psychoPat

Agree that his choices and write-ups sound banal.
But what should he do, make stuff up?

I'm paying attention to Curran's words because
i presume that a good jolt of his "NFL scouts and front office people" still work in Foxboro.
Kremlinologists might glean some true Pats-think in there.

Box_O_Rocks

NFLDraftScout.com who has him as their #2 ILB:
[quote]...Steps up to fill quickly on inside runs, but needs to protect his body better, as he doesn't shed well...His lack of ideal bulk and brute strength will see him get pushed back when trying to fill rush lanes between the tackles...[quote]Small linebackers need not apply, this kid would need to add 16 lbs. of muscle to reach the prototype weight for a Pats ILB. He might be able to do that, but he'd be better off going to a 4-3 offense and using his speed and quickness in a system that values small, fast linebackers.

__________________
"Avert thine eyes! You're not hot enough to be looking at me."
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Seneschal2

Did you miss this part:

"Compiled after conversations with NFL scouts and front office personnel and Tony Pauline."

So based on that tidbit of info, exactly how much of these primers come from each of those sources -- we don't really know. I do agree, that after reading hundreds of profiles, much of it is familiar and old news.

My only reason for starting the topic was the hope that Curran's primers would have a Patriots' slant to them, with maybe a clue here or there.

Exactly, and thank you.

__________________
"What we want to try to do is maximize each spot on the roster; we want to be stronger at No. 1 than the opponent, stronger at No. 25 than they are, and stronger at No. 53 than they are, we're always looking to upgrade the talent level on the team, and play together to be functional."
- Bill Belichick -

bruinator

What the hell does Curran know about football!!!!

VJCPatriot

Well the difference in the two is investment vs value. I think a 3rd rounder is a bit high to risk on a guy like Waters coming off injury. Whereas there is virtually no risk to spending one of our many 6th rounders for a 2 down run stuffer like Bishop. I don't necessarily disagree that Waters might be more talented than Bishop... but I don't want to spend a high pick on him either.

__________________

Box_O_Rocks

Okay, let's play Kremlinologist.

Paul Posluszny, Penn State: What Curran wrote - He's going to have to get a little bigger to play on the same side as the tight end in the NFL...Has to improve at shedding and is adequate but not outstanding in coverage...Probably not fast enough to be on the weak side. What he quoted - "He has the ability to anticipate plays before they occur and is always flying around the ball...Has the versatility to be used on the outside or at inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment."
- Analysis: 6'1.5" 238, he lacks 12 lbs to match the Pats LB prototype. So Curran says he needs to 'get bigger' to handle 240-270 lb Tight Ends? Go figure, what does he need to do to handle 300+ lb OL? He has to improve shedding - all college LBs need to improve here. Speed is not as critical for a 3-4 LB. He quotes anticipation - a good thing if you're looking for Tedy's replacement as Field General. Versatility to be a 3-4 LB.
- Summation: Posluszny is a too small Pats prospect as far as size, he'd need time for Woicik to build him up. Expect him to get most of his reps on Special Teams in year one, and maybe get some platoon time in year two.
- Draft value: Expected to go in late first/early second, he's in the Pats' ballpark. Question: Is he that much more valuable then later, larger ILB prospects?

Jon Beason, Miami: What Curran wrote - can sniff out plays in short yardage...on the small side to be an inside linebacker. What he quoted - great range to the sidelines...makes a lot of plays in pursuit...overrated...does more chasing plays than actual forcing the action.
- Analysis: 6' 1/4" 237 at the Combine & 229 at his Pro-day. Curran says he's on the "small side" - Pos needs to get bigger, this kid is going to find it nearly impossible to reach that Pats' prototype 250. The quotes tell it all, "pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength.
- Summation: Extremely bad fit in a 3-4 role.
- Draft value: Pre-draft decoy.

Lawrence Timmons, Florida State: What Curran wrote - plays smoothly and shows excellent anticipation skills...Blows up a lot of plays...Strong with good size...Good in pursuit...has plenty left to learn about the position. What he quoted - Makes plays all over the field and really forces the action. Defeats blocks, beats running backs to the corners and easily covers tight ends down the field. Not completely there just yet.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 234 he would have benefitted from another year in college. His athleticism makes him attractive, his anticipation speaks to Bruschi replacement value. He's a downhill player who does well fending off big boys.
- Summation: "Pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength. Defeating blocks is a 3-4 strength, the question, does a player 16 lbs. lighter than the Pats' prototype LB have the sand to play head-to-head with the big boys inside? How does he defeat blocks? 6'1" Tedy Bruschi does it by sliding off the block and around the blocker to make the play. Taller, longer armed Vrabel does it by handfighting the blocker and keeping him in the hole. Can a player a smidgeon under 6'1" play like Tedy to evade the longer-armed OL in the NFL?
- Draft value: A reasonable late 1st round value, for a 4-3 team.

Stewart Bradley, Nebraska: What Curran writes - Excellent size and power...Can take on blocks as a run-stuffer and is brings a lot of power off the edge as a pass rusher...Decent in coverage for a big guy and a good worker with football smarts...not the smoothest guy...[in] pursuit...versatile defender. What he quotes - ...powerful linebacker who forces the action up the field...Leaves a trail of blockers in his wake...dominant at the point of attack...Plays heads-up football...limitations in coverage or when asked to make plays in reverse.
- Analysis: 6'3 1/2" 254 a classic prototype LB in height and weight. He is also a classic Pats' 3-4 LB defeating blockers head-to-head, strong at the point of attack, blessed with football smarts that translate on the field, and versatile as to position. In his first year coming off of ACL surgery he has limitations in coverage, yet covers pretty well for a big guy - what can he do with another year and good coaching?
- Summation: What more do people want? He comes from a read and react defense with prototype size and a high football IQ.
- Draft value: Do you take an almost perfect fit in late round one? Or wait and hope he's still there at 91?

