ILB Adam Seward [merged - old 2008 thread]

[BPF]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Patriots to host Seward
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff
March 5, 2008 05:58 PM

After delving into the unrestricted free agent market in recent days, the Patriots are now considering a move with a restricted free agent. Team officials are scheduled to host Carolina linebacker Adam Seward on a visit at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.

Seward (31 games, 2 starts) has primarily been a backup over the last three seasons for the Panthers, who run a 4-3 defense. In New England’s 3-4 scheme, the 6-foot-2, 248-pound Seward would project to play inside linebacker.

As a restricted free agent, Seward was tendered at the low level by the Panthers. That means that if the Patriots sign him to an offer sheet – and the Panthers don’t match – it would cost New England a fifth-round draft choice, the round in which Seward entered the NFL in 2005.

The Patriots’ interest in Seward likely has some ties to his college career at UNLV, when he played inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. That position, which requires bigger, physical linebackers who can take on guards but still run effectively, has been a challenge for the Patriots to find young talent.

Seward also might have caught the Patriots’ eye in the 2007 preseason. In the Patriots’ 24-7 victory over the Panthers on Aug. 24, Seward had five tackles. He is also considered a strong special teams player.

 

[Disco Volante]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Not worth a 5th round pick.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Monty Beisel 2

 

[PonyExpress]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

I guess they should have picked Seward instead of his teammate Claridge. Considering his size, maybe they see something and it's worth a shot. Seward will never get a chance at MLB in Carolina behind Beason.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Not worth a 5th round pick.

How do you figure that? He's not some slouch. He's relatively young at 25. And, if I remember correctly, the Pats looked at him during the 2005 draft.

 

[bbabin]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

This is a good way to "draft" someone without as much risk, a few years later. Now they know what he is capable of compared to a 5th rounder this year where this is a lot of risk (and possibly reward).

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Monty Beisel 2

How do you figure he's Monty Beisel part 2?

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

I guess they should have picked Seward instead of his teammate Claridge. Considering his size, maybe they see something and it's worth a shot. Seward will never get a chance at MLB in Carolina behind Beason.

Remember that Claridge had extenuating circumstance behind his failure. His brother dying the way he did would shake many people's psyche.

 

[patsox23]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Not worth a 5th round pick.

The Patriots scouted Seward HEAVILY when he was coming out. They went with Claridge after Seward got picked. You have no idea what you're talking about. A 5th round pick is almost surely worth it, especially 31st overall in that late a round.

 

[tatepatsfan]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Waste of a 5th? How did our 5th rounder turn out last year? In fact, how did all our picks after Meriweather (and the jury is still out on Richardson) turn out?

A 5th in the draft or a 5th on a guy who has managed to make an NFL roster and appears to fit our system?

Easy

Not every late pick turns out to be Tom Brady

 

[NE_PATS_FAN_54]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

this is one of the guys reiss mentioned when going over all the possible free agent LB fits. before reiss mentioned him, i never heard of him. good call by reiss.

 

[sebman2112]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Monty Beisel 2

What makes you say that? From what I've seen they are different in size and playing style. I'm not saying Seward will turn into the next Mike Vrabel (backup LB for Pitt who's become a star LB in NE), but I don't know why he has to automatically be the next Monty Beisel, either.

2007 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 55 | Key
Alert: T

Comment: Seward has good speed, agility and range. He is a high-motor player who gives max effort every snap. He has good instincts and tracks the ball well. He is an aggressive take-on player who attacks downhill and seems to relish collisions with a back or guard. He gets through trash easily when pursuing perimeter runs. He is a sound tackler. He times up his blitzes well. But Seward is a bit stiff and undisciplined against the pass. He sometimes gets a little upright when taking on blocks and gets knocked back. He doesn't change directions or react very quickly to ball carriers. He appears a bit lackadaisical in his pass drops. He bites hard on ball fakes and struggles to get back to his spot.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=7325

 

[bruinator]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

I was kind of hoping they would sign this kid and I was hoping for Pace as well but I'll be more than happy if we can get Gholston instead.

 

[BPF]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Not worth a 5th round pick.

Some people thought we gave up too much for Welker last year. At worst he will be a solid back up and ST's player, which is what you would expect from a 5th Rd pick in yr 1 anyway. From what I know about this guy, he would be a better fit in a 3-4. He is athletic, fast, rangy, smart, instinctive and a solid tackler whose motor is always going. He takes on G's well and is tough. He has good range and is agile on outside runs and he also doesn't get caught up in trash. He is a good blitzer as well. He strenghts are the Pats weaknesses at ILB.

 

[BadMoFo]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

I say, give him a shot. Can't be any worse than our fifth round pick last year.

 

[sebman2112]

Re: Pats to host LB tomorrow

Some people thought we gave up too much for Welker last year. At worst he will be a solid back up and ST's player, which is what you would expect from a 5th Rd pick in yr 1 anyway. From what I know about this guy, he would be a better fit in a 3-4. He is athletic, fast, rangy, smart, instinctive and a solid tackler whose motor is always going. He takes on G's well and is tough. He has good range and is agile on outside runs and he also doesn't get caught up in trash. He is a good blitzer as well. He strenghts are the Pats weaknesses at ILB.

Pretty much what I'm thinking too. He's playing out of his natural position in Carolina, and has more potential to develop in NE's system.

 

[BTTA]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

Someone please call the Pats offices and have them pay attention to this thread! Apparently they are considering a terrible idea.

 

[tombonneau]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

Well, at least they are looking at LBs ... I actually wouldn't mind at all if the Pats returned to their roots of acquiring Cheap Free Agents Who Fit Their System. You know, the System that helped them win three Super Bowls.

 

[Disco Volante]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

Someone please call the Pats offices and have them pay attention to this thread! Apparently they are considering a terrible idea.

Already have, BB said thanks and asked how the family was.

 

[otis p. driftwood]

Re: Pats to host LB Adam Seward tomorrow

Already have, BB said thanks and asked how the family was.

Did you remember to say "hey" to Ernie?