Aldon Smith

[stinkypete]

Most mocks seem to have Smith falling beyond #17 with the Patriots passing. Should he be available at that pick, he'd be the most physically ideal 3-4 OLB to fall to us in the Belichick era. Certainly the potential is almost limitless. The questions are also there about health, stoutness and football IQ.

The question is, why or why not pick Aldon Smith?

 

[Christopher Patriot]

Heck yeah him and Quinn have the most potential to be a disruptive force right away my ideal draft would be walking away with either, watt or wilkerson, mixed with quinn, Smith or Brooks Reed I see Aldon having the mean streak more so than the other forementioned he has the tenacity of Takeo Spikes but the athletic potential of a dmarcus Ware his floor is Wimberly but I think the Kid is going to be something special he just has that mean streak and confidence that all great pass rushers have.
I haven't seen enough film of him stopping the run does anyone know where I can see game film against a great rushing front.
Much appreciated.

 

[Sciz]

He's not going to last to 17. I have the Pats trading up to #13 for him.

 

[Peachhead]

I don't see the Pats taking any DE/OLB conversion project at their 1a pick. BB is all about who is the safest pick that early. Even if it isn't the most needed position or the guy with the highest ceiling.

I think it would even be un BB-like to take a conversion at 1b. Although I hope he does if the right guy is still available @ 28.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I don't see the Pats taking any DE/OLB conversion project at their 1a pick. BB is all about who is the safest pick that early. Even if it isn't the most needed position or the guy with the highest ceiling.

I think it would even be un BB-like to take a conversion at 1b. Although I hope he does if the right guy is still available @ 28.

It's not really "safest." It's "most useful." The biggest issue is that he figures conversion projects can't really do much their rookie years (yet, OTOH, he drafted Meriweather and he barely played in 2007. . . .).

 

[patfanken]

given the choice between a talented but risky OLB prospect that is going to take 2-3 years to train or a DE who is sure to contribute immediately is a no brainer for BB He'll go DL EVERYTIME. f BB is going to "reach" for a player it will be at 28 or 33 NOT at 17. BB has had only 3 picks in 11 tries out of the 20's and 2 of them were DLmen

Smith is an intriguing prospect. I'd have to say I'd be OK with the pick, but I'd be very surprised





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[sbpatfan]

It's not really "safest." It's "most useful." The biggest issue is that he figures conversion projects can't really do much their rookie years (yet, OTOH, he drafted Meriweather and he barely played in 2007. . . .).

He took Meriweather at 24, and he played a decent amount for a first year safety on a stacked team. Wilfork is a better example of a first round project than Meriweather.

I don't think Belichick is drafting anyone in the first this year unless they can play. I expect some tradebacks.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I agreed with the NFL evaluation committee's second round grade on this kid, I've seen nothing to suggest he's a first round value.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

It's not really "safest." It's "most useful." The biggest issue is that he figures conversion projects can't really do much their rookie years (yet, OTOH, he drafted Meriweather and he barely played in 2007. . . .).

I think if you go back and look, Ty Warren played little during his rookie season, is it all about the ability to do the job and technique.

I do not see BB taking Smith because Smith is a projection selection and BB projects very little in the first round.

 

[Water Boy]

I agreed with the NFL evaluation committee's second round grade on this kid, I've seen nothing to suggest he's a first round value.

The bottom line is that in today's pass happy NFL the Patriots desparately need to improve their pass rush. Players that have BB's preferred 3-4 OLB measurabes and can get after the QB are few and far between. At a minimum, I think Smith has shown enough on tape to indicate that he can be a very good pass rusher and one day he may even be elite. The only X-factor for me is what's between his ears and in his chest.

If you want a guy with elite potential pass rushing ability you're going to have to spend a high draft pick on it. I think its a gamble that the Pats should strongly consider.

 

[MaineMan]

The bottom line is that in today's pass happy NFL the Patriots desparately need to improve their pass rush. Players that have BB's preferred 3-4 OLB measurabes and can get after the QB are few and far between. At a minimum, I think Smith has shown enough on tape to indicate that he can be a very good pass rusher and one day he may even be elite. The only X-factor for me is what's between his ears and in his chest.

If you want a guy with elite potential pass rushing ability you're going to have to spend a high draft pick on it. I think its a gamble that the Pats should strongly consider.

The problem, of course, is that BB doesn't appear to think it's necessary for his OLBs to come out of college with elite pass-rushing potential.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Is Aldon Smith the next Vernon Gholston or is he the next Tamba Hali. That's what it boils down to. Considering that any 3-4 OLB would be a conversion project, it's a big gamble to take for BB's system. I don't see us taking OLB in round 1. But anytime in round 2 would be fine.

