Pats select ILB Jerod Mayo with 10th overall pick - New England Patriots Forums

NE_PATS_FAN_54 · 04-26-2008, 03:13 PM

with the 10th overall selection, the patriots select LB JEROD MAYO from tennessee

Quote:

Strengths:
Very athletic...Has excellent timed speed and quickness..Physical and plays bigger than he is...Has terrific range and does a great job in pursuit...Reliable tackler and will deliver the big hit...Smart with good awareness and instincts...Has a non-stop motor...Fluid & smooth in coverage...Versatile...Productive..Nice program pedigree.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and doesn't have either the ideal height or bulk that you look for..Has trouble taking on and shedding blockers...Needs to be protected up front...Just a marginal blitzer...Durability may be an issue...Probably not a good fit for everyone.

Notes:
The next in a long line of top Volunteer linebackers...Can project inside or outside depending on the defensive scheme and has experience at both...Best fit may be as a middle 'backer in a Cover 2 or on the weakside..Not a traditional thumper but he will prove awfully attractive to teams that are willing to sacrifice some size for speed...He will draw comparisons to Al Wilson and those are reasonably accurate.

***SoCal Bong*** · 04-26-2008, 03:14 PM

who says we never draft linebackers?

***pats1*** · 04-26-2008, 03:15 PM

Interesting, interesting...

NE_PATS_FAN_54 · 04-26-2008, 03:20 PM

i wonder who the patriots had ranked higher, rivers or mayo?

Ceresco · 04-26-2008, 03:22 PM

Great pick, he still needs to learn a lot but he'll be able to sit back and take notes from the veterens this season. Eventually he'll be a stud.

patriotsdynasty12189 · 04-26-2008, 03:22 PM

Woooo!!!!!! I love it. Everyone booed us, I LOVE US VS THE WORLD!!! I <3 IT!!!! *knock on wood*

SeanBruschi54 · 04-26-2008, 03:23 PM

Omg Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VJCPatriot · 04-26-2008, 03:23 PM

The only concerns I have about him is the size and inability to shed blocks... He needs to put on about 10 lbs. And he probably needs to be coached up on his hand technique so he doesn't get stuck in the yard trash before he gets to the ballcarrier. I do like the idea of having an ILB that has some range and speed. Could be a young version of Al Wilson? I'd take that.

Patriot_in_NY · 04-26-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NE_PATS_FAN_54

i wonder who the patriots had ranked higher, rivers or mayo?

I have to think they knew one or the other would already be gone. That tells me they value them pretty equally.

primetime · 04-26-2008, 03:25 PM

War Room analysis:

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Against the inside run: Shows great instincts and quick footwork. Fills holes fast and aggressively, and is willing to take on lead blockers to either clog holes or drive through blockers to make tackles. Stays active; shows the agility and quickness to move well in tight quarters. Shows a good burst to ballcarriers. Grade: 8.0

Against the outside run: Is better than expected at chasing down plays outside the tackles. Lacks elite speed to catch fast ballcarriers before they turn the corner, but plays faster than timed speed would suggest. Easily avoids blockers in the open field. Grade: 7.0

Blitz/coverage: Isn't an explosive blitzer, but gets moving quickly and fights until the pass is made. Is quick and smooth dropping into coverage. Reads quarterbacks well, and shows a quick closing burst to break up passes. Works well to pick up tight ends man-to-man. Shows the athleticism and speed to stay with tight ends all over the field. Grade: 7.0

Run/pass recognition: Is smart and instinctive; consistently reads and reacts to plays quickly. Doesn't get fooled by play-action fakes and misdirection plays. Consistently gets outside before blockers can get to him on screen passes. Stays under control and tackles well in the open field. Grade: 7.5

Pursuit/tackling: Consistently finishes plays with hard, physical tackles. Is productive in backside pursuit. Get started toward the ball quickly. Reaches full speed in a hurry, and easily moves through traffic to chase down plays. In the open field, maintains good balance and plays under control to wrap up ballcarriers. Grade: 7.0

Bottom line: Mayo, a junior, could have improved his draft stock a bit if he had returned to school but made a solid choice to enter the '08 draft. He isn't the huge thumper some NFL coaches prefer at middle/inside linebacker, but he packs great strength for his size. Mayo should be productive in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Additionally, he will be a great special teams coverage man until he develops into a defensive starter.

Height: 6-1 Weight: 237
40-yard dash: 4.56 10-yard dash: 1.52
20-yard shuttle: 4.29 60-yard shuttle: 11.88
Broad jump: 9-5 225-lb. bench: 22
3-cone drill: 7.32 Vertical jump: 40
Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.57