New TFYdraft 7 Round Mock

[mayoclinic]

Coming on the heels of their positional rankins, Tony Pauline and TFYdraft today came out with a full 7 round mock draft:

TFY

They have the Pats picking #28 and have us taking (juniors with an asterix):

28. Jahvid Best*, RB, Cal
40. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
48. Tyson Alualu, DE, Cal
60. O'Brien Schofield, DE/OLB, Wisconsin
124. Shawn Lauvau, OG, Arizona St.
188. Rahem Alem, DE, LSU
213. Armanti Edwards, QB, Appalachian St.

Not a draft that I like. Some other noteworthy picks:

5. Oakland - Carlos Dunlap*, DE, Florida
8. Tennessee - Rolando McClain*, ILB, Alabama
12. Denver - Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama
13. Miami - Everson Griffen*, DE, USC
14. SF - Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
15. NY Jets - Carmeron Heyward*, DE, Ohio St.
19. NY Giants - Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia Tech - I would hate for this to happen
21. Philadelphia - Brandon Spikes, ILB
25. Arizona - Bruce Campbell*, OT
26. Pittsburgh - Maurkice Pouncey*, C, Florida
27. Dallas - Taylor Mays, S, USC
34. Cleveland - Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
35. Detroit - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
36. Tampa Bay - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
37. Oakland - Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
47. NY Jets - Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina
62. Minnesota - Vince Oghobasse, DE, Duke
65. St. Louis - Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
80. Jacksonville - Arthur Jones, DE, Syracuse
119. Denver - Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Mississippi
131. Detroit - Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
181. Philadelphia - Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan
189. Cincinnati - LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon

Hardy going 4th round is ridiculous, injury history or not.

Juniors who are left out (who I assume TFY thinks won't declare) include:

- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF
- Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
- Jeremy Beal, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
- Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
- Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno St.
- Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
- Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
- Lawrence Marsh, DE, Florida
- Earl Wilson, S, Texas

I think it's unlikely that all of those guys stay in school. I also think Carlos Dunlap will slip due to inconsistency.

 

[Marqui]

Greg Hardy drops to the 5th? I didn't know his injury was that bad.

 

[mayoclinic]

Greg Hardy drops to the 5th? I didn't know his injury was that bad.

It's not. It's a wrist injury.

I don't understand why TFY lists Hardy as the #1 DE prospect and then has him drop to the 5th round. Makes no sense.

I can understand if teams drop Hardy a bit based on his injury history and he falls to the late 1st/early 2nd round. I can't see him falling later than that.

 

[SidelineSid]

That mock was dumb. Pass rush is our biggest need. I don't think we waste anytime this year. Let's get the elite pass rusher that we need to take us to the next level. No more projects. I say we trade up with one of our second round picks for one of the better defensive linemen or McClain.

 

[mayoclinic]

That mock was dumb. Pass rush is our biggest need. I don't think we waste anytime this year. Let's get the elite pass rusher that we need to take us to the next level. No more projects. I say we trade up with one of our second round picks for one of the better defensive linemen or McClain.

I agree with you about focusing on the defensive front 7 (especially the pass rush). I would also focus on the OL and running game.

I'm not sure I like the idea of trading up for an "elite pass rusher". There are a lot of very good potential defensive linemen. Some are going to fall to within our range, without a tradeup. Consider (juniors with an asterix):

Guys Who Could Possibly Play 4-3 DE or the Elephant

- Carlos Dunlap*, DE, Florida. 6'6" 270+# athletic freak who could probably play the elephant for us. Upside is Julius Peppers. Could go top 10, but could slip based on inconsistency.
- Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia Tech. 6'4", 268#. Reminiscent of Shawne Merriman, with an intense motor. Plays run and pass both well. Likely top 20 at this point.
- Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi. 6'5", 265#. Extremely talented, unstoppable when he's on. Top 15 talent, could slip out of 1st round due to injury concerns.
- Everson Griffen*, DE, USC. 6'3", 270+#, with very long arms. Extremely fast and agile for his bulk. Likely workout warrior, could go top 20 or 2nd round.
- Jason Pierre-Paul*, DE, USF. 6'6", 265# freak with 81" arms. Very raw, but huge upside. Likely workout warrior.
- Jeremy Beal*, DE, Oklahoma. 6'3", 260#. Makes plays all over the field. On no one's radar right now.
- Greg Romeus*, DE, Pittsburgh. 6'5", 265#. Extremely productive, with a non-stop motor.