Justin Durant, Hampton: What Curran writes - Speedy and tremendous in pursuit...can cover well...good and vocal leader who works hard...smaller school...relying on speed...have to become adept at shedding. What Curran quoted - weak-side one-gap linebacker... Explodes up the field in run defense yet also gets depth on pass drops in coverage...needs to play in a system which allows him to freely flow to the action unabated.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 230 he's the same size as Timmerman, yet .15 sec faster in the 40 and quicker, but not as good at taking on blocks. Good in coverage (16 passes defensed in career).
- Summation: Durant sounds just like a SS.
- Draft value: Not a 3-4 linebacker, but has value at SS.

__________________
"Avert thine eyes! You're not hot enough to be looking at me."
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

psychoPat

This is EXACTLY what i envisioned someone
with a lot of interest ... patience ... and specific knowledge doing!
It is such an outstanding illustration of Kremlinology
that i wonder if Box hasn't practised that craft before.

If you care to, kind sir, i would love to see your comparable treatment of Curran's CB and S write-ups.
Fascinating that these are the three positions he covers first!

Box_O_Rocks

Kremlinology part Two: ILB

Patrick Willis, Mississippi: What Curran writes - Everything you want in a player...Extremely productive with good size and good speed...sharpen his cover skills a fair amount. What Curran quotes - who can dominate play in the box...good job diagnosing the action and getting to the spot...Must now learn to make plays moving in reverse.
- Analysis: 6'1 1/8" 242, down to 237 at his Pro-day. Willis at the Combine lacked 8 lbs. of being the Pats prototype LB. He's everything you want, except...coverage. He diagnoses well, but what is diagnostics compared to anticipation (See Posluszny, Timmons) or 'Heads Up' football (See Bradley)? Which is the better quality(ies) for a Field General?
- Summation: Despite the enthusiastic opening, this is an incomplete player with a whole new skill set to learn. Not a bad thing, but it should be a splash of cold water. It also leaves the question of his ability as a Field General unanswered. Anticipation I've already equated to Field General skills. In the service a 'Heads Up' individual saw the danger/hazard/consequences before the action occured and took steps to arrange the best possible outcome before hand. Diagnoses sounds good, but it also seems to be in step with the action, and not ahead of it. The one thing you don't read is his ability to take on blockers, a 3-4 requirement.
- Note: Full disclosure - I've not considered Willis an adequate 3-4 LB for some time, that may be coloring my perceptions now. I like to think I'm compensating for my bias, but you must make up your own mind.
- Draft value: First round, for a 4-3 team.

David Harris, Michigan: What Curran writes - Effective...reads and reacts to the run...Good at taking on blockers and holding the point...Hard-working... stiff...sharpen his ability...productive..could be utilized in a 3-4. What Curran quotes - underrated player...He's a tough, instinctive...improve his pass coverage.
- Analysis: 6'2 1/4" 243 Harris lacks 7 lbs. of being the prototype Pats' LB and being taller than Willis and Timmons may have a larger frame to carry the weight. He also needs to improve in pass coverage, but like the others will improve with good coaching. He takes on blockers well, a 3-4 strength. What we don't read is his ability to be a Field General.
- Summation: He has the basic 3-4 skill requirement, an ability to take on blockers. Coverage skills can be learned. The issue of his Field General skills remains unresolved.
- Draft value: Considered a 2nd round value, Harris is available for the Pats and is an adequate 3-4 ILB.

Brandon Siler, Florida: What Curran writes - blue-collar...understands the position...quick and instinctive...pursuit...He's a junior...robotic...in coverage...Thinks he's really good. What Curran quotes - forceful run-defending...explosive...packs a wallop at the point of attack...rough edges...starting potential.
- Analysis: 6'1 3/4" 241 instinctive, explosive, blue-collar are all great sounding, but Curran makes a point of noting he came out early and "thinks he's really good." Translation, he's a potential problem child.
- Summation: Fuggedaboutit.
- Draft value: nil.

Anthony Waters, Clemson: What Curran writes - Terrific size...Runs well, takes the reins on the defense...uncertainty...has to work on shed techniques...less than ideal technique...suspended after a 2004 brawl...nice fit in a 3-4 system. What Curran quotes - tremendous...sideline-to-sideline...Fast in all directions
- Analysis: 6'2 1/2" 245 he lacks 5 lbs of the Pats' prototype LB. The ideal ILB in terms of size, leadership, and speed, once he learns how to stack and shed properly.
- Summation: A nice fit for the Pats if they can land him.
- Draft value: Curran predicts the third round, some rankings have him in the 7th or undrafted. The Pats may need to bundle 2nd day picks with #91 and if they want him.

Buster Davis, Florida State: What Curran writes - Nasty little...finds the football at all costs...terrific first step...well in coverage...a little short...productive and durable...on the small side...guard against getting overweight...too much of a size risk. What Curran quotes - Were Davis five inches taller...terrific combination of smarts, intensity and playing speed...Size is a major concern...exploit him in coverage.
- Analysis: 5'9 3/8" 239 smurf LB. An excellent player at the college level who may not be as successful against Pro-caliber players.
- Summation: His size argues against seeing him in a 3-4.
- Draft value: Curran feels his value is in the third round, but that presumes he'll be playing in the 4-3 he knows.

__________________
"Avert thine eyes! You're not hot enough to be looking at me."
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

captain stone

Wow. Terrific thread, guys. I love reading this stuff.

__________________
Question Authority.

c_nice_37

Awesome breakdown BOR - this is what I needed to start my morning, along with this cup of coffee.