Greg Bedard: Chandler Jones ready to be a full time starter

[mayoclinic]

Hopefully it's a DT in the mold of Star Lotulelei. Would be the final piece of the dynasty imo.

Lotulelei will likely be long gone. But given the Pats' recent record, it may not matter much. They seem to be good at finding guys who emerge from obscurity (Mayo, Jones) or who are good values (Solder, Hightower). A year ago Jones was a relative unknown, and whoever they target in 2013 may well be off our radar right now. But there are plenty of guys with tons of upside who are considered a bit on the "raw" side, such as Alabama DT Jesse Williams and SMU DE Margus Hunt.

 

[Rob0729]

Good stuff. Bedard has been consistently high on Jones. I think most people - myself included - weren't expecting more than for him to play a situational pass rushing role for at least the beginning of this year, with anything more being a big bonus. If he is mature enough in his edge setting and enough of a complete DE to step in as the starter right away, it will be terrific. Combine that with the versatility, physicality and instincts that Dont'a Hightower has been showing, and it's just possible - not to jump the gun, but just possible - that BB could have found the defensive equivalent of Gronk and Hernandez. What a coup that would be.

Actually Bedard was actually skeptical of Jones and whether he would be big enough or show enough moves to be an effective player early. He has totally changed his tune. In fact, he has admitted today on Twitter that he was wrong in his assessment.

 

[brady199]

I'll take quality over quantity. I'm not concerned if he's on the field for the first snap of the game, I just want him wreeking havoc on 3rd down.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Hopefully it's a DT in the mold of Star Lotulelei. Would be the final piece of the dynasty imo.

I don't know who, or even what the the draft prospects appear to be in 2013, but a "Big Ugly" defensive lineman is someone I would be targetting, if I were Bill Belichick.

So that means of course, he will draft a Long Snapper... :snob:

 

[Keyser Söze]

Almost had an anxiety attack when the Jets picked because I thought they were going to take Jones. But they are the Jets so they took Coples. Jones is going to be a beast.

 

[jsull87]

Almost had an anxiety attack when the Jets picked because I thought they were going to take Jones. But they are the Jets so they took Coples. Jones is going to be a beast.

In fans minds these 2 will always be compared to each other. Especially if it's another gholston and mayo scenario. Let's hope for our sake it is

 

[supafly]

In fans minds these 2 will always be compared to each other. Especially if it's another gholston and mayo scenario. Let's hope for our sake it is

If that is the case then I'd say that we have the early hand in the competition, as the NYJ have recently 'scaled back' reps and assignments for Coples to that of a 3rd down specialist.

Obviously, it's much, much too early to speculate--but I will anyway

 

[DarrylS]

Glad to see the scribes are getting high on Jones, but may want to delay all the hoopla to see how he does come September when it counts..

 

[RobertWeathers]

Hmmm, let's see, Jones is to Kearse as Hightower is to whom?

Thank you.

I don't think we know what kind of player Hightower will evolve into. Seems a like a Willie-Mac type but Willie was 6'5" and Hightower is 6'2". Willie had those long arms and an explosive 1st step. Hightower is more compacted freight train who may/may not evolve into a pass rusher.

I don't see him like any player the Pats have had before.

Closest is Pheifer but not really.

When I see Hightower play, for some of us who are a bit older I see a really, really big & fast Wilber Marshall.

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't think we know what kind of player Hightower will evolve into. Seems a like a Willie-Mac type but Willie was 6'5" and Hightower is 6'2". Willie had those long arms and an explosive 1st step. Hightower is more compacted freight train who may/may not evolve into a pass rusher.

I don't see him like any player the Pats have had before.

Closest is Pheifer but not really.

When I see Hightower play, for some of us who are a bit older I see a really, really big & fast Wilber Marshall.

I think Hightower is fairly unique because of his combination of size, physicality, instincts, versatility and range. There's some Ray Lewis elements. But my best guess would be that he's closest to combining elements of playing style from 2 of BB's old Giant guys: Carl Banks and Pepper Johnson. That would be just fine with me.

 

[PatsBoy12]

In fans minds these 2 will always be compared to each other. Especially if it's another gholston and mayo scenario. Let's hope for our sake it is

Don't forget that Devin McCourty will always be linked to Kyle Wilson too.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I think Hightower is fairly unique because of his combination of size, physicality, instincts, versatility and range. There's some Ray Lewis elements. But my best guess would be that he's closest to combining elements of playing style from 2 of BB's old Giant guys: Carl Banks and Pepper Johnson. That would be just fine with me.

Pepper with the Giants is a good comparison. I think we'd agree that Hightower is faster than Pepper though. Pepper was a big for a LB for back then -250lb. Thats average now...

 

[mayoclinic]

Pepper with the Giants is a good comparison. I think we'd agree that Hightower is faster than Pepper though. Pepper was a big for a LB for back then -250lb. Thats average now...

Hightower's speed, range and outside ability is part of why I thought that he had elements of Carl Banks as well as Johnson. It's interesting that BB had Banks in at camp this week to pass on some of his knowledge to the Pats LBs.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Hightower's speed, range and outside ability is part of why I thought that he had elements of Carl Banks as well as Johnson. It's interesting that BB had Banks in at camp this week to pass on some of his knowledge to the Pats LBs.

Agreed on Banks. He was a rangy and powerful OLB. I don't remember him being big-sizewise but he played big.

Yep. BB has brought in the old guys before. In the past, hes had Mark Bavaro in to spend some time with Gronk, AH, Danny Graham, etc. and Mark Collins to spend time with the DBs.

I'm sure he'd bring in LT too but the problem is that his parole officer wouldn't allow it.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

I don't think we know what kind of player Hightower will evolve into. Seems a like a Willie-Mac type but Willie was 6'5" and Hightower is 6'2". Willie had those long arms and an explosive 1st step. Hightower is more compacted freight train who may/may not evolve into a pass rusher.

I don't see him like any player the Pats have had before.

Closest is Pheifer but not really.

When I see Hightower play, for some of us who are a bit older I see a really, really big & fast Wilber Marshall.

His size reminds me of Adailius Thomas. May he learn from the Patriots and develop a strong work ethic.

 

[Uncle Rico]

His size reminds me of Adailius Thomas. May he learn from the Patriots and develop a strong work ethic.

Compelling comparison there; I was surprised to see Hightower is listed as actually bigger (6-4 270, vs 6-2 270 for Thomas). By all reports Hightower already has the work ethic, so no worries there.

 

[BSR]

I'll be happy if the rookies can just contribute this year. I like hearing positive reports but this one sounds almost too rosey. I'll stay cautiously optimistic on this one.

 

[patchick]

Compelling comparison there; I was surprised to see Hightower is listed as actually bigger (6-4 270, vs 6-2 270 for Thomas). By all reports Hightower already has the work ethic, so no worries there.

A growing boy!

The team measuring tape is much like a fisherman's. Hightower actually measured in at 6'2 1/4" at the combine. He and Adalius could wear each others' clothes.

 

[mayoclinic]

A growing boy!

The team measuring tape is much like a fisherman's. Hightower actually measured in at 6'2 1/4" at the combine. He and Adalius could wear each others' clothes.

Shrinking and growing. Hightower was listed at 6'4" for all of his time at Alabama, then measured in at 6'2 1/4", and now is apparently back to 6'4". He apparently has not only versatility, athleticism and smarts, but also the ability to adjust his height at will.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Compelling comparison there; I was surprised to see Hightower is listed as actually bigger (6-4 270, vs 6-2 270 for Thomas). By all reports Hightower already has the work ethic, so no worries there.

Similar size and physical abilities. Thats it.