A "patriots type player" master list for the 2009 draft

[VJCPatriot]

Matt Slater looked awful at times out there. I really hope he can cut down on those bonehead mistakes on ST, as that's the main reason we drafted him, isn't it?

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Just found this forum and was up till 4am last night reading all this great stuff. Great to see so many knowledgeable football fans of the Pats.

Patriot type players (as well as needs for the Pats) I like in the first two rounds are:

James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) - A kid I loved last year but stayed back for his senior year and I hope he will be there at #23. I think this kid is like a young Teddy B. as far as attitude and work ethic to get better every day. The difference is he played LB his whole career in university and will come along quicker then Teddy did. With Bruschi there to help him along his first season is ideal. Pairing this kid next to Mayo for years to come is going to give BB better sleep at night.

Max Unger (OREGON) -- Center (versatile - athleatic) I really like this kid he has started every game since showing up at Oregon. He played LT early in his career then moved to center. He has slipped into the first round of some mock's but I think we can get him in the second very easily. Not as strong as some teams would like but he is very athleatic, great with his hands and is very smart making all the line calls at Oregon.

Nick Haris (USC) - A Rodney Harrison type who I think would fit into that position very well. He is big 6' 3" 225-230lbs hard hitting safety who loves to play the run which that tweener spot Harrison has been doing for a few years. He has experience at corner early in his career in university and led OU in picks with 4 in 2006. In 2007 he lived in the backfield in 2007 with 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks (remind you of anyone) He did not have spectacular stats this year but he was on a team with many play makers and he did his job on the field very well.

Other players who I like and may be day two picks are:

Zack Follett (California) OLB, I like this kid if we could get him in the fourth. 23 TFL, 10.5 sacks, four passes broken up and five forced fumbles in 2008 and is first team All Pac 10. With Mike V. and A. Thomas over 30 I think Follett would be a great pick up if we could get him in the fourth.

Ryan Stanchek (West Virginia) OT, Has all the skills necessary to play at the NFL level. Started 48 consecutive games at WV and is versatile as he played Guard early in his career and served as a backup his last two years. Blocked for Steve Slaton and remember WV vs Sooners last year in the Fiesta Bowl (350 yards rushing against them)

Joe Burnett (Central Florida) CB, Alert. Instinctive. Physical. Willing to come up to support the run. Athletic, good cover man, leaps well and has fluid hips. Despite his 40 time, shows good recovery speed and long speed. Dynamic with the ball in his hands. I might see this kid as a Devin Hester-type threat (though certainly not as fast) returning kicks, punts, and interceptions.

Andrew Quarless (Penn State) TE, This kid is young but athletically he is gifted...but has a bad attitude. I think if BB can get a hold of this kid and turn him around he would be worth a late 6 or 7th round pick.

Well this is my first post but look forward to the future and a Superbowl in 2010

 

[DaBruinz]

Just found this forum and was up till 4am last night reading all this great stuff. Great to see so many knowledgeable football fans of the Pats.

Patriot type players (as well as needs for the Pats) I like in the first two rounds are:

James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) - A kid I loved last year but stayed back for his senior year and I hope he will be there at #23. I think this kid is like a young Teddy B. as far as attitude and work ethic to get better every day. The difference is he played LB his whole career in university and will come along quicker then Teddy did. With Bruschi there to help him along his first season is ideal. Pairing this kid next to Mayo for years to come is going to give BB better sleep at night.

Max Unger (OREGON) -- Center (versatile - athleatic) I really like this kid he has started every game since showing up at Oregon. He played LT early in his career then moved to center. He has slipped into the first round of some mock's but I think we can get him in the second very easily. Not as strong as some teams would like but he is very athleatic, great with his hands and is very smart making all the line calls at Oregon.

Nick Haris (USC) - A Rodney Harrison type who I think would fit into that position very well. He is big 6' 3" 225-230lbs hard hitting safety who loves to play the run which that tweener spot Harrison has been doing for a few years. He has experience at corner early in his career in university and led OU in picks with 4 in 2006. In 2007 he lived in the backfield in 2007 with 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks (remind you of anyone) He did not have spectacular stats this year but he was on a team with many play makers and he did his job on the field very well.

Other players who I like and may be day two picks are:

Zack Follett (California) OLB, I like this kid if we could get him in the fourth. 23 TFL, 10.5 sacks, four passes broken up and five forced fumbles in 2008 and is first team All Pac 10. With Mike V. and A. Thomas over 30 I think Follett would be a great pick up if we could get him in the fourth.

Ryan Stanchek (West Virginia) OT, Has all the skills necessary to play at the NFL level. Started 48 consecutive games at WV and is versatile as he played Guard early in his career and served as a backup his last two years. Blocked for Steve Slaton and remember WV vs Sooners last year in the Fiesta Bowl (350 yards rushing against them)

Joe Burnett (Central Florida) CB, Alert. Instinctive. Physical. Willing to come up to support the run. Athletic, good cover man, leaps well and has fluid hips. Despite his 40 time, shows good recovery speed and long speed. Dynamic with the ball in his hands. I might see this kid as a Devin Hester-type threat (though certainly not as fast) returning kicks, punts, and interceptions.

