Would BB draft SC WR Alshon Jeffery in the 1st round?

[Ochmed Jones]

Provided Jeffries dropped to us at #32 or where ever the New Orleans pick winds up.

BB has not taken a WR in the first since he has been here, but that does not mean he wouldn;t in the future.

If Jeffries is on the baord when we are on the clock, does anybody think BB would pull the trigger on a WR in 2012?

 

[UofApatsfan]

I think Floyd or Criner in the 2nd is much better value and as it stands Jeffries has no chance of making it anywhere near pick 32. Jeffries and Blackmon for that matter are both gonna go too high for BB to consider taking one of them. I agree with what you said in the safety thread tho, WR is a need and will be addressed. This current group is patchwork at best and will likely go through major changes after this season.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Personally, I would. Love Alshon's game. But can't see BB doing it.

 

[PatriotsInGA]

Jefferies? Are we going 4-12 this year?


Jefferies is the most talented WR I have seen at the collegiate level in a long time...and I have watched AJ Green and Julio Jones in recent years.

He will be a top 10 pick. Book it.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I can definitely see BB taking a WR early in the 2012 draft, but it won't be Alshon Jeffery or Justin Blackmon, unless the Saints tank and go 4-12. Unless something drastic happens, I don't think Jeffery makes it out of the top 10, maybe even top 5. Blackmon is also a likely top 10-15 selection, and many had him higher than Julio Jones last year. But if they were somehow available to the Pats, absolutely I think BB would take both of them, especially Jeffery, because they are elite WR prospects.

The guy I really like though is Jeff Fuller from Texas A&M. He's a big, athletic and physical possession reciever, with good hands and body control. The thing I like most about Fuller is you don't need to make a perfect throw to him, you put it near him and he will go get it. He works the middle of the field well, and at 6'3" with great leaping ability he is a weapon 1 on 1. He doesn't have elite speed, but has enough to threaten vertically because of his long strides. I think he would be a great fit with the Pats offence, and will likely be a late 1st, early 2nd round prospect.

While WR may not seem like a huge need right now, I think 2012 would be the right time to draft one. Branch is a free agent and could very well be gone after 2011. Welker is also a free agent, but I think they will re-sign him. Ocho Cinco is coming towards the end of his career so we don't know exactly what he will contribute going forward. Taylor Price and Julian Edelman are still unproven at the NFL level and Brandon Tate could very well be cut. And we all know how complex this offensive scheme is and how difficult it is to learn. I would prefer to draft a WR a year early than required to give them a year in the system to learn. If Branch is gone next season we have Price to step in, then we get another young guy to learn for a year to take over from Ocho Cinco.

Luckily this draft is very deep at WR and we can easily get a good player in the 2nd/3rd round. Along with Fuller my next favourite guy is Greg Childs from Arkansas. He's super productive and just has a great ability to get open. I'm expecting a big year from him. The other top guys that will likely be available are:
Michael Floyd- ND
Juron Criner- Ari
Ryan Broyles- Okla
Mohamed Sanu- Rutgers
Dwight Jones- UNC
Devier Posey- Ohio State

For me the big darkhorse this year is Chris Owusu from Stanford. With Andrew Luck returning I'm expecting huge thigs from this kid and I wouldn't be suprised to see him push himself into late 1st round consideration.

Overall I think its a good year to go after a WR, especially with such depth and talent available. Even if they don't contribute in year one, at least they could get into and learn the system before getting onto the field.

 

[Defsoul]

I can definitely see BB taking a WR early in the 2012 draft, but it won't be Alshon Jeffery or Justin Blackmon, unless the Saints tank and go 4-12. Unless something drastic happens, I don't think Jeffery makes it out of the top 10, maybe even top 5. Blackmon is also a likely top 10-15 selection, and many had him higher than Julio Jones last year. But if they were somehow available to the Pats, absolutely I think BB would take both of them, especially Jeffery, because they are elite WR prospects.

The guy I really like though is Jeff Fuller from Texas A&M. He's a big, athletic and physical possession reciever, with good hands and body control. The thing I like most about Fuller is you don't need to make a perfect throw to him, you put it near him and he will go get it. He works the middle of the field well, and at 6'3" with great leaping ability he is a weapon 1 on 1. He doesn't have elite speed, but has enough to threaten vertically because of his long strides. I think he would be a great fit with the Pats offence, and will likely be a late 1st, early 2nd round prospect.

While WR may not seem like a huge need right now, I think 2012 would be the right time to draft one. Branch is a free agent and could very well be gone after 2011. Welker is also a free agent, but I think they will re-sign him. Ocho Cinco is coming towards the end of his career so we don't know exactly what he will contribute going forward. Taylor Price and Julian Edelman are still unproven at the NFL level and Brandon Tate could very well be cut. And we all know how complex this offensive scheme is and how difficult it is to learn. I would prefer to draft a WR a year early than required to give them a year in the system to learn. If Branch is gone next season we have Price to step in, then we get another young guy to learn for a year to take over from Ocho Cinco.

