Assessment of young players

[Coach42]

If anything this draft will go along way to letting us know about Ohrenberg, Bussey, Tate, Crable, Whilite, Wheatley, MacKenzie, Guyton, Pryor, Brace, and Richards. Do you think any of the guys on this are further along in their development in the coaching staffs mind than the general population on this board? If so who?

 

[Marqui]

I have a weird feeling that (don't laugh) Crable will contribute at WOLB.

 

[patsfan-1982]

I have a weird feeling that (don't laugh) Crable will contribute at WOLB.

i hope so he has so much talent it would be nice to see him in a real game

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

If anything this draft will go along way to letting us know about Ohrenberg, Bussey, Tate, Crable, Whilite, Wheatley, MacKenzie, Guyton, Pryor, Brace, and Richards. Do you think any of the guys on this are further along in their development in the coaching staffs mind than the general population on this board? If so who?

Are all still with the team? Then, while I'm unable to speak for the general population of patsfans, it can be taken as given those youngsters are considered further along in their development then some of the more astute analytical minds of this forum are known to believe. Assuming, of course, the strident cries for termination which have graced the threads of patsfans are not for show.

 

[Nonentity]

This was quite an interesting Q/A in Mike Reiss's mailbag:

Q. Hey Mike, any word on where Rich Ohrnberger fits in the Patriots' plans? They worked hard to trade for that spot in the fourth round last year. -- Sean (Los Angeles)

A. Sean, I'd put Ohrnberger in the same category as Tyrone McKenzie and Brandon Tate, where you're hoping for that year 1 to year 2 jump. One thing you noticed last year from seeing Ohrnberger in the locker room was how he attacked the weight room. He seemed to progressively get bigger, which is probably the one thing I'd hang my hat on right now. I think he'll compete for that top interior backup role, but it's a bit of a wild card right now.

Which can only be good news.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Just spending an offseason with Woicik will dramatically improve a player's S&C, but how how this translate to the field is debatable.

I expect to see a year 2 leap from most of them, but most are not starting from a position of strength.

I am hoping Crable develops some courage and passion for the game.

 

[MaineMan]

If anything this draft will go along way to letting us know about Ohrenberg, Bussey, Tate, Crable, Whilite, Wheatley, MacKenzie, Guyton, Pryor, Brace, and Richards. Do you think any of the guys on this are further along in their development in the coaching staffs mind than the general population on this board? If so who?

Not sure exactly what "further along" means, but here's my assessment:

Not nough info to know about Bussey, Crable or McKenzie.

Ohrenberger reportedly has bulked up in the weight room which may be a sign toward year-2 progress.

Tate at least looked very good on returns in his extremely brief 2009 stint. My impression was that his move to IR was more precautionary than as a result of a serious re-injury.

Wilhite, I think, could become at least a competent nickel guy with coaching from Corwin Brown. Hard to tell about Wheatley - when he wasn't injured, he looked completely clueless.

Guyton, it seems to me, has become as good as he's going to get playing on the inside - just adequate - and should be challenged by McKenzie and a 2010 rookie. Maybe he becomes a good reserve, maybe gets tried on the outside.

Pryor certainly has a great motor, but needs serious work to become more consistent in his gap-control/block-shedding/run defense to become a reliable situational starter.

Brace wasn't healthy, but still didn't appear very enthusiastic or quick on the uptake. I have my doubts.

Richards was frequently praised by the coaches for his work on the P/S, IIRC. But maybe only 50/50 that he makes the 53-man as a reserve or becomes another Titus Adams.

Based on the Prospect Contact List, I think all these guys are going to have to deal with some serious new competition from this draft and not all of them have a better chance because of their relative experience.

 

[wilfork is beastin']

Just spending an offseason with Woicik will dramatically improve a player's S&C, but how how this translate to the field is debatable.

I expect to see a year 2 leap from most of them, but most are not starting from a position of strength.

I am hoping Crable develops some courage and passion for the game.

He seems to have a very mature attitude towards not being able to play due to injuries. I'm impressed that he's been able to stay focused after all that's happened and I like to think he'll carry that focus onto the field.

 

[fluoropolymer]

My guess is that this year's training camp will be brutal; a real survival of the fittest. BB knows that there was an important "intangible" missing from last year's team and he isn't going to let a similar event happen this year.

Brace, Crable, et al had better bring their "A" game to camp or they will not be on the team. And the vets may be under greater pressure.

I have high hopes for Tate & McKenzie. Maybe wishful thinking for Crable & Prior. But tails are gonna roast for Brace, Whilite & Wheatley.

 

[mcsully]

Brace, Crable, et al had better bring their "A" game to camp or they will not be on the team. And the vets may be under greater pressure.
.

Yea they are going to dump Brace in year 2..

Before we all start saying "he needs to be cut or he won't make it".. Ask yourself, who's the player whos filling that void

 

[MaineMan]

Yea they are going to dump Brace in year 2..

Before we all start saying "he needs to be cut or he won't make it".. Ask yourself, who's the player whos filling that void

It's true that, currently, Brace is the only guy on the roster (besides VW) with the dimensions to cover NT in 30-fronts. Currently. And, it appears that the Pats have shown some legitimate interest in a few 2010 prospects (not including Williams, Price or Cody) who could compete for that role.

Not saying Brace won't make it or that he needs to be cut already. However, I don't believe his roster spot is necessarily secured, either.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

It's true that, currently, Brace is the only guy on the roster (besides VW) with the dimensions to cover NT in 30-fronts. Currently. And, it appears that the Pats have shown some legitimate interest in a few 2010 prospects (not including Williams, Price or Cody) who could compete for that role.

