manxman2601
PatsFans.com Retired Jersey Club
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2011
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Throughout the year I've been a vocal advocate and supporter for the following:
Markus Wheaton
Ziggy Ansah
Leon Mcfadden
Jonathan Cooper
Terron Armstead
Justin Pugh
Alec Ogletree
I think it's fair to say that I've lead the charge on all the above. Unfortunately, none of them make it into my mock.
So this is my attempt to predict what will actually happen on draft day, not necessarily what I want to happen. Below the mock are a short list of names that just missed out. I'm going to include them and also those above when I personally evaluate how I did in evaluating this draft from a Patriots perspective.
So here you go:
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#29 **Trade**
Eagles trade up for EJ Manuel giving up #35, 101
#35 Robert Woods, WR, USC
I'm starting to think that Woods is arguably the best fit of all the receivers in this class. Whilst he might lack the character and combine measurables of Markus Wheaton (who I have as a close second behind Woods), Woods fits well in so many areas. One big area of concern for me was Woods' poor 3-cone at the combine but that is likely an after effect of his ankle issue because his 6.83 at his pro-day puts him comfortably back in the range the Patriots would be comfortable with.
Prior to the 2012 season, it was common knowledge that the receiver BB wanted was Reggie Wayne rather than Brandon Lloyd. I see Woods fitting squarely between those two receivers in how he projects to the NFL. He has Wayne's ability to maneuver his body to make the catch and Wayne's ability to gain separation. He might never be as good as Wayne, few will be, but I feel confident that, at least by year two, he'll be a better receiver than Lloyd - Woods is always looking to gain that extra yard which is not something that can be said of Lloyd.
So I love Wheaton as a personality and as a receiver but with this mock, I'm trying to find the right value overall and that gives Woods the edge.
#59 Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon
The WILL is a position the Patriots have looked at both last year and this and this, they've looked at almost every available one in the first three rounds. Alonso is very good dropping back in either zone or in man coverage on a TE or RB and is a hair on fire player coming forward - sometimes a detriment to his play - he will need to learn greater discipline. But Alonso offers one of the best combinations of coverage ability and three down capabilities which will be important if Spikes isn't re-signed at the end of the coming season. In fact, Alonso's aggression reminds me of Spikes and I can see him being as important in the run game as Spikes long-term.
#91 Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama
This is the Nick Saban endorsement pick. Two years ago it was Ridley, last year it was probably Hightower and this year it's the Captain that is talked of like a favourite son would be by Saban. There are other linemen I like more in terms of athleticism and playing ability but Jones wins through on intelligence and intangibles. He'll only ever be a starter at Center but that's exactly where you want him with his abilities to recognize defensive schemes and organise assignments. The Brady/Mayo of our OL.
#101 Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
I was ready to put Josh Boyce in this slot, in fact he was locked in as far as I was concerned until I went back to look at Wilson again. Question: Why on earth would a team take Justin Hunter in the first/second when they can have Wilson in the fourth/fifth?
Well the most obvious answer is clearly Wilson's character. Is he a quitter? That's the question that matters most and is the most decisive factor in determining whether he's draftable or not. But we don't know the full details of the incident that saw him quitting school and nor are we privy to his interviews. All we do know, is that he, at least, got to first base with the Patriots in that he earned a private workout.
There are two other major problems with his game. Firstly, his tape features some of the worst drops I've seen by a WR. He's also completely lacking any ability to be physical in game; he's as finesse as they come.
So why did he displace Boyce? Well firstly, that finesse I talked about is as beautiful as it gets. Whether it's catching the ball or running with it, Wilson is as smooth as the finest whiskey. He also has elite body control. He can turn himself inside out in order to catch the ball. Despite his lack of strength, Wilson might be the best in class at beating press coverage and only Austin and Patterson can beat him at being able to run with the ball in his hands.
In answer to my earlier question, whilst the question of his character is something that needs to be resolved, there is no way I'd take Hunter that high when I can have Wilson here. Wilson is the better all-round receiver and certainly the better fit for the Patriots. In our offense, I think he has elite level upside.
#226 Kayvon Webster, CB, USF
Excellent run defender at the CB spot with terrific athleticism. He looks much better in press than he does in zone coverage. Very physical and should be a quality special teamer who backs up Dennard and Talib in year one. Has the size and athleticism to be a genuine contender for Talib's role in year two.
#235 Jordan Kovacs, S, Michigan
Over-achiever, leader and highly respected by his team-mates. May never be more than a backup and special teams player, but with his character and desire, he'll be damned good at both. Ideal locker-room fit and arguably the most Patriot-type prospect available.
Just Missed:
The following are prospects that I could equally see being picked Thursday as those in my mock:
Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State,
Josh Boyce, WR, TCU
Ryan Swope, WR, TAMU
David Bakhtiari, OL, Colorado
Justin Pugh, OL, Syracuse
Lerentee McCray, DE, Florida
jon Bostic, LB, Florida
Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia
Josh Evans, S, Florida
Philip Thomas, S, Fresno State
I've only predicted the one trade because predicting anything other than a trade down from the first is next to impossible.
