Pat Kirwan's first mock - New England Patriots Forums

jeffbiologist · 03-15-2011, 10:47 AM

NFL.com news: Defense rules early in a look at the first two rounds

If the draft fell like this I think most of us would be hoping we choose Quinn instead of Costanzo and trade 33. Can anyone elaborate on the brain tumor mentioned??

***patchick*** · 03-15-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffbiologist

If the draft fell like this I think most of us would be hoping we choose Quinn instead of Costanzo

This makes me wonder about the board consensus...hands up everybody, if you had a choice between Robert Quinn and Aldon Smith, who would you pick?

Urgent · 03-15-2011, 10:59 AM

Definitely Quinn over Aldon Smith.
I would go Quinn/Kerrigan, and Justin Houston is a toss-up vs. Smith - much more productive. Houston had double the sacks, is notably faster & stronger, and played 3-4 OLB. Smith is 1.5" taller.

***sbpatfan*** · 03-15-2011, 11:12 AM

They both seem like your typical boom or bust.. so I guess with that in consideration I'd go with the bigger boom: Quinn.

jeffbiologist · 03-15-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

This makes me wonder about the board consensus...hands up everybody, if you had a choice between Robert Quinn and Aldon Smith, who would you pick?

My order would have to be Quinn, Smith, Kerrigan. Whats this about Quinn's brain tumor though? Am I missing something?

dryheat44 · 03-15-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffbiologist

My order would have to be Quinn, Smith, Kerrigan. Whats this about Quinn's brain tumor though? Am I missing something?

Ummm.....he has a brain tumor. You pretty much nailed your own question.

***patchick*** · 03-15-2011, 11:56 AM

Personally, I'd take Smith over Quinn. They're both super raw and super risky, but IMO Smith shows better instincts and awareness, which makes him project better to OLB. I was also turned off by the fact that Quinn seemed to approach the Combine with a "DE or bust" mentality.

dryheat44 · 03-15-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

Personally, I'd take Smith over Quinn. They're both super raw and super risky, but IMO Smith shows better instincts and awareness, which makes him project better to OLB. I was also turned off by the fact that Quinn seemed to approach the Combine with a "DE or bust" mentality.

I don't see Quinn as raw, but that's not a point in his favor. I think of Smith as a lump of clay to mold. I see Quinn as a student who has to unlearn some bad habits and get an attitude transplant. I'll be honest -- Quinn's not on my draft board. Between getting kicked off UNC for knowlingly violating rules, not bothering to train for the combine, not playing football for a year, being a positional projection, and having a potentially serious medical issue, there's not a lot for me to like -- 2009 highlight film be damned. I can't think of a red flag that he doen't hit.

TheBaronPatriot · 03-15-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryheat44

I don't see Quinn as raw, but that's not a point in his favor. I think of Smith as a lump of clay to mold. I see Quinn as a student who has to unlearn some bad habits and get an attitude transplant. I'll be honest -- Quinn's not on my draft board. Between getting kicked off UNC for knowlingly violating rules, not bothering to train for the combine, not playing football for a year, being a positional projection, and having a potentially serious medical issue, there's not a lot for me to like -- 2009 highlight film be damned. I can't think of a red flag that he doen't hit.

Can you shed some light on his lack of training for the combine?
There were indications he was out of shape?

Metaphors · 03-15-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

Personally, I'd take Smith over Quinn. They're both super raw and super risky, but IMO Smith shows better instincts and awareness, which makes him project better to OLB. I was also turned off by the fact that Quinn seemed to approach the Combine with a "DE or bust" mentality.

I really like Smith but the main question for me is about the role you are looking for. If you are looking for a beast pass rusher, someone who can hold up (not dominate) on the edge and drop into shallow zones (screens and quick slants), then Quinn is your guy. I'll agree with your assessment of Smith but he doesn't have the rush moves, explosion and violent hands that Quinn has.

As for the brain tumor, it was a benign growth that caused him to have headaches/blackouts in high school. It was surgically reduced in size to relieve the pressure and is monitored twice a year. I don't recall it ever being mentioned as an issue at UNC. So while it needs to be checked out, I don't know of anyone who thinks it is a concern as a pro.