Tom Curran's draft primer...

[psychoPat]

I've found Curran's draft primers to be rehashed draft guides. I don't think he really follows college football to the extent needed to provide new and useful insight. This is also the case for most newspaper writers who are really writing for the benefit of more casual fan.

Agree that his choices and write-ups sound banal.
But what should he do, make stuff up?

I'm paying attention to Curran's words because
i presume that a good jolt of his "NFL scouts and front office people" still work in Foxboro.
Kremlinologists might glean some true Pats-think in there.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Timmons sounds intruiging. We could use him situationally for a year or so and then have him starting in year two.

Tony Pauline says... "Explosive athlete who plays bigger than his listed size. Makes plays all over the field and really forces the action. Defeats blocks, beats running backs to the corners and easily covers tight ends down the field. Not completely there just yet but has only started for one year."

Where is he projected to go? Late first/early second?

NFLDraftScout.com who has him as their #2 ILB:

...Steps up to fill quickly on inside runs, but needs to protect his body better, as he doesn't shed well...His lack of ideal bulk and brute strength will see him get pushed back when trying to fill rush lanes between the tackles...

Small linebackers need not apply, this kid would need to add 16 lbs. of muscle to reach the prototype weight for a Pats ILB. He might be able to do that, but he'd be better off going to a 4-3 offense and using his speed and quickness in a system that values small, fast linebackers.

 

[Seneschal2]

I've found Curran's draft primers to be rehashed draft guides. I don't think he really follows college football to the extent needed to provide new and useful insight. This is also the case for most newspaper writers who are really writing for the benefit of more casual fan.

Did you miss this part:

"Compiled after conversations with NFL scouts and front office personnel and Tony Pauline."

So based on that tidbit of info, exactly how much of these primers come from each of those sources -- we don't really know. I do agree, that after reading hundreds of profiles, much of it is familiar and old news.

My only reason for starting the topic was the hope that Curran's primers would have a Patriots' slant to them, with maybe a clue here or there.

I'm paying attention to Curran's words because
i presume that a good jolt of his "NFL scouts and front office people" still work in Foxboro.
Kremlinologists might glean some true Pats-think in there.

Exactly, and thank you.

 

[bruinator]

What the hell does Curran know about football!!!!

 

[VJCPatriot]

Apparently Waters looked fine at his workout, so really it's just a question of rust. Bishop isn't in the same league as a healthy Waters. I could be talked into drafting him at #91 if we haven't gotten our LB yet. If Bishop is there in the sixth round, I wouldn't be opposed to picking him up, but he's not going to give you what Waters will.

Well the difference in the two is investment vs value. I think a 3rd rounder is a bit high to risk on a guy like Waters coming off injury. Whereas there is virtually no risk to spending one of our many 6th rounders for a 2 down run stuffer like Bishop. I don't necessarily disagree that Waters might be more talented than Bishop... but I don't want to spend a high pick on him either.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Agree that his choices and write-ups sound banal.
But what should he do, make stuff up?

I'm paying attention to Curran's words because
i presume that a good jolt of his "NFL scouts and front office people" still work in Foxboro.
Kremlinologists might glean some true Pats-think in there.

Okay, let's play Kremlinologist.

Paul Posluszny, Penn State: What Curran wrote - He's going to have to get a little bigger to play on the same side as the tight end in the NFL...Has to improve at shedding and is adequate but not outstanding in coverage...Probably not fast enough to be on the weak side. What he quoted - "He has the ability to anticipate plays before they occur and is always flying around the ball...Has the versatility to be used on the outside or at inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment."
- Analysis: 6'1.5" 238, he lacks 12 lbs to match the Pats LB prototype. So Curran says he needs to 'get bigger' to handle 240-270 lb Tight Ends? Go figure, what does he need to do to handle 300+ lb OL? He has to improve shedding - all college LBs need to improve here. Speed is not as critical for a 3-4 LB. He quotes anticipation - a good thing if you're looking for Tedy's replacement as Field General. Versatility to be a 3-4 LB.
- Summation: Posluszny is a too small Pats prospect as far as size, he'd need time for Woicik to build him up. Expect him to get most of his reps on Special Teams in year one, and maybe get some platoon time in year two.
- Draft value: Expected to go in late first/early second, he's in the Pats' ballpark. Question: Is he that much more valuable then later, larger ILB prospects?

