7 out of the Top 15 Right Now are DE's

[IcyPatriot]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...?id=5706157&addata=2009_insdr_mod_nfl_xxx_xxx

7 out of 15 are DE's ... that's nice.

We can probably get one without trading up ... maybe even get the one Bill wants with a downward trade.

5 - Robert Quinn - 6'4" - 267

6 - Marcell Dareus - 6'3" - 306

7 - Da'quan Bowers - 6'4" - 277

9 - Adrian Clayborn - 6'3" - 282

11 - Ryan Kerrigan - 6'4" - 259

14 - Allen Bailey - 6'4" - 288

15 - Cameron Heyward - 6'6" - 282

Bailey & Heyward seem like the Belichick type.

The first DT is like 25th ... that's unusual?

opinions?

should have added

#12 Akeem Ayers OLB - 6'4" - 251

 

[Patriot Missile]

I can't believe we are actually going to have a legitimate shot at getting one or two of those guys.

And with the ? pick in the 2011 NFL draft the New England Patriots select tight end so and so from :insert college.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

I can't believe we are actually going to have a legitimate shot at getting one or two of those guys.

And with the ? pick in the 2011 NFL draft the New England Patriots select tight end so and so from :insert college.

Nah, there's not a single TE in this draft who's worth even a second round grade (except for Kyle Rudolph, and he's injured and expected to miss the season, so he probably won't declare as a junior).

We have a legit shot at picking up both an impact defensive tackle/defensive end and an impact defensive end/outside linebacker.

Fairley
Bowers
Smith
Quinn
Kerrigan
Heyward

Of course, we'll probably end up with another cornerback.

 

[Metaphors]

5 - Robert Quinn - 6'4" - 267

There weren't a lot of 4.6, 4.65 guys in the [40-yard dash], and not a lot of 6-[foot]-4[-inch], 6-5 guys. There was a much smaller pool of those players.

He is effectively describing DeMarcus Ware. Ware was 6'4", 250lb and ran 4.56 when he came out in 2005. Quinn is a legit 6'5", 260+ and has run unofficial times under 4.5. Obviously Quinn is a wildcard with no game film this year, but if he shows up at the combine prepared and in shape, I'm not sure how Belichick passes on a guy with a physical makeup comparable to or better than Ware.

Another similar guy is Aldon Smith from Missouri. He was hurt but should play this weekend in a HUGE game against Oklahoma (GameDay crew on campus). Also 6'5" (but seems taller), 260 with an unofficial 40 time around 4.6. Slower than Quinn but may have a higher motor. Just a redshirt sophomore so he is likely to return to school. But if he strings together some monster games between now and mid-January, you never know.

If Smith declares, I would be absolutely shocked if the Pats don't end up with one of them. Belichick spelled out the prototype and he might find himself staring at 2 of them with a top 5 pick in his pocket.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Smith is a quicker player than Quinn, in my opinion. I know the rumors have Quinn at sub 4.5, but Smith looks slightly faster on the field. He's probably a better player in space, and has experience playing at several defensive positions. That's why I listed him before Quinn in my rankings in my previous post; he is basically a more athletic, way, way more productive Shawn Crable without the skinny legs syndrome. Based on the fact that BB actually drafted Crable, and has stuck with him despite the crazy start to his career, makes me think that Smith has a good chance of ending up on his draft board.

The sword cuts two ways, though: BB might decide we already have a 6'5, 4.6 guy who can develop into a rangy edge player. :shrug:

 

[MustaphaM0nd]

Aldon Smith is unbelievably fast in space for such a big guy. The combine will elevate him to top 5-10 if he isn't already. Conversely, it will probably be the death sentence for Ryan Kerrigan's stock, who looks to small to be a DE and too slow to be an OLB.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Rewatching the Ravens game, I note all four OLBs got pressure on Flacco at one time or another while working against a Ravens' O-line which Phil Simms reported at the beginning of the broadcast had only given up 5 sacks in 5 games.
-- Ninkovich and Cunningham are steadily improving before our eyes.
-- TBC has been allowed to settle into a passing down specialist role.
-- Seeing increasing reps as the #4 OLB, Crable is showing flashes of why he was targeted in the draft; in particular he flashed in the first defensive series of overtime using his height to influence Flacco's overthrow of Rice on first down, and pressuring Flacco into a quick checkdown to Rice on third down. On Mike Wright's sack, Crab flushed Flacco into Wright, and in the 4th Quarter he partnered with TBC to flush Flacco who eventually threw the ball away to prevent a sack.