Luckily this draft is very deep at WR and we can easily get a good player in the 2nd/3rd round. Along with Fuller my next favourite guy is Greg Childs from Arkansas. He's super productive and just has a great ability to get open. I'm expecting a big year from him. The other top guys that will likely be available are:
Michael Floyd- ND
Juron Criner- Ari
Ryan Broyles- Okla
Mohamed Sanu- Rutgers
Dwight Jones- UNC
Devier Posey- Ohio State

For me the big darkhorse this year is Chris Owusu from Stanford. With Andrew Luck returning I'm expecting huge thigs from this kid and I wouldn't be suprised to see him push himself into late 1st round consideration.

Overall I think its a good year to go after a WR, especially with such depth and talent available. Even if they don't contribute in year one, at least they could get into and learn the system before getting onto the field.

Good post. While the senior class may be lacking an elite top 10 talent, there are a lot of interesting guys who could be worth a look in round two or three. I would add players like Jermaine Kearse and Nick Toon to that group.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I like Jeffries but the Saints are too good to pick high enough to get him. Agree with Wilfork. Patrick Peterson couldn't handle Fuller in their bowl game last year. I'd snatch him with one of the firsts.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I like Jeffries but the Saints are too good to pick high enough to get him. Agree with Wilfork. Patrick Peterson couldn't handle Fuller in their bowl game last year. I'd snatch him with one of the firsts.

Can you really see BB using a first on a WR?

Has Fuller shown anything even remotely resembling option route running in college?

 

[patsfaninpa]

Can you really see BB using a first on a WR?

Has Fuller shown anything even remotely resembling option route running in college?

We said he'd never take a G before he took Mankins. We said he'd never take an ILB before he took Mayo. He will take whomever he thinks is the best player. Supposedly would have taken Percy Harvin in his draft year if Minny didn't snatch him. Fuller doesn't just go deep like Jon Baldwin last year. Mike Sherman has installed a pretty nice offense at A&M.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

We said he'd never take a G before he took Mankins. We said he'd never take an ILB before he took Mayo. He will take whomever he thinks is the best player. Supposedly would have taken Percy Harvin in his draft year if Minny didn't snatch him. Fuller doesn't just go deep like Jon Baldwin last year. Mike Sherman has installed a pretty nice offense at A&M.

I will keep an eye on Fuller, but I question if he can run option routes and if has enough quick twitch for BB's taste.

 

[Banjo]

I bet the Bengals have another horrible year and take Alshon Jeffery just because.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I'm a big fan of Jeffery, but can't see BB spending a first on him or trading up for him.

I think the WR for us to really target in the years to come is Robert Woods from USC. He's only a true sophomore, which kind of sucks b/c he won't be eligible for the draft until 2013. But I've been in love with this guy since last year for the Pats.

He was absolutely electric as a true freshman last year. Not only does he have deep speed, but he has no problem working the short/intermediate routes and going over the middle. He can stop and cut on a dime, and when you want to take a shot downfield with him, you can.

The thing I love about him is that despite that great speed down the field, he still has no problem going into the high traffic areas over the middle. Coming out of high school, Woods was recruited as a dual threat -- WR and safety. I remember reading his college scouting report saying "he hits like a linebacker and plays aggressive." Seems like the complete package to me.

I love a WR who can not only be a deep threat, but can also turn into a possession-type of WR that you can use on 3rd downs or on short routes. Moss wasn't really that guy. Guys like Greg Jennings and Harvin, IMO can do it all. I see similar qualities in Woods. He can gash you deep for an 80 yard bomb TD to swing momentum. Or he can be like Welker, where he methodically kills you with reception after reception on a long sustained drive. There aren't many guys in the NFL who can really excel in both of those phases. Woods can.

I still believe the WR BB really wanted in 2009 was Percy Harvin. When Harvin went right before our pick, BB traded down and took a flyer on Tate -- who before his ACL tear was considered a similar type of prospect at WR.

I think Woods is the closest thing to Harvin that I've seen in a while. Don't think he's as electric as Harvin but he still has big play-game breaking ability. To me he's kind of a mix between Harvin and Greg Jennings -- two guys who would do major damage in our offense. Not as electric as Harvin (few are) but pretty comparable, not as polished as Jennings with his route running but definitely has the potential to develop in that area.

If you're still looking for a bigger-type of WR target for Brady for decent value in 2012, I'd keep an eye on Da'Jon McKnight from Minnesota and Dwight Jones from UNC. Both guys are in the 6'3 to 6'4 range and are serious playmakers that don't get all that much buzz yet. McKnight really plays with a chip on his shoulder -- love that about him.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I think the WR for us to really target in the years to come is Robert Woods from USC. He's only a true sophomore, which kind of sucks b/c he won't be eligible for the draft until 2013. But I've been in love with this guy since last year for the Pats.

