Pats show interest in this WR...

[Seneschal2]

Anyone who's followed the practice sessions of the East West Shrine game and Senior Bowl will be familiar with this guy: Wolverine-slayer has Pats on the mind

The fastest man in the draft, Appalachian St. WR Dexter Jackson was one of the first prospects into the media room this morning.

He said he plans on running the 40-yard dash in the 4.22-4.3 range and has garnered a lot of interest from the Patriots. If New England were to take the 5-9, 182 pound burner, he likely would serve primarily as a return specialist, but he seems intent on finding his way onto the field as a slot receiver, as well. Wes Welker has that spot locked up for the Patriots, but imagine the damage he and Jackson could do if Bill Belichick found a way to get them on the field at the same time.

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I'd draft him in a heartbeat -- regardless of his size. He's exactly the type of player that BB covets. One who has a productive career, then follows up with impressive performances in not one -- but two all-star games. He's already a good route runner, catches everything, and may be the draft's fastest player. Read on...

From various sites:

Explodes out of cuts, snatches the ball even at awkward angles, and finishes plays like he can get to the house each time he touches the ball.

Dexter Jackson's undersized, but his performance at the Senior Bowl puts him above guys of similar build, including Dorien Bryant. With a low 4.3, Jackson figures to be drafted as a return specialist as well as a receiver.

Jackson displayed terrific route-running skills and reliable hands. Early in the day he made an acrobatic 40-yard reception for a touchdown.

Said one longtime AFC scout: "Jackson's only 5-9, but he's an excellent route runner and he pretty much catches anything close to him. If he can show something in the return game, someone's gonna have a nice player."

Jackson carried his East-West success to his Senior Bowl debut. He was quicker than most cornerbacks and was able to get separation. He caught the ball extremely well.

Jackson continued his impressive play from last week's Shrine Game, looking impressive in his cuts and catching everything in sight with quick hands. On one play, he stretched out to catch a low tracer over the middle. Despite how he has been characterized, Jackson is not significantly smaller than other receivers in this draft like Harry Douglas and Dorien Bryant. And he has outperformed them.

"He's impressed a lot of people here," said the scout. "He's not that big, but his speed is pretty remarkable, and he appears to have excellent hands."

 

[c_nice_37]

Where's he projected to go? I could see spending a #3, but not sure of a 2 because we do have LB / CB needs.

I have always thought that in recent years we could really use a true return specialist, and not Faulk / Maroney / Pass, etc.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Where's he projected to go? I could see spending a #3, but not sure of a 2 because we do have LB / CB needs.

I have always thought that in recent years we could really use a true return specialist, and not Faulk / Maroney / Pass, etc.

Well, don't forget the Pats have #62 and #69.

 

[DaBruinz]

Jackson, because of his size, was seen as a 5th rounder. If he posts a 4.2-4.3, I wouldn't be surprised to see him jump into the end of the 2nd or 3rd round.

Especially with the success that Devon Hester has had as a return man.

I wouldn't be upset if the Pats took him at #69. I think he'd be a great return man for the Pats and would allow the Pats to not use Hobbs on returns or put him and Hobbs out there and watch it be even more deadly than its been.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I'd say a 3rd round pick at highest for a return specialist.
The Ravens took a return specialist WR with their 3rd round pick, Yamon Figurs, and he made a big impact on special teams for them.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'd say a 3rd round pick at highest for a return specialist.
The Ravens took a return specialist WR with their 3rd round pick, Yamon Figurs, and he made a big impact on special teams for them.

He's just not a return specialist. That's what you don't understand. He's a quicker version of Wes Welker. Extremely good hands, and great route-running. If the Pats have Moss, Welker and C. Jackson, then Dexter Jackson would easily be the 4th. And, honestly, he could make like hell for opposing teams if he was on the field with Welker and Moss.

 

[VJCPatriot]

He's just not a return specialist. That's what you don't understand. He's a quicker version of Wes Welker. Extremely good hands, and great route-running. If the Pats have Moss, Welker and C. Jackson, then Dexter Jackson would easily be the 4th. And, honestly, he could make like hell for opposing teams if he was on the field with Welker and Moss.

