The thing to remember here is that the average 6th/7th round pick is probably lucky if he makes it to the practice squad. For most, the realistic upside is "maybe he can play some ST" (and yes, rarely Edelman or Brady happens)
I'm not saying it was a bad trade. It just bothers me that some posters here (not calling out anyone specific) seem to think that Belichick can just sprinkle magic football dust on underachieving players and make them great.
That's fair. But it might also be stated as "if Belichick (& Co.) spot something in a borderline player, they aren't afraid to give up some very slight value and bring that guy in to see if what they spotted can be harvested." For such a minimal cost, maybe they see a specific weakness he can fill, and a broad, if slight upgrade, he can offer. If he's good dropping deep in a zone on a passing down, does that project to have value later this season, while until then he's likely a slight upgrade versus another guy on ST? That's worth the cost, I'd say.
Is anyone actually saying that though? I don't see anyone saying that this guy is going to be a stud - just a whole lot of "the low risk is probably worth it"
Actually looking back I realize it was a quoted tweet not someone's actual opinion. Mea culpa. Folks were definitely high on Mingo though beyond just a special teams contributor.
Right, bottom line with Freeny out they needed some depth at LB - a guy who will be on the game day roster, play on ST, and back up at LB. Low investment for that type of move.
