Patriots Day: Dillon to Pats for second-rounder

[Tigers#1]

Patriots Day: Dillon to Pats for second-rounder

Corey Dillon
4-19-04, 4:15 p.m.
BY GEOFF HOBSON
Marvin Lewis and Corey Dillon had their wishes granted Monday when the Bengals traded their disenchanted running back to the Super Bowl champion Patriots for a second-round draft pick.

Lewis not only received the club’s fifth choice out of the 96 on the first day of Saturday’s NFL Draft in exchange for Dillon, but he also rid himself of a player that never endeared himself to the Bengals’ new regime and never missed a chance to lobby himself out of town.

The Bengals’ bid to mold Cincinnati into a younger roster more committed to Lewis’ program has now netted the Bengals two trades in 10 days, 10 choices on draft weekend, and seven picks in the first 117 choices that take them into the middle of the fourth round.

For his part, Dillon, 29, the Bengals’ all-time rushing leader as one of 28 men to gain more than 8,000 yards, gets a chance at his oft-stated goal of playing in a Super Bowl with a team that has won two of the last three titles.

Circle Dec. 12, 2004. The Bengals and Dillon line up at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., as Cincinnati prepares to play one of its greatest players.

But circle this one first. Dillon returns to Paul Brown Stadium Aug. 21 for the Bengals-Pats pre-season game.

[duckboy]

I don't get this trade. Dillon is a cancer in the clubhouse.

[cxlx]

I dont know...I kinda like it. These are the reasons why.

1. I dont blame him for being selfish. He played hard for the first 6 years for a team that did nothing. Why should he be the only hard worker?? He only became disgruntle when he got sick of losing.

2. Hes a stud running back that the Pats had not have in awhile. Hes one of 5 players, EVER, to rush over 1000 yards in his first six years.

3. He will fit the system well, cuz he can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Belichik will not take someone just to take someone...theres a reason why he traded for him. Maybe this will be a maneuver to trade up in the draft? I dont know. We'll just have to see.

[duckboy]

He's from Seattle. I've heard a lot of the crap he pulled here.

He's a former drug dealer, who wen't to UW for one year (he never attended a single class while he was here). Personally I think he's a spoiled brat masquerading as a RB.

I'll agree with you on the Bengals though. I certainly think they are one of the worst run franchises in football (at least until Marvin Lewis came on board).

[BostonRS14]

I like it. I now lets the Pats not worry about the fighting over Stephen Jackson and the Lions, Broncos, and Eagles, who are all interested in him. The Pats can now hopefully maybe package the other second with a fifth and the 31st pick and move up to the early teens and grab one of the LB's from Miami if they are still there or a top CB to replace Law.

This settles their board a lot with all the questions. I've seen draft projections from ESPN, CNNSI, and everyone having them going through every RB possible and now that Clarrett and Williams are ruled ineligible (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft04/news/story?id=1785560) it makes even better sense.

[Durango53]

Wow big news today on the NFL front. I cant believe any of it. Hey I love the trade for the Pats. They are getting a number one guy that can flat out run. Dillion is one of the best RB;s in the game. And also with that the Pats have one of the best clubhouses in the NFL so that will help Dillion. Also I dont see the Pats putting up with any of his crap. If he gets out of line there is a head coach that doesnt deal with any crap (See Law) and a group of guys that will say hey he can do what he wants but he better be here to play and play all out or I see him getting punished in practice.

[Tigers#1]

A lot of times, players are only distruptions because of their settings. Look at Rasheed Wallace. He was in a terrible situation in Portland, and look how he acted. Then he comes to Detroit with a very highly respected group of individuals, and he hasn't made a scene yet.

One thing i know for certain, Dillon is one Hell of a great runningback, and the Patriots haven't had an above average runningback since Curtis Martin.

[cxlx]

One thing i know for certain, Dillon is one Hell of a great runningback, and the Patriots haven't had an above average runningback since Curtis Martin.

Well, we did have Robert Edwards, who had over 1100 yards his rookie year and had high hopes. Til he blew his knee playing charity football on sand. :angry:

[BostonRS14]

I hope they make a splash at the draft and don't just keep piling up picks, they need a couple of marque young picks for the middle of the defense and a wide reciever who is allowed on roller coasters would be nice for Brady or a TE to be the safety blanket Ben Coates was for Bledsoe

[PissedPrincess]

Hey, he restructured his contract. The Pats are paying 1.5 mill for him. A bargain. Now, we can trade Law for next year picks, and grab some D in this draft.

:smokin:

I like it!

[duckboy]

I hope you guys are right. I like the Pats. I do have this feeling by the end of next season you will be ready to run this guy out of town.

[PissedPrincess]

It's possible Duck, but like I said for 1.5 mill, it's worth the risk. If he's an ass, Belichick will cut him. If he produces, it's a bonus.

I'm sure Pioli went over this guy's life with a fine-tooth comb before pulling the trigger.

[Hobosox]

you heard it right here: Dillon will turn the Patriots, and most importantly HIMSELF, around next season

im on the Corey Train, next stop: SB XXXIX

[PissedPrincess]

I tend to agree he'll perform, after all, he's playing for his next contract. Belichick has a knack for picking up guys who need to bust ass for new contracts.

:fro:

[Durango53]

Dillion is already saying the right things too.

"There really is no pressure on me because the team was basically set and they were winning Super Bowls without me," Dillon said.

[cxlx]

Can you imagine the Pats with a running game??? :drool:

[I Are Baboon]

:wazup:

[PissedPrincess]

:laff: As usual, I was wrong. This dude has been a consumate gentleman, and oh yeah, has already rushed for over 1,000 yards.

With all the injuries to our WR corps, this dude has kept us alive.

Who knew? :notme:

[Durango53]

Has been a great fit for the Pats!!!!

I thought that the club house the Pats have would be a great fit for him....

[cxlx]

Dude is amazing. I love this guy. Best second round pick, for the Pats, ever. :thumbsup:

[I Are Baboon]

Best second round pick, for the Pats, ever. :thumbsup:

Yeah, no kidding!! :laff:

He is going to obliterate the Pats' single season rushing record. (1487, Curtis Martin, 1995). I think Dillion will have 1700+.

[PissedPrincess]

I liken to having Dillon is like having the OC. We didn't know how bad Antwoin Smith was till we got Dillon, we didn't realize how bad Nomah was till we got OC.