8 Patriots Draft Picks and Why They're Picked

[My2Cents]

1. LB Keith Rivers, USC
The most lasting Superbowl memory for me was the Manning brothers' postgame
locker interview, where Peyton told Eli, "See! I told you they wouldn't blitz!"
Teams around the league are very aware of the Patriots physical and schematical
limitations. A versatile athlete like Rivers has the speed and athleticism they need.

2. DB Quintin Demps, UTEP
Some might question the value of the pick but a FS with 4.38 speed who has
exceptional ball skills and experience at (Right) CB seems just what they are
looking for in a prospect. Adding this sleeper pick would allow the Patriots more
flexibility schematically, meaning the more limited LB's will have to cover less.

3. CB DeJuan Tribble, BC
Going into last season, Tribble was drawing comparisons to some of the game's
best. A medical red flag and a poor postseason, including what is being called a
slow 40 time for a smallish back places him under the radar on most teams board.
Despite some fans anti-local sentiments, Tribble looks like a major early steal.

4. RT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh
I think every Patriots fan held their breath as the Giants ripped through the line
and took their best shots at Tom Brady. Pretty scary sight! While it's hard to fault
any single player, it's clear that an upgrade is sorely needed. McGlynn often goes
unnoticed but has turned the heads of scouts with his quick feet and consistency.

5. QB Colt Brennen, Hawaii
Tumbled out of sight after the Sugarbowl beating he took, where he got no
protection, looked lost and confused. Before that game, he was highly praised
for his accuracy. Scouts waited for it to reappear but, unfortunately, it didn't.
He played in a Patriots-type offense under June Jones and will backup Brady.

6. NT Keilen Dykes, WV
Though you won't find his name on the Combine list and you won't likely
hear many people talking about him, Dykes is a versatile defender with nice
experience playing the 0-technique position, required of 3-4 Nose Tackles.
Because it's so difficult to find these players, he'll be an early day two pick.

7. WR Devone Bess, Hawaii
The only eye-popping numbers you will see from him are his production numbers.
With the depth of WR in this class, there's a chance he goes undrafted. But it seems
to me that the Patriots are looking hard at slot WR's (like Darius Reynaud). Having
Bess play the slot will allow them to not only relieve Welker but move him around.

8. LB/DE Jermey Geathers, UNLV
I think it's pretty clear to most that Geathers overestimated where he would go in the
draft after leaving school early. With that said, with his bloodlines and his (6'-2", 248lb)
frame, this kid looks like a nice late round find who could develop into a serious edge
rusher or situational LB. Not the prospect fans are dreaming of but, still, a solid pick.

 

[Metaphors]

1. LB Keith Rivers, USC

Fine.

2. DB Quintin Demps, UTEP

He better have starting CB skills to go round 2.

3. CB DeJuan Tribble, BC

OH. GOD. NO.

4. RT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh

If you want a tackle, why not draft a tackle?

5. QB Colt Brennen, Hawaii

Two words...Kliff Kingsbury.

6. NT Keilen Dykes, WV

At NT? Seriously?

7. WR Devone Bess, Hawaii

Two more words...system receiver.

8. LB/DE Jermey Geathers, UNLV

Solid late round pick. Needs some coaching up but Pats can do that.

Most mocks on this board are overly optimistic, but they get me psyched for the draft. If your list is even close, I will have to be talked down off the ledge.

 

[WhiZa]

Are you from Hawaii? Brennan may not even get drafted.

 

[DaBruinz]

1. LB Keith Rivers, USC
The most lasting Superbowl memory for me was the Manning brothers' postgame locker interview, where Peyton told Eli, "See! I told you they wouldn't blitz!"
Teams around the league are very aware of the Patriots physical and schematical limitations. A versatile athlete like Rivers has the speed and athleticism they need.

Yes, Rivers is so versatile that he'd not fit in as a 3-4 OLB or ILB. He's a 4-3 OLB. He's not a great pass rusher, like you claim. He's got issues with Complex play-books. Last I looked, the Pats have the most complex play-book in the NFL.

2. DB Quintin Demps, UTEP
Some might question the value of the pick but a FS with 4.38 speed who has exceptional ball skills and experience at (Right) CB seems just what they are looking for in a prospect. Adding this sleeper pick would allow the Patriots more flexibility schematically, meaning the more limited LB's will have to cover less.

He's not worth more than a 4th round pick. As for your assessment about LBs covering less, you're wrong. The Pats play a 3-4. Unless they move to the NICKEL full time (which isn't going to happen), they aren't going to have this magical development of their LBs not having to cover as much.

