LB Sean Weatherspoon

[Seneschal2]

I really like this player and at 6′0 7/8" 241 lbs, he's too small to play the edge or inside. Seems perfectly tailored as a 4-3 OLB. Which makes me think...would Belichick pair him w/ Mayo as outside LBs in his 4-3 scheme, while obviously having a big thumper inside? Both of them are sideline to sideline players, and moving Mayo may be better suited to his strengths. Not suggesting he scrap the 3-4 he's had since his Giants days, as he'll probably employ both. Just wondering if BB may focus on the DE position first (Sey/Green), add Weatherspoon, then an edge rusher who may take time to develop.

Sean has quite a few intangibles that I think the D needs -- and BB covets.

Would you pair him up with Mayo?

 

[stevedogc]

I have been trying to read up alot on Weatherspoon. I think the concensus on these boards is that he would not fit into BB 3-4 defense. To small for outside LB in the 3-4, but I think he would a good fit at the inside will position in the 3-4 and outside in the 4-3. Everything I have read about him screams Patriot player, other then his size. But he has been characterized as a team leader and a playmaker. He not overly great as rushing the QB, but is supposed to be a good blitzer.

The Pats have alot of needs on defense, so it would take a great showing at the Senior bowl and combine for him to be on my radar. But I am intrigued by him. This defense is in desperate need for a playmaker and a leader and if he fits the bill he may be worth taking.

I'm sure the are alot more knowledgable posters on these boards who can add alot more in depth analysis on him.

 

[dryheat44]

I think his value to 4-3 teams, or even 3-4 One-Gap teams, will be far higher than his value to Belichick. I'd be shocked if he fell far enough that BB would take him -- I doubt he'd get any consideration before #53.

 

[mayoclinic]

Great player, bad fit.

 

[sg14]

Any feel for type of player, does he have any thumper in him,,and I don't mean Bambi's friend.

This business about size is getting a bit too easy to write a guy off,

If he is a stocky 240 lbs and a good player, with power and range, why not? Would we have MJD if we weren't so hung up sizes?

I want players, not tall guys,

 

[mayoclinic]

Any feel for type of player, does he have any thumper in him,,and I don't mean Bambi's friend.

This business about size is getting a bit too easy to write a guy off,

If he is a stocky 240 lbs and a good player, with power and range, why not? Would we have MJD if we weren't so hung up sizes?

I want players, not tall guys,

I started a thread on him back in September to discuss whether he might be a possible fit, especially given the question as to how much 4-3 we might be running at that point:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/274274-sean-weatherspoon.html

He's not a thumper by any means, but he can be physical and hit hard. At his best, he's a poor man's Patrick Willis with slightly less speed and physicality, who can run all over the field and make plays. Here's what Nolan Nawrocki from ProFootballWeekly had to say about him in September:

"Instinctive, fast-flowing weak-side linebacker with a great nose for the ball and an exceptional football-playing temperament. Makes plays all over the field (see Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern) and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (see Illinois). Breaks down well in space and can secure open-field tackles. Plays a bit upright and has some hip tightness that appears to restrict his movement, but still shows outstanding range and agility. Explosive hitter. Lined up inside at times and has the strength to take on blocks and play in the middle. Also possesses the speed to easily blanket the field on the outside and excel in coverage. Closes fast to the ball and is explosive on contact. Excellent balance — is seldom on the ground. Times up blitzes well and has very good finishing speed. Football IQ, intangibles and character are all outstanding. Well-respected team captain and vocal on-field leader. The most freakish linebacker to come out of the draft since Patrick Willis, Weatherspoon should make an immediate impact in the NFL and possesses "special" traits. Top-10 talent."

ProFootballWeekly.com - Missouri's Weatherspoon a 'freakish' LB

That was a very bullish assessment at the time, but Weatherspoon was probably a concensus 1st round pick coming into this season. His senior season at Missouri was not as productive as his junior season, and his stock has slipped back to where he is a late 1st/mid 2nd kind of pick right now.