Andrew Quarless (Penn State) TE, This kid is young but athletically he is gifted...but has a bad attitude. I think if BB can get a hold of this kid and turn him around he would be worth a late 6 or 7th round pick.

Well this is my first post but look forward to the future and a Superbowl in 2010

Welcome to the board and thanks for the input.

Personally, I'm not a fan of Laurenitis or Harris. I like the mention of Burnett. Instead of Hester, NFLDraftscout compares him to Nathan Vasher, he of the 109 yard return of a FG miss. If Burnett could be Vasher like, he'd be a steal, imho.

As for Quarless, he's a junior. If he's got maturity issues, he's better off staying in school than declaring, though, from what I am reading, Joe Pat may wish he did declare.. If he has trouble playing for Joe Pat, how do you really see him doing playing for BB? Do you really think he'll shape up?

 

[Isaac]

Great discussion so far everyone, I love it.

A guy that I have had my eye on and seems like a great fit for the pats is:
WR: Jordan Shipley, Texas

He is a hard working over achiever that I think would be a great fit for the role gaffney has had for the last few years. Has the mindset and work ethic of Welker. Has experience as a kick returner and catches everything thrown his way. He is willing to go over the middle but has the speed to stretch the field. Not huge, only 6'0" tall, but I think would be a great fit here.

The NCAA granted his request for another year of eligibility, so we'll have to wait til 2010 for Shipley.
The Highlander - Breaking News, Classifieds, Local News, Events, and Businesses in Marble Falls, Texas

 

[patchick]

Just found this forum and was up till 4am last night reading all this great stuff. Great to see so many knowledgeable football fans of the Pats.

Just wanted to second the welcome, always glad to have a new draftnik aboard!

 

[tombonneau]

One more guy. How can you not like this name?

Bear Pascoe - TE - Fresno St 6'6" 258. Scout.com says throwback TE. With
P.Hill connection why not. Does the rodeo thing too like
L.Mankins. Given 1st name McKenna. But, goes by Bear.

I've seen my share of Fresno St games living on the West Coast, and Bear Pascoe *always* stands out. What round is he projected to go?

 

[tombonneau]

Anyone have any thoughts as to dynamic return men? Seems like the Pats have really been lacking that in the punt game the last few years (obv. Hobbs is great on KRs, but would be nice to not have to see our starting CB out there ...)

I suppose Percy Harvin is a big name, but are there any other CBs/RBs/WRs that grade out as great return guys as well? I'm thinking like McKelvin last year.

 

[mgteich]

Day One safeties Will Moore and Rashad Johnson are certainly on my board.

 

[DaBruinz]

I've seen my share of Fresno St games living on the West Coast, and Bear Pascoe *always* stands out. What round is he projected to go?

As of right now, without ALL of the underclassmen declarations confirmed, Pascoe is projected as a late 5th early 6th round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. I could see the Pats using a late 4th/Comp pick on Pascoe if they feel he'll bring the blocking and some receiving skills.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I've seen my share of Fresno St games living on the West Coast, and Bear Pascoe *always* stands out. What round is he projected to go?

I'd guess 4 or 5, depending on his speed, at the combine... There is an opening on the club for a third blocking TE, that can actually catch sometimes. Bear fits the MO. A fit.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

To answer the ILB/OLB question for Barwin: I'm having trouble projecting him to ILB at this time. While he did play up on his feet some in games I got to see, it was to allow him to move along the LOS and disrupt the blocking scheme while the offense tried to locate him. He looked like a prototypical Pats 3-4 OLB, fluid in space as a rusher or in coverage on RBs to the flat. He looked reasonably strong on the edge, though like many college players he'll benefit a great deal from a Pro strength and conditioning program. Like Vrabel did, I can see Barwin eventually learning to play inside - and possibly excelling - but for now he's a more natural fit at OLB. Of the OLB candidates carrying early round grades, I see him as a good risk since he could be used as a 3rd TE and he's been a Special Teams standout with several blocked punts to his credit.

To answer Ochmed: As a rookie, I don't see Barwin beating out Woods, but I'm inclined to believe he would be measurably ahead of Woods the rookie at a similar stage of their careers - I think he'll pick-up coverage assignments a little faster than Pierre. As a rookie, I think he would be ahead of Redd in coverage, could overtake him early as a pass rusher, and would need to add strength and improve his technique to match Vince against the run. I believe he could indeed be playing ahead of Redd on Special Teams. Unmentioned was Crable: I think he's already ahead of Shaun setting the edge, ahead of him in coverage, and could match Shaun's rookie pass rush efforts. I don't think Barwin is going to have any coaches dogging his effort (Crable).

The initial Practice Report from the East-West Shrine game indicates Bear Pascoe has been unable to get open working against the All-Star LBs on the West team - none of whom are considered Day One prospects. Brian Mandeville of Northeastern is making a better impression for the East squad.