That's high praise indeed. But it's a lot easier to say this guy is the next Wes Welker than for him to prove it. Even you didn't know Wes Welker would be Wes Welker in Pats uniform. Unless... you predicted he would get 110+ catches in our system, which I doubt you did. If Dexter Jackson is as good as Figurs was as a returner, that will be worth the 3rd round pick, anything on top of that is gravy imo.

 

[Mr.Muhozi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeuCmr5dfns

a highlight reel of him, he seems to bea good player, and a steal if we get him in the 3rd-5th round

 

[dryheat44]

I don't recall Belichick using many picks on non Div 1-A players. Certainly not a high one. Frankly, I don't see the value. I'd rather take a guy like Donnie Avery or Lavelle Hawkins, who have the same skill set, but were productive against top competition.

 

[DaBruinz]

That's high praise indeed. But it's a lot easier to say this guy is the next Wes Welker than for him to prove it. Even you didn't know Wes Welker would be Wes Welker in Pats uniform. Unless... you predicted he would get 110+ catches in our system, which I doubt you did. If Dexter Jackson is as good as Figurs was as a returner, that will be worth the 3rd round pick, anything on top of that is gravy imo.

While I didn't predict 110 catches in our system, I was touting the signing of Welker months before other people because he reminds me of Wayne Chrebet and Troy Brown.

That being said, its the people in the know touting Jackson's hands and route running and speed. Jackson's size is what compares him to Welker.

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't recall Belichick using many picks on non Div 1-A players. Certainly not a high one. Frankly, I don't see the value. I'd rather take a guy like Donnie Avery or Lavelle Hawkins, who have the same skill set, but were productive against top competition.

Donnie Avery and Lavelle Hawkins don't have the same skill set. Also, you over-looked that Jackson was invited to the Senior Bowl and excelled against the top competition there and Jackson was almost solely responsible for Appalachain St. beating Michigan.

The only knock on Jackson is that he didn't go to a big name school. Avery and Hawkins have knocks regarding mental lapses, route running and consistency.

 

[sebman2112]

While I didn't predict 110 catches in our system, I was touting the signing of Welker months before other people because he reminds me of Wayne Chrebet and Troy Brown.

That being said, its the people in the know touting Jackson's hands and route running and speed. Jackson's size is what compares him to Welker.

Yea, a lot of us really liked Welker and wanted him for NE. Back when the Dolphins played the Steelers in 2006 I said Welker was a perfect fit for NE, and I hoped the Patriots were able to get him.

Getting to Jackson. I mentioned him in one of these draft related threads well over a month or two ago, saying something like "what about Dexter Jackson" just to see what other people thought of him. It didn't seem like many members of this board knew who he was at the time, as nobody replied. So, yea it's safe to say I'm aware of his ability, lol! In any case, I like the kid and think he could fit in well with the Patriots.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I can't see BB drafting this guy, it goes against his mandate on versatility.

Let's face it, we have a tiny WR already on the field (Welker) and we have an aging speed merchant on the outside in Moss and one on the bench in Jackson. We just let another speed merchant walk in Stallworth. We need a Ricky Proehl/Hines Ward type WR, someone to work the middle of the field and the dead spots in zones.

With Moss and Jackson on the roster, it is hard to see this guy as anything other than a luxury item. And that is clearly not the BB way.

 

[The 12th Man]

They also looked at a big WR as well, never heard of this guy:

NFL | Sweed speaks with NE
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:26:49 -0800

Texas WR Limas Sweed (wrist) weighed in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine Friday, Feb. 22, at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds. Sweed, who has a wrist injury, said his wrist is 65 percent healthy and did not aggravate the injury during the Senior Bowl. He trains at API in Tempe, Ariz., with Boston College QB Matt Ryan. Sweed is expected to run at the combine and will leave it up to his agent whether or not he will catch the ball. He spoke with the New England Patriots.

Would also be interesting to see where he's been falling in recent mock drafts.

