The 2013 Prospect Thread

[Off The Grid]

Also, I'm in love with some of the names these kids have in the 2013 draft!

Baccarri Rambo
Barkevious Mingo
Star Lotulelei

Pure awesome. :rocker:

Those are pretty cool names, although I could do without some parents naming their kid "Star".

The innate coolness of "Bacarri Rambo" is self-evident, of course.

Barkevious Mingo, though...Something deliciously sinister about that name.

Barkevious Mingo...The Man Who Cannot Die!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Finally, I suscribe to OTG's hybrid "raptor" DB approach. I want guys who can be moved around in the secondary interchangeably. A 6' 218# college safety just doesn't fit the way I'd like to see the secondary evolve. And it seems as if BB is moving that way - McCourty, Dowling, Arrington, Gregory, Moore, Wilson and Dennard are all guys who can potentially play both CB and S.

Of course, if Rambo IS the second coming of Troy Polamalu then all those arguments go out the window. But I doubt it.

PREACH it, Brother Mayo!! :rocker:

 

[Off The Grid]

Imagine what BB could do with those guys in a hybrid defense where players morph together seamlessly:

Bacarri Mingo
Star Rambo
Barkevious Lotulelei

That'll the opposing offense.

Hah!!

That was an authentic LOL Moment, Brother Mayo!! Much obliged!!

 

[Off The Grid]

BTW, just read that he changed his named in grade school. He's always been Baccarri, but his last name used to be....


Fudge!


He earns extra points from me on that concession as well He'd be a whole lot less cool without the Rambo attached

WHAT???

He's off my Board. :snob:

Mmmm....FUUUUUUUUUUUUDGGGGGGGE.

Well...PERHAPS I'll reconsider!!

 

[mayoclinic]

Barkevious Mingo, though...Something deliciously sinister about that name.

Barkevious Mingo...The Man Who Cannot Die!!

Come to think of it, Baron Samedi would have made one hell of a pass rushing DE. And he probably had something like 60" arms with a 130" wing span, at 9' tall.

 

[Off The Grid]

And then my besserwisser-side just had to come out and play.

Heh!! Are you actually Swedish...or are you simply posted there??

 

[Off The Grid]

Barkevious Mingo, though...Something deliciously sinister about that name.

Barkevious Mingo...The Man Who Cannot Die!!

Come to think of it, Baron Samedi would have made one hell of a pass rushing DE.

And he probably had something like 60" arms with a 130" wing span, at 9' tall.

You Know That's Right!!

 

[ZoisKing]

Was watching some prospect vids and decided to give Mathieu another look. The following link is a reminder of how exponentially awesome he is as a football player.

Tyrann Mathieu "The Honey Badger" - YouTube

If he wasn't so small, then he'd be getting early consideration for the top pick. Because of his size, he'll likely fall much farther than his play indicates.

 

[Avenger]

Was watching some prospect vids and decided to give Mathieu another look. The following link is a reminder of how exponentially awesome he is as a football player.

Tyrann Mathieu "The Honey Badger" - YouTube

If he wasn't so small, then he'd be getting early consideration for the top pick. Because of his size, he'll likely fall much farther than his play indicates.

He could make a really good safety/slot corner in the NFL, too small to be an outside corner, I don't think he makes it out of the 1st round, I'd say he gets picked anywhere between 25 and 32

 

[mayoclinic]

Was watching some prospect vids and decided to give Mathieu another look. The following link is a reminder of how exponentially awesome he is as a football player.

Tyrann Mathieu "The Honey Badger" - YouTube

If he wasn't so small, then he'd be getting early consideration for the top pick. Because of his size, he'll likely fall much farther than his play indicates.

He could make a really good safety/slot corner in the NFL, too small to be an outside corner, I don't think he makes it out of the 1st round, I'd say he gets picked anywhere between 25 and 32

It's hard not to love Mathieu. He's just such a playmaker.

In my actual first version of "ye olde mock draft" for the Pats (sent to OTG via PM), which was done BEFORE the 2012 draft, I had the Pats trading back this year and picking up an extra 1st and 2nd round pick in 2013. And in that scenario, I had the Pats taking Star Lotulelei at 1A and Tyrann Mathieu at 1B. Unfortunately, with only 5 picks right now and no longer having the luxury of double picks in the first 2 rounds, that scenario doesn't hold water.

 

[ZoisKing]

He could make a really good safety/slot corner in the NFL, too small to be an outside corner, I don't think he makes it out of the 1st round, I'd say he gets picked anywhere between 25 and 32

I agree. I can't see him handling the bigger outside guys downfield consistently. However, as the video suggests, he's absolutely dominant in the interior part of the field. He's got sideline to sideline range, wraps up well, lays the wood, and is constantly looking to force turnovers.