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Markus Wheaton
Ziggy Ansah
Leon Mcfadden
Jonathan Cooper
Terron Armstead
Justin Pugh
Alec Ogletree
I think it's fair to say that I've lead the charge on all the above. Unfortunately, none of them make it into my mock.
So this is my attempt to predict what will actually happen on draft day, not necessarily what I want to happen. Below the mock are a short list of names that just missed out. I'm going to include them and also those above when I personally evaluate how I did in evaluating this draft from a Patriots perspective.
So here you go:
---------------------------------------
#29 **Trade**
Eagles trade up for EJ Manuel giving up #35, 101
#35 Robert Woods, WR, USC
I'm starting to think that Woods is arguably the best fit of all the receivers in this class. Whilst he might lack the character and combine measurables of Markus Wheaton (who I have as a close second behind Woods), Woods fits well in so many areas. One big area of concern for me was Woods' poor 3-cone at the combine but that is likely an after effect of his ankle issue because his 6.83 at his pro-day puts him comfortably back in the range the Patriots would be comfortable with.
Prior to the 2012 season, it was common knowledge that the receiver BB wanted was Reggie Wayne rather than Brandon Lloyd. I see Woods fitting squarely between those two receivers in how he projects to the NFL. He has Wayne's ability to maneuver his body to make the catch and Wayne's ability to gain separation. He might never be as good as Wayne, few will be, but I feel confident that, at least by year two, he'll be a better receiver than Lloyd - Woods is always looking to gain that extra yard which is not something that can be said of Lloyd.
So I love Wheaton as a personality and as a receiver but with this mock, I'm trying to find the right value overall and that gives Woods the edge.
#59 Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon
The WILL is a position the Patriots have looked at both last year and this and this, they've looked at almost every available one in the first three rounds. Alonso is very good dropping back in either zone or in man coverage on a TE or RB and is a hair on fire player coming forward - sometimes a detriment to his play - he will need to learn greater discipline. But Alonso offers one of the best combinations of coverage ability and three down capabilities which will be important if Spikes isn't re-signed at the end of the coming season. In fact, Alonso's aggression reminds me of Spikes and I can see him being as important in the run game as Spikes long-term.
#91 Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama
This is the Nick Saban endorsement pick. Two years ago it was Ridley, last year it was probably Hightower and this year it's the Captain that is talked of like a favourite son would be by Saban. There are other linemen I like more in terms of athleticism and playing ability but Jones wins through on intelligence and intangibles. He'll only ever be a starter at Center but that's exactly where you want him with his abilities to recognize defensive schemes and organise assignments. The Brady/Mayo of our OL.
#101 Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
I was ready to put Josh Boyce in this slot, in fact he was locked in as far as I was concerned until I went back to look at Wilson again. Question: Why on earth would a team take Justin Hunter in the first/second when they can have Wilson in the fourth/fifth?
Well the most obvious answer is clearly Wilson's character. Is he a quitter? That's the question that matters most and is the most decisive factor in determining whether he's draftable or not. But we don't know the full details of the incident that saw him quitting school and nor are we privy to his interviews. All we do know, is that he, at least, got to first base with the Patriots in that he earned a private workout.
There are two other major problems with his game. Firstly, his tape features some of the worst drops I've seen by a WR. He's also completely lacking any ability to be physical in game; he's as finesse as they come.
So why did he displace Boyce? Well firstly, that finesse I talked about is as beautiful as it gets. Whether it's catching the ball or running with it, Wilson is as smooth as the finest whiskey. He also has elite body control. He can turn himself inside out in order to catch the ball. Despite his lack of strength, Wilson might be the best in class at beating press coverage and only Austin and Patterson can beat him at being able to run with the ball in his hands.
In answer to my earlier question, whilst the question of his character is something that needs to be resolved, there is no way I'd take Hunter that high when I can have Wilson here. Wilson is the better all-round receiver and certainly the better fit for the Patriots. In our offense, I think he has elite level upside.
#226 Kayvon Webster, CB, USF
Excellent run defender at the CB spot with terrific athleticism. He looks much better in press than he does in zone coverage. Very physical and should be a quality special teamer who backs up Dennard and Talib in year one. Has the size and athleticism to be a genuine contender for Talib's role in year two.
#235 Jordan Kovacs, S, Michigan
Over-achiever, leader and highly respected by his team-mates. May never be more than a backup and special teams player, but with his character and desire, he'll be damned good at both. Ideal locker-room fit and arguably the most Patriot-type prospect available.
Just Missed:
The following are prospects that I could equally see being picked Thursday as those in my mock:
Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State,
Josh Boyce, WR, TCU
Ryan Swope, WR, TAMU
David Bakhtiari, OL, Colorado
Justin Pugh, OL, Syracuse
Lerentee McCray, DE, Florida
jon Bostic, LB, Florida
Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia
Josh Evans, S, Florida
Philip Thomas, S, Fresno State
I've only predicted the one trade because predicting anything other than a trade down from the first is next to impossible.
I'd appreciate your thoughts.