Jon Beason, Miami: What Curran wrote - can sniff out plays in short yardage...on the small side to be an inside linebacker. What he quoted - great range to the sidelines...makes a lot of plays in pursuit...overrated...does more chasing plays than actual forcing the action.
- Analysis: 6' 1/4" 237 at the Combine & 229 at his Pro-day. Curran says he's on the "small side" - Pos needs to get bigger, this kid is going to find it nearly impossible to reach that Pats' prototype 250. The quotes tell it all, "pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength.
- Summation: Extremely bad fit in a 3-4 role.
- Draft value: Pre-draft decoy.

Lawrence Timmons, Florida State: What Curran wrote - plays smoothly and shows excellent anticipation skills...Blows up a lot of plays...Strong with good size...Good in pursuit...has plenty left to learn about the position. What he quoted - Makes plays all over the field and really forces the action. Defeats blocks, beats running backs to the corners and easily covers tight ends down the field. Not completely there just yet.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 234 he would have benefitted from another year in college. His athleticism makes him attractive, his anticipation speaks to Bruschi replacement value. He's a downhill player who does well fending off big boys.
- Summation: "Pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength. Defeating blocks is a 3-4 strength, the question, does a player 16 lbs. lighter than the Pats' prototype LB have the sand to play head-to-head with the big boys inside? How does he defeat blocks? 6'1" Tedy Bruschi does it by sliding off the block and around the blocker to make the play. Taller, longer armed Vrabel does it by handfighting the blocker and keeping him in the hole. Can a player a smidgeon under 6'1" play like Tedy to evade the longer-armed OL in the NFL?
- Draft value: A reasonable late 1st round value, for a 4-3 team.

Stewart Bradley, Nebraska: What Curran writes - Excellent size and power...Can take on blocks as a run-stuffer and is brings a lot of power off the edge as a pass rusher...Decent in coverage for a big guy and a good worker with football smarts...not the smoothest guy...[in] pursuit...versatile defender. What he quotes - ...powerful linebacker who forces the action up the field...Leaves a trail of blockers in his wake...dominant at the point of attack...Plays heads-up football...limitations in coverage or when asked to make plays in reverse.
- Analysis: 6'3 1/2" 254 a classic prototype LB in height and weight. He is also a classic Pats' 3-4 LB defeating blockers head-to-head, strong at the point of attack, blessed with football smarts that translate on the field, and versatile as to position. In his first year coming off of ACL surgery he has limitations in coverage, yet covers pretty well for a big guy - what can he do with another year and good coaching?
- Summation: What more do people want? He comes from a read and react defense with prototype size and a high football IQ.
- Draft value: Do you take an almost perfect fit in late round one? Or wait and hope he's still there at 91?

Justin Durant, Hampton: What Curran writes - Speedy and tremendous in pursuit...can cover well...good and vocal leader who works hard...smaller school...relying on speed...have to become adept at shedding. What Curran quoted - weak-side one-gap linebacker... Explodes up the field in run defense yet also gets depth on pass drops in coverage...needs to play in a system which allows him to freely flow to the action unabated.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 230 he's the same size as Timmerman, yet .15 sec faster in the 40 and quicker, but not as good at taking on blocks. Good in coverage (16 passes defensed in career).
- Summation: Durant sounds just like a SS.
- Draft value: Not a 3-4 linebacker, but has value at SS.

 

[psychoPat]

Okay, let's play Kremlinologist.