Guys Who Could Possibly Play 3-4 OLB

- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas. 6'4", 254#. Incredible athletic, fast off the edge.
- Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU. 6'3", 257#. Most productive sacker in NCAA football the past 2 years. Terrific motor.
- Eric Norwood, DE/LB, South Carolina. Very strong and versatile. Could also play SILB.
- Jeremy Beal*, DE/OLB, Oklahoma. See above.
- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. Compared by many to LaMarr Woodley.
- Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson. Very fast off the edge. Has played in space.
- Brandon Lang, DE/OLB, Troy.
- O'Brian Schofield, DE/OLB, Wisconsin.
- Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M. Undersized terrific pass rusher in the Elvis Dumervil mold.
- Jermaine Cunningham*, DE, Florida. Underrated right now.

Guys Who Could Possibly Play the 5 Technique

- Ndamukong Suh, DE/DT, Nebraska. Concensus top 5 pick.
- Cameron Heyward*, DE, Ohio State. 6'6" 290# son of Ironhead Heyward, has terrific upside.
- Arthur Jones, DE/DT, Syracuse. 6'4", 295#. Injury history may cause him to drop.
- Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State.
- Marvin Austin, DE/DT, North Carolina.
- Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern. 6'7", 270+ with the frame to add more. Just recovering his pre-injury form.
- Adrian Clayborn*, DE, Iowa. Makes plays all over the field.
- Vince Oghobasse, DE/DT, Duke.
- Cameron Jordan*, DE, Cal. Son of former Vikings TE Steve Jordan is a disruptive force at the 5 technique.

Obviusly, not all of the juniors listed will come out, but the majority are likely to with the prospect of a rookie salary scale in 2011.

There's just too many talented guys likely to come out. And it's too early to really assess how they will end up being ranked. This time 2 years ago no one would have predicted Jerod Mayo as a top 10 pick. This time last year Sebastian Vollmer was an unknown, and Darius Butler rated as a 3rd rounder. A mere 2 months ago Derrick Morgan was a relative unknown.

I think this draft will be like 2009 in that it will have incredible red chip depth, but will be even stronger and deeper overall. With 4 day 1 picks again, I think BB will have another field day moving around.

 

[doesntmatter1]

Predicting what Belichick will do in the draft is not always that hard. We obviously needed secondary help and many mock drafts had us taking chung and butler. Both are excellent players so far. Chung is basically James Sanders 2.0. I personally like Sanders. I feel that he is the most reliable open field tackler on the team and prevents many long td runs, but I knew his time was over when they drafted chung because he is/was known for his open field tackling ability. Sanders riding the bench is absolutely the best thing that could happen to this secondary because i could always see that he didn't have the speed to properly cover over the top(if you don't believe me watch how differently Hobbs played when Merriweather was over the top compared to when he had to rely on Sanders). And in my eyes Butler is already our best corner. No one on this team contests the deep ball like him. Others may be in good position but only Butler has showed the ability turn his head around and actually deflect the ball(our other cb s seem to just distract recievers by being near them without actually getting their head around.)

Sorry, i know I got off topic a little but now im focused. I truly believe Belichick will go offense heavy in the upcoming draft. With the 1st pick he will choose a pass rushing De that is more De than olb. This will also be insurance for jarvis green. We already have a few pass rushers on this team that i doubt a rookie could supplant anyway. Banta Cain and Burgess(he will be on this team next year after spending 2 picks for him) are not that bad and we still haven't seen what Crable can do. WE WILL draft a running back. I prefer a power back like ryan matthews but i would love jahvid best(hits holes much harder than spiller) just as much. Running back is a need for this team. Morris is one of our better backs but he seems to constantly injure his knee and you can't rely on a rb with bad legs. On to Maroney. Yes he has run hard this year but you can't lie to yourself and say that the pats can't upgrade. Personally, I think Maroney would do much better on another team and the pats could probably get a 4th maybe a 5th if they try to trade him after this season.

1st pick=derrick morgan 2nd=jahvid/ryan 3rd=best guard available 4th pick=Best tight end available(belichick can't help himself)

 

[mayoclinic]

Predicting what Belichick will do in the draft is not always that hard.

