ESPN's impact rookies '08 - New England Patriots Forums

slash83 · 05-23-2008, 08:41 PM

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insid...emy&id=3409468

Quote:

2. New England ILB Jerod Mayo
Though some people felt this move was a reach based on Mayo's overall pre-draft ranking, he has the potential to be a steal. Over the long haul, Mayo will be a better pro player than Keith Rivers, who was selected ahead of him. Bill Belichick's defensive scheme can be tough for a rookie to learn, but Mayo is smart and should be able to handle it. The Patriots also like versatility on defense, and Mayo played OLB at Tennessee before moving into the middle. Look for him to be the weak ILB in the Pats' scheme. This allows him to be protected a little more and use his speed and athletic ability to play sideline to sideline. Mayo could also see some time at OLB in the Patriots' nickel package on passing downs. Mayo is going to be an every-down player who can run, chase and make plays in coverage. If the pattern holds true and no rookie hits the 100-tackle mark, you are looking at your defensive rookie of the year.

McFadden was number 1.

Gholston wasnt included in the top 10.

DefenseRules · 05-23-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slash83

Gholston wasnt included in the top 10.

That is VERY SURPRISING.

***IcyPatriot*** · 05-23-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slash83

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insid...emy&id=3409468

McFadden was number 1.

Gholston wasnt included in the top 10.

They are saving him for the top-10 BUSTS ...

spacecrime · 05-23-2008, 11:47 PM

ESPN are morons.

***BelichickFan*** · 05-24-2008, 12:06 AM

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Originally Posted by nittanylions52

For those who don't have insider, what's the overall list?

It's actually a reasonable list when you factor opportunity in. Leaving out the writeups :

1. Oakland RB Darren McFadden
2. New England ILB Jerod Mayo
3. Detroit RB Kevin Smith
4. New Orleans DT Sedrick Ellis
5. Kansas City DT Glenn Dorsey
6. Chicago RB Matt Forte
7. St. Louis DE Chris Long
8. Miami OT Jake Long
9. Cincinnati ILB Keith Rivers
10. Buffalo WR James Hardy

jcdavey · 05-24-2008, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slash83

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insid...emy&id=3409468

McFadden was number 1.

Gholston wasnt included in the top 10.

if the jets had drafted mayo and the pats gholston, espn would have had gholston at #2 and no mayo in the top 10

they're picking team + opportunity/situation

Pats726 · 05-24-2008, 04:21 AM

I agree...VERY surprising Gholston is not there...

***DarrylS*** · 05-24-2008, 04:41 AM

Right now I have a love hate relationship with ESPN, hope it evolves into an abusive one..

VJCPatriot · 05-25-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nittanylions52

Thanks for posting the list.

To be honest, I'm a little surprised by the top two. McFadden may be a star, but Fargas proved himself to be a very good starter last year, and they've got a crowded backfield. Mayo, meanwhile, is supposed to be a good long-term choice. Will be really be that much of an impact in Belichick's complicated system where he might not start? I actually don't know what Belichick has planned for Mayo, that's just what I see so far.

The rest of them, I definitely agree with.

LOL at Fargas. That's like saying gee we have Antowain Smith here, there's no way LT is going to get enough carries to dominate... WRONG! McFadden is the most talented skill position player at the draft. The only thing that could derail him from an explosive season is a terrible OL. But I expect him to easily get over 1,000 yards his rookie season.

Mayo is a questionmark as a rookie sure. How many times have we seen a rookie LB come in and start for the Pats... oh yeah never. This would be the first time. But if he's got the talent and brains, Mayo will make a huge impact on the defense. The Pats haven't had this much speed in the middle of their D for a long time now.

stinkypete · 05-25-2008, 06:46 PM

Sorta off topic, but I love how quickly pre-draft rankings get thrown out the windor. Kevin Smith and Matt Forte get picked by crappy teams with no running game, and they suddenly are impact rookies with TV experts pretecting big things.