- Joined
- Aug 13, 2005
- Messages
- 19,298
- Reaction score
- 12,889
Why the New England Patriots should think outside their system when making draft decisions - espnBoston - Mike Reiss
Interesting column by Reiss. He notes that the Pats were in their base 3-4 alignment for just 40% of their snaps last season, and were in a sub package with five or more defensive backs 57% of the time. He says that formation is what "sunk them", based on their ranking last in the NFL on 3rd down. From there he says the Pats should get away from only scouting players that would appear to be fits for a 3-4 and look at 4-3 prototypes as well.
Reiss also says that although the Pats have done well looking for three- and four-down players, they would be well served to consider two-down players in this upcoming draft.
Interesting column by Reiss. He notes that the Pats were in their base 3-4 alignment for just 40% of their snaps last season, and were in a sub package with five or more defensive backs 57% of the time. He says that formation is what "sunk them", based on their ranking last in the NFL on 3rd down. From there he says the Pats should get away from only scouting players that would appear to be fits for a 3-4 and look at 4-3 prototypes as well.
The Patriots are a system-specific team, which means they scout players independently based on how they might fit into their unique-to-them 3-4 system. Because of that, they sometimes take themselves out of the running for some of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, defenders who might fit only in 4-3 schemes.
Based on 2010, a strong case could be made that it's time to change that line of thinking.
Because of the struggles in the sub package, a 4-3 edge rusher is exactly what the Patriots need -- a havoc-creator that opposing teams must account for at all times, a play-with-your-hair-on-fire rusher who brings an attitude to a defense.
Reiss also says that although the Pats have done well looking for three- and four-down players, they would be well served to consider two-down players in this upcoming draft.
Still, one important aspect of scouting is being flexible within a system, and the growing number of snaps in the sub defense could signal the need for the Patriots to alter their mindset.
In the search for three- and four-down players with their top picks, the Patriots have selected safety Brandon Meriweather, linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Patrick Chung and cornerback Devin McCourty in each of the past four years.
Looking ahead, a two-down player wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing if that player is a pass-rusher.
At the least, he'd fill 57 percent of the snaps in sub packages, addressing the team's biggest need.