I truly believe Belichick will go offense heavy in the upcoming draft. With the 1st pick he will choose a pass rushing De that is more De than olb. This will also be insurance for jarvis green. We already have a few pass rushers on this team that i doubt a rookie could supplant anyway. Banta Cain and Burgess(he will be on this team next year after spending 2 picks for him) are not that bad and we still haven't seen what Crable can do. WE WILL draft a running back. I prefer a power back like ryan matthews but i would love jahvid best(hits holes much harder than spiller) just as much. Running back is a need for this team. Morris is one of our better backs but he seems to constantly injure his knee and you can't rely on a rb with bad legs. On to Maroney. Yes he has run hard this year but you can't lie to yourself and say that the pats can't upgrade. Personally, I think Maroney would do much better on another team and the pats could probably get a 4th maybe a 5th if they try to trade him after this season.

1st pick=derrick morgan 2nd=jahvid/ryan 3rd=best guard available 4th pick=Best tight end available(belichick can't help himself)

I'm not as certain as you about predicting what BB will do. But in terms of what I think we need, I agree with several of your comments.

Derrick Morgan is probably my co-#1 prospect for the Pats along with Rolando McClain, but I think both go top 15. In my dreams we'd get both of them, but I doubt we get either. What separates Morgan from the other DE/elephant prospects to my mind are (1) his tremendous strength, and (2) his ability to set the edge and play the run just as well as he can rush the passer.

The 3 guys who I really like as DE/elephant pass rushers (as you say, "more DE than LB", but they can stand up effectively) are Greg Hardy, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Greg Romeus. All are 6'5" or better and can clog the passing lanes. All have a nice combination of speed, power and athleticism. All can really get after the passer. Romeus and Pierre-Paul are a bit raw but have tremendous upside, and have been progressing quickly this season. Hardy's injury may drop him to within reach. I'd be happy to get 2 out of those 3 guys. Everson Griffen and Carlos Dunlap seem more like 4-3 ends to me. The other guy I really like is a 5 technique guy, Cameron Heyward from Ohio St., who has been looking more and more like a young Richard Seymour. He's 6'6" and 290#, with a lot of upside. Depending on what happens with Adalius Thomas I could see one of the more traditional hybrid DE/OLBs like Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, Jeremy Beal or possibly Eric Norwood being an option as well, but I personally like the idea of having a pair of 6'5"+ pass rushers at DE with Wilfork and Warren inside.

I'd use our other 2 day 1 picks on offense. I like the idea of a power back (Ryan Mathews or Jonathan Dwyer), but I really like the idea of a power line even more. If center Maurkice Pouncey comes out he has to get serious consideration, as Dan Koppen will be 31 next year and really struggles against the more powerful DTs. Mike Iupati would also be an option. And the guy I like most of all is junior OT Joseph Barksdale from LSU. He could really improve the right side of the OL. He current plays RT for LSU, has the feet of an elite LT, but has the power and aggressiveness of a dominating RT who can really drive to the second level.

Again, I really can't predict what BB will do, but those are the guys who I would like to see us target in the first 2 rounds.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

I see alot of mocks that have the Pats coming out of the 2nd round with C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson, and Jermain Gresham, TE Oklahoma with the picks from Jacksonville and Tennessee. That would be absolutley perfect!

Spiller is a 3rd down back, electric out of the backfield in the passing game, and a great returner. He is going to be a very good NFL player.

Gresham is a big speedy TE, who is going to slip to the 2nd round because he has missed most of this year with injury. At 6'5" 265, that is one big target for TFB.

I think the first rd pick is going to depend on wether or not the Pats re-sign Big Vince, but these two can both be had in the 2nd rd, and it would be a steal.

 

[mayoclinic]

I see alot of mocks that have the Pats coming out of the 2nd round with C.J. Spiller RB, Clemson, and Jermain Gresham, TE Oklahoma with the picks from Jacksonville and Tennessee. That would be absolutley perfect!

Spiller is a 3rd down back, electric out of the backfield in the passing game, and a great returner. He is going to be a very good NFL player.

Gresham is a big speedy TE, who is going to slip to the 2nd round because he has missed most of this year with injury. At 6'5" 265, that is one big target for TFB.

I think the first rd pick is going to depend on wether or not the Pats re-sign Big Vince, but these two can both be had in the 2nd rd, and it would be a steal.

Why would that be perfect?

