NE UDFA aka Annual Adam Vinatieri Award Thread

vadertime

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Won't it be more difficult than normal this year to get UDFA to sign? Don't teams typically entice them by giving signing bonuses? And given the Pats' cap situation they won't be in position to really offer anything worthwhile.
 

mcpickl

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Jul 23, 2007
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Aren't the UDFA signing bonuses miniscule compared to the cap space numbers?
Yes.

Teams are only allowed to spend around 100K total in bonuses on their UDFA signings. They can also guarantee portions of their minimum salaries, but those are offset if they don't make the team and are offered a practice squad spot.
 

Cellar-Door

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Some of the sought after ones get six figure offers on bonuses.
You mean in guarantees, bonuses are small. For example last year the Patriots gave Beck $115k in guarantees and it was one of the higher numbers around the league, but only $15k was bonus the rest was a partial guarantee on the salary ( a bit under 500K total). any UDFA isn't going to have any cap impact because they won't make enough to get into the top 51 that count towards the cap (currently 51 for the Patriots is Korey Cunningham making $750k
 

Steve Dillard

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Cellar-Door

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BaseballJones

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I really wonder where they're going to get their third QB. Gotta be some vet right? But vets aren't usually that cheap.
 

Cellar-Door

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I really wonder where they're going to get their third QB. Gotta be some vet right? But vets aren't usually that cheap.
Bortles signed for $1M last year, he could be an option. Also, if they eventually trade Thuney it could open up cap space
 
Apr 24, 2019
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SMU_Sox

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I missed this thread... I posted the Hastings thing in the day 3 thread. Sorry about that.

30433


Here it is in THIS thread. Hastings has no ST experience.

Isaiah Zuber is a kick and punt returner.
 

SMU_Sox

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Apparently they are signing JJ Taylor. He has return ability. He could stick as a receiving back too.

30435

He is tiny but tons of fun.
 

Ale Xander

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I don't care that Hastings is short.
So were Troy Brown, Welker and Edelman

Anyone remember what their verticals and longs were?
 

Cellar-Door

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I don't care that Hastings is short.
So were Troy Brown, Welker and Edelman

Anyone remember what their verticals and longs were?
Edelman had the same 40, better SS, bit worse 3 cone, better vert, significantly better broad, better bench and was 20 pounds heavier
Welker worse 40, sameish SS, worse 3 cone, worse vert, worse broad, didn't bench and was 20 pounds heavier at 1.5 inches shorter
Brown was too long ago, so I can't find his data (though also it was so long ago it's probably not a fair comp anyway given the changes leaguewide
 

SMU_Sox

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Taylor is interesting. He has some limits when it comes to pass protection because of his size. He is good identifying blitzers or stunts but if it's between him and a 300 pounder crashing downhill he is going to be a speed-bump at best. His ball security needs improvement - he carries it too loosely. Like CEH he doesn't have a great catch radius but is good for YAC with his elusiveness. He is a guy with good stop-start acceleration but isn't a burner. I think with his size profile and being a slippery RB that start-stop is a great trait for him.

If they cut Burkhead I could see JJ sticking around. I will be rooting for him. I liked his tape but gave him a a 4.99 which is the highest PFA you can give. If he can prove that his size isn't a detriment or they think he can cut it he could have a nice role for himself as a rotational back, punt returner, and gadget player.

I've seen some arguments that he needs to be in a zone heavy system and others where he needs to be in gap power to maximize his skillset. Personally I don't think he is going to be getting a lot of carries and could handle either role.
 
Apr 24, 2019
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Having just become an expert on Sean Riley - I watched one highlight reel on YouTube and googled him to get height and weight, so... - let me be the first to say if he makes this team he will become an instant fan favorite. Holy crap is he fast, quick and gutsy. Unfortunately, he is 5’8”, 178, so it’s tough to envision him making the team, right? Talent-wise, he’s sick. Slot WR, punt returner, and fearless on the field. Like a little water bug out there. Amazing.