Not saying Brace won't make it or that he needs to be cut already. However, I don't believe his roster spot is necessarily secured, either.

Arguably Pryor has adequate NT dimensions, and Wright has always been suitable as a reserve, but it would be nice to see young Mr. Brace stepping up his game this summer.

 

[mgteich]

So,

NT/DT
well-stocked at NT with Wilfork, Pryor, Brace, and Lewis.

DE
We have a solid starter in Warren and a fine backup/rotational player in Wright.

================================

There is a bit of a hole at DE. We usally ahve depth for TWO injuries. Consider this DL with ONE injury to Warren. Even at full strength, I think that both Wright and Green were in on over 50% of the defensive reps last year. Who is taking up the slack? Is Lewis really a defensive end?

Arguably Pryor has adequate NT dimensions, and Wright has always been suitable as a reserve, but it would be nice to see young Mr. Brace stepping up his game this summer.

 

[MaineMan]

So,

NT/DT
well-stocked at NT with Wilfork, Pryor, Brace, and Lewis.

DE
We have a solid starter in Warren and a fine backup/rotational player in Wright.

================================

There is a bit of a hole at DE. We usally ahve depth for TWO injuries. Consider this DL with ONE injury to Warren. Even at full strength, I think that both Wright and Green were in on over 50% of the defensive reps last year. Who is taking up the slack? Is Lewis really a defensive end?

I can see Pryor and Lewis as NT or UT in 40-fronts, but not at NT in the 30-front. If Brace fails to step up as a decent Wilfork replacement (when necessary), I think we're looking for another candidate - maybe Troup or Thomas in the 3rd (when we come up with a pick for the 3rd, that is).

Meanwhile, the Pats appear to have worked out at least one decent 3-4 DE candidate for every round through the 6th, and a couple of potentially exceptional ones. So, it's pretty clear that they'll address those holes at some point.

 

[sg14]

So it sounds if Wheatley gets better coaching, he becomes a better player????????

He seems to have very good physical skills,,

Wilhite, I think, could become at least a competent nickel guy with coaching from Corwin Brown. Hard to tell about Wheatley - when he wasn't injured, he looked completely clueless..

 

[VJCPatriot]

So it sounds if Wheatley gets better coaching, he becomes a better player????????

He seems to have very good physical skills,,

Completely clueless doesn't sound like an encouraging evaluation. Then again I haven't watched Wheatley much myself so I can't say for sure. What is discouraging though is the fact that he could NOT get on the field even when Wilhite was being torched regularly for touchdowns like a marshmallow over an open flame.

 

[MaineMan]

So it sounds if Wheatley gets better coaching, he becomes a better player????????

He seems to have very good physical skills,,

Well, that's my hope. The Pats have been performing much more than due diligence with several CB prospects in this draft, though. And that's AFTER new DB Coach Corwin Brown has had some time to evaluate our guys. So, we might expect Wheatley to get pressed hard by a rookie for his roster spot this camp.

 

[mgteich]

I agree that if Brace or Pryor fails to step up as a Wilfork replacement that we will need a NT backup.

Since this determionation cannot be made in the next week, we won't be looking for another NT in the 3rd.

With regard to 7 hail mary's, sure we could draft more defensive linemen who might compete with Brace, Pryor and Richard. I never have problems with that apporach. Certainly Pryor was good enough to get significant reps.

I can see Pryor and Lewis as NT or UT in 40-fronts, but not at NT in the 30-front. If Brace fails to step up as a decent Wilfork replacement (when necessary), I think we're looking for another candidate - maybe Troup or Thomas in the 3rd (when we come up with a pick for the 3rd, that is).

Meanwhile, the Pats appear to have worked out at least one decent 3-4 DE candidate for every round through the 6th, and a couple of potentially exceptional ones. So, it's pretty clear that they'll address those holes at some point.

 

[MaineMan]

I agree that if Brace or Pryor fails to step up as a Wilfork replacement that we will need a NT backup.

Since this determionation cannot be made in the next week, we won't be looking for another NT in the 3rd.

With regard to 7 hail mary's, sure we could draft more defensive linemen who might compete with Brace, Pryor and Richard. I never have problems with that apporach. Certainly Pryor was good enough to get significant reps.

Well, there are a few guys after the 3rd that appear to have the measurables and who the Pats have worked out. But I mention Troup specifically because he's had some personal attention/contact from BB himself. I also have liked what I've seen of his play.

 

[MaineMan]

Completely clueless doesn't sound like an encouraging evaluation. Then again I haven't watched Wheatley much myself so I can't say for sure. What is discouraging though is the fact that he could NOT get on the field even when Wilhite was being torched regularly for touchdowns like a marshmallow over an open flame.

Well, in fairness, part of the reason that Wheatley couldn't get on the field was that he seemed always to be nursing one injury or another. Never a good sign, but maybe, at this stage, worth a bit of slack.

As I mentioned earlier, Wilhite got burned for 6 TDs and there were several regular starting CBs around the league who got burned for as many or more. In terms of completion percentage allowed, he was right there with Marcus Trufant, Dunta Robinson, Chris Houston, Richard Marshall and Asante Samuel (who gave up 5 TDs, BTW). Wilhite was also one of the better tacklers of that bunch.

It should also be noted that the entire secondary was at its worst in terms of getting burned for long gains and scores when McGowan was on the field miscommunicating the coverages. My hope is that, with (possibly) better coaching and Chung perhaps stepping up far enough for the in-the-box role to keep McGowan off the field, all of these guys will perform a whole lot more consistently. Remains to be seen, of course.