require the approval of owner Robert Kraft. Top-shelf draft picks don’t come cheap, and Kraft is the man who’s going to have to pay the fat signing bonuses and fork over the eight-figure contracts. But if there ever was a time to open the checkbook and spend on blue chippers, this is it.
The Tom Bradys and Julian Edelmans of the world are inexpensive diamonds in the rough. They can be found through good scouting and prayer, but there are no guarantees that late-round picks will develop into All-Pros, starters or even productive contributors.
The Patriots need some sure things.
The Jets have made a habit of hitting on their first-round picks the last few years. That’s a big reason why they’re in the AFC Championship Game. Anyone who thinks they’re still playing because of luck probably also believes Chan Gailey was a good hire for the Bills.
Sometimes, all it takes is one great player to snap everyone out of the doldrums and lead a team to glory. The Patriots went with quantity over quality last April. They got some good players, but ultimately, it resulted in them planning trips to Aruba this January.
Since 2001, New England’s track record with first-round picks has been spotty.
2001: Richard Seymour, DT, Georgia (No. 6 overall)
2002: Daniel Graham, TE, Colorado (21)
2003: Ty Warren, DT, Texas A&M (13)
2004: Vince Wilfork, DT, Miami (21)
Ben Watson, TE, Georgia (32)
2005: Logan Mankins, OG, Fresno State (32)
2006: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (21)
2007: Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (24)
2008: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee (10)
2009: No first-round pick
This is a big year in Foxboro. The Patriots are at a crossroads. They need to get aggressive in the first round of the 2010 draft and take some risks to reap some rewards.
Otherwise, their days as an NFL powerhouse could be on the clock.