 

[Water Boy]

The problem, of course, is that BB doesn't appear to think it's necessary for his OLBs to come out of college with elite pass-rushing potential.

And it shows.

 

[Zardnok]

I am playing the role of the Patriots GM in a mock over on Saintsreport. Watt, Jordan, Solder, and Smith all went just prior to pick #17 so I traded back from 17 to 22 to pick up another 3rd rounder and swap of 2nds. Aldon Smith is on my short list of prospects for 22 and wanted to get some quick input from the Pats experts here before making my selection.

Given the choice between Aldon Smith, Muhammed Wilkerson, or either of Carimi or Castonzo who do you go with and who do you hope will drop?

I am leaning towards Wilkerson because he is the next best 5-tech IMO and the drop off is larger. I am leary of Smith as a conversion, but his upside is definitely up there. I would be happy with either OT. Thoughts??

 

[patchick]

I am playing the role of the Patriots GM in a mock over on Saintsreport. Watt, Jordan, Solder, and Smith all went just prior to pick #17 so I traded back from 17 to 22 to pick up another 3rd rounder and swap of 2nds. Aldon Smith is on my short list of prospects for 22 and wanted to get some quick input from the Pats experts here before making my selection.

Given the choice between Aldon Smith, Muhammed Wilkerson, or either of Carimi or Castonzo who do you go with and who do you hope will drop?

I am leaning towards Wilkerson because he is the next best 5-tech IMO and the drop off is larger. I am leary of Smith as a conversion, but his upside is definitely up there. I would be happy with either OT. Thoughts??

Nice work! IMO, coming out of round 1 with a DE is absolutely essential, so I'd go with Wilkerson.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I am playing the role of the Patriots GM in a mock over on Saintsreport. Watt, Jordan, Solder, and Smith all went just prior to pick #17 so I traded back from 17 to 22 to pick up another 3rd rounder and swap of 2nds. Aldon Smith is on my short list of prospects for 22 and wanted to get some quick input from the Pats experts here before making my selection.

Given the choice between Aldon Smith, Muhammed Wilkerson, or either of Carimi or Castonzo who do you go with and who do you hope will drop?

I am leaning towards Wilkerson because he is the next best 5-tech IMO and the drop off is larger. I am leary of Smith as a conversion, but his upside is definitely up there. I would be happy with either OT. Thoughts??

According to your list Smith is gone before 17 already so why ask about him? He is a conversion and they are risky. Very boom or bust imo. He may be able to make the transition and if he does watch out.

In my less than expert opinion I would go with Wilkerson because he has huge upside and he is the last DE besides Heyward that I like. Getting one of them for sure should be tops on your list. Since you missed out on Smith you could probably go with Brooks Reed at 33 and take your unworthy non playing left tackle at 28 if that suites you. Personally I'd trade it and go with a 2nd round tackle prospect like Ben Ijalana or James Carpenter in the 3rd.

 

[patchick]

According to your list Smith is gone before 17 already so why ask about him?

I think the one who's gone is Tyron Smith. With a surname like Smith, first names are definitely required.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I think the one who's gone is Tyron Smith. With a surname like Smith, first names are definitely required.

Keep forgetting about that guy. 2nd time today I've stuck my foot in my mouth. Tyron is the one who gains 25 pounds of lean muscle over 4 months. Must be one of those USC diets again.

 

[Zardnok]

Keep forgetting about that guy. 2nd time today I've stuck my foot in my mouth. Tyron is the one who gains 25 pounds of lean muscle over 4 months. Must be one of those USC diets again.

Yeah sorry, Tyron Smith was the OT taken when I traded out of #17. I had taken Tyron Smith off my board for Injury issues and because he has only ever played RT and not sure if he would be able to play both sides.

I worry about Aldon Smith being able to translate into the Pats system and pick up a complex BB defense, but I keep coming back to his potential.

I am really leaning towards Wilkerson if he drops another two slots and if not picking up Carimi.

San Diego just picked Ryan Kerrigan for their 5-tech DE slot and I have him pegged as a 4-3 end only. Saints fans piling on the guy because they wanted him to fall.

 

[Defsoul]

San Diego just picked Ryan Kerrigan for their 5-tech DE slot and I have him pegged as a 4-3 end only. Saints fans piling on the guy because they wanted him to fall.

He's not a defensive end in their three men front, but he could move to outside linebacker and team up with former Purdue defensive end Shaun Phillips.