PonyExpress

FWIW...

After interrogating some Vol fans, here are my impressions...

Many Vol fans felt, before the draft, that Mayo was the best Lb to ever play at Tennessee. Others believe it was Wilson, but feel Wilson was surrounded by better talent and a better D-line on the way to the National Title in 98, and that Mayo is a more gifted athlete. Also Mayo has already established himself as an elite player as a junior, whereas the season that made Wilson a legend came as a senior with an additional year of experiece... who knows what Mayo could have accomplished, barring injury as a senior. Wilson was also believed by some to have been an even better leader [understandable on a national title team], though Mayo is no slouch in that regard.

Vol fans believe Mayo was the best LB in the SEC in 2007. He started off slowly adjusting to his new position through 5 weeks. Over the last half of the season he became a total monster.

Tennessee did not have a strong D-line, which hurt Mayo's production a bit.

He is a sure tackler, an explosive hitter, possesses great instincts, is always around the ball. His coverage ability is very good. He is a leader and beloved by the fan base.

There is some dispute about whether Mayo actually called the defensive plays prior to his final bowl game.

Negatives about Mayo: the feeling is common that he is better suited to 4-3 WOLB than ILB in the 3-4, but that he could do both well. The preference for the 4-3 is due to his athleticism and perceived size deficiencies. Many Vol fans seem under the impression that Mayo was playing at around 230. Mayo contradicted this on WEEI, stating he was 245 lbs prior to his junior season. His listed weight was 230. Who really knows? He looks rangy enough to gain weight, if needed.

Durability may be another concern, but the same can be said about any player.

Mayo struggled fighting off blocks until about 5 games left in his junior season, when he improved dramatically.

That was it as far as negatives. Leadership, athleticism, instincts, smarts: impeccable.

The general expectation is that Mayo will at worst be a very productive LB and team leader, and possibly a superstar within a couple years.

363839

I had just talked to a guy who was visiting the shop. He will be our op manager in our Tennessee facility. Big SEC fan, this guy.
He told me that we were going to love this kid.

fgssand

Just listening to this kid from his early interviews show he seems to have been meant to be a Patriot.

I really think he was their #1 LB all along.

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LOVE New England sports....10 years SEVEN championships!!!

BelichickFan

He just sounded so mature it was scary. Same for Wheatley. Whereas Meriweather (who I like a lot) sounded more like what he was, a kid just getting out of college. I have a feeling the maturity thing played more of a role this year, last year we were better through FA and didn't really need much from the draft picks; immediately anyway. This year we were a net loser (quality not quantity, not as much as some thing but losing Samuel does hurt) in FA so getting an immediate contribution from the draft was more necessary.

BradyManny

I agree about both Mayo and Wheatley. They both have seemed really mature and intelligent whenever speaking. Their intelligence is obviously going to be a huge asset on this team.

rookBoston

I am in no doubt about Mayo at all. The proof to me is that BB was prepared to pull the trigger on him, with confidence, at #10 overall in the draft.

BB does not draft BPA, he drafts need players at the spot in the draft that fits how productive they project on the team. Every year, it seems, he is criticized for reaching for players-- Mankins, Watson, Warren, Seymour, etc-- but somehow his picks almost always work out for the best.

The fact that he was worthy of #10 means that BB/SP projects him to be a player of Richard Seymour's caliber-- better than Graham, better than Warren. Good enough for me.


I remember, very clearly, calls from this board, desperate to draft another CB after Ty Law flew the coop, because Wilson was established at FS and Samuel would never be anything more than a nickel back for us. Now that he's gone, Samuel is the hero we always wanted. For his part, Blue Gay never got any real attention from the media until after he left the team. Now he's listed as an offseason loss.

Wheatley and Wilhite in the 2nd and 4th rounds are from the same hands that gave us Wilson and Samuel in the 2nd and 4th rounds-- a rookie starter and a pro-bowler. I really have faith in the ability of the front office to identify talent that fits the scheme. They've proven the ability to plan ahead.

__________________
"We want to build a big, strong, tough, smart, fast, disciplined football team that will consistently compete for a championship."
-- Scott Pioli, from the Patriots scouting manual

patchick

...and no position better than CB, where all those "itty bitty dwarfs" they draft keep looking awfully good on the field.

BradyToMoss

Patrick Willis 2 is here, I'm very grateful..............