3. CB DeJuan Tribble, BC
Going into last season, Tribble was drawing comparisons to some of the game's best. A medical red flag and a poor postseason, including what is being called a slow 40 time for a smallish back places him under the radar on most teams board. Despite some fans anti-local sentiments, Tribble looks like a major early steal.

Tribble would be a waste of an early pick. He won't go before the 5th round. He's a SLOWER version of Hobbs, except he can't jump either.

4. RT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh
I think every Patriots fan held their breath as the Giants ripped through the line and took their best shots at Tom Brady. Pretty scary sight! While it's hard to fault any single player, it's clear that an upgrade is sorely needed. McGlynn often goes unnoticed but has turned the heads of scouts with his quick feet and consistency.

While I agree that the Pats could use an upgrade on the right side, McGlynn isn't it, imho. I don't see McGlynn being able to over-take either Neal or Kaczur. So what's the point?

5. QB Colt Brennen, Hawaii
Tumbled out of sight after the Sugarbowl beating he took, where he got no
protection, looked lost and confused. Before that game, he was highly praisedfor his accuracy. Scouts waited for it to reappear but, unfortunately, it didn't. He played in a Patriots-type offense under June Jones and will backup Brady.

June Jones runs a version of the fun 'n gun. That's NOT the Patriots type offense in any way, shape or form.

6. NT Keilen Dykes, WV
Though you won't find his name on the Combine list and you won't likely
hear many people talking about him, Dykes is a versatile defender with nice
experience playing the 0-technique position, required of 3-4 Nose Tackles.
Because it's so difficult to find these players, he'll be an early day two pick.

Could be a decent 2nd day pick as a back-up to Wilfork.

7. WR Devone Bess, Hawaii
The only eye-popping numbers you will see from him are his production numbers. With the depth of WR in this class, there's a chance he goes undrafted. But it seems to me that the Patriots are looking hard at slot WR's (like Darius Reynaud). Having Bess play the slot will allow them to not only relieve Welker but move him around.

You won't see any "eye-popping" numbers from this guy because he won't be on the Patriots. You want to talk about a guy whose stock has plummetted. Before the season, Bess was talked about as a possible mid-round (3rd/4th pick), now the likelihood is that he won't get drafted. Slow combine stuff and poor competition will hold this kid back.

8. LB/DE Jermey Geathers, UNLV
I think it's pretty clear to most that Geathers overestimated where he would go in the draft after leaving school early. With that said, with his bloodlines and his (6'-2", 248lb) frame, this kid looks like a nice late round find who could develop into a serious edge rusher or situational LB. Not the prospect fans are dreaming of but, still, a solid pick.

Nothing I've seen says that this kid could be a serious edge rusher. And there is a big difference between a situational LB and a serious edge rusher. He lacks the explosion you look for from an edge rusher at the pro-level. What he has was good for college, but is slow for the NFL.

 

[patchick]

I like the Keilen Dykes pick.

 

[SamBamsFan]

Is it just me, or does Geathers remind anyone else of a poor mans J. Mincey?

 

[My2Cents]

On a day when they could have had impact players David Terrell or Koren Robinson or the second-best tackle in the draft in Kenyatta Walker, they took Georgia defensive tackle Richard Seymour, who ... is too tall to play tackle at 6-6 and too slow to play defensive end. This genius move was followed by trading out of a spot where they could have gotten the last decent receiver in Robert Ferguson and settled for tackle Matt Light, who will not help any time soon.
-Ron Borges

That, to me, is probably the most significant thing I've read on these boards so far. And to think that Borges once hit me up, seriously, for inside information!

 

[My2Cents]

I like the Keilen Dykes pick.

Hmmm...I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult ----but you're a patchick, and, therefore, likely to be hot. So, thank you.

 

[My2Cents]

Most mocks on this board are overly optimistic, but they get me psyched for the draft. If your list is even close, I will have to be talked down off the ledge.

I'm personally going to hold you to that.

 

[VJCPatriot]

1. LB Keith Rivers, USC
The most lasting Superbowl memory for me was the Manning brothers' postgame
locker interview, where Peyton told Eli, "See! I told you they wouldn't blitz!"
Teams around the league are very aware of the Patriots physical and schematical
limitations. A versatile athlete like Rivers has the speed and athleticism they need.

1. He of the career 5.5 sacks is the answer to our inability to blitz the QB?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Rivers

2. At 235 lbs, he is light in the pants for a Patriots style LB.

3. His inability to shed blocks is a big handicap for a 3-4 ILB in the Pats system.
"Lacks the lower body strength to gain much penetration on the bull rush and will struggle to shed vs. the bigger blockers, especially vs. double-team action...Must use his hands better when fending off blocks and when they get outside his framework, he leaves himself too exposed and linemen then have success locking on, as he loses his anchor and is quickly washed out of the play..."

