Vince Redd

[Urgent]

Looking over some of the roster discussions, I see that hopes are high for Crable, while we are dismissing Vince Redd.

Redd is an intriguing prospect.

In the 2008 draft, he was a physical marvel. In the OLB class, he was both the tallest (6-5.5) and the fastest (4.5 40). Interestingly, he also had the highest passes-broken-up stat in his OLB draft class, plus two INT's. He spent two years at Virginia, then transferred to Liberty.

He played in five games with the Patriots last year on special teams and back-up OLB, collecting 8 tackles and 1 forced fumble in part-time duty.

Our assumptions from the draft included guesses that either the 2009 crop of OLB's was too small and too slow, or that Belichick likes the young players on the roster. Either scenario gives some support to Redd.

Imagine if Redd transferred from Liberty to Penn State or Michigan or Ohio State, and came out at 6-5.5, 263, 4.5 40, 39" vertical leap, 63 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 6 PBU's/2 INT's. He'd likely be a Day One draft candidate. Instead, Redd effectively transferred from Liberty to the Patriots, receiving even better coaching.

I'm not suggesting that he is penciled in opposite Thomas, and there is no need for Taylor. However, I think he is a more viable option than some are considering.

 

[Sicilian]

He's another body to compete for playing time. But the reason those stats don't jump out like they would if he played at a big time football school, is because the level of competition was likely a lot weaker where he played.

His measurables are good, and we'll see what he's got. I'm not holding my breath though.

 

[supafly]

Redd is just another good example of why I think that we'll be just fine at the LB position--regardless of Jason Taylor signing or not.

 

[farn]

Agreed. If he come in, wins the starting job, and is productive - I'd be surprised and impressed. I hope he does, I really do, but I'm not gonna assume he's going to be more than another special teamer.

 

[patriot lifer]

in all likelihood, the best we'll realistically get out of him is as a back-up like woods.

but yes, he is somewhat intriguing. I hope he has had a productive offseason training and hope he does well in tc.

 

[mgteich]

It seems that Redd is currently competing for the last linebacker spot, presuming that we carry nine, with Alexander, which seems appropriate. The last linebacker position needs to be a top special teamer. As of now, most here would chose Redd over Alexander, although I'm not sure that Belichick would.

 

[mosslost]

I have had high hopes for Redd since we got him... I still think he will come through this year if given the opportunity...

 

[iapatsfan]

His problem was his strength. He was extremely weak in the bench press for his size. I don't remember what the exact number of reps was, but it was bad, very bad. If he can get his strength up there to a normal level, while maintaining speed, the Pats may have something.

 

[Urgent]

I believe he had 13 reps, very low.
Of course, the flip side, the guys probably not relying on steroids...

However, that seems perhaps the single most fixable issue, once a player is in an NFL diet and conditioning program. Easier to get reps from 13 to 26, with a commensurate increase in overall strength, than to reduce his speed from 4.9 to 4.6 in the 40.

Anyway, we've seen some guys get to the 3-4 OLB route the unheralded way Adalius Thomas (6th round) and James Harrison (undrafted) have. It's possible.

 

[stinkypete]

I think Redd has the most promise of the young OLBs. His size/speed numbers are rare, and he's gained a reputation as a worker. It seems to me like the kid is a football player.

Assessing the current roster, I would have Redd above Crable on the depth chart, despite Crable's draft position.

 

[jays52]

Bench press is probably the worst measure of functional playing strength available. It would be akin to judging how strong a player is by how many times they can curl 135. Redd likely has very long arms which also contribute to the low reps range. A football player never does any repeated motion that is kinesthetically the same as a flat barbell bench press during a game. Further, bench press is mostly a function of how short the player's arms are. That's why you see 5'7 highschool fullbacks repping 305 but they can never cut it against bigger collegiate competition. It also does nothing to show how good a player's leverage is, how strong he is through his trunk, nor does it demonstrate how explosive a player is through his engagement.

If he had a very low hang clean, front squat, deadlift or power clean, that would be worthy of concern. A low bench press rep has no bearing on how strong a player is, nor how strong that player will play. The only real way any of us can figure out how strong Redd is is by watching him play.

 

[PatsAttack]

Redd is a physical freak and can be an asset on defense if used like a jason taylor. If crable hasnt bulked up enough and redd shows more promise in the preseason give him the job opposite Thomas. I would much rather have one of our young guys like crable and redd play opposite thomas rather than TBC or Woods.

 

[RayClay]

Anybody know why Groh kicked him off the team at Virginia? I have to admit from scouting reports he seems like a steal for our system.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Anybody know why Groh kicked him off the team at Virginia? I have to admit from scouting reports he seems like a steal for our system.

Testing positive for Mj and team rules violations running together into a big wake-up call.

 

[RayClay]

Testing positive for Mj and team rules violations running together into a big wake-up call.

He sounded intelligent and courteous in an interview. I have no problem with a college kid smoking some weed as long as he takes care of business. He excelled and got more playing time at Liberty anyway.

One scouting report said he might do well in an uncomplicated defense. Bit of a red flag there.

If we successfully replace a couple starters with free agents, maybe i will eat my hat. I mean real NFL starters, though.

I think i could make a straw hat out of shredded wheat.

 

[upstater1]

He is a giant on the field.

When lining up on special teams, opposing fans would say, who is that freak?

He actually looks much bigger than 6-5.5.

 

[Displaced - Fan]

I believe he had 13 reps, very low.
Of course, the flip side, the guys probably not relying on steroids...

However, that seems perhaps the single most fixable issue, once a player is in an NFL diet and conditioning program. Easier to get reps from 13 to 26, with a commensurate increase in overall strength, than to reduce his speed from 4.9 to 4.6 in the 40.

Anyway, we've seen some guys get to the 3-4 OLB route the unheralded way Adalius Thomas (6th round) and James Harrison (undrafted) have. It's possible.

You guys maybe mixing up a couple of players here. I believe it was Guyton that had the poor bench showing at the combine, which contributed to him not being drafted. I also believe Guyton was the fastest LB at the combine 2008.

 

[patchick]

You guys maybe mixing up a couple of players here. I believe it was Guyton that had the poor bench showing at the combine, which contributed to him not being drafted. I also believe Guyton was the fastest LB at the combine 2008.

I think they do mean Redd, but it's a little muddled. Guyton was the fastest LB over 240 lbs.at the Combine at 4.47. Redd wasn't invited to the Combine but ran a 4.56 and put up the 13 reps at his pro day -- making him darned fast for 263 lbs., but certainly not the fastest of the OLBs.

 

[StraightCashHomey81]

I was thinking about this the other day. I've seen in recent mailbags of Reiss and Felger that they've heard whishpers that the Pats are really high on Redd. He certainly has the size and speed that BB likes and I remember he got a good reccomendation from Groh. Apparently if UVA wasn't such a high-standards school, Redd could've stayed on there. He looks decent in his youtube college highlights, albeit its against 1-AA (sorry, FCS) competition:

YouTube - #4 Vince Redd OLB/DE Liberty

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

It seems that Redd is currently competing for the last linebacker spot, presuming that we carry nine, with Alexander, which seems appropriate. The last linebacker position needs to be a top special teamer. As of now, most here would chose Redd over Alexander, although I'm not sure that Belichick would.

Alexander was a complete waste of a roster spot last year. He was an injured scratch most of the year and only wound up playing one game. I don't think he has a very good chance of making the roster this year. Redd showed enough on special teams alone to win that battle if it comes down to those two, He may also earn some playing time playing some OLB. Alexander is purely a special teamer at this point and has little to no upside. At least that's my opinion.