I like the Kneeland pick, but I think the Jones thinking is pretty simplistic: They see him as DLaw's cheap replacement. They're very into replacing expensive vets with inexpensive rookie replicas, obviously.
FWIW, Darius Robinson was one of the few players I saw Belichick really gush about. I bet he's a pretty good player, though maybe not as spectacular as some.
Bill gushing about a prospect tells me the opposite. He was a terrible drafter.
That's not fair though, I think Robinson is a nice piece to have on a Dline. I just don't think he will ever be anything special either. I always feel the need for a guy to at least have the potential to be special in the first. Robinson to me was a second round prospect.
Sort of like Kneeland to me. Except I think Kneeland has more upside because he is more athletic. But like I said, he isn't as refined of a pass rusher as Robinson. The potential is there but right now, he is a really good stout DE who can chase plays down.
Anyway, we do need a replacement for Lawrence. Money may play a part but Lawrence is getting old and beat up. The guy isn't going to play forever. So yeah, the draft is about drafting future replacements. It sort of helps get ahead of the curve so that you're not reaching for need a year from now and taking a Taco Charlton.
