Joe Staley

[PonyExpress]

Staley could be a Wild Card in the Pats' draft. Light was inconsistent last year, drawing some justified criticism for getting manhandled vs. Schobel and Tayler. He rebounded nicely against Merriman and Freeney. The coaching staff obviously values him, calling him to the pro bowl as a replacement. That doesn't mean he is destined to stay on the left side, necessarily. ProFootballweekly mentioned late last season that the Pats were considering moving Kaczur to the left side and Light to the right for '07. If not in '07, the Pats may be looking longer term and considering the LT position for '08 and beyond, and the cost of acquiring so important a chess piece via free agency. If a blue chip prospect is available at left tackle, the Pats would have to consider the value of drafting such a player in rd 1. The question is, can Staley be such a player.

I have questions about Staley. The only time I watched him was at the Senior Bowl. He was obviously overpowered at times due to what appeared to be a lack of upper body strength, and made two mindblowingly stupid plays. In a game where no blitzing was allowed, he blocked down on the DT twice, allowing the DE (Jay Moore) to blow by him for devastating blind side hits on the QB. A very bizarre sequence that forced me to question Staley's situational awareness.

Then, at the combine, he chose not to run with a story about a "minor injury". He still managed to brag about how fast he is, which hinted at the fact he could be a knucklehead. But he is rumored to run a 4.75 40, obscenely fast. He'll probably run a valid 4.9, and even that would be great.

Things to like: Staley has elite size at 6'6''. He has a longer reach than the elite LT prospects Brown and Thomas (BTW Thomas has stubby arms, only 32 1/2". Short arms are one of Gallery's flaws. At 6'7'' Gallery's arms are only 32 1/8", and his hands comparatively tiny at 9 1/4''. Those are similar measurements to Thomas and Jordan Gross, who both are best suited to right tackle). The elite Left tackles drafted the last few years (McNeil, J. Brown, even Ferguson assuming he improves) all have at least 10' hands and a 34" reach. Staley has 10 1/8' hands and a 33 1/2" reach. Reach is crucial in winning the battle of leverage. McNeil, not surprisingly has a ridiculous 35 3/8" reach, which was evident just by watching him play.

If the Pats can determine that Staley is not a knucklehead, and the Senior Bowl performance was a fluke; if they decide they can spend a year strengthening Staley while Light/Kaczur hold the fort down in '08; then drafting Staley in rd 1 could be a tremendous move. I can't pretend to have watched Staley play, so this is just guesswork.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I am not a fan of Levi Brown. He has the look of a total bust. He's not a natural knee bender, doesn't look to change direction well and plays a bit too high and stiff for my liking.

 

[PonyExpress]

I am not a fan of Levi Brown. He has the look of a total bust. He's not a natural knee bender, doesn't look to change direction well and plays a bit too high and stiff for my liking.

Levi looks clumsy out there. When you watch him it's very hard to think of an NFL LT who looks or plays like him. He doesn't have the quick feet or the great balance or the long reach or the perfect tecnique. He looks like a right tackle straining to play LT to me.

 

[dryheat44]

Levi looks clumsy out there. When you watch him it's very hard to think of an NFL LT who looks or plays like him. He doesn't have the quick feet or the great balance or the long reach or the perfect tecnique. He looks like a right tackle straining to play LT to me.

I don't think he can play RT either, I'm not sure he can handle himself in space. He may have to go to guard in the NFL.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Your description of Levi Brown as a RT struggling to play LT is very apt. I think so too.

That would make Staley the second best LOT in this draft. I can wager a substantial sum that he won't make it out of the top 15. AZ let "Big" go so they could draft a LOT; and the Texans need one too, as the second rounder that they drafted, tore up his knee.

There were others who wanted a tackle as well. In any case Bill is very conservative on the first round. He seldom gambles and does not want to miss on round 1. (He prefers to gamble on round 2).

Staley could be interesting but he is no sure thing. For both these reasons, that he won't be there and he is a gamble, means the Pats won't draft him.

 

[Seneschal2]

I have questions about Staley. The only time I watched him was at the Senior Bowl. He was obviously overpowered at times due to what appeared to be a lack of upper body strength, and made two mindblowingly stupid plays. In a game where no blitzing was allowed, he blocked down on the DT twice, allowing the DE (Jay Moore) to blow by him for devastating blind side hits on the QB. A very bizarre sequence that forced me to question Staley's situational awareness.

I also have questions about Staley, as I do with every round one prospect. I saw him play one game and was very impressed. Then as you say, he didn't exactly light it up in the post season. Yet, as a former TE, his upside may be excellent due to his athleticism. Scouts say he has the best feet among all the OL prospects. He seems to have the natural tools to succeed, and with proper coaching, coupled with a strength program, the Pats may think he's worth the gamble.