What does this mean for the draft? At the moment I see elements of NE's hey day at OLB: Vrabel's flexibility and smarts, Willie's size and power, Colvin's speed and intensity. There aren't any clones, but between the four almost all the skills sets Vrabel, Willie, and Rosy brought to the game are available in a very young crew of OLBs. I'm currently not feeling the need to fall in love with any potential OLB prospect in the 2011 draft, BB may choose one as BPA, but I'm inclined to believe he surprises us.

 

[Peachhead]

Another similar guy is Aldon Smith from Missouri. He was hurt but should play this weekend in a HUGE game against Oklahoma (GameDay crew on campus). Also 6'5" (but seems taller), 260 with an unofficial 40 time around 4.6. Slower than Quinn but may have a higher motor. Just a redshirt sophomore so he is likely to return to school. But if he strings together some monster games between now and mid-January, you never know.

Another sleeper with similar measurables is DE/OLB Brooks Reed from Arizona*. He's 6'3", 260+ and is athletic as all get out. He should run sub-4.6 easily...on a bad day. I'm hoping we can get him early on day 3 (in addition to a higher rated OLB in rd 1 or 2a).


*Hmm, Arizona. Didn't we get an undersized sleeper DE from there in the 90s? I think that guy worked out pretty well for us.

 

[Off The Grid]

Another sleeper with similar measurables is DE/OLB Brooks Reed from Arizona*. He's 6'3", 260+ and is athletic as all get out. He should run sub-4.6 easily...on a bad day. I'm hoping we can get him early on day 3 (in addition to a higher rated OLB in rd 1 or 2a).


*Hmm, Arizona. Didn't we get an undersized sleeper DE from there in the 90s? I think that guy worked out pretty well for us.

That undersized Arizona runt??

He was HORRIBLE, if memory serves.

We had to hide him...at MLB.

...Not sure what became'f'm.

 

[Off The Grid]

Smith is a quicker player than Quinn, in my opinion.

I know the rumors have Quinn at sub 4.5, but Smith looks slightly faster on the field.

He's probably a better player in space...

Quinn IS explosive, but they can FLUSH the "40" times, for MY money.

What you speak to is the key: Explosiveness, Quickness, Lateral Velocity, Fluidity...and, above all: Processing Speed.

That's what separated Brandon Spikes from the "40" flashers, BEFORE the Draft.

 

[reflexblue]

He is effectively describing DeMarcus Ware. Ware was 6'4", 250lb and ran 4.56 when he came out in 2005. Quinn is a legit 6'5", 260+ and has run unofficial times under 4.5. Obviously Quinn is a wildcard with no game film this year, but if he shows up at the combine prepared and in shape, I'm not sure how Belichick passes on a guy with a physical makeup comparable to or better than Ware.

Another similar guy is Aldon Smith from Missouri. He was hurt but should play this weekend in a HUGE game against Oklahoma (GameDay crew on campus). Also 6'5" (but seems taller), 260 with an unofficial 40 time around 4.6. Slower than Quinn but may have a higher motor. Just a redshirt sophomore so he is likely to return to school. But if he strings together some monster games between now and mid-January, you never know.

If Smith declares, I would be absolutely shocked if the Pats don't end up with one of them. Belichick spelled out the prototype and he might find himself staring at 2 of them with a top 5 pick in his pocket.