In summary, he would be an okay pick at #20, but a huge reach at #7. Jonathan Goff has a chance to be just as good in the Pats system, and Goff will be available in the 3rd round.

2. DB Quintin Demps, UTEP
Some might question the value of the pick but a FS with 4.38 speed who has
exceptional ball skills and experience at (Right) CB seems just what they are
looking for in a prospect. Adding this sleeper pick would allow the Patriots more flexibility schematically, meaning the more limited LB's will have to cover less.

You forget the meaning of the word sleeper. Slot him in the 4th or 5th round and I'd be willing to consider him. The safeties in this draft are AWFUL.

3. CB DeJuan Tribble, BC
Going into last season, Tribble was drawing comparisons to some of the game's
best. A medical red flag and a poor postseason, including what is being called a
slow 40 time for a smallish back places him under the radar on most teams board.
Despite some fans anti-local sentiments, Tribble looks like a major early steal.

Who? I'd rather go after some corners with upside in round 3. Patrick Lee or Trae Williams come to mind. Or I'd like to take a flyer on a RB for depth, Kevin Smith comes to mind. A KR like Dexter Jackson might not be a bad option either.

4. RT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh
I think every Patriots fan held their breath as the Giants ripped through the line
and took their best shots at Tom Brady. Pretty scary sight! While it's hard to fault
any single player, it's clear that an upgrade is sorely needed. McGlynn often goes
unnoticed but has turned the heads of scouts with his quick feet and consistency.

5. QB Colt Brennen, Hawaii
Tumbled out of sight after the Sugarbowl beating he took, where he got no
protection, looked lost and confused. Before that game, he was highly praised
for his accuracy. Scouts waited for it to reappear but, unfortunately, it didn't.
He played in a Patriots-type offense under June Jones and will backup Brady.

6. NT Keilen Dykes, WV
Though you won't find his name on the Combine list and you won't likely
hear many people talking about him, Dykes is a versatile defender with nice
experience playing the 0-technique position, required of 3-4 Nose Tackles.
Because it's so difficult to find these players, he'll be an early day two pick.

7. WR Devone Bess, Hawaii
The only eye-popping numbers you will see from him are his production numbers.
With the depth of WR in this class, there's a chance he goes undrafted. But it seems
to me that the Patriots are looking hard at slot WR's (like Darius Reynaud). Having
Bess play the slot will allow them to not only relieve Welker but move him around.

8. LB/DE Jermey Geathers, UNLV
I think it's pretty clear to most that Geathers overestimated where he would go in the
draft after leaving school early. With that said, with his bloodlines and his (6'-2", 248lb)
frame, this kid looks like a nice late round find who could develop into a serious edge
rusher or situational LB. Not the prospect fans are dreaming of but, still, a solid pick.

The rest of these guys look like UDFAs. But who knows maybe they'll get an invite and stick to the practice squad.

 

[My2Cents]

Are you from Hawaii? Brennan may not even get drafted.

Not even close. I'm a homer. But, regardless, Brennan has indeed played in a Pro style Offense and BB, himself, actually met with him in the postseason.
Furthermore, he has the exact frame or build that the other Patriot QB's on the roster share. But, most importantly, like Brady, he has accuracy ----when unmolested.

 

[WhiZa]

Noty even close. I'm a homer. But, regardless, Brennan has indeed played in a Pro style Offense and BB, himself, actually met with him in the postseason.
Furthermore, he has the exact frame or build that the other Patriot QB's on the roster share. But, most importantly, like Brady, he has accuracy ----when unmolested.

I like your thought process. I'm still not sold on the guy after his hideous performances in the senior bowl and combine. All I keep thinking to myself is Timmy Chang all over again.

 

[My2Cents]

Yes, Rivers is so versatile that he'd not fit in as a 3-4 OLB or ILB. He's a 4-3 OLB. He's not a great pass rusher, like you claim. He's got issues with Complex play-books. Last I looked, the Pats have the most complex play-book in the NFL.

Wait! Where did I claim him to be a great pass rusher??? That's a lie.
I also take issue with the statement that he can't digest complex NFL
playbooks, or, for that matter, that he would be required to as a Patriot.
You don't know that. ---Look, it's not rocket science. It's just football.

