Reiss: Pats should consider 4-3 edge rushers in draft - New England Patriots Forums

***jmt57*** · 01-31-2011, 08:42 PM

Why the New England Patriots should think outside their system when making draft decisions - espnBoston - Mike Reiss

Interesting column by Reiss. He notes that the Pats were in their base 3-4 alignment for just 40% of their snaps last season, and were in a sub package with five or more defensive backs 57% of the time. He says that formation is what "sunk them", based on their ranking last in the NFL on 3rd down. From there he says the Pats should get away from only scouting players that would appear to be fits for a 3-4 and look at 4-3 prototypes as well.

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The Patriots are a system-specific team, which means they scout players independently based on how they might fit into their unique-to-them 3-4 system. Because of that, they sometimes take themselves out of the running for some of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, defenders who might fit only in 4-3 schemes.

Based on 2010, a strong case could be made that it's time to change that line of thinking.

Because of the struggles in the sub package, a 4-3 edge rusher is exactly what the Patriots need -- a havoc-creator that opposing teams must account for at all times, a play-with-your-hair-on-fire rusher who brings an attitude to a defense.

Reiss also says that although the Pats have done well looking for three- and four-down players, they would be well served to consider two-down players in this upcoming draft.

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Still, one important aspect of scouting is being flexible within a system, and the growing number of snaps in the sub defense could signal the need for the Patriots to alter their mindset.

In the search for three- and four-down players with their top picks, the Patriots have selected safety Brandon Meriweather, linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Patrick Chung and cornerback Devin McCourty in each of the past four years.

Looking ahead, a two-down player wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if that player is a pass-rusher.

At the least, he'd fill 57 percent of the snaps in sub packages, addressing the team's biggest need.

***Sciz*** · 01-31-2011, 08:55 PM

Run defense in subpackages wasn't great this season, and adding a "hair on fire" type of player wouldn't help with that. I'd rather see a McGinest type, a player who plays the run well and rushes the passer well, but is kinda iffy in coverage. Heck, I think a Jarvis Green type is a better fit than a Matthews or Woodley type.

Mogamedogz · 01-31-2011, 09:01 PM

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Originally Posted by Sciz

Heck, I think a Jarvis Green type is a better fit than a Matthews or Woodley type.

You can't be serious.

***Sciz*** · 01-31-2011, 09:07 PM

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Originally Posted by Mogamedogz

You can't be serious.

Not comparing talent level, just style of play. I'd rather have a big pass-rusher who is not a liability against the run compared to a "hair on fire" type who leaves the draw lanes wide open.

Froob · 01-31-2011, 09:31 PM

He's gonna have to cut down on his size requirements too, missed too many good players like woodley because they were too small. Crable was the perfect size

. Interested to see if Cunningham makes a big jump next season like Patrick Chung did.

***Sciz*** · 01-31-2011, 09:36 PM

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Originally Posted by Froob

He's gonna have to cut down on his size requirements too, missed too many good players like woodley because they were too small. Crable was the perfect size

. Interested to see if Cunningham makes a big jump next season like Patrick Chung did.

If Cunningham improves his tackling, that's an extra 7 sacks or so right there.

seven · 01-31-2011, 09:42 PM

I do not have enough data to say which player,
therefore to know which formation is best.
How much time is required to really feel like one
knows the draft? I watch maybe a dozen college games/year.
So clueless, on that.
But i am 100% down with more mayhem, please.
However they wish to bring it.

One monster on this year's squad, and I think
they would be definitively punching the Cheezit's
ticket next week,
you know?
Great, and frustrating year.
looking forward to the draft, seeing what moves they make.
Like a Christmas, with lots of extra cash.

Froob · 01-31-2011, 09:48 PM

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Originally Posted by Sciz

If Cunningham improves his tackling, that's an extra 7 sacks or so right there.

Yea, wasn't his only sack of the year a fumble? If he bulks up a bit or something he's going to be a beast.

***Sciz*** · 01-31-2011, 09:55 PM

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Originally Posted by Froob

Yea, wasn't his only sack of the year a fumble? If he bulks up a bit or something he's going to be a beast.

Yeah, he never actually tackled the QB behind the LoS

It's okay, though. I don't mind that he was a half-second late on Manning's game-ending pick, and I can't blame him for not tackling Sanchez when he was being swung around by his facemask.

Snake Eyes · 01-31-2011, 10:21 PM

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Originally Posted by Sciz

Yeah, he never actually tackled the QB behind the LoS

It's okay, though. I don't mind that he was a half-second late on Manning's game-ending pick, and I can't blame him for not tackling Sanchez when he was being swung around by his facemask.

If Sanchez has his hand on Cunningham's facemask then he simply needs to grab Sanchez's wrist and fall to the ground, Sanchez will go with him.