Both are fine players. I have nothing against either. But, assuming we can re-sign Watson, there is no need to use a high pick on a pass-receiving TE like Gresham given our other needs. And Spiller (or Jahvid Best, another common pick) are fine all-purpose backs, but you can usually find those kind of guys in the middle rounds just like we found Kevin Faulk in the 3rd round. A 1st or high 2nd round pick on what you call a "3rd down back" doesn't make sense to me. Noel Devine and Dexter McClutcheon are guys who should be available in the 3rd/5th round. And I think we need a power running game (both in terms of our OL and in terms of a RB) much more than we need that kind of back.

I personally wouldn't use our early picks in these areas when we have other needs that are much more urgent.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Why would that be perfect?

Both are fine players. I have nothing against either. But, assuming we can re-sign Watson, there is no need to use a high pick on a pass-receiving TE like Gresham given our other needs. And Spiller (or Jahvid Best, another common pick) are fine all-purpose backs, but you can usually find those kind of guys in the middle rounds just like we found Kevin Faulk in the 3rd round. A 1st or high 2nd round pick on what you call a "3rd down back" doesn't make sense to me. Noel Devine and Dexter McClutcheon are guys who should be available in the 3rd/5th round. And I think we need a power running game (both in terms of our OL and in terms of a RB) much more than we need that kind of back.

I personally wouldn't use our early picks in these areas when we have other needs that are much more urgent.

Spiller does absolutely everything for Clemson. He has 4.3 speed (maybe faster), he is much more than a 3rd down back.

Player Bio: C.J. Spiller - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

He is a great returner, and he is SMART!!

will graduate in three-and-a-half years on December 17, 2009. Made first-team Academic All-ACC last year when he made the Dean's List. First Clemson running back to make first-team Academic All-ACC and first-team All-ACC on the field in same year in school history. ...rated among the top 15 players in the nation for the NFL draft by Mel Kiper...also a three-time All-American in track for the Tigers...first-team Strength All-American in 2008...has career best time of 6.58 in the 60 and 10.22 in the 100 meters.


A fast, smart,versitaile player who excells in special teams and you don't think he is worth a 2nd round pick????

Add this kid to the Maroney, Taylor, Faulk mix and the Pats are set.

as for Gresham, the Pats need another TE, especilly if they do not re-sign Watson. Gresham has the size to block and guys like this are a nightmare for defenses because they have to cover them with a safety, which takes a LB off the feild, and turns into a blocking mismatch with 6'5" 260 TE versus 5'10" 195 Saftey in the running game.

Don't get me wrong the very first thing the Pats need is a pass rusher. I just don't see any of them out there that will fit BB system. I think that is where the 1st rd pick will go. I still say that if the Pats can turn those 2 extra picks into Spiller and Gresham, it would be perfect.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Spiller does absolutely everything for Clemson. He has 4.3 speed (maybe faster), he is much more than a 3rd down back.

Player Bio: C.J. Spiller - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

He is a great returner, and he is SMART!!

will graduate in three-and-a-half years on December 17, 2009. Made first-team Academic All-ACC last year when he made the Dean's List. First Clemson running back to make first-team Academic All-ACC and first-team All-ACC on the field in same year in school history. ...rated among the top 15 players in the nation for the NFL draft by Mel Kiper...also a three-time All-American in track for the Tigers...first-team Strength All-American in 2008...has career best time of 6.58 in the 60 and 10.22 in the 100 meters.


A fast, smart,versitaile player who excells in special teams and you don't think he is worth a 2nd round pick????

Add this kid to the Maroney, Taylor, Faulk mix and the Pats are set.

as for Gresham, the Pats need another TE, especilly if they do not re-sign Watson. Gresham has the size to block and guys like this are a nightmare for defenses because they have to cover them with a safety, which takes a LB off the feild, and turns into a blocking mismatch with 6'5" 260 TE versus 5'10" 195 Saftey in the running game.

Don't get me wrong the very first thing the Pats need is a pass rusher. I just don't see any of them out there that will fit BB system. I think that is where the 1st rd pick will go. I still say that if the Pats can turn those 2 extra picks into Spiller and Gresham, it would be perfect.

I really like this kid as well. He does so many different things very well and you can be extremely creative with how you use him. He produces regardless of how he is used.

If we can not get Mount Cody and/or McClain in the first round, then Spiller would be a nice consolation prize.

