Soul_Survivor88
Experienced Starter w/First Big Contract
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This thread is meant to comfort and reassure those who were either shocked, disappointed, or unimpressed with today's draft selections. Before I post Belichick's own comments, I want to address the roster positions of greatest need, that many hoped would be resolved today. For those who were expecting a O-Line Guard to be chosen in the 2nd or 3rd round, Rich Hill points out that for the last fifteen drafts, Belichick has never drafted an offensive interior lineman in the first three rounds. So don't panic. The Patriots have 7 picks tomorrow, and they'll go ahead and choose an OL at some point in the draft. I feel assured of that.
For those who were expecting a cornerback....well...the record is less predictable. In the past, there have been some draft successes as well as draft busts, but so much of that depends on the variance of the position and the schemes. It comes down to the size and speed of the player, man coverage or zone, outside matchups or slot ones, etc. And unless you are Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia, there's really no way to predict what schemes or player profiles the Patriots are seeking for this draft. So I can't guarantee that Belichick will enlist a CB prospect tomorrow...but as time goes by, both during and after the draft, we should start to see a solid picture of what this defense can truly offer, both up front and in the backfield. Hopefully, it will all work according to plan...Bill's plan at least
Now, for those out there who are baffled with today's draft selections, I'd like for you to hear from Belichick himself on the matter, courtesy of Mike Reiss. Perhaps this will give you the context to understand (A) what Bill saw in each of these players and (2) what contributions does he expect them to make for the team.
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england...ks-down-patriots-moves-on-second-day-of-draft
For those who were expecting a cornerback....well...the record is less predictable. In the past, there have been some draft successes as well as draft busts, but so much of that depends on the variance of the position and the schemes. It comes down to the size and speed of the player, man coverage or zone, outside matchups or slot ones, etc. And unless you are Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia, there's really no way to predict what schemes or player profiles the Patriots are seeking for this draft. So I can't guarantee that Belichick will enlist a CB prospect tomorrow...but as time goes by, both during and after the draft, we should start to see a solid picture of what this defense can truly offer, both up front and in the backfield. Hopefully, it will all work according to plan...Bill's plan at least
Now, for those out there who are baffled with today's draft selections, I'd like for you to hear from Belichick himself on the matter, courtesy of Mike Reiss. Perhaps this will give you the context to understand (A) what Bill saw in each of these players and (2) what contributions does he expect them to make for the team.
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england...ks-down-patriots-moves-on-second-day-of-draft
1. Richards plays both strong and free safety. Belichick said coaches raved about his intelligence, communication, leadership and football character on and off the field, saying “he’s a guy you’ll like having around here.” Belichick added that Stanford didn’t play Richards in a linebacker-type role.
2. Grissom was called an “interesting player” because of all the spots in which he’s lined up -- converted from tight end to outside linebacker/defensive end, while also playing more of a pure defensive tackle role in 2013 at 260 pounds (which is undersized but he competed well). “A pretty athletic, versatile guy in Oklahoma’s defense over the last couple years,” Belichick said, calling Grissom “very instinctive as a pass rusher” while also noting his work in coverage as a linebacker.
3. Grissom worked out at tight end in the pre-draft process and Belichick said it was as impressive of a tight end workout as the team saw. The Patriots aren’t looking at Grissom as a tight end, but the workout highlighted his athleticism.
4. Belichick said he expects both Richards and Grissom to have a role on special teams. In saying that, he called Richards a “strong tackler, a pretty instinctive guy, and certainly able to play on the punt team, kickoff return, kickoff coverage and punt return -- could be a matchup guy outside or maybe a hold-up guy in the box. I’m sure he’ll be able to contribute in the kicking game.”