PonyExpress
In the Starting Line-Up
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Unofficial was a blistering 4.50. I also read he benched 30 reps.
Edit : forgot the link
http://draftheadquarters.com/blog/?p=65
Groves has been a lesser option (after Gholston). An SEC player is always one to consider (I'm partial ).
I'm curious as to why Groves is a "lesser" option than Gholston? Quentin is a proven OLB/ILB as well as proven edge rusher. Gholston is a project conversion to linebacker. I'm not saying Groves or Gholston are better but I'm saying 1 is a proven and the other is a "project" with bad cover skills.
Groves has been a lesser option (after Gholston). An SEC player is always one to consider (I'm partial ). The only real questions about him and other candidates is the issue of playing in space, coachablilty, smarts, etc. Physically and athletically -- he's strong and fast. For him to do so well here ought to remove any doubt of work ethic issues.
Avril could be a better value pick than Gholston and Groves considering his experience playing both linebacker and defensive end. With the possibility of the New England Patriots trading down from number 7, the New England Patriots could possibly obtain an additional second round draft pick.
Where would Groves fit in our system? ILB or OLB?
I believe he will be an exact AD Clone. he will be a speed rusher on 3rd down opposite Colvin but a regular at OLB with a slow transition to ILB at times and a regular on special teams.
Groves has been a lesser option (after Gholston). An SEC player is always one to consider (I'm partial ).
I'm curious as to why Groves is a "lesser" option than Gholston? Quentin is a proven OLB/ILB as well as proven edge rusher. Gholston is a project conversion to linebacker. I'm not saying Groves or Gholston are better but I'm saying 1 is a proven and the other is a "project" with bad cover skills.
Groves has been a lesser option (after Gholston). An SEC player is always one to consider (I'm partial ).
I'm curious as to why Groves is a "lesser" option than Gholston? Quentin is a proven OLB/ILB as well as proven edge rusher. Gholston is a project conversion to linebacker. I'm not saying Groves or Gholston are better but I'm saying 1 is a proven and the other is a "project" with bad cover skills.
Simply stated, by "lesser option" I'm talking about rankings. Everyone and their grandmother has had Gholston ranked as a top 10 player. And some here have even mocked him to the Jets at #6, worried that he may not make it to the Pats at #7. Groves in no way has been ranked that high . He's been consistently projected as a R2 prospect (before the Combine). Therefore Groves, Crable, Avril, Robertson, or anyone else thought of as "tweeners" -- are all lesser options than Gholston (the higher ranked player).
In terms of who fits best for the Pats -- I really don't know (YET). I like Groves, as well as everyone else from the above list (as well as a few others I'm still evaluating). And every one of them has their weaknesses. There's much more to consider than just who's the best pass rusher. From the DE to OLB conversion-types -- I need to know if they can play in space (LB duties). From the OLB to DE conversion-types -- I need to know if they can handle the OTs of the league at the POA -- game in and game out.
Not to mention intangible qualities -- character, smarts, coachability, team player, etc.
Size, 40 times, agility drills are all important to playing the position. But as you can see -- they're to be factored in to a much larger equation.
Post Combine and Pro Days, some of these prospects will solidify their projections after rising and falling. Groves is already climbing...we'll see how far, and have a better idea of what's required to select him -- if he's the one destined for the Pats.
After hearing Groves had one of the fastest ten splits in the history of the Indy Combine I highly doubt he's going to be around any later than 14th-16th overall, especially considering he also put up 30 reps, and posted a 4.57 forty.
That burst and overall speed is something I'd love to have at OLB for NE.
If you can get off and beat a tackle off his stance, that’s 90 percent of your
rush already won. All you have to do now is flip your hips and get to the quarterback.