Scott Wright at NFLdraftcountdown had this profile on Weatherspoon:

Sean Weatherspoon
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245
40-Time: 4.60

Official Bio

Strengths:

Good size and bulk --- Very athletic --- Great speed --- Has a burst and really closes in a hurry --- Quick and agile --- Solid instincts --- Reliable tackler and a powerful hitter --- Has sideline-to-sideline range --- Nice balance and body control --- Great strength --- Works through traffic well --- Capable pass rusher and blitzer --- Very smooth and fluid in coverage --- Good hands and ball skills --- Tough and physical --- Active with a non-stop motor --- Smart --- Hard worker --- Team leader --- Has a ton of quality experience --- Durable --- Versatile --- Super productive.

Weaknesses:

There isn't a lot of violence in his game --- Has some trouble taking on and shedding blockers --- Can use his hands better --- Takes too long to read the action on occasion --- Appears to be a little stiff --- Doesn't always play with proper pad level --- Can be overly aggressive at times.

Notes:

Nickname is "Spoon" --- Was a three-year starter at Mizzou --- Named 1st Team All-Big 12 in 2007, 2008 and 2009 --- Earned All-American honors in 2008 (3rd Team) and 2009 (2nd Team) --- Led the Tigers in tackles from 2007-2009 and ranks second in school history in that category --- Returned two interceptions for touchdowns during his career --- Also excelled on special teams --- Underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder prior to the 2008 season --- Could project either outside or inside at the next level --- A true playmaker who always seems to be around the action --- Fantastic all-around player with an outstanding blend of physical tools and elite intangibles.

Sean Weatherspoon | Missouri Scouting Report - 2010 NFL Draft Prospect

My own take is that he is a better version of Guyton and lesser version of Patrick Willis - a sideline to sideline guy with great range and coverage ability, a solid hitter with good instincts. He could play 4-3 WLB or SLB and 3-4 WILL, but not 3-4 SILB. Stacking and shedding and taking on blockers is not his forte. He's a hitter but not a "thumper".

I like him a lot, but I don't see him as the best complement to the players we already have.

 

[sg14]

Thanks,
After reading all that sounds more like Mayo, the LB.

I started a thread on him back in September to discuss whether he might be a possible fit, especially given the question as to how much 4-3 we might be running at that point:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/274274-sean-weatherspoon.html

He's not a thumper by any means, but he can be physical and hit hard. At his best, he's a poor man's Patrick Willis with slightly less speed and physicality, who can run all over the field and make plays. Here's what Nolan Nawrocki from ProFootballWeekly had to say about him in September:

"Instinctive, fast-flowing weak-side linebacker with a great nose for the ball and an exceptional football-playing temperament. Makes plays all over the field (see Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern) and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (see Illinois). Breaks down well in space and can secure open-field tackles. Plays a bit upright and has some hip tightness that appears to restrict his movement, but still shows outstanding range and agility. Explosive hitter. Lined up inside at times and has the strength to take on blocks and play in the middle. Also possesses the speed to easily blanket the field on the outside and excel in coverage. Closes fast to the ball and is explosive on contact. Excellent balance — is seldom on the ground. Times up blitzes well and has very good finishing speed. Football IQ, intangibles and character are all outstanding. Well-respected team captain and vocal on-field leader. The most freakish linebacker to come out of the draft since Patrick Willis, Weatherspoon should make an immediate impact in the NFL and possesses "special" traits. Top-10 talent."

ProFootballWeekly.com - Missouri's Weatherspoon a 'freakish' LB

That was a very bullish assessment at the time, but Weatherspoon was probably a concensus 1st round pick coming into this season. His senior season at Missouri was not as productive as his junior season, and his stock has slipped back to where he is a late 1st/mid 2nd kind of pick right now.