A safety/slot corner role would be something he'd excel at. When you look at our roster, we've got some guys who can do that already. I'm curious to see what Dennard can do. He fits that criteria as well. If he plays up to his ability, he'll more than suffice.

In the end, Mathieu is a dominant play maker in an expanded box and he flashes big play ability at a consistent rate.

 

[mayoclinic]

A safety/slot corner role would be something he'd excel at. When you look at our roster, we've got some guys who can do that already. I'm curious to see what Dennard can do. He fits that criteria as well. If he plays up to his ability, he'll more than suffice.

In the end, Mathieu is a dominant play maker in an expanded box and he flashes big play ability at a consistent rate.

Dennard has a little bit of "honey badger" in his mental make-up up, too.

 

[Avenger]

Yeah, for outside CBs we have McCourty and Dowling, in the slot we have Moore, Dennard and Arrington, could even throw Wilson in but he is more of a S. At S we have Chung and Gregory, Wilson and Ebner. I don't think any of the other safeties on the roster are in our long term future, Ebner gets the spot for ST and as a developmental guy. I think next year we are targeting DT, OL, WR, DB, probably in that order.

 

[manxman2601]

People may find the following grading scale useful when they come to scouting prospects. Apparently it's similar to what the pros use and I've started to use it for my early scouting.

Grade

7.5 Top Round One Rare talent. franchise player with no holes

7.0-7.4 Top 10 Difference maker. Perennial all-pro. Projects to be one of the top players at position.

6.5-6.9 Mid first Should start year one. Top echelon player. You really want him on your team. potential all-pro. Can dominate at times. Matches up well all the time.

6.0-6.4 Late 1st/early 2nd Good starter. One of your better players. Some average traits.

5.5-5.9 Late 2nd-Early 4th Solid dependable player. Mostly average NFL traits but with some below average ones. a developing player who may start in the future.

5.0-5.4 Late 4th-7th Backup type who adds depth or serves as a role player. If forced to start, would look for a replacement.



A lot of it seems obvious but it helps to have a fixed point of reference when 'scouting'.

Credit goes to Rotoworld's Josh Norris who shared it on a 2012 prospect spreadsheet.

 

[manxman2601]

People may find the following grading scale useful when they come to scouting prospects. Apparently it's similar to what the pros use and I've started to use it for my early scouting.

Grade

7.5 Top Round One Rare talent. franchise player with no holes

7.0-7.4 Top 10 Difference maker. Perennial all-pro. Projects to be one of the top players at position.

6.5-6.9 Mid first Should start year one. Top echelon player. You really want him on your team. potential all-pro. Can dominate at times. Matches up well all the time.

6.0-6.4 Late 1st/early 2nd Good starter. One of your better players. Some average traits.

5.5-5.9 Late 2nd-Early 4th Solid dependable player. Mostly average NFL traits but with some below average ones. a developing player who may start in the future.

5.0-5.4 Late 4th-7th Backup type who adds depth or serves as a role player. If forced to start, would look for a replacement.



A lot of it seems obvious but it helps to have a fixed point of reference when 'scouting'.

Credit goes to Rotoworld's Josh Norris who shared it on a 2012 prospect spreadsheet.

Using this scale in terms of our recent draft:

Chandler Jones - Depending on how you see his upside, he falls in the 6.4-6.5 area. Falls between the stools of being a player that "matches up well all the time" and "can dominate" which is his ceiling but is likely to be "one of your better player" and "a good starter".

Dont'a Hightower - Clearly falls in the 6.0-6.4 area. Has everything necessary to be one of our better players and should be one of the better players at his position. His lack of coverage ability is the "average in a few areas".

Tavon Wilson - Tough as ever to grade. Is he "solid and dependable" or a "backup type player" who "if forced to start, would look for replacement". One of the big questions for us Patriot fans next year.

Jake Bequette/Alfonso Dennard - I think both fall in the upper echelon of 5.5-5.9. Solid and dependable but maybe with some below average traits. If that's the case, both represent good value.

 

[ZoisKing]

Another player to keep an eye on for 2013 is Georgia strong safety, Shawne Williams. He's a hard hitting wrap up tackler who is very aggressive. He's also got good range. I'm not sure of his year (sophomore, junior, ?), but he stands out in a strong safety class.

I've been watching clips of the GA defense since they're so stacked, and he is consistently making plays. If that team stays intact this coming season, then I'd dare say they have the best defense in the country.

LSU would come in second. The SEC is just building scary defenses. The Alabama defense was superb, and now Georgia and LSU are looking to be even better.

 

[ZoisKing]

Just found out that "Star" as in Star Lotulelei is short for....

"Starlite"

And he's actually Starlite Jr.

Random info.

 

[mayoclinic]

Here's a photo gallery of some interior OL prospects who may be of interest to the Pats in 2011 (juniors with an *). Barrett Jones is the guy everyone knows, but there are some very good and interesting prospects, several of whom have a combination of versatility, smarts and toughness that should appeal to the Pats.

1. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. 6'4" 312#.

Outland Trophy winner at LT in 2011, switching to center in 2012. 5 position prospect. Tough, smart, durable, versatile blue collar guy.

2. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina. 6'3" 310#.

Started the 2010 season at center before being moved back to LG. According to Tony Pauline "d\scouts grade Cooper much higher than any of the guards selected in the first round of the 2012 draft. He's large, athletic and controls defenders at the line of scrimmage or easily annihilates opponents blocking in motion."

Best 2013 NFL Draft prospects include USC's Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, T.J. McDonald - Tony Pauline - SI.com

3. Khaled Holmes, OC, USC. 6'3" 310#.

3 year starter. Started as LG in 2010, converted to center in 2011. High character guy, smart and articulate. Will be the clear leader of the USC OL in 2012.

Khaled Holmes is the center of attention - Rivals.com Video

4. Gabe Ikard*, OG/C, Oklahoma. 6'4" 295#.

All Big-12 first team in 2011 and second team Academic All-American. Has played both LG and OC, playing well when starting OC Ben Habern was injured. Athletic and very smart, with strong academic credentials (4.0 GPA as a pre-med zoology major). Tough, mature and versatile. According to Bob Stoops, "Gabe can do everything".

SoonerNation: Oklahoma Sooners' Gabe Ikard puts in extra work - ESPN

5. Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech. 6'3" 305#.

Athletic, smart player.

Uzzi's family celebrates Tech commencement *| ajc.com

6. Travis Swanson*, OC, Arkansas. 6'5" 305#.

Was Ryan Mallett's starting center as a redshirt freshman in 2010.

7. Cyril Richardson*, OG, Baylor. 6'4" 328#.

Took over at LT after Danny Watkins graduated, but is being moved back to LG in 2012. Not sure his footwork is up to Scar's standard.

8. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama. 6'3" 320#.

Powerful road grader. May not fit Pats' style.

9. Braxston Cave, OC, Notre Dame. 6'3" 303#.

5th year senior coming off a knee injury.

10. Mario Benavides, OC, Louisville. 6'4" 302#.

Durable, experienced starter who plays with a nasty streak.

 

[Off The Grid]

Here's a photo gallery of some interior OL prospects who may be of interest to the Pats in 2011 (juniors with an *). Barrett Jones is the guy everyone knows, but there are some very good and interesting prospects, several of whom have a combination of versatility, smarts and toughness that should appeal to the Pats.

1. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. 6'4" 312#.

Outland Trophy winner at LT in 2011, switching to center in 2012. 5 position prospect. Tough, smart, durable, versatile blue collar guy.

2. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina. 6'3" 310#.

Started the 2010 season at center before being moved back to LG. According to Tony Pauline "d\scouts grade Cooper much higher than any of the guards selected in the first round of the 2012 draft. He's large, athletic and controls defenders at the line of scrimmage or easily annihilates opponents blocking in motion."

Best 2013 NFL Draft prospects include USC's Matt Barkley, Robert Woods, T.J. McDonald - Tony Pauline - SI.com

3. Khaled Holmes, OC, USC. 6'3" 310#.

3 year starter. Started as LG in 2010, converted to center in 2011. High character guy, smart and articulate. Will be the clear leader of the USC OL in 2012.

Khaled Holmes is the center of attention - Rivals.com Video

4. Gabe Ikard*, OG/C, Oklahoma. 6'4" 295#.

All Big-12 first team in 2011 and second team Academic All-American. Has played both LG and OC, playing well when starting OC Ben Habern was injured. Athletic and very smart, with strong academic credentials (4.0 GPA as a pre-med zoology major). Tough, mature and versatile. According to Bob Stoops, "Gabe can do everything".

SoonerNation: Oklahoma Sooners' Gabe Ikard puts in extra work - ESPN

5. Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech. 6'3" 305#.

Athletic, smart player.

Uzzi's family celebrates Tech commencement *| ajc.com

6. Travis Swanson*, OC, Arkansas. 6'5" 305#.

Was Ryan Mallett's starting center as a redshirt freshman in 2010.

7. Cyril Richardson*, OG, Baylor. 6'4" 328#.

Took over at LT after Danny Watkins graduated, but is being moved back to LG in 2012. Not sure his footwork is up to Scar's standard.

8. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama. 6'3" 320#.

Powerful road grader. May not fit Pats' style.

9. Braxston Cave, OC, Notre Dame. 6'3" 303#.

5th year senior coming off a knee injury.

10. Mario Benavides, OC, Louisville. 6'4" 302#.

Durable, experienced starter who plays with a nasty streak.

WOOT!! An absolutely EXQUISITE Grizzly Presentation, Brother Mayo!!

 

[ZoisKing]

Now we just need a defensive line one






And a safety one