Paul Posluszny, Penn State: What Curran wrote - He's going to have to get a little bigger to play on the same side as the tight end in the NFL...Has to improve at shedding and is adequate but not outstanding in coverage...Probably not fast enough to be on the weak side. What he quoted - "He has the ability to anticipate plays before they occur and is always flying around the ball...Has the versatility to be used on the outside or at inside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment."
- Analysis: 6'1.5" 238, he lacks 12 lbs to match the Pats LB prototype. So Curran says he needs to 'get bigger' to handle 240-270 lb Tight Ends? Go figure, what does he need to do to handle 300+ lb OL? He has to improve shedding - all college LBs need to improve here. Speed is not as critical for a 3-4 LB. He quotes anticipation - a good thing if you're looking for Tedy's replacement as Field General. Versatility to be a 3-4 LB.
- Summation: Posluszny is a too small Pats prospect as far as size, he'd need time for Woicik to build him up. Expect him to get most of his reps on Special Teams in year one, and maybe get some platoon time in year two.
- Draft value: Expected to go in late first/early second, he's in the Pats' ballpark. Question: Is he that much more valuable then later, larger ILB prospects?

Jon Beason, Miami: What Curran wrote - can sniff out plays in short yardage...on the small side to be an inside linebacker. What he quoted - great range to the sidelines...makes a lot of plays in pursuit...overrated...does more chasing plays than actual forcing the action.
- Analysis: 6' 1/4" 237 at the Combine & 229 at his Pro-day. Curran says he's on the "small side" - Pos needs to get bigger, this kid is going to find it nearly impossible to reach that Pats' prototype 250. The quotes tell it all, "pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength.
- Summation: Extremely bad fit in a 3-4 role.
- Draft value: Pre-draft decoy.

Lawrence Timmons, Florida State: What Curran wrote - plays smoothly and shows excellent anticipation skills...Blows up a lot of plays...Strong with good size...Good in pursuit...has plenty left to learn about the position. What he quoted - Makes plays all over the field and really forces the action. Defeats blocks, beats running backs to the corners and easily covers tight ends down the field. Not completely there just yet.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 234 he would have benefitted from another year in college. His athleticism makes him attractive, his anticipation speaks to Bruschi replacement value. He's a downhill player who does well fending off big boys.
- Summation: "Pursuit" is a Tampa-2 strength. Defeating blocks is a 3-4 strength, the question, does a player 16 lbs. lighter than the Pats' prototype LB have the sand to play head-to-head with the big boys inside? How does he defeat blocks? 6'1" Tedy Bruschi does it by sliding off the block and around the blocker to make the play. Taller, longer armed Vrabel does it by handfighting the blocker and keeping him in the hole. Can a player a smidgeon under 6'1" play like Tedy to evade the longer-armed OL in the NFL?
- Draft value: A reasonable late 1st round value, for a 4-3 team.

Stewart Bradley, Nebraska: What Curran writes - Excellent size and power...Can take on blocks as a run-stuffer and is brings a lot of power off the edge as a pass rusher...Decent in coverage for a big guy and a good worker with football smarts...not the smoothest guy...[in] pursuit...versatile defender. What he quotes - ...powerful linebacker who forces the action up the field...Leaves a trail of blockers in his wake...dominant at the point of attack...Plays heads-up football...limitations in coverage or when asked to make plays in reverse.
- Analysis: 6'3 1/2" 254 a classic prototype LB in height and weight. He is also a classic Pats' 3-4 LB defeating blockers head-to-head, strong at the point of attack, blessed with football smarts that translate on the field, and versatile as to position. In his first year coming off of ACL surgery he has limitations in coverage, yet covers pretty well for a big guy - what can he do with another year and good coaching?
- Summation: What more do people want? He comes from a read and react defense with prototype size and a high football IQ.
- Draft value: Do you take an almost perfect fit in late round one? Or wait and hope he's still there at 91?

Justin Durant, Hampton: What Curran writes - Speedy and tremendous in pursuit...can cover well...good and vocal leader who works hard...smaller school...relying on speed...have to become adept at shedding. What Curran quoted - weak-side one-gap linebacker... Explodes up the field in run defense yet also gets depth on pass drops in coverage...needs to play in a system which allows him to freely flow to the action unabated.
- Analysis: 6' 7/8" 230 he's the same size as Timmerman, yet .15 sec faster in the 40 and quicker, but not as good at taking on blocks. Good in coverage (16 passes defensed in career).
- Summation: Durant sounds just like a SS.
- Draft value: Not a 3-4 linebacker, but has value at SS.