Scott Wright at NFLdraftcountdown had this profile on Weatherspoon:

Sean Weatherspoon
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245
40-Time: 4.60

Official Bio

Strengths:

Good size and bulk --- Very athletic --- Great speed --- Has a burst and really closes in a hurry --- Quick and agile --- Solid instincts --- Reliable tackler and a powerful hitter --- Has sideline-to-sideline range --- Nice balance and body control --- Great strength --- Works through traffic well --- Capable pass rusher and blitzer --- Very smooth and fluid in coverage --- Good hands and ball skills --- Tough and physical --- Active with a non-stop motor --- Smart --- Hard worker --- Team leader --- Has a ton of quality experience --- Durable --- Versatile --- Super productive.

Weaknesses:

There isn't a lot of violence in his game --- Has some trouble taking on and shedding blockers --- Can use his hands better --- Takes too long to read the action on occasion --- Appears to be a little stiff --- Doesn't always play with proper pad level --- Can be overly aggressive at times.

Notes:

Nickname is "Spoon" --- Was a three-year starter at Mizzou --- Named 1st Team All-Big 12 in 2007, 2008 and 2009 --- Earned All-American honors in 2008 (3rd Team) and 2009 (2nd Team) --- Led the Tigers in tackles from 2007-2009 and ranks second in school history in that category --- Returned two interceptions for touchdowns during his career --- Also excelled on special teams --- Underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder prior to the 2008 season --- Could project either outside or inside at the next level --- A true playmaker who always seems to be around the action --- Fantastic all-around player with an outstanding blend of physical tools and elite intangibles.

Sean Weatherspoon | Missouri Scouting Report - 2010 NFL Draft Prospect

My own take is that he is a better version of Guyton and lesser version of Patrick Willis - a sideline to sideline guy with great range and coverage ability, a solid hitter with good instincts. He could play 4-3 WLB or SLB and 3-4 WILL, but not 3-4 SILB. Stacking and shedding and taking on blockers is not his forte. He's a hitter but not a "thumper".

I like him a lot, but I don't see him as the best complement to the players we already have.

 

[mayoclinic]

Thanks,
After reading all that sounds more like Mayo, the LB.

That's sort of my take. I really like Weatherspoon, but we already have a Mayo. Unless BB plans to play more 4-3, I don't see the need for another one.

 

[Seneschal2]

Well, I started this thread for a reason -- I think he's a BB-type player. And because none of us know how BB will upgrade the roster, and whether or not BB will play more 4-3 or 3-4, certain players ought to be at least considered. I think Spoon would upgrade the LB corps -- and not duplicate what already exists -- but add qualities that are missing (both physically and emotionally). It's too easy to get hung up on a player fitting a scheme (or not), as BB will find a way to use talented football players and put them in a position to succeed. The fact that the Pats are a gameplan team, and play situational football, allows room to add role players who can make an impact. And yes, BB will spend a second round pick on these types of players.

After McClain, Weatherspoon is my highest ranked defensive prospect for the Pats. And unlike McClain, no trade up will be required as he'd be one of the three second-rounders.

My pre-Combine Pats considerations:

#22
DE/DT Jared Odrick
DE Everson Griffen

Round two
CB Kyle Wilson
LB Sean Weatherspoon
OG Mike Johnson
DE Alex Carrington
DT Terrence Cody

 

[mayoclinic]

Well, I started this thread for a reason -- I think he's a BB-type player. And because none of us know how BB will upgrade the roster, and whether or not BB will play more 4-3 or 3-4, certain players ought to be at least considered. I think Spoon would upgrade the LB corps -- and not duplicate what already exists -- but add qualities that are missing (both physically and emotionally). It's too easy to get hung up on a player fitting a scheme (or not), as BB will find a way to use talented football players and put them in a position to succeed. The fact that the Pats are a gameplan team, and play situational football, allows room to add role players who can make an impact. And yes, BB will spend a second round pick on these types of players.