 

[Afterlifemobile-86]

218


Pittsburgh


Rusty Smith


QB/Florida Atlantic


Ughhh...please no.....

 

[ctpatsfan77]

218


Pittsburgh


Rusty Smith


QB/Florida Atlantic


Ughhh...please no.....

Why? Is he the next TFB if he comes to Foxboro?

 

[SidelineSid]

Spiller does absolutely everything for Clemson. He has 4.3 speed (maybe faster), he is much more than a 3rd down back.

Player Bio: C.J. Spiller - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

He is a great returner, and he is SMART!!

will graduate in three-and-a-half years on December 17, 2009. Made first-team Academic All-ACC last year when he made the Dean's List. First Clemson running back to make first-team Academic All-ACC and first-team All-ACC on the field in same year in school history. ...rated among the top 15 players in the nation for the NFL draft by Mel Kiper...also a three-time All-American in track for the Tigers...first-team Strength All-American in 2008...has career best time of 6.58 in the 60 and 10.22 in the 100 meters.


A fast, smart,versitaile player who excells in special teams and you don't think he is worth a 2nd round pick????

Add this kid to the Maroney, Taylor, Faulk mix and the Pats are set.

as for Gresham, the Pats need another TE, especilly if they do not re-sign Watson. Gresham has the size to block and guys like this are a nightmare for defenses because they have to cover them with a safety, which takes a LB off the feild, and turns into a blocking mismatch with 6'5" 260 TE versus 5'10" 195 Saftey in the running game.

Don't get me wrong the very first thing the Pats need is a pass rusher. I just don't see any of them out there that will fit BB system. I think that is where the 1st rd pick will go. I still say that if the Pats can turn those 2 extra picks into Spiller and Gresham, it would be perfect.

I can see where you are coming from. Your ideas make sense. The only reason why I'm writing this is because I think we have more pressing needs. We need help in the trenches. That's the critical weakness that has held us back. I'm not saying that we're bad. I'm saying that we can be great again. We just need a little help.

Let's use the Colts game as an example. We have many role players on our defensive line, but no play makers. Hey, I know a lot of guys are going to mention Banta-Cain, but he only has about 5 sacks. Imagine what we could do if we had a true show stopper on the other end to take some heat off him.
But we didn't have that guy on Sunday. When Banta Cain and Ninkovich went down, we starting getting pushed around by the Colts passing game.

Hey, our passing game isn't bad either, but it could be better. I saw that some people really want Gresham and Spiller. Who wouldn't? They are great players. What we have to consider is value. We already have an athletic tight end that can block: Ben Watson. We don't utilize him consistently in the passing game. Since Bill has been here, he's mostly used tight ends as blockers first and receivers second. We all know that he's been fascinated with the position and has spend a bunch of picks on tight ends already. I don't think we need to go back down that road.

But what about Spiller. He's a great running back. He's a play maker. He's got the tools. The problem is that we don't. We are not a great running team. We were last year. But last year isn't this year. This year isn't going to be next year. The only thing that we can do is get better at what we can control. That's why when we have the ball, we can better control it by protecting our ball carriers. That mean linemen: Big nasty linemen. Volmer, Mankins and Neal have that mean streak. Koppen and Kaczur do not. We've already invested a good deal in Kaczur. That means that he isn't going anywhere next year. We still have Matt Light, so that means that he can replace either Volmer or Kaczur if they struggle. The problem is the interior.

Koppen seems like a smart player. The problem isn't athleticism. The problem is penetration. We have too instances where defensive players seem to be flying in between the gap between Koppen and Neal, and Neal and Kaczur. Neal is old. He's tough. He's battle tested because he's battled injuries, but he's going to be replaced eventually.

Bare with me, but it appears that Koppen and Kaczur's weaknesses are causing an aging Stephen Neal to over extend him self. Defenders are attacking both sides of Neal because they know that we tend to run behind Neal because he's strong, but the other players around him are not. We can get 3-4 yard gains behind Neal because he can get that kind of penetration into the defensive line on his own. The problem is that our runners often get hit from the side because Koppen and Kaczur tend to have trouble holding their blocks.

Consider this. We had Dwight Freeney contained when we played the Colts. So what did they do, they started stunting and sending extra pressure up the middle. This caused Neal to help Koppen handle the extra pressure, but left Kaczur one on one against Robert Matthis. We couldn't give Kaczur too much help because we were chipping Freeney occasionally with a tight end. We can't afford to continuously have ourselves exposed like this.