This is EXACTLY what i envisioned someone
with a lot of interest ... patience ... and specific knowledge doing!
It is such an outstanding illustration of Kremlinology
that i wonder if Box hasn't practised that craft before.

If you care to, kind sir, i would love to see your comparable treatment of Curran's CB and S write-ups.
Fascinating that these are the three positions he covers first!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Kremlinology part Two: ILB

Patrick Willis, Mississippi: What Curran writes - Everything you want in a player...Extremely productive with good size and good speed...sharpen his cover skills a fair amount. What Curran quotes - who can dominate play in the box...good job diagnosing the action and getting to the spot...Must now learn to make plays moving in reverse.
- Analysis: 6'1 1/8" 242, down to 237 at his Pro-day. Willis at the Combine lacked 8 lbs. of being the Pats prototype LB. He's everything you want, except...coverage. He diagnoses well, but what is diagnostics compared to anticipation (See Posluszny, Timmons) or 'Heads Up' football (See Bradley)? Which is the better quality(ies) for a Field General?
- Summation: Despite the enthusiastic opening, this is an incomplete player with a whole new skill set to learn. Not a bad thing, but it should be a splash of cold water. It also leaves the question of his ability as a Field General unanswered. Anticipation I've already equated to Field General skills. In the service a 'Heads Up' individual saw the danger/hazard/consequences before the action occured and took steps to arrange the best possible outcome before hand. Diagnoses sounds good, but it also seems to be in step with the action, and not ahead of it. The one thing you don't read is his ability to take on blockers, a 3-4 requirement.
- Note: Full disclosure - I've not considered Willis an adequate 3-4 LB for some time, that may be coloring my perceptions now. I like to think I'm compensating for my bias, but you must make up your own mind.
- Draft value: First round, for a 4-3 team.

David Harris, Michigan: What Curran writes - Effective...reads and reacts to the run...Good at taking on blockers and holding the point...Hard-working... stiff...sharpen his ability...productive..could be utilized in a 3-4. What Curran quotes - underrated player...He's a tough, instinctive...improve his pass coverage.
- Analysis: 6'2 1/4" 243 Harris lacks 7 lbs. of being the prototype Pats' LB and being taller than Willis and Timmons may have a larger frame to carry the weight. He also needs to improve in pass coverage, but like the others will improve with good coaching. He takes on blockers well, a 3-4 strength. What we don't read is his ability to be a Field General.
- Summation: He has the basic 3-4 skill requirement, an ability to take on blockers. Coverage skills can be learned. The issue of his Field General skills remains unresolved.
- Draft value: Considered a 2nd round value, Harris is available for the Pats and is an adequate 3-4 ILB.

Brandon Siler, Florida: What Curran writes - blue-collar...understands the position...quick and instinctive...pursuit...He's a junior...robotic...in coverage...Thinks he's really good. What Curran quotes - forceful run-defending...explosive...packs a wallop at the point of attack...rough edges...starting potential.
- Analysis: 6'1 3/4" 241 instinctive, explosive, blue-collar are all great sounding, but Curran makes a point of noting he came out early and "thinks he's really good." Translation, he's a potential problem child.
- Summation: Fuggedaboutit.
- Draft value: nil.

Anthony Waters, Clemson: What Curran writes - Terrific size...Runs well, takes the reins on the defense...uncertainty...has to work on shed techniques...less than ideal technique...suspended after a 2004 brawl...nice fit in a 3-4 system. What Curran quotes - tremendous...sideline-to-sideline...Fast in all directions
- Analysis: 6'2 1/2" 245 he lacks 5 lbs of the Pats' prototype LB. The ideal ILB in terms of size, leadership, and speed, once he learns how to stack and shed properly.
- Summation: A nice fit for the Pats if they can land him.
- Draft value: Curran predicts the third round, some rankings have him in the 7th or undrafted. The Pats may need to bundle 2nd day picks with #91 and if they want him.