 

[dryheat44]

They also looked at a big WR as well, never heard of this guy:

NFL | Sweed speaks with NE
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:26:49 -0800

Texas WR Limas Sweed (wrist) weighed in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine Friday, Feb. 22, at 6-foot-4, 216 pounds. Sweed, who has a wrist injury, said his wrist is 65 percent healthy and did not aggravate the injury during the Senior Bowl. He trains at API in Tempe, Ariz., with Boston College QB Matt Ryan. Sweed is expected to run at the combine and will leave it up to his agent whether or not he will catch the ball. He spoke with the New England Patriots.

Would also be interesting to see where he's been falling in recent mock drafts.

Please, please tell me you're kidding. Sweed was probably the #1 rated WR heading into the season. He'll go too high for us to draft at #62, and it's hard to justify drafting a WR before that.

 

[dryheat44]

Donnie Avery and Lavelle Hawkins don't have the same skill set. Also, you over-looked that Jackson was invited to the Senior Bowl and excelled against the top competition there and Jackson was almost solely responsible for Appalachain St. beating Michigan.

The only knock on Jackson is that he didn't go to a big name school. Avery and Hawkins have knocks regarding mental lapses, route running and consistency.

Well, I admit I've never seen an Appalachian St. game. Without the benefit of game film, I'm not willing to put him in the top three rounds based on Michigan and the Senior Bowl. If he dominated week in and week out, then maybe you can sell me on him. But I'm much more comfortable drafting people I've watched in multiple games.

 

[DaBruinz]

I can't see BB drafting this guy, it goes against his mandate on versatility.

Let's face it, we have a tiny WR already on the field (Welker) and we have an aging speed merchant on the outside in Moss and one on the bench in Jackson. We just let another speed merchant walk in Stallworth. We need a Ricky Proehl/Hines Ward type WR, someone to work the middle of the field and the dead spots in zones.

With Moss and Jackson on the roster, it is hard to see this guy as anything other than a luxury item. And that is clearly not the BB way.

HUH? How does it go against Belichick's "mandate" of versatility? Dexter Jackson and return kicks and punts and be a slot receiver.

Jackson is just the sort of receiver that you WANT to work the middle of the field and the dead spots in zones. Why? Because that is exactly what Wes Welker did. And Jackson's route abilities are every bit as good as Welkers.

I don't get how you think this guy would be a luxury since he'd actually take pressure off of Maroney and Hobbs for returning kicks and give the Pats another Punt returner behind Welker and Faulk.

The idea that Dexter Jackson is just a speed merchant is just pure fallacy on your part, Ochmed.

 

[patsfan55]

Especially with the success that Devon Hester has had as a return man.

sorry buddy, you always correct ppl, so i gotta do it
it's devin, not devon

 

[patsfan55]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeuCmr5dfns

a highlight reel of him, he seems to bea good player, and a steal if we get him in the 3rd-5th round

this is the first i've seen of him, so i'm not gonna pretend to be an expert on him
however, the one problem i had with what i saw from this video was that the few deep balls that were actually contested, he seemed to be too flat-footed on them
at the next level: 1-he's not gonna get that wide open, no matter how fast he is, 2-the dbs will be able to make a play on the ball if he doesn't go up and get it
all in all though, i liked what i saw
where's some return vids on him?

 

[BRiZ]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?t=77368

yippie!!!

We trade the #7 pick to Chicago for their 1st round pick (#14) and their 2nd round pick (#44). They may want to move up for a QB, and i dont like the value at #7.

Round 1 #14 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee St.
Round 2 #44 - Antoine Cason CB Arizona
Round 2 #62 - Jamar Adams S Michigan
Round 3 #69 - Tavares Gooden ILB Miami
Round 3 #94 - Jason Taylor OLB Miami
Round 4 #126 - Mike Dragosavich P North Dakota St.
Round 5 #158 - Dexter Jackson WR Appalachian St.

comments:

- First pick we take a #1 corner in "DRC" to replace Samuel who is gunna follow tha money. Cro may be raw but has the tools and athletic skill to succeed, i think he will turn out to be a true man-to-man lockdown CB with some experience. Im sick of this zone crap we play all the time, its time to man up and play some real D.