We have the quality depth at tackle to replace Kaczur if necessary. Let's get some quality competition for Koppen. If the rookie replaces Koppen, good. If he doesn't, then he can be moved to guard where he can eventually replace Neal.

Side line to side line,
SidelineSid

 

[mayoclinic]

We have many role players on our defensive line, but no play makers.

Beautifully said.

We have a bunch of playmakers in our back 7, but not on our DL. Imagine what our LBs and CBs could do if we had playmakers up front who could get pressure on the QB, clog the passing lanes altering throws and deflecting balls, dropping back suddenly into coverage, and chasing down ball carriers. It would make a phenomenal difference. Wasn't it nice having 5 turnovers in the Jets game? We'd be one of the league leaders in turnovers if we could do those things up front.

I'd love to see us get 2 tall, rangy, fast, athletic guys who can play DE and drop back into coverage. With Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap, Greg Hardy, Everson Griffen, Jason Pierre-Paul, Greg Romeus, Jeremy Beal and Austen Lane all likely coming out (plus Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes and Eric Norwood, who are more 3-4 rush OLBs), there's a tremendous amount of depth and talent here.

The only thing that we can do is get better at what we can control. That's why when we have the ball, we can better control it by protecting our ball carriers. That mean linemen: Big nasty linemen. Volmer, Mankins and Neal have that mean streak. Koppen and Kaczur do not. We've already invested a good deal in Kaczur. That means that he isn't going anywhere next year. We still have Matt Light, so that means that he can replace either Volmer or Kaczur if they struggle. The problem is the interior.

Koppen seems like a smart player. The problem isn't athleticism. The problem is penetration. We have too instances where defensive players seem to be flying in between the gap between Koppen and Neal, and Neal and Kaczur. Neal is old. He's tough. He's battle tested because he's battled injuries, but he's going to be replaced eventually.

Bare with me, but it appears that Koppen and Kaczur's weaknesses are causing an aging Stephen Neal to over extend him self. Defenders are attacking both sides of Neal because they know that we tend to run behind Neal because he's strong, but the other players around him are not. We can get 3-4 yard gains behind Neal because he can get that kind of penetration into the defensive line on his own. The problem is that our runners often get hit from the side because Koppen and Kaczur tend to have trouble holding their blocks.

Consider this. We had Dwight Freeney contained when we played the Colts. So what did they do, they started stunting and sending extra pressure up the middle. This caused Neal to help Koppen handle the extra pressure, but left Kaczur one on one against Robert Matthis. We couldn't give Kaczur too much help because we were chipping Freeney occasionally with a tight end. We can't afford to continuously have ourselves exposed like this.

We have the quality depth at tackle to replace Kaczur if necessary. Let's get some quality competition for Koppen. If the rookie replaces Koppen, good. If he doesn't, then he can be moved to guard where he can eventually replace Neal.

I agree with you about upgrading the OL. Sebastian Vollmer has been a revelation. We haven't had a real franchise "shutdown" LT since Bruce Armstrong. Vollmer is a physical, overpowering lineman with tremendous footwork, who should be a shutdown LT sooner rather than later. Mankins has been a bit inconsistent this year, but he is still one of the best guards in the league, with a mean streak.

The other 3 positions to me are readily upgradeable. Neal has been solid but is aging and injury prone. I can't see justifying his cap hit and cost. Kaczur is serviceable, but by no means dominant. I'm tired of seeing him get pushed around by guys like Robert Mathis. It would be nice to have someone on the right side doing what Vollmer is doing on the left side. Michael Oher didn't allow a sack today against Indy, playing RT for Baltimore. And I agree with you, Dan Koppen is a nice field general and technician, but lackes the power and bulk to move big DTs off the line.

I'd actually like to see us use 2 picks on the OL: one on an interior lineman, and one on a RT. Junior Joseph Barksdale of LSU is my favorite for the RT position. He has terrific feet and power, is great at getting to the 2nd level, and doesn't let go of his man. I think he would be a Vollmer on the right side. Inside I like Mike Iupati of Idaho at guard, or junior Maurkice Pouncey of Florida (who can play both center and OG). The other guy I like is junior Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin, who could probably move inside to guard or play RT. He's a 6'7" 325# mauler with terrific strength and tenacity, but a bit limited in space.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

I agree with y'all the #1 Priority for the Pats is a rush rusher. What I was saying is that IF the Pats can go pass rusher with thier #1 pick, and then come out of the 2nd round with SPiller, Grewsham and another pass rusher, that would be perfect! The problem is I don't see any pure pass rushers that fit the Pats system.