Buster Davis, Florida State: What Curran writes - Nasty little...finds the football at all costs...terrific first step...well in coverage...a little short...productive and durable...on the small side...guard against getting overweight...too much of a size risk. What Curran quotes - Were Davis five inches taller...terrific combination of smarts, intensity and playing speed...Size is a major concern...exploit him in coverage.
- Analysis: 5'9 3/8" 239 smurf LB. An excellent player at the college level who may not be as successful against Pro-caliber players.
- Summation: His size argues against seeing him in a 3-4.
- Draft value: Curran feels his value is in the third round, but that presumes he'll be playing in the 4-3 he knows.

 

[captain stone]

Wow. Terrific thread, guys. I love reading this stuff.

 

[c_nice_37]

Awesome breakdown BOR - this is what I needed to start my morning, along with this cup of coffee.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Thanks for the kind words.

Kremlinology part Three, Cornerback:

Leon Hall, Michigan: What Curran writes - plays a physical, throwback style...reminiscent of Ty Law -- but a little stronger...Plays smart...doesn’t try to get outside the system for flash plays...confident, intelligent leader...commands respect...Speed, quickness and explosiveness...tweaking...Picking off 12 passes in his Michigan career and showing great dependability as a punt returner...The best corner in this draft. What Curran quotes - exploited by Ted Ginn Jr and Dwayne Jarrett.
- Analysis: 5'11 1/4" 193 4.4/40 gives Coach Woicik the base to build him up to Ty Law size, with greater speed, quickness, and strength. He does his job and doesn't gamble outside of the system, by working inside the system he collected 12 interceptions. Dependible PR. There has been fuss over his final two games working against two gifted athletes, do two presumably bad games wipe out the track record?
- Summation: The perfect CB for a Belichick system, smart, fast, strong, coachable.
- Draft value: Should be the first CB taken.

Chris Houston, Arkansas: What Curran writes - Get a load of the number...Tremendous speed and strength and matches up well with big receivers...Doesn’t have...has room to improve...risk-reward kind of corner...because of his Combine workouts. What Curran quotes - Darrelle Revis is No. 2...very aggressive and confident...very physical...Really struggles...gets turned and is slow locating the pass...needs to improve...scare.
- Analysis: 5'9 7/8" 185 4.32/40 would look nice in the toolbox, "but," the team who takes him has their work cut out for them to develop this raw talent.
- Summation: Who is the man behind the shiny numbers? Boom/bust player.
- Draft value: A gamble? A better risk in the second.

Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh: What Curran writes - physical...good feel for the game and plays with confidence...instinctiveness and anticipation...dangerous player to challenge...Can get up...special teams value...Doesn’t have...liability against waterbug-type receivers...safe pick...position versatility and added value. What Curran quotes - truly a shutdown corner who was rarely challenged...Plays soft at times...give up some easy underneath receptions...needs to stay mentally sharp.
- Analysis: 5'11 1/2" 204 4.4/40 with good quickness and strength. The word choice is very revealing and centers around one word, value. There are flaws in Revis' game, but it's coachable. He's not your first choice for slot coverage, but can manage if needed. If he gives up a play, it's underneath, he limits the big plays. The greatest worry is boredom.
- Summation: Value.
- Draft value: With Houston playing the shiny penny role, there is a chance for Revis to be overlooked and slide into Patriot range. Based on language, Curran's #1 CB.

Marcus McCauley, Fresno State: What Curran writes - bigger...exceptional quickness and athleticism...run with any...run support...Smart and well regarded by his coaches...uneven finish...spent time on the bench...Playing well against USC...dimensions, character and potential...very intriguing. What Curran quotes - plain bad...senioritis...true shutdown corner at the top of his game...great upside...downside risk.
- Analysis: 6' 3/4" 203 4.4/40 and highly athletic. Athletic, the kid has the tool set every coach dreams about, but do dreams come true?
- Summation: Flashy, likeable kid who'll break your heart.
- Note: I'm being influenced by my own observations from seeing him against Oregon (where he got his bell rung) and in the Senior Bowl. NFL Network's draft guru and film junkie, Mike Mayock, pointed out that his junior year when his stock was sky high came while 2006 2nd rounder Richard Marshall covered the #1 WRs, leaving McCauley to cover the #2.
- Draft value: Late first day at best.