- Second pick would be awesome if Cason is still there, we could line him up opposite DRC to match up against #2 WRs, the ones Hobbs matches up with now. That will let us slide Hobbs down to cover #3's and slot guys, which i think he would be very good at compared to being outside against the big boys. DRC and Cason on the outside i like the sound of that, with Hobbs in the middle that is a huge upgrade than what we got now imo.

- Third pick Jamar Adams safety from Michigan, hes got good size, 6-2 210, and we would use some depth at safety cause Rodney is getting old and may have only a year or two left (thats if he doesnt retire this year), and Eugene Wilson is a scrub piece of crap, the pats wont be bringing him back.

- Fourth pick Tavares Gooden is like Meriweather, hes from the "U" and he is a hardcore thug. We need that in the middle of our D. Hes fast and could play inside or add depth there and could be used on special teams.

- Fifth pick we trade our last 3rd rounder, the last pick of day one, to Miami and Parcells for a prisoner named Jason Taylor! Yes it will happen and it will get done. Taylor and Thomas at OLB thats leathal.

- Sixth pick is the last pick in the 4th round, i like the punter guy Drago!

- Seventh pick is a little WR Dexter Jackson out of Appalachian State, wicked fast, small, quick, hes a Wes Welker clone but faster. I think he would be phenominal in our offense, he gets off the line super fast and Brady would love him just like Welker. Jackson could play the slot like Welk but he also has the speed to move out wide. I predict we will be cutting Stallworth and Washington so we are gunna need to pick up another WR. Gaffney will be resigned.

Some offseason moves effected this version of my draft. Free agents, cuts and stuff, heres what i predict and would hope for.

First we cut some guys to clear up some cap room so we can resign Moss, and go after the big free agent we need imo Lance Briggs. We will not be able to compete to sign Asante, the price will be too high, so i want to go after Briggs.

-Cuts-
-Donte Stallworth
-Kelly Washington
-Rosevelt Colvin

This would clear up 15-20 mill, more than enough for Moss and other free agents. Yes Rosy gets cut, his cap is too high, but he is replaced by Jason Taylor (for cheeper too). I think Taylor would absolutely rape in this D. Stallworth would be replaced by Chad Jackson which i think is an upgrade, and Kelly Washington replaced by Dexter Jackson. Gaffney we resign so we got:

WR#1 Randy Moss
WR#2 Chad Jackson
WR#3 Wes Welker / Dexter Jackson (slot)
WR#4 Jabar Gaffney

I think Troy Brown will retire.

-Free Agent losses-
-Asante Samuel CB
-Eugense Wilson FS (let go)

With Samuel going thats the reason for the CB picks in the early draft. Meriweather will replace Wilson next year at FS but we add Adams in the draft to add safety depth.

-Free Agent Additions-
-Lance Briggs

Pay him what he wants, we are desperate for an impact linebacker inside. People think Briggs couldnt play inside in a 3-4 but thats not true he can play anywhere. My "idea" is this:

Sign Briggs to play the weakside inside, and we bring back Seau and Bruschi for one more year to play the strongside. But Seau and Bruschi would rotate, to help them make it through the season, Seau could be in on 1st and 2nd running downs and come off and Bruschi would be in on 3rd down passing downs since he is better in coverage. So if everything went perfect (yea right..) the D would look like:

OLB Adalius Thomas
DE Richard Seymour
NT Vince Wilfork
DE Ty Warren
OLB Jason Taylor / Vrabel
ILB (weakside) Lance Briggs / Tavares Gooden
ILB (strongside) Junior Seau / Teddy Bruschi

CB#1 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
FS Brandon Meriweather
SS Rodney Harrison
CB#2 Antoine Cason
CB#3 Ellis Hobbs

That would be sick, Thomas and Taylor on the outside the pass rush would be wicked good. I like the idea of Briggs playing behind Thomas, Seymour, and Wilfork they could clog blockers allowing him to run and make plays.

Also after next season, after Seau and Bruschi give it one more shot, they will retire and we will need to fill the strongside inside. There are some beasts in the 2009 draft, Rey Maualuga and Jasper Brinkley to name a few. We can draft one of them then and then we would have them and Briggs inside, i like.