I like A Smith also along with Quinn. I think Belichick would be more likely to draft Smith before he would Quinn if he were available.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Rewatching the Ravens game, I note all four OLBs got pressure on Flacco at one time or another while working against a Ravens' O-line which Phil Simms reported at the beginning of the broadcast had only given up 5 sacks in 5 games.
-- Ninkovich and Cunningham are steadily improving before our eyes.
-- TBC has been allowed to settle into a passing down specialist role.
-- Seeing increasing reps as the #4 OLB, Crable is showing flashes of why he was targeted in the draft; in particular he flashed in the first defensive series of overtime using his height to influence Flacco's overthrow of Rice on first down, and pressuring Flacco into a quick checkdown to Rice on third down. On Mike Wright's sack, Crab flushed Flacco into Wright, and in the 4th Quarter he partnered with TBC to flush Flacco who eventually threw the ball away to prevent a sack.

What does this mean for the draft? At the moment I see elements of NE's hey day at OLB: Vrabel's flexibility and smarts, Willie's size and power, Colvin's speed and intensity. There aren't any clones, but between the four almost all the skills sets Vrabel, Willie, and Rosy brought to the game are available in a very young crew of OLBs. I'm currently not feeling the need to fall in love with any potential OLB prospect in the 2011 draft, BB may choose one as BPA, but I'm inclined to believe he surprises us.

If your scenario plays out. I can definitely see us going with P.Peterson or P.Amakamura with that top pick. I still think Crable and Ninko are jags though.. BB can keep not drafting those olb's. But, a blind man can see our defense isn't as good as Pittsburgh and Dallas(When they feel like playing). The difference is edge pass-rushers. They have em, we don't. The other defense clearly better than us is NY Jets. Do you see us going with a blitzing, man to man scheme? Right. Nope. I'm excited about Cunningham's play and think TBC is a decent player. But, would be better in a rotation. Which we could do if get a great prospect.

I think the area that may not be as big a need as we thought is a 3-4 de. We have Ty Warren coming back. Brace is becoming a capable backup at minimum. LDE taken care of. B. Deaderick is emerging and I've been pleasantly surprised by G. Warren. M.Wright can also slide into that RDE though it's not his best position. A need for depth and to replace G. Warren. But, not sure worth a Top 10 pick. Maybe with Carolina's pick. There are a boatload of DL in the upcoming draft.

It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out. There are a bunch of youngster on the defensive depth chart whom might change our opinion as this year goes on.

 

[patchick]

I'm currently not feeling the need to fall in love with any potential OLB prospect in the 2011 draft, BB may choose one as BPA, but I'm inclined to believe he surprises us.

Wouldn't the biggest surprise be actually drafting one of the highly touted OLB prospects? For the first time EVER?

The fascinating thing to me is that roster areas that as of August looked like gaping needs for the 2011 draft are quietly closing up.

OLB? Cunningham, Ninkovich, Banta-Cain, Crable is looking perfectly serviceable.
WR? Welker, Branch, Tate, Edelman, Price is a notch above serviceable.
OG? Darned if Dan Connolly isn't a legitimate NFL starter.
DE? Ty Warren returns, and you have Deaderick, Brace & Wright to pick from opposite him.
3rd-down back? If Woodhead continues like this, cross it off the list.

An OT is still needed IF Light isn't re-signed (which would surprise me), and a couple of RBs. But that's not a lot of must-haves for a team with 6 picks in the first 3 rounds. That gives the team the total luxury to use its top picks on pure studs. From this early vantage point, OLB & WR look like the richest stud sources this year.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Wouldn't the biggest surprise be actually drafting one of the highly touted OLB prospects? For the first time EVER?

The fascinating thing to me is that roster areas that as of August looked like gaping needs for the 2011 draft are quietly closing up.

OLB? Cunningham, Ninkovich, Banta-Cain, Crable is looking perfectly serviceable.
WR? Welker, Branch, Tate, Edelman, Price is a notch above serviceable.
OG? Darned if Dan Connolly isn't a legitimate NFL starter.
DE? Ty Warren returns, and you have Deaderick, Brace & Wright to pick from opposite him.
3rd-down back? If Woodhead continues like this, cross it off the list.