Aaron Ross, Texas: What Curran wrote - Plays smart and hard...a natural leader...toughness...support against the run...good technique...dangerous punt returner...Didn’t drop any jaws...sucked in on double moves...hone his footwork...played against excellent competition...well-respected...competes hard...embraces the game and pressure...good player.
- Analysis: 6' 1/2" 193 4.45/40 gives Coach Woicik a good foundation. He reads like a Patriot, nothing jaw dropping, just smart and hard. He may be a little two aggressive, but he's coachable and wants to do the best job.
- Summation: More of a gambler, but like Revis, a value.
- Note: I have not considered Ross a good prospect for the Pats, but if Curran's sources are Patriots' personnel folks, they really like this kid.
- Draft value: expected to fall to the late first within Patriot range.

 

[captain stone]

Mr. Box's CB Kremlinology mirrors my feelings:

Hall and Revis - clearly the top 2. After them...?
Ross - my #3 by default but still a value pick at 24 and esp. 28.
Houston - I just can't pull the trigger for him at either 24 or 28. If we had a 2nd-rounder, however...
McCauley - not until 91.

 

[Seneschal2]

Update -- DEs

http://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/1368659/detail.html

1. Gaines Adams
2. Adam Carriker
3. Jamaal Anderson
4. Jarvis Moss
5. Anthony Spencer

Tony Pauline says... "An outstanding player and high character prospect. Smart, athletic and really tough. Consistently gives effort and finds ways to make plays. Can be used in a variety of systems or positions; as a conventional end, two-gap lineman and may ultimately grow into a defensive tackle. In this day and age of character meaning so much in a player Carriker is a guy teams could trade into the top 10 to secure."

Landing Spots: Rams, Panthers, Steelers, Jaguars, Bengals, Cowboys, Jets, Patriots. It's unlikely Carriker will go in the top 15, where explosive players are on the board for teams with more pressing needs. But Carriker will go in the 15-25 range to a team that's already pretty good and any 3-4 team looking to use him at defensive end -- the Jets and Patriots especially -- would be likely spots.

---

I wish I could get myself to believe that Carriker may make it to #24 -- as Curran suggests. One can only imagine the Pats run defense with Carriker as part of the rotation.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Update -- DEs

http://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/1368659/detail.html

1. Gaines Adams
2. Adam Carriker
3. Jamaal Anderson
4. Jarvis Moss
5. Anthony Spencer

---

I wish I could get myself to believe that Carriker may make it to #24 -- as Curran suggests. One can only imagine the Pats run defense with Carriker as part of the rotation.

Interesting, in his latest mock, Curran has Carriker dropping to the Jets.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Kremlinology part Four: Safety

LaRon Landry, LSU: What Curran writes - all the attributes... top-level speed, aggression, coverage skills, football IQ, excellent work habits...played at the highest level...will probably fill out...[not] on the plane of Ed Reed. What Curran quotes - most complete...ever learns to catch the ball.
- Analysis: 6' 3/4" 213 4.35/40, he only lacks good hands for the interception.
- Summation: Best all-around Safety in the draft.
- Draft value: Top ten.

Reggie Nelson, Florida: What Curran writes - tremendous coverage skills and really impressive burst...Will come up...versatile enough...passion and aggressiveness...Productive...Not the sharpest...Goes for the flash...sacrificing fundamentals. What Curran quotes - Great centerfielder...tremendous explosion...speed...great range...ball skills...gamble and misreads...does not possess...size.
- Analysis: 5'11 3/8" 198 4.45/40, he's an athletic kid with a lot of holes in his game, most notably in the mental aspects.
- Summation: He's lacking in the most important aspect of the game from a Pats' perspective, the mental aspect.
- Draft value: Not a good fit.