But it is best explained here: "What makes the 3-4 defense so unique is that if the proper players man the defense, the extra LB allows more versatility in coverage. An extra athletic player in the lineup can be used to confuse QB's of where his coverage responsibilities will lie. For instance, in a 43 defense zone, its pretty common for the MLB to man the zone in the middle of the field. But in a 34 defense, either one of the ILB's could play middle zone, or for instance, a blitz could come off the edge and the extra LB could run to cover the blitzers area after the snap." (See Steelerfury).

Whether Rivers fills that role, or maybe a 2nd rounder (JASON JONES, EASTERN MICHIGAN), remains to be seen but the point remains the same.

He's not worth more than a 4th round pick. As for your assessment about LBs covering less, you're wrong. The Pats play a 3-4. Unless they move to the NICKEL full time (which isn't going to happen), they aren't going to have this magical development of their LBs not having to cover as much.

I don't have to argue that. The so-called "draft experts" predict
he'll be gone by round 3. I just happen to think it will be round 2.
Thanks for the 411 on what defense they play BUT
the more versatile a player is, the more they can mix it up. Get it?

Tribble would be a waste of an early pick. He won't go before the 5th round. He's a SLOWER version of Hobbs, except he can't jump either.

Not true. He's got ups and he's got game. If not for injury, ---round two.
This guy makes a play on the ball like nobody else in this draft. Remember, too, that Asante Samuel was a mid-round pick, overlooked for his slow time
and his over-aggressiveness on pass plays. But, what the Pats loved in him
(as well as with Eugene Wilson) was his production with PBU's and INT's.

While I agree that the Pats could use an upgrade on the right side, McGlynn isn't it, imho. I don't see McGlynn being able to over-take either Neal or Kaczur. So what's the point?

So, because you, personally, can't see it, it can't happen? Hmmmm. Interesting. They drafted Light and Kaczur for the same reason: quick
feet! More importantly, he can play either RG or RT. THAT is the point! It's not so much overtaking Neal as him being 100% healthy.
And it's not so much as him overtaking Kaczur as Kaczur not getting it done.

June Jones runs a version of the fun 'n gun. That's NOT the Patriots type offense in any way, shape or form.

No, you're wrong. Both teams run a spread offense (like Purdue and others).

Could be a decent 2nd day pick as a back-up to Wilfork.

Could be decent. Could be a great pick.

You won't see any "eye-popping" numbers from this guy because he won't be on the Patriots. You want to talk about a guy whose stock has plummetted. Before the season, Bess was talked about as a possible mid-round (3rd/4th pick), now the likelihood is that he won't get drafted. Slow combine stuff and poor competition will hold this kid back.

Hmmm. sounds like another Troy Brown to me!

Nothing I've seen says that this kid could be a serious edge rusher. And there is a big difference between a situational LB and a serious edge rusher. He lacks the explosion you look for from an edge rusher at the pro-level. What he has was good for college, but is slow for the NFL.

Nothing I've seen says he can't. Low risk= high reward.

 

[My2Cents]

As much as I like the picks I've made, I want to be understood as to not only be high on the following prospects but I see them as very, very possible top picks for the Patriots:
1. DB Mike Jenkins, USF
2. OLB/DE Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan
Please keep an eye on these two prospects, as I'm sure the Pats are!
Remember where you heard it first!
Wait! I want to stress that. I've been really torn on these picks,
and I want to make it emphatically clear that these guys are in play.

 

[My2Cents]

"Lacks the lower body strength to gain much penetration on the bull rush and will struggle to shed vs. the bigger blockers, especially vs. double-team action...Must use his hands better when fending off blocks and when they get outside his framework, he leaves himself too exposed and linemen then have success locking on, as he loses his anchor and is quickly washed out of the play..."

If you are going to post something like that, please, cite the source. Then, I can see if, (1.) it's in context, (2.) I can't refute it, (3.) it's even relevant.
Nothing I've read above persuades me to believe that he absolutely can not be a Patriot. Granted, maybe he won't. But it's not for anything you said.

 

[CoachK]

Most mocks on this board are overly optimistic, but they get me psyched for the draft. If your list is even close, I will have to be talked down off the ledge.

If that were our draft, you would not be alone on that ledge !!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

1. LB Keith Rivers, USC

Okay, but I'd want him #10 or later. A note for VJC: Rivers was 236 for the Senior Bowl, 241 for the Combine, then got down to 232 for his Pro-Day - I join you in wondering if he can maintain his weight around 245 for an ILB role - but I like the athleticism.

2. DB Quintin Demps, UTEP

I see him early Day Two, but love his ballhawk skillset.

3. CB DeJuan Tribble, BC

As a late Day Two pick he's worth a tryout.