I haven't seen Hughes play so I will hold off judgement on him. Dunlap doesn't seem to be all that, I like Witherspoon and Norwood, however both of them are too short for the BB system.

Now I think that if Rolando McClain is still around when the Pats pick, it would be hard for the Pats to pass him up. I think that the Pats may/will go after someone in free agency to fill the giant pass rushing void, leaving them free to draft the BPA with those 4 picks in the first 2 rounds.

 

[mayoclinic]

I agree with y'all the #1 Priority for the Pats is a rush rusher. What I was saying is that IF the Pats can go pass rusher with thier #1 pick, and then come out of the 2nd round with SPiller, Grewsham and another pass rusher, that would be perfect! The problem is I don't see any pure pass rushers that fit the Pats system.

I haven't seen Hughes play so I will hold off judgement on him. Dunlap doesn't seem to be all that, I like Witherspoon and Norwood, however both of them are too short for the BB system.

Now I think that if Rolando McClain is still around when the Pats pick, it would be hard for the Pats to pass him up. I think that the Pats may/will go after someone in free agency to fill the giant pass rushing void, leaving them free to draft the BPA with those 4 picks in the first 2 rounds.

First, I have nothing against Spiller and Gresham. Both are fine players.

But, assuming we re-sign Watson, we will already have an athletic TE who can stretch the field, and I don't see the need for taking another one with an early pick. I wouldn't mind using a late round flyer on someone like Miami's Jimmy Graham (6'8" 260# former basketball player who has been coming on strong this season).

My problem with Spiller (and Jahvid Best as well) is (1) I doubt he's an every down player, (2) I think a power back complements Maroney better, and (3) it's not clear to me that they will be better than other guys who should go a couple of rounds later. Noel Devine from West Virginia may well come out, and Dexter McCluster of Mississippi is a senior who has been tearing up the SEC at both RB and WR. Both are short, blazing fast, elusive guys. Both should run about a 4.3 40, and a blazing 3-cone.

Here's an article on McCluster. Lane Kiffin compared him to Chris Johnson and predicted a will be a 1st round pick. Les Miles also sings his praises.

SEC notebook: Gracious McCluster enjoys breakout The Commercial Appeal

There's only 32 picks in a round no matter how much talent there is. All these guys can't be 1st, or even 2nd, round picks.

I would love to see the Pats unload some players who are no longer cost-effective for draft picks in the offseason. Matt Light, James Sanders, and Adalius Thomas come to mind. All have value and the Pats should be able to get something in return. I'd love to stockpile a few 3rd round picks and pick up a 3-4 DE who falls (Corey Wootton, for example, who was considered a 1st round pick coming into this season, or Adrian Clayborn) and an all-purpose back like Devine or McCluster.

As for Rolando McClain, I love the guy, don't get me wrong. But I think it depends on what BB wants to do with the defense. If you're looking at a more traditional 3-4/4-3 hybrid than McClain has absurd value as a versatile 4-3 SAM/3-4 SILB guy who complements Mayo and Guyton perfectly. But McClain is not primarily a pass rusher, and if BB is looking more at 4-2-5 big nickel kind of formations and wants to focus on getting a pass rush in order to disrupt QBs and generate opportunities for his playmakers, then McClain is not the best choice compared with someone like Derrick Morgan or Greg Hardy.

I personally think both McClain and Morgan go top 15 at this point, though it's still very early.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Now I think that if Rolando McClain is still around when the Pats pick, it would be hard for the Pats to pass him up. I think that the Pats may/will go after someone in free agency to fill the giant pass rushing void, leaving them free to draft the BPA with those 4 picks in the first 2 rounds.

If there's no new CBA, and the Pats do as well as we think they can do (i.e., reaching the AFCCG or better), then the Pats will be highly restricted in their ability to sign free agents. In other words, the cost for getting that pass rusher in FA might be as high as letting Wilfork walk. . . .