Brandon Meriweather, Miami: What Curran writes - playmaker...adept in either man or zone...ball skills...special teams...versatility...too slight...needs to fill out...two incidents...baggage is a real issue. What Curran quotes - terrific cover skills...cornerback...natural ball skills...aware in coverage...small.
- Analysis: 5'10 1/2" 195 4.5/40, he has the entire package, except size. The Pats have been looking harder at him, presumably due to the character concerns.
- Summation: Size is a concern, character is a concern, two strikes.
- Draft value: Not at Safety, maybe CB if he can answer the character issues.

Michael Griffin, Texas: What Curran writes - Competitive...deliver the thunder in run support...athlete...strong plays...special teams...passion...Bites too often...needs to get more fundamentally sound...competitive and productive. What Curran quotes - underrated...Productive...an intimidating run defender...effective in pass coverage...sideline-to-sideline range...makes a lot of plays...hesitation...not a sure handed tackler.
- Analysis: 5'11 3/4" 202 4.45/40, he's talented, but has some big holes in his game. Most notably tackling.
- Summation: "Don't Give Me a Defensive Player Who Can't Tackle. What Am I Going to Do With Him?" --- Bill Belichick
- Draft value: Hard to see a first day player with tackling issues.

Eric Weddle, Utah: What Curran writes - Excellent fundamentals...passion and intensity...Knows where people need to be and puts them there...Plays the ball well...confidence...gritty...Doesn't have ideal...exploited in match-ups...May not be big enough...May not be quick enough...will add value. What Curran quotes - jack-of-all-trades yet master of none...cover skills for cornerback...does not possess...physical nature...best in a zone system...smarts and intensity.
- Analysis: 5'11 1/4" 203 4.5/40, he's got the tools to play FS and maybe CB in the Pats system. The most important aspect being his smarts.
- Summation: His speed and quickness numbers are slightly better than Asante's. He's got the added value the Pats' like.
- Draft value: A second round talent.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Kremlinology part Five: Defensive End.

Gaines Adams, Clemson: What Curran writes - great first-step quickness and acceleration...Terrific agility and body lean...will fill out...athleticism...nuisance...excellent awareness...escape moves...Technique needs refinement...plays upright...engulfed...concern about his passion and the consistency...best edge rusher. What Curran quotes - physically gifted...can dominate...when focused...one-man wrecking machine...variety...motor on and off...concern...All-Pro potential.
- Analysis: 6'4 3/4" 258, Adams flashes great upside, yet leaves you with some disquiet. There are holes in his mental game to fill-in.
- Summation: A good 3-4 OLB conversion project.
- Draft value: Everyone says top five.

Adam Carriker, Nebraska: What Curran writes - Magnus von Magusson...Strong as an ox...anchor and seal off...Tremendous worker...good instincts and studies well....not an ideal pass-rushing...doesn't have the explosive first step and nimbleness...need to develop...3-4 team. What Curran quotes - outstanding player and high character...Smart, athletic and really tough...Consistently gives effort...finds ways...variety...character.
- Analysis: 6'6" 296, Curran compares him to a World's Strongest Man then emphasizes strong again. I wonder if he was trying to make a point? Seems there is a lot to like about this kid.
- Summation: No holes and room to take his game to another level. Perfect 3-4 DE.
- Draft value: All over the board, some see him as top ten, others expect him to fall to the Pats or Jest. A true first round value.

Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas: What Curran writes - junior...fill out and get better...fast, plays with great emotion...A little tight...losing contain...have to get better at setting a hard edge...has such upside...good player for a long time. What Curran quotes - Good athlete and solid...not there just yet...adequate size and great growth potential...ability...two-gap (34)...Must improve...learn.
- Analysis: 6'5 3/8" 288 puts him in striking range of 3-4 DE. He came out a bit early, but brings all the tools and potential you could want.
- Summation: Upside.
- Draft value: Doesn't seem to get out of the top 15.

Jarvis Moss, Florida: What Curran writes - junior has great speed and agility...plays hard...athletic...despite a lack...match-up headache...lack of strength causes...durability is a minor concern...need to get stronger...smart to stay another season in Florida. What Curran quotes - Phenomenal athlete...creates havoc...Fundamentally sound...solid technician...Chases hard...slowly pulling together...thin build...can be controlled...great upside.
- Analysis: 6'6 1/2" 250, he has a lot to offer and a lot to learn.
- Summation: Upside.
- Draft value: Solid round one pick.