An OT is still needed IF Light isn't re-signed (which would surprise me), and a couple of RBs. But that's not a lot of must-haves for a team with 6 picks in the first 3 rounds. That gives the team the total luxury to use its top picks on pure studs. From this early vantage point, OLB & WR look like the richest stud sources this year.

If the juniors come out. There are a bunch of 3-4 de's too. Guys like; Dareus, Fairley
Heyward, C. Ballard, Cam Jordan, JJ Watt, maybe A. Bailey. This draft and picks certainly look to fill our needs. Along with those picks. I hope they don't do 1st round on thursday. 2nd and 3rd on Friday though. I liked the Sat. and Sun. format. Rounds 1-3 on Sat. Finish on Sunday.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I think the Pats are obviously in a great position going into the 2011 draft. Ive never really thought that DE was a huge need going in because I have such high hopes for Deaderick and Kade Weston (watch out if he gets healthy next season). So adding a healthy Tye Warren to a more experince Ron Brace and Brandon Deaderick could mean that the DL is a strength for the Pats in 2011 and beyond.

I am far more suprised however with the play of the OLB'ers. Cunningham is progressing much faster than I expected, TBC is in a much more suited role, Crable is actually on the field and Ninkovich isnt the scrub I expected him to be. I would still like to add a top flight OLB, but as BB has shown it all comes down to players who fit the system. I think this year we may have finally found that OLB in Da'Quan Bowers. He has all the physical skills necessary, and he also plays with sound two-gap principles. He was my favorite player coming into the season and he has already exceeded all of my expectations. It's quite incredible that he is only 20 years old, and he is doing what he is doing this year after the recent passing of his father. This kid is just special.

 

[patchick]

IBB has shown it all comes down to players who fit the system. I think this year we may have finally found that OLB in Da'Quan Bowers. He has all the physical skills necessary, and he also plays with sound two-gap principles.

If the draft were tomorrow, Bowers would be my pick, too. I think he could be extraordinary in this defense. And just listen to him blandly praise his coaches' game planning and talk about all of his teammates just doing their jobs -- a Patriot in waiting.

YouTube - Da'Quan Bowers Maryland postgame press conference

 

[Wilfork#75]

If the draft were tomorrow, Bowers would be my pick, too. I think he could be extraordinary in this defense. And just listen to him blandly praise his coaches' game planning and talk about all of his teammates just doing their jobs -- a Patriot in waiting.


For me the most impressive thing about Da'Quan Bowers is how much he has grown up over the past year. In the past there have been some questions over his workethic and commitment, but he has answered all of his critics emphatically. He had alot of pressure on him coming out of highschool as the top rated player in the nation and has taken some time to adjust. He has also played through injury which has lead to his lack of production leading up to this year. But it is great to finally see him living up to his potential. And as I said he is still only 20 years old, and lost his father in August, so to come back and do what he is doing this year really is incredible.

 

[Marqui]

I still think Crable and Ninko are jags though..

I think Crable has potential, but I agree Ninkovich is still a jag despite a pair of solid games. I just haven't seen any ability in him to win a one-on-one matchup against an OT. I think the Pats can do better than that. Either Bowers or Quinn would be a great fit on this team.

 

[patsfaninpa]

If the draft were tomorrow, Bowers would be my pick, too. I think he could be extraordinary in this defense. And just listen to him blandly praise his coaches' game planning and talk about all of his teammates just doing their jobs -- a Patriot in waiting.

YouTube - Da'Quan Bowers Maryland postgame press conference

Very classy interview. Watched a couple of the highlight clips too. . Boy, he's awfully big thru his butt and thighs. If he's 280 now, not sure he'll be able to play olb when he gets to 290-295. Would like to see his forty time and more importantly some agility drills.

 

[TheComeback]

By the end of the year I think we'll have bigger needs at OL than DE or OLB. I actually think OLB will be solidified in 2010, like Box O Rocks pointed out. I'd like to see us take the best OL availabe with our first pick. DL would be a close 2nd.

Edit: Actually, I'm not sure DL will be much of a need either, since we're getting Ty back. I still think it would be prudent to draft his "replacement" in 2011 in case he doesn't return the same caliber of player next year.