 

[mayoclinic]

If there's no new CBA, and the Pats do as well as we think they can do (i.e., reaching the AFCCG or better), then the Pats will be highly restricted in their ability to sign free agents. In other words, the cost for getting that pass rusher in FA might be as high as letting Wilfork walk. . . .

Exactly. The Pats will have their work cut out resigning their own guys, and will be restricted on signing outside FAs. Plus the cost of a FA pass rusher will be quite expensive. I don't see it happening.

 

[SidelineSid]

First, I have nothing against Spiller and Gresham. Both are fine players.

But, assuming we re-sign Watson, we will already have an athletic TE who can stretch the field, and I don't see the need for taking another one with an early pick. I wouldn't mind using a late round flyer on someone like Miami's Jimmy Graham (6'8" 260# former basketball player who has been coming on strong this season).

My problem with Spiller (and Jahvid Best as well) is (1) I doubt he's an every down player, (2) I think a power back complements Maroney better, and (3) it's not clear to me that they will be better than other guys who should go a couple of rounds later. Noel Devine from West Virginia may well come out, and Dexter McCluster of Mississippi is a senior who has been tearing up the SEC at both RB and WR. Both are short, blazing fast, elusive guys. Both should run about a 4.3 40, and a blazing 3-cone.

Here's an article on McCluster. Lane Kiffin compared him to Chris Johnson and predicted a will be a 1st round pick. Les Miles also sings his praises.

SEC notebook: Gracious McCluster enjoys breakout The Commercial Appeal

There's only 32 picks in a round no matter how much talent there is. All these guys can't be 1st, or even 2nd, round picks.

I would love to see the Pats unload some players who are no longer cost-effective for draft picks in the offseason. Matt Light, James Sanders, and Adalius Thomas come to mind. All have value and the Pats should be able to get something in return. I'd love to stockpile a few 3rd round picks and pick up a 3-4 DE who falls (Corey Wootton, for example, who was considered a 1st round pick coming into this season, or Adrian Clayborn) and an all-purpose back like Devine or McCluster.

As for Rolando McClain, I love the guy, don't get me wrong. But I think it depends on what BB wants to do with the defense. If you're looking at a more traditional 3-4/4-3 hybrid than McClain has absurd value as a versatile 4-3 SAM/3-4 SILB guy who complements Mayo and Guyton perfectly. But McClain is not primarily a pass rusher, and if BB is looking more at 4-2-5 big nickel kind of formations and wants to focus on getting a pass rush in order to disrupt QBs and generate opportunities for his playmakers, then McClain is not the best choice compared with someone like Derrick Morgan or Greg Hardy.

I personally think both McClain and Morgan go top 15 at this point, though it's still very early.

Well put. I think the trade and restructuring of Light, Sanders, Thomas, and also Springs will give us a great deal of room in free agency and potentially the draft. Matt Light alone will net us a 2nd round draft choice. Also, I know that it's a bit soon, but Koppen's contract expires in about two years. We could trade him early, like we did Seymour, and upgrade the position considerably for virtually nothing.

Also, for all of the people talking about drafting running backs, consider this:
2010 NFL Free Agents: RB

That page lists several of the premiere running backs in the nfl that are entering free agency. This means that their teams will have to either put out a great deal of cash to retain them, or some loser team with a high draft pick will have to put out a ton of cash to acquire them.

Either way, we will come out ahead. The number of available backs will cause some great young runners to fall in the draft primarily out of a lack of need (who would have believed that Beenie Wells would have fallen so far?).It can happen. We could have our pick of great backs for nothing more than a second round draft choice if we wanted. That's why the point of emphasis should be pass rush.

Teams are always looking for pass rushers. That is why we should put our focus there. Great ones don't come around very often. Most of the time, college super stars get by on their superior physical talent and not their technique. This can cause certain talents to disappear for long stretches of time against strong competition, but reappear dominant against weaker competition.

We need consistent production from our pass rushers or else we won't be consistent winners. This means no more Vernon Gholston impersonators: I'm looking at Dunlap and Hardy in that category.

With our first two picks, I would prefer that we take a traditional 4-3 defensive end, (one that could potentially transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker), and larger defensive end in the 3-4 mold. This way we have better depth along the defensive front in both base formations (3-4 and 4-3), and an insurance in case Ron Brace doesn't pan out (he just may be a Vernon Gholston type of bust).