Bryan Smith LB McNeese State

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Has anyone seen this guy play or know anything about him?

I listened to Sirius NFL Radio today and he was interviewed and said only 2 teams have worked him out,Atlanta and New England.

He is projected as an OLB and ST

Is he a late round possibility for this team - Round 7 maybe?

 

[TealSox]

I was just reading his bio and I was pretty impressed. I have to believe that he will be a fourth rounder. If I remember right, he could at worst be a rush specialist. If he develops from there, it would only be a blessing.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I was just reading his bio and I was pretty impressed. I have to believe that he will be a fourth rounder. If I remember right, he could at worst be a rush specialist. If he develops from there, it would only be a blessing.

They are saying he will be a round 6 or 7 or possibly even a UDFA - I think he should be at least in round 6 or 7

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

6'2" 231, he's a bit small by about 14 pounds for LB in the Pats 3-4. The thing that jumps out for me is he's noted to have great hands for defeating blockers - a rare skill for college players. I'd not expect him to be drafted, but I can see the Pats making him a priority UDFA with the expectation that he'll start on the Practice Squad and progress to Special Teams while Woicik works to bulk him up and Patricia develops him as a LB.

 

[dryheat44]

I know nothing about him except that Rod Marinelli gushes over him. The Lions brought him in for a visit about 5 weeks ago.

 

[Pats726]

I know nothing about him except that Rod Marinelli gushes over him. The Lions brought him in for a visit about 5 weeks ago.

so..if anything he'll be a late round Det pick...

 

[dryheat44]

so..if anything he'll be a late round Det pick...

Probably. Seems an odd guy to smokescreen with. Marinelli may overdraft him by a round.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I was just watching the Combine again and noticed him running a change of direction drill, he was second smoothest behind Chris Long and just a shade ahead of Lawrence Jackson of the guys I saw. Skinny though, he'll need to bulk up alright.

 

[NePatriots]

Yeah, I've had my eye on him and was surprised that his stock didn't move after the combine. If we can get him with a 5th or 6th I don't think we will be disappointed.

 

[sebman2112]

I was just watching the Combine again and noticed him running a change of direction drill, he was second smoothest behind Chris Long and just a shade ahead of Lawrence Jackson of the guys I saw. Skinny though, he'll need to bulk up alright.

Glad to see someone else thought Chris looked very smooth, and I also thought he was among the most impressive athletes at the Combine.

 

[patchick]

Glad to see someone else thought Chris looked very smooth, and I also thought he was among the most impressive athletes at the Combine.

There are a lot of different kids of athletic. Body control -- athletic "grace" -- is one that seems to be underrated by football fans. (Crossing sports, Larry Bird was an incredible example.) Long isn't the most explosive athlete, but he seems completely in control with no wasted motion.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Glad to see someone else thought Chris looked very smooth, and I also thought he was among the most impressive athletes at the Combine.

Once I saw him at the Combine I knew he could play Linebacker for NE.

 

[Seneschal2]

Glad to see someone else thought Chris looked very smooth, and I also thought he was among the most impressive athletes at the Combine.

It also helps somewhat to watch the games. I'm constantly amazed at how an entire game makes it easier to evaluate a prospect.

 

[sebman2112]

There are a lot of different kids of athletic. Body control -- athletic "grace" -- is one that seems to be underrated by football fans. (Crossing sports, Larry Bird was an incredible example.) Long isn't the most explosive athlete, but he seems completely in control with no wasted motion.

Yes, he was "graceful", but it was a little more than that. His athletic build was outstanding, he moved with very good fluidity, seemed pretty flexible, and he shined in the drills.

Once I saw him at the Combine I knew he could play Linebacker for NE.

Agreed. I had thought he could possibly make the transition, but I wanted to see a little more before I gave my final opinion. During those drills, Chris looked like a great prospect at LB for NE, and it seemed he wouldn't have any trouble dropping into coverage. FWIW, there's a thread on here where I talked about how impressive he was at the Combine.

 

[sebman2112]

It also helps somewhat to watch the games. I'm constantly amazed at how an entire game makes it easier to evaluate a prospect.

I know. You see one highlight where Gholston gets some good pressure on the QB during the early portions of the game, and everyone thinks he must have dominated that game, but if you watched the entire outing, you might thought he was missing in action for the most part.

 

[patchick]

Yes, he was "graceful", but it was a little more than that. His athletic build was outstanding, he moved with very good fluidity, seemed pretty flexible, and he shined in the drills.

Right -- that's what "athletic grace" is! Fluidity and total command of your body in space. Not how you walk in an evening gown.