After McClain, Weatherspoon is my highest ranked defensive prospect for the Pats. And unlike McClain, no trade up will be required as he'd be one of the three second-rounders.

My pre-Combine Pats considerations:

#22
DE/DT Jared Odrick
DE Everson Griffen

Round two
CB Kyle Wilson
LB Sean Weatherspoon
OG Mike Johnson
DE Alex Carrington
DT Terrence Cody

As I've been saying since September, I like Weatherspoon a lot. I don't think he's a particularly great fit, but if he latest to the 2nd round I think he would be good enough value that he ought to be seriously considered. I kind of doubt he lasts that long, though. I see New Orleans jumping if he's available at 31 or 32. He's exactly what they need, and would make a fabulous WLB next to Jonathan Vilma.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Weatherspoon was a player I was watching in 2008 and not so much in 2009 because I had at one time considered him for ILB, I think NE's top three projected ILBs are as good if not better in that role. Frankly, I don't want another ILB who is coming from a 4-3 LB background with no trench warfare hand fighting skills.

I would really like to see NE pick up an athletic DE/DT conversion project. Perhaps they are trying to do something with Bruce Davis who played some SLB at UCLA. Some conversion projects whom they might consider include candidates I've also listed as OLB conversions:
- DE/DT/LB Koa Misi
- DE/LB Eric Norwood (high school DE/LB/TE)
- DE Jason Worilds (high school FB/LB/DE)
- DE Frank Zombo (converted TE)
- DE Jermaine Cunningham
- DE/OLB Danny Batten (First Team All-State high school rugby)
- DE Alex Daniels (high school LB/DE, used as a RB while at MN)
- DE Jan Jorgensen (high school LB/QB)
- DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
- DE Mitch Unrein (State Champion high school wrestler)
- DE/DT Carl Ihenacho (high school DE/TE)
- DE Arthur Moats (District Champion high school wrestler and shot putter)

 

[sg14]

These are guys with a bit of size, power, ability to get tackles for loss??

I would really like to see NE pick up an athletic DE/DT conversion project. Perhaps they are trying to do something with Bruce Davis who played some SLB at UCLA. Some conversion projects whom they might consider include candidates I've also listed as OLB conversions:
- DE/DT/LB Koa Misi
- DE/LB Eric Norwood (high school DE/LB/TE)
- DE Jason Worilds (high school FB/LB/DE)
- DE Frank Zombo (converted TE)
- DE Jermaine Cunningham
Reported got into an altercation with a couple of buddies in a sandwich shop over a bag of chips??? How stupid is that?

- DE/OLB Danny Batten (First Team All-State high school rugby)
Has to be drafted or FA pick-up for old time Pats fans, isn't Steve Nelson an alumni of South Dakata State?

- DE Alex Daniels (high school LB/DE, used as a RB while at MN)
- DE Jan Jorgensen (high school LB/QB)

- DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim set UWashington school record for career sacks
- DE Mitch Unrein (State Champion high school wrestler)
- DE/DT Carl Ihenacho (high school DE/TE)
- DE Arthur Moats (District Champion high school wrestler and shot putter)

 

[DaBruinz]

Weatherspoon was a player I was watching in 2008 and not so much in 2009 because I had at one time considered him for ILB, I think NE's top three projected ILBs are as good if not better in that role. Frankly, I don't want another ILB who is coming from a 4-3 LB background with no trench warfare hand fighting skills.