Anthony Spencer, Purdue: What Curran writes - good guy...passionate, hard-working, productive...power...smallish...good quickness...Can take on blocks and hold the edge...Can get swallowed up...stubby...Has to be more disciplined...potential...impact...doesn't have the dimensions. What Curran quotes - Solid...underrated...good player...Lacks the ideal...3-4 alignment...productive.
- Analysis: 6'2 7/8" 261, he may make a good 3-4 OLB, but he'll be productive anywhere.
- Summation: Solid.
- Draft value: Has fallen out of the first round on most rankings due to size, bunch of bull hockey.

 

[captain stone]

Kremlinology part Four: Safety

1) LaRon Landry, LSU: - Analysis: 6' 3/4" 213 4.35/40, he only lacks good hands for the interception.
- Summation: Best all-around Safety in the draft.
- Draft value: Top ten.

2) Reggie Nelson, Florida: - Analysis: 5'11 3/8" 198 4.45/40, he's an athletic kid with a lot of holes in his game, most notably in the mental aspects.
- Summation: He's lacking in the most important aspect of the game from a Pats' perspective, the mental aspect.
- Draft value: Not a good fit.

3) Brandon Meriweather, Miami: - Analysis: 5'10 1/2" 195 4.5/40, he has the entire package, except size. The Pats have been looking harder at him, presumably due to the character concerns.
- Summation: Size is a concern, character is a concern, two strikes.
- Draft value: Not at Safety, maybe CB if he can answer the character issues.

4) Michael Griffin, Texas: - Analysis: 5'11 3/4" 202 4.45/40, he's talented, but has some big holes in his game. Most notably tackling.
- Summation: "Don't Give Me a Defensive Player Who Can't Tackle. What Am I Going to Do With Him?" --- Bill Belichick
- Draft value: Hard to see a first day player with tackling issues.

5) Eric Weddle, Utah: - Analysis: 5'11 1/4" 203 4.5/40, he's got the tools to play FS and maybe CB in the Pats system. The most important aspect being his smarts.
- Summation: His speed and quickness numbers are slightly better than Asante's. He's got the added value the Pats' like.
- Draft value: A second round talent.

1) I agree; Landry's out of reach.

2) I don't think Nelson's a good fit, either, at 24 or 28.

3) Only as a CB, but not at 24 or 28.

4) Except for a polished tackling technique, Griffin is everything I want in a FS. Because of his intangibles (smarts, toughness, leadership), I believe (hope?) that he can, and wants to, learn how to tackle the Patriots Way. He's still on my short list.

5) A second-round, not a first-round, talent. Pity. But if, somehow, Willis is chosen at 24, and Ross and Griffin are gone before 28, then maybe...

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Two more points I want to add to the LB analysis.

One of the key things that BB looks for in a LB is which way he is moving at the snap of the ball. BB prefers guys that are moving forward, ala Bruschi, Johnson, Phifer, Seau etc.

The only LB mentioned above, that I have seen deonstrate this consistently is Harris. Definitely not Willis nor Posluzny nor Beason.

That 250 lb.target weight for an ideal Pats ILB, is just that, an ideal weight. A couple of years ago, I saw Bruschi and Phifer after the Carolina SB and I'm betting neither weighed more than 235-240 lbs.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

That 250 lb.target weight for an ideal Pats ILB, is just that, an ideal weight. A couple of years ago, I saw Bruschi and Phifer after the Carolina SB and I'm betting neither weighed more than 235-240 lbs.

Yes, according to the archived 2003 roster http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=2003Roster, Bruschi weighed in at 247 and Phifer 248 to start the season, I can see them reaching 235-240 after a 23 game season. There was an item discussing Light's struggle to hold his weight near the end of the 2006 season after he spent so much time in rehab. That 250 lb. prototype weight is based on the players who have been successful starters, I don't call it an ideal, but it seems to represent a body type capable of holding their own against OL during the long season.