I've had him as one of my #28 value picks, so until I'm convinced otherwise, I think he'll remain there..

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Light came off back-to-back years where he had conditioning issues coming into Training Camp, I'm not surprised he struggled. I expect things to be a bit smoother this year, and for Kaczur to push him for LT.

Based on my reading and the brief glimpses we got of the two players during Senior Bowl week, I think I'd still prefer Tony Ugoh over Staley, but it's close enough as makes no never-mind to me. I would also be just as happy with a Mike Otto on day two or a flyer on Allen Barbre.

 

[PonyExpress]

Light came off back-to-back years where he had conditioning issues coming into Training Camp, I'm not surprised he struggled. I expect things to be a bit smoother this year, and for Kaczur to push him for LT.

Based on my reading and the brief glimpses we got of the two players during Senior Bowl week, I think I'd still prefer Tony Ugoh over Staley, but it's close enough as makes no never-mind to me. I would also be just as happy with a Mike Otto on day two or a flyer on Allen Barbre.

Not sure about Ugoh. He was man-handled at the senior Bowl by Spencer and others. He comes from a system where they ran the ball almost every down, and used a gimmick passing offense. A mid-rd sleeper could be Otto from Purdue. Long arms (34") to keep the DE off him, big hands (10") to deliver a blow, played in a passing offense. Not sure he has the feet though.

 

[DaBruinz]

Staley could be a Wild Card in the Pats' draft. Light was inconsistent last year, drawing some justified criticism for getting manhandled vs. Schobel and Tayler. He rebounded nicely against Merriman and Freeney. The coaching staff obviously values him, calling him to the pro bowl as a replacement. That doesn't mean he is destined to stay on the left side, necessarily. ProFootballweekly mentioned late last season that the Pats were considering moving Kaczur to the left side and Light to the right for '07. If not in '07, the Pats may be looking longer term and considering the LT position for '08 and beyond, and the cost of acquiring so important a chess piece via free agency. If a blue chip prospect is available at left tackle, the Pats would have to consider the value of drafting such a player in rd 1. The question is, can Staley be such a player.

I have questions about Staley. The only time I watched him was at the Senior Bowl. He was obviously overpowered at times due to what appeared to be a lack of upper body strength, and made two mindblowingly stupid plays. In a game where no blitzing was allowed, he blocked down on the DT twice, allowing the DE (Jay Moore) to blow by him for devastating blind side hits on the QB. A very bizarre sequence that forced me to question Staley's situational awareness.

Then, at the combine, he chose not to run with a story about a "minor injury". He still managed to brag about how fast he is, which hinted at the fact he could be a knucklehead. But he is rumored to run a 4.75 40, obscenely fast. He'll probably run a valid 4.9, and even that would be great.

Things to like: Staley has elite size at 6'6''. He has a longer reach than the elite LT prospects Brown and Thomas (BTW Thomas has stubby arms, only 32 1/2". Short arms are one of Gallery's flaws. At 6'7'' Gallery's arms are only 32 1/8", and his hands comparatively tiny at 9 1/4''. Those are similar measurements to Thomas and Jordan Gross, who both are best suited to right tackle). The elite Left tackles drafted the last few years (McNeil, J. Brown, even Ferguson assuming he improves) all have at least 10' hands and a 34" reach. Staley has 10 1/8' hands and a 33 1/2" reach. Reach is crucial in winning the battle of leverage. McNeil, not surprisingly has a ridiculous 35 3/8" reach, which was evident just by watching him play.

If the Pats can determine that Staley is not a knucklehead, and the Senior Bowl performance was a fluke; if they decide they can spend a year strengthening Staley while Light/Kaczur hold the fort down in '08; then drafting Staley in rd 1 could be a tremendous move. I can't pretend to have watched Staley play, so this is just guesswork.

One of the things people seem to forget is that Light was putting weight back on and still recovering from his broken legt and 3 surgeries to said leg last year.

Initially, I thought that the Pats wouldn't invest in an OT, especially with 5 on the roster and 3 signed long term. But, then it was pointed out that Kaczur is only 6 months younger than Light. Add that to the fact that O'Callaghan had the injuries this year and seemed ineffective after he came back, the possibility is there depending on how the Pats see Britt and Bubin developing. In all honesty, Bubin is the wild-card as he played LT in college and has the skills to be a LT in the pros.

 

[cstjohn17]

One of the things people seem to forget is that Light was putting weight back on and still recovering from his broken legt and 3 surgeries to said leg last year.

Initially, I thought that the Pats wouldn't invest in an OT, especially with 5 on the roster and 3 signed long term. But, then it was pointed out that Kaczur is only 6 months younger than Light. Add that to the fact that O'Callaghan had the injuries this year and seemed ineffective after he came back, the possibility is there depending on how the Pats see Britt and Bubin developing. In all honesty, Bubin is the wild-card as he played LT in college and has the skills to be a LT in the pros.