I guess you're watching the USC game too. 11 catches, 115 yards and 3 TD's in the FIRST HALF. This guy is a beast and will most likely be the top WR drafted in 2013. Also, Matt Barkley is legit, he just looks like a pro QB out there. He's got the arm, the temperament and the control of the offence you look for in a QB. Andrew Luck needs to perform this year because Barkley will be breathing down his neck and challenging him for the top QB position. He's not as good as Luck yet, but I think he's going to be a star in the NFL.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I guess you're watching the USC game too. 11 catches, 115 yards and 3 TD's in the FIRST HALF. This guy is a beast and will most likely be the top WR drafted in 2013. Also, Matt Barkley is legit, he just looks like a pro QB out there. He's got the arm, the temperament and the control of the offence you look for in a QB. Andrew Luck needs to perform this year because Barkley will be breathing down his neck and challenging him for the top QB position. He's not as good as Luck yet, but I think he's going to be a star in the NFL.

Yep, was watching the game as I checked this thread and saw Robert Woods and it jogged my memory of how impressive he was last year so I started writing about him. As I was writing he absolutely went off lol. So he gave me some more ammo to tout him . Take it for what it's worth, but to be honest, I was pretty high on the guy even before today because I love USC. But he was an absolute animal today and cemented his status as my #1 WR target for the next two years .

I agree with you on Barkley. I think he's a bit overshadowed by Luck. I try to catch some Pac-12 action whenever I can b/c I like SC, so I've seen a decent amount of Barkley's games. He's got all the physical tools to be a stud in the NFL. He started as a true freshman in 2009 and has continued to get better and better. This is the year I really expect him to take that "mental jump" and become a star. I think having Kiffin as his coach will only benefit him further.

I'm kind of shocked by all this Luck Is The Best Since Manning talk. I've only see him play a handful of times, but I wasn't overly impressed with him. I thought Harbaugh did a good job of establishing the running game and having Luck use a lot of play action to move the ball through the air. When he was asked to be in the shotgun or to take a seven step drop, he was good but he was also inconsistent at times. Maybe I'm just a skeptic, but I have to see more from Luck before declaring him such a great QB prospect. I think he's going to be good, but I don't know if he's a Peyton Manning type of talent.

I actually like Barkley better than Luck as a pro prospect at the moment, but take it with a grain of salt since I do like USC. Barkley and Kellen Moore are my two personal favorites/binkies at QB this year.

 

[Patriot Missile]

College QB status changes from day to day. Luck could be the best now but he also could be the 3rd or 4th best QB in 3 months. Look no further than Jake Locker 2 years ago.

Having said that, I think if Luck progresse from last year he could be the best QB drafted with the expectations coming out of college since Manning lol. His mechanics are excellent.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

College QB status changes from day to day. Luck could be the best now but he also could be the 3rd or 4th best QB in 3 months. Look no further than Jake Locker 2 years ago.

Having said that, I think if Luck progresse from last year he could be the best QB drafted with the expectations coming out of college since Manning lol. His mechanics are excellent.

Luck is a once in a generation type QB, provided he stays healthy.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

According to the latst CBS prospect ranking Jeffries is currently ranked #39 overall.

Now consider that Garcia was booted from the team early in the season and Shaw, a freshman I think, is a bit of a disaster throwing the ball and remember Jeffries was double covered all year.

If he runs well at the combine, is anybody interested in BB using the #32 pick in the draft to take Jeffries now?

 

[Wilfork#75]

According to the latst CBS prospect ranking Jeffries is currently ranked #39 overall.

Now consider that Garcia was booted from the team early in the season and Shaw, a freshman I think, is a bit of a disaster throwing the ball and remember Jeffries was double covered all year.

If he runs well at the combine, is anybody interested in BB using the #32 pick in the draft to take Jeffries now?

Im hoping he doesn't run well so he does fall to us. I've seen enough on tape to use a 1st round pick on him no matter what he runs. He's got elite size, body control and hands, and a natural ability to gain seperation on short, intermediate and deep routes. Like you mentioned with the QB situation at South Carolina, I think Jeffery was a victim of circumstance, and still managed decent production despite the poor QB play. What I do like about him is he has stepped up in big games. He dominated the bowl game this season and he dominated in the Alabama game last season. That shows me he is competetive and I think he will thrive in the NFL, especially is Tom Brady is throwing him the ball. While I wouldn't normally be looking at a WR in the 1st round, I think Jeffery is an opportunity too good to pass up.

 

[manxman2601]

Im hoping he doesn't run well so he does fall to us. I've seen enough on tape to use a 1st round pick on him no matter what he runs. He's got elite size, body control and hands, and a natural ability to gain seperation on short, intermediate and deep routes. Like you mentioned with the QB situation at South Carolina, I think Jeffery was a victim of circumstance, and still managed decent production despite the poor QB play. What I do like about him is he has stepped up in big games. He dominated the bowl game this season and he dominated in the Alabama game last season. That shows me he is competetive and I think he will thrive in the NFL, especially is Tom Brady is throwing him the ball. While I wouldn't normally be looking at a WR in the 1st round, I think Jeffery is an opportunity too good to pass up.

I don't think that's quite right, Dennard had him locked down for the most part, save on three occasions. That's not a knock on Jeffery, Dennard's speciality is press man and it was a fascinating struggle with credit going to both parties. Shame it was ruined by the ejection. Jeffery is a huge beast of a man, the knock on him is that he can't get separation but with his size, so long as he's got good hands, he can beat most corners to the ball anyway.

 

[VrabelJr]

Jeffery owned Dennard.