 

[tombonneau]

As of right now, without ALL of the underclassmen declarations confirmed, Pascoe is projected as a late 5th early 6th round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. I could see the Pats using a late 4th/Comp pick on Pascoe if they feel he'll bring the blocking and some receiving skills.

I think he's def. worth that late of a pick. He's got great hands and is HUGE. Will be interested to see what he measures at the combine, because draft sites I'm reading have him from 6'3 to 6'5, and during games they always talk about him being 6'6. ???

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Thanks for the welcome to the board.

Well I just read Scott P. has signed with KC, I wonder how Belichick will do in his first draft without his great friend and cohort. I really think that Laurinaitis is not going to make it down to us @ 23, I thought we may get a value pick in Harris.

What about another safety who I like is Rashad Johnson for Alabama where I read somewhere that Nick Saban said he was one of the smartest players he had ever coached. I like him better then Sean Smith from Utah but I would take Smith but not where we pick.

 

[ALP]

Anyone have any thoughts as to dynamic return men? Seems like the Pats have really been lacking that in the punt game the last few years (obv. Hobbs is great on KRs, but would be nice to not have to see our starting CB out there ...)

I suppose Percy Harvin is a big name, but are there any other CBs/RBs/WRs that grade out as great return guys as well? I'm thinking like McKelvin last year.

i think maroney will take those duties next yr, seeing as how well again have a rb committee

 

[tombonneau]

i think maroney will take those duties next yr, seeing as how well again have a rb committee

Maroney has never been a PR though. That's what I'm more interested in the team obtaining.

 

[dryheat44]

Chad Jackson notwithstanding, I'm surprised he hasn't drafted more Florida players.

But as far as Virginia goes, don't forget Vince Redd originally played for Virginia, and I'm guessing Al Groh didn't badmouth him to BB.

Contrary to popular belief, Belichick doesn't have a connection with Urban Meyer like he does with the others mentioned. Meyer grabbed his ear while he was in Gainesville scouting, and the two exchanged ideas, one being an innovative offensive coach, and the other with the defense, and they forged a mutual respect for each other based on the great success of their programs...much like Belichick is friends with Tony LaRussa and Tito Francona. The reason Chad Jackson was drafted, or a large part of it, is because Belichick identified Meyer's offensive scheme as being the most Pro-like in its complexity, and in theory his WRs would become productive NFL WRs more quickly.

I think it was attitude and effort, rather than lack of talent, that torpedoed Jackson here. It will be very interesting to see what McDaniels does with him in Denver.

 

[dryheat44]

For the CB position, I like A. Smith of Wke Forest as a BB type CB.

Smaller, super quick twitch, intelligent, decent in run support, ST experience and most important he has outstanding ball skills.

I'm currently projecting Smith to the Patriots at 23, as obscenely early as it is now. I think the Pats will have about 4-5 players on their short list they hope to fall to them, Smith and Will Moore being two of them.

 

[dryheat44]

Anyone have any thoughts as to dynamic return men? Seems like the Pats have really been lacking that in the punt game the last few years (obv. Hobbs is great on KRs, but would be nice to not have to see our starting CB out there ...)

I suppose Percy Harvin is a big name, but are there any other CBs/RBs/WRs that grade out as great return guys as well? I'm thinking like McKelvin last year.

The best combo PR/KR is the aforementioned Burnett out of UCF. Other names:

Kickoffs - CJ Spiller, Travis Shelton (Temple), AJ Jefferson (Fresno St), Michael Ray Garvin (FSU), Tristan Davis (Auburn), Austin Colle (BYU)

The PR list is heavy with Sophs and Jrs at the top, none of whom I recognize as coming out. The exceptions are DJ Moore (Vandy), Robert Dunn (Auburn), and Michael Thomas (Arizona)

 

[dryheat44]

That will doubtless tighten up over time (probably toward the higher end), but I do think Barwin is going to be one of the more unpredictable players in terms of draft slot. It's unusual to find a guy with sky-high physical talent and intangibles and so little actual experience, let alone trying to project him to a different position in the NFL.

Yep. It looks like he's the Chris Gocong/Todd Herremans of this draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

Contrary to popular belief, Belichick doesn't have a connection with Urban Meyer like he does with the others mentioned. Meyer grabbed his ear while he was in Gainesville scouting, and the two exchanged ideas, one being an innovative offensive coach, and the other with the defense, and they forged a mutual respect for each other based on the great success of their programs...much like Belichick is friends with Tony LaRussa and Tito Francona. The reason Chad Jackson was drafted, or a large part of it, is because Belichick identified Meyer's offensive scheme as being the most Pro-like in its complexity, and in theory his WRs would become productive NFL WRs more quickly.

I think it was attitude and effort, rather than lack of talent, that torpedoed Jackson here. It will be very interesting to see what McDaniels does with him in Denver.

As someone pointed out to me, Heatster, BB and Meyer became friends while Meyer was the WR coach under Lou Holtz at ND.