I agree Light and Koppen should be a little better this year, they are one year further away from their injuries. I also think Light was banged up and seemed to get better in the final few games.

If Staley is the type of player who could become an effective LT then they should draft him. Kirwan (who I really like) was very impressed with Staley, he said he has a very tough physical style and demeanor and will be able to play in the NFL for 10 years (reminded him of a more atheltic, smaller version of Jon Runyan). Kaczur and O'Callaghan are serviceable but also very inconsistent. If Staley or Jones can come in and compete for the starting RT or be the primary backup it would improve the overall performance of the Oline.

Along the same lines what about Ben Grubbs? He is the best guard in the draft and may be a good value pick at 28. This would really shake things up as he would likely start at LG with Mankins moving to RT or even competing for LT. Or they could leave the line as-is for 2007 and then have Grubbs step in during 2008.

Any thoughts about Grubbs and the impact of drafting a guard?

 

[DaBruinz]

Kaczur and O'Callaghan are serviceable but also very inconsistent. If Staley or Jones can come in and compete for the starting RT or be the primary backup it would improve the overall performance of the Oline.

Rookies are expected to be inconsistent. Its because they are rookies. Also, O'Callaghan was coming off an injury besides getting the concussion last year. Kaczur was coming off a shoulder injury that had him on the PUP through most of training camp. One would expect him to be inconsistent as well.

Along the same lines what about Ben Grubbs? He is the best guard in the draft and may be a good value pick at 28. This would really shake things up as he would likely start at LG with Mankins moving to RT or even competing for LT. Or they could leave the line as-is for 2007 and then have Grubbs step in during 2008.

Any thoughts about Grubbs and the impact of drafting a guard?

I don't see the Pats drafting Grubbs. Why? Because I don't see the Pats down-grading one spot to upgrade another in the scenario you mentioned. Mankins is their LG. I believe its only in an emergency that he'd move to LT, as he did when Ashworh and Kaczur both went down with Light already on the IR in a game 2 years ago. Mankins has the makings of an ALL-PRO at LG. They just signed Neal to an extension. Hochstein isn't going anywhere because of his versatility and his willingness to "re-work" his deal previously to help the team. There is one back-up spot that may or may not be available imho. And that is a back-up guard spot. However, Yates has the inside track on that because of his versatility and the fact he just re-signed with the team to a 3 year deal, i believe.

 

[PonyExpress]

One of the things people seem to forget is that Light was putting weight back on and still recovering from his broken legt and 3 surgeries to said leg last year.

Initially, I thought that the Pats wouldn't invest in an OT, especially with 5 on the roster and 3 signed long term. But, then it was pointed out that Kaczur is only 6 months younger than Light. Add that to the fact that O'Callaghan had the injuries this year and seemed ineffective after he came back, the possibility is there depending on how the Pats see Britt and Bubin developing. In all honesty, Bubin is the wild-card as he played LT in college and has the skills to be a LT in the pros.

As late as Week 14 vs. Miami, the Pats had to be concerned about the future at LT. Did the final 6 games alleviate any concern? Hopefully. If not, then Staley may be late 1st rd option. I don't really know much about Staley, but he's one of those Wild Cards, and I'm preparing so that I don't get shocked on draft day when I hear his name called.

 

[cstjohn17]

He still has wheels.. I kinda like the idea of a nasty RT who can move to LT in a year or two.

KFFL
NFL | Staley runs 40-yard dash at Pro Day
Thu, 15 Mar 2007 16:18:03 -0700

John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Central Michigan OT Joe Staley ran the 40-yard dash between 4.78 and 4.82 seconds at his Pro Day Thursday, March 15.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I agree Light and Koppen should be a little better this year, they are one year further away from their injuries. I also think Light was banged up and seemed to get better in the final few games.

If Staley is the type of player who could become an effective LT then they should draft him. Kirwan (who I really like) was very impressed with Staley, he said he has a very tough physical style and demeanor and will be able to play in the NFL for 10 years (reminded him of a more atheltic, smaller version of Jon Runyan). Kaczur and O'Callaghan are serviceable but also very inconsistent. If Staley or Jones can come in and compete for the starting RT or be the primary backup it would improve the overall performance of the Oline.

Along the same lines what about Ben Grubbs? He is the best guard in the draft and may be a good value pick at 28. This would really shake things up as he would likely start at LG with Mankins moving to RT or even competing for LT. Or they could leave the line as-is for 2007 and then have Grubbs step in during 2008.

Any thoughts about Grubbs and the impact of drafting a guard?

I have no problem with drafting a G ... in about round 6...

 

[Fencer]

Staley actually ran track in high school in Michigan. 6th in the state in the 200 meters.

Of course, he was much lighter then.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/staley_joe