AzPatsFan

For years the Pat's Defense was based on size and smarts. But it was criticized for Team Speed on Defense. How much has that changed?

Below is the list of nominal starters on Defense, before the Draft. Rate them as -, =, or + for below average, average and above average NFL speed. Here is my list of nominal starters, and at some positions rotation starters who share a position, my estimate of their NFL speed:

RDE Seymour + Green +
NT Wilfork =- Wright +
LDE Warren =-
ROLB Thomas ++
WILB Mayo ++
SILB Guyton ++ Bruschi - -
SOLB Woods =+
RCB Hobbs = Bodden =
FS Meriweather + Springs +
SS Sanders = Harrison --
LCB Springs - Wheatley =
Nickle Wheatley =

I end up with 5 starters, at above average, 2; to well above average, 3; when compared to their NFL contemporaries. And 4 starters with average speed. And 4 rotation starters with below average speed.

The Patriots lean toward powerful and big Defensive linemen, so I am sure that there are faster, smaller Defensive lines elsewhere. I am not sure there are better ones though.

Off of my analysis they are no longer a slow Defense, nor a particularly fast one either. But slightly above average in both size and speed. Although the change in team speed at LB is striking.

Rate the Defense yourself, and compare.

MrBigglesWorth

if hobbs is average speedwise why is he returning kicks? he's actually pretty fast with hi end speed

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

crowell33

Looks good except Wilhite and Wheatley. Both super burners. Wheatley ran a 4.37 at combine, Wilhite a 4.38. Both ++ speed.

eom

because of his smarts.

MrBigglesWorth

well i'm sure that is part of it. if it was just smart i want BB back there or brady

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

crowell33

Hobbs ran a 4.38 at the Combine. I've seen him listed as fast as 4.33 but according to NFLdraftscout his official combine 40 yard was 4.38. I'd say we could probably bump him up from "=" to ++.

MrBigglesWorth

he continues to get very little love on this board. i'd take him. he's a gamer

__________________
"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

eom

why do I feel like al davis has taken over this board?

crowell33

According to NewOrleansProFootball.com Hobbs ran a 4.36 and a 4.39 at his Pro Day. Blackandgold.com lists Hobbs Pro Day 40 yard at 4.37.

crowell33

Good call. Wheatly, Wilhite, and Hobbs are 3 extremely fast corners. However, Springs and Bodden could be the best two.