Pats worked out Quentin Groves...

[Seneschal2]

...on March 13, according to the Globe's Gasper:

The Patriots held a private, on-campus workout with Auburn University defensive end/outside linebacker Quentin Groves on March 13. The 6-foot, 3-inch, 259-pound Groves is a classic speed-rusher -- he's been clocked at 4.53 in the 40-yard dash -- and tied the Auburn career record for sacks with 26.

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Reportedly, Groves is now the only DE/OLB prospect who's had both a private visit and private workout. Gholston has had a private workout only, Avril a Combine interview and private workout. Harvey thus far has had no official contact, although I'm sure that will change as the info leaks out slowly.

 

[slash83]

If Gholstons gone by the time we pick trade down and draft this guy forget bout a corner will pick one up later.

 

[Pats726]

Might be the way to go...NO CB that early OTHER priorities...

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I saw the Lindy's draft guide yesterday and they have a lot of glowing praise for Groves and list him as the best OLB pass rusher in the draft. They said something to the effect that it is fun to watch him blow by OL guys and sack the QB.

They said he projects very well as the next Ware or Merriman. If his toes are healed I would be tempted to take him at #7.

We need a pass rusher from the OLB spot that can get the defense off the field on third and long.

 

[sebman2112]

I saw the Lindy's draft guide yesterday and they have a lot of glowing praise for Groves and list him as the best OLB pass rusher in the draft. They said something to the effect that it is fun to watch him blow by OL guys and sack the QB.

They said he projects very well as the next Ware or Merriman. If his toes are healed I would be tempted to take him at #7.

We need a pass rusher from the OLB spot that can get the defense off the field on third and long.

That's what his SportsXchange profile says. (paraphrasing) "He's comparable to Ware, the best pass rusher in the draft, outstanding backfield penetrator, throws his body into the ball carrier, and is fun to watch"

Groves had 28 third down stops.

 

[BelichickFan]

I saw the Lindy's draft guide yesterday and they have a lot of glowing praise for Groves

That's what his SportsXchange profile says.

FYI, both Lindy's and SportsXchange are associated with NFL Draft Scout so it's not really two opinions.

I like Groves a lot though.

 

[sebman2112]

FYI, both Lindy's and SportsXchange are associated with NFL Draft Scout so it's not really two opinions.

I like Groves a lot though.

I knew SportsXchange was the same as NFLDraftScout (as it's clearly visible in their profiles), but I've never read Lindy's, so I didn't know that. What he said about his being fun to watch seemed awful similar to what I had read in his profile though, lol.

 

[BradyManny]

I bought the Lindy's magazine b/c it was the first out, and like BelichickFan noticed its associated with nfldraftscout (the mock draft in the front is written by the lead scout for nfldraftscout). I like the Lindy's a lot though, and have preferred it to the other magazines I've gone through on the stands since. And yes, they seem to like Groves quite a bit, referencing him as the top pass rusher in the draft.

 

[IcyPatriot]

I could just envision a speed rush package of Vrabel, AD & Groves with one of them at DE all on at the same time would be the most pressure we've had on a QB since the Andre Tippet days....that was a way long time ago ... like Chris Slade long time ago. If it plays out this way it will be nice knowing we have a QB pressure package to go to when needed.

 

[Seneschal2]

And yes, they seem to like Groves quite a bit, referencing him as the top pass rusher in the draft.

Because he is.

Simply stated, he has what it takes to consistently beat NFL offensive tackles. The questions of Groves and the other edge rushers remain the same:

Who can play in space, cover RBs, TEs, etc.? Who's smart enough to handle the Pats complex D? But in terms of pure pass rush skills, Groves wins hands down. JMO.

 

[apple strudel]

I'm starting to think Groves is to Gholston as Ware is to Merriman. Gholston's reported to be stiff in the hips and not as flexible due to his physique, where Groves is more natural. With Colvin gone, would the Pats take him at 7 if they can't trade down? I wonder if they would take him over Gholston if both were available at 7.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I'm starting to think Groves is to Gholston as Ware is to Merriman. Gholston's reported to be stiff in the hips and not as flexible due to his physique, where Groves is more natural. With Colvin gone, would the Pats take him at 7 if they can't trade down? I wonder if they would take him over Gholston if both were available at 7.

Don't fool yourself, Gholston is the more "complete" DE to OLB candidate available in this draft, but not nearly the best pass rusher.

However the whole thing with the Pats is us taking a guy that can come in on 3rd and long and generate enough of a pass rush to help get the defense off the field. Look at the SB, Brady had 20 plus hits on him and Manning had something like 6, I think.

We need to move Thomas back inside, next to Bruschi and keep Vrabel on the outside. We need more quality depth and less ST only players. Vrabel and Bruschi are going to wear down and by game 12, they will need quality backups to take as many reps as possible in order to get the Vrabel and Bruschi fresh for the playoffs.

 

[cstjohn17]

They will need quality backups to take as many reps as possible in order to get the Vrabel and Bruschi fresh for the playoffs.

I think this statement summarizes the thoughts of most Pats fans. I have thought this way for years, it is about time those dummies in Foxboro listened to the huddled masses!

Seriously, imagine this situation (not far fetched).

Seward signed as an RFA
One of Groves, Harvey, Gholston, Long are drafted in round 1
DAY 2 Pick (rounds 3-7) - Davis, Kehl, Guyton, Keglar, Butler, Grant, Crabel, Thompson, Ellis, Blake, Robertson, Wheeler, Goff, Bell)

ROLB - ROUND 1 PICK, DAY 2 Pick
RILB - Thomas, Alexander
LILB - Bruschi, Seward, Izzo
LOLB - Vrabel, Woods

The group is very solid if not excellent, Thomas can move around based on matchups.

 

[apple strudel]

Don't fool yourself, Gholston is the more "complete" DE to OLB candidate available in this draft, but not nearly the best pass rusher.

How can he be more complete when he doesn't look good playing in space and turning his hips?