I would really like to see NE pick up an athletic DE/DT conversion project. Perhaps they are trying to do something with Bruce Davis who played some SLB at UCLA. Some conversion projects whom they might consider include candidates I've also listed as OLB conversions:
- DE/DT/LB Koa Misi Played extremely well today. Looked like he'd be able to cover the TE or RB for the initial yards..
- DE/LB Eric Norwood (high school DE/LB/TE) Didn't impress at the Senior Bowl.
- DE Jason Worilds (high school FB/LB/DE)
- DE Frank Zombo (converted TE)
- DE Jermaine Cunningham
- DE/OLB Danny Batten (First Team All-State high school rugby) He could be a very intriguing prospect if he runs in the 4.6 range at his Pro-Day. He'll be playing in the Texas vs. the Nation game.
- DE Alex Daniels (high school LB/DE, used as a RB while at MN)
- DE Jan Jorgensen (high school LB/QB)
- DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
- DE Mitch Unrein (State Champion high school wrestler)
- DE/DT Carl Ihenacho (high school DE/TE)
- DE Arthur Moats (District Champion high school wrestler and shot putter)

I'll have to watch the Texas vs. the Nation game to see some of the other Seniors who are coming out. See if some of these guys are Diamonds or just Coal..

 

[mayoclinic]

Weatherspoon was extremely impressive in the Senior Bowl game, getting all over the field and making plays. If he slipped to the 2nd round I'd have to consider him. But as a physical guy to do the dirty work on the inside, I really like Koa Misi.

 

[DaBruinz]

Weatherspoon was extremely impressive in the Senior Bowl game, getting all over the field and making plays. If he slipped to the 2nd round I'd have to consider him. But as a physical guy to do the dirty work on the inside, I really like Koa Misi.

When I saw Misi playing, the first thought that came to my mind is that Seattle would want him. He reminded me A LOT of Tatupu, just in how he carried himself.

That being said, and Box reminding me that Carroll is there now and that they have a new GM, who knows.. But I expect Misi to go in the 2nd round.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I'll have to watch the Texas vs. the Nation game to see some of the other Seniors who are coming out. See if some of these guys are Diamonds or just Coal..

I don't have CBS College Sports so I'll be trying to find the game on streaming broadcast and relying on you and others to report on the prospects. There are a number of kids in this game I wanted to watch.

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't have CBS College Sports so I'll be trying to find the game on streaming broadcast and relying on you and others to report on the prospects. There are a number of kids in this game I wanted to watch.

Being in Texas, I believe they are showing it on CBS.. Mail me a list of who you want to know about and I'll be sure to tape it and report on them

 

[MaineMan]

I know I'm gonna take heat for this, but it appeared to me (both in 2008 and since) that Weatherspoon excelled at beating a guy to a spot, holding him up and assisting on the tackles but didn't wrap up very well on his own.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I know I'm gonna take heat for this, but it appeared to me (both in 2008 and since) that Weatherspoon excelled at beating a guy to a spot, holding him up and assisting on the tackles but didn't wrap up very well on his own.

I basically put him on ignore after watching him in 2008, this game was almost a 180, but I want to see more game to game consistency...and it's not as if NE has a shortage of WILB types.

 

[State]

We seriously need an infusion of speed, talent, and power at the linebacker position. So if McClain, Mt. Cody, and Spiller are gone, I wouldn't mind a proven player who's been highly productive for a long time.

And I wouldn't get stuck on 3-4. We could be seeing more 4-3 next season. I mean if we had Cody and Wolfork lined up together on the inside, we could have Richard Simmons at the SILB and Ronald McDonald at the WILB, and they could still make plays.

It reminds me of what Minnesota has with their interior defensive line. I'd love to see that. And we'd definitely go with Minnesota's 4-3.

But you never know with Belichick. He can do the unexpected. When the trend is going one way, he can veer off the other. That's what makes him so good.

Why not Weatherspoon? He reminds me of the type of player the Steelers would draft.

I'm also holding out hope McKenzie can play well, after his injury last season. Guyton fills up space, Mayo has deteriorated this year, Tully--a supposed role player--was our impact guy, and Thomas should be long gone next year.

Yeah, a Weatherspoon pick isn't sexy but it works for me.

I'd probably still go with Odrick over him, though. But both Odrick and Weatherspoon are solid, solid picks.