4. RT Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh

I like the toughness, but I'm not sure McGlynn is mobile enough - still a good second day choice.

5. QB Colt Brennen, Hawaii

I'd bring him in as a UDFA, though if you want a high production college kid I'd look first to Paul Smith (Tulsa).

6. NT Keilen Dykes, WV

Excellent, more 3-4 DE, but he can plug in as needed at NT.

7. WR Devone Bess, Hawaii

Can't hurt, but I don't have great expectations.

8. LB/DE Jermey Geathers, UNLV

Good pick.

You don't really specify which round and where you think their draft value is best, though it's implied - my primary criticism would be that you are overdrafting the DBs and using a draft pick on a QB when UDFA camp fodder would make more sense. Overall this draft isn't bad - though I note the Pats have 20 offseason slots to fill before OTAs in May and should really focus on critical shortage areas (LB, DB) in the draft, then use the UDFAs to create some competition for the stronger areas (QB, WR).

 

[The Hurricane]

ugh you don't give up do you? :bricks:

I'm gonna leave the Rivers part at the wayside to avoid being repetitive. I completely agree with VCJPatriot's assessment.

If you are going to post something like that, please, cite the source. Then, I can see if, (1.) it's in context, (2.) I can't refute it, (3.) it's even relevant.
Nothing I've read above persuades me to believe that he absolutely can not be a Patriot. Granted, maybe he won't. But it's not for anything you said.

Have you even watched him play football? Lack of strength (to shed blockers, break into the backfield, tackle, etc.) is Rivers' biggest knock. It really isn't even debated. If you took two seconds and looked at ANY scouting report about him, you would see this listed. The real debate is whether he can improve his strength enough so it is not an issue on the next level. I am in the camp that thinks he cannot.

anyways...

Demps seems like bad value in the second round. There are going to be other players available at DB that are better suited for us.

Dejuan Tribble

Not true. He's got ups and he's got game. If not for injury, ---round two.
This guy makes a play on the ball like nobody else in this draft. Remember, too, that Asante Samuel was a mid-round pick, overlooked for his slow time
and his over-aggressiveness on pass plays. But, what the Pats loved in him
(as well as with Eugene Wilson) was his production with PBU's and INT's.

You are wrong about Dejuan Tribble. He never would have been a 2nd rounder. I go to Boston College and I have watched every game he has ever played in. He is decent but his interceptions were greatly helped by bad to mediocre quarterbacking in the ACC over the past 4 years (Ryan doesn't count obviously because they are on the same team). He is pretty good at zone coverage and he has OK hands. I think he would be a good fit for the Patriots and I think he could be an effective nickel or dime CB but I get the impression you would be throwing him into the mix to start if you are drafting him in the 3rd round. He is years away from starting in the NFL and thats IF he improves significantly, but I am skeptical as to whether he has the upside to do so. I would be shocked if he isn't available at the end of the 4th round and I don't think he would be worth picking until then.

No, you're wrong. Both teams run a spread offense (like Purdue and others).

Wrong. Hawaii's offense is called a "Run and Shoot", the Patriot's FORMATION that you are referring to is the "Spread". Don't get me wrong, they have their similarities, but they are not equivalent. A spread offense is slightly more complex, the reads are quite different, and the players line up differently and require a different skill set.

That said, I do think Brennan will do just fine learning a new offense and think there is a chance whoever drafts him will be getting a starting quarterback. I'm indifferent as to whether we draft him. With our fifth pick I would be happy enough if we took Brennan.

I also think Bess would be a big waste of a pick and I don't think he will get drafted. I'm hoping we draft a wide receiver by the 4th round at the latest. We don't NEED one, but it would be nice to have an upgrade over Gaffney unless we are really convinced that Chad Jackson is going to contribute this year.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I also think Bess would be a big waste of a pick and I don't think he will get drafted. I'm hoping we draft a wide receiver by the 4th round at the latest. We don't NEED one, but it would be nice to have an upgrade over Gaffney unless we are really convinced that Chad Jackson is going to contribute this year.

FWIW, yes, they only signed Gaffney to a one year, $1.2M deal, but they guaranteed $500K of that deal, which is rather uncommon. In other words, I don't think they feel the need to upgrade over Gaffney, but they wouldn't be averse to drafting, say, a first-round talent who fell into the third or fourth rounds.

 

[Metaphors]

Furthermore, he has the exact frame or build that the other Patriot QB's on the roster share.

Brady = 6-4 225
Cassel = 6-4 232
Gutierrez = 6-4 231
Brennan = 6-2 207

One of these things is not like the others...