OT: NFL Draft

[HuskyHawk]

I think just as importantly, is what it does for the Pats offense. Right now, it is a balanced offense, focusing on short, mid range passing. Edelman/Amendola/Gronk/Mitchell/Hogan can all go deep, but it is not exactly a specialty. Cooks completely changes the game, being a legit deep threat. It's going to open up the middle of the field SO much for those other guys. I'm getting a 2007 feel going into this season, on the offensive side of the ball.

I think Hogan lead the league in YPC, or was close. He was a legit deep threat. But you are right that you now have two deep threats, plus Gronk who can run deep routes down the middle. How do you defend that and Edelman/White/Amendola underneath? That top corner has to be on Cooks due to his speed (plus safety help), putting Hogan against a #2 with no safety help and Edelman against a nickel back. The offense is looking scary as hell. I think they have more weapons than in 2007.

 

[intlzncster]

When Tyrod Taylor and Osweiler are in the $15-18m range, it is very hard to argue against Luck at $25m.

You're right, but Luck has always been overrated in my opinion. He's got all the throws, toughness, etc, but he doesn't make the best decisions. People say his Oline is terrible, and while they're not great, they are better than given credit for. It's Luck who makes them worse than they actually are, converse to Brady, who makes his better than they actually are. Luck has a lot of admirable traits, but...

1. because he has the ability to scramble, doesn't stay in the pocket. When a QB is in the pocket, the O line knows where to block. Once he's out, it's no longer on the Oline, as their backs were to the QB; It's all on the QB.

2. because he's a tough guy, he'll hold the ball longer, and is willing to take the big hit, which while admirable, is stupid as far as mid season health and career longevity goes. He's not as built as Big Ben, and even Ben has been walking wounded for years.

3. because he has the Gunslinger mentality, and because he can make all the throws, he tries to fit balls in in situations where he should just throw it away. Brett Favre is the only true comparable Gunslinger I've seen that was successful in the modern game; he's a rare gem. Elway and Marino had some of it, but they were definitely smarter about it.

A player like Russell Wilson suffered from the first two things early in his career, but has grown past that now.

Until Luck learns to stay in the pocket at all costs, get rid of the ball quickly, and make quick, smart decisions with the football, he won't be leading that team anywhere deep in the post season.

 

[intlzncster]

I think Hogan lead the league in YPC, or was close. He was a legit deep threat. But you are right that you now have two deep threats, plus Gronk who can run deep routes down the middle. How do you defend that and Edelman/White/Amendola underneath? That top corner has to be on Cooks due to his speed (plus safety help), putting Hogan against a #2 with no safety help and Edelman against a nickel back. The offense is looking scary as hell. I think they have more weapons than in 2007.

True, I'm not saying he wasn't capable. But when I think true deep threat, I'm looking at Julio Jones, AB, Moss, Fitzgerald, AJ Green type guys. Cooks can operate in the group as far as going deep.

Hogan still did most of his damage in the mid range game (20-25 yds). He consistently produced in that area, and that's what kept his average up iirc. He wasn't used short range very often. Also, once Gronk went down, he was the primary mid range, seam guy in the area of the field Gronk used to operate. And for whatever reason, his greatest skill was getting separation of any kind (towards the QB, to the sideline or behind). He just has an incredible feel for getting space pre catch. Which makes him really effective at breaking that first tackle.

Cooks will operate in the 30+ range with regularity. I mean the speed on this kid is otherwordly.

I compare him most to Antonio Brown. He's alike in many ways, although a step down of course. It's AB and Julio as my 1 and 1a in the League right now.

 

[JSM1970]

Luck 3-3 in playoff games, 9 TDs, 12 INTs, PR of 70.3

He's a huge compiler and very unlikeable

As a Jets fan would absolutely take him but he needs to win something at some point and now he maybe injury-prone

When Tyrod Taylor and Osweiler are in the $15-18m range, it is very hard to argue against Luck at $25m.

 

[intlzncster]

Luck 3-3 in playoff games, 9 TDs, 12 INTs, PR of 70.3

He's a huge compiler and very unlikeable

As a Jets fan would absolutely take him but he needs to win something at some point and now he maybe injury-prone

Unlikeable? I mean, I get he's not some polished spokesperson, but he seems more like a goofy everyman than anything. I mean, he's not the universally loved type, but it's kinda hard to hate a guy like that.