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2017 Draft Prospect Thread


Humphrey from Alabama looked really good against Texas a&m. Not sure he falls to us at 32 but he looks custom made for our defense.

Right now I have him with a 1st and one of two guys that I'd take with a late 1st or trade back/up into the early 2nd for.

My Eval so far.

Comes from athletic background and family. Very nice and above average size. Great all around speed which is perfect for his trail coverage. Big kid that will fill out more. Great closing speed. Creates TO's. Willing to get dirty in run support. Gets his hands on the ball. Can sky for 50/50.

Smooth and fluid in coverage. Always in position and on hip on opponent which is great to see for a big kid. Agile and it's shows in his hips and peddle. Great instincts and reaction.


Can get handsy, especially if he loses the ball. Has to get his head around. Overall technique could be cleaned up a little bit.


Cross between Chris McAlister and Jimmy Smith.


I think he has several NFL traits and is "NFL ready".

1) Closing and all around speed.

2)Agility

3)TO'S and run support

4)Perfect size and game for outside/boundary corner

5) Has the instincts and reaction time to make a play on routes and balls.
 
Couple other guys I think would be great Pats. Sutton, Lewis and Myrick.
 
Jaleel Johnson had a good game against Wisconsin. He's one of the better defensive tackles I've watched this year. Solid against the run, and flashes some upfield explosion.
 
I've been trying to do a more thorough review of the Washington team, particularly since @I.M. Fletcher seems so enamored, and wow does Vea show potential. He's overflowing with talent. I'm not sure he's as technically sound as we'd like, but if he declares this year, then the Patriots should strongly consider adding him to the rotation. Branch probably only has a few years of high level play left, and Vea is the first DT I've scouted who could realistically be a better player. I do like Jones and Johnson, but they're fairly average players, with the potential to be starters. Vea can legitimately become a superstar at the position if he continues to improve. That size, power, and agility combination just doesn't come along very often.

 
I've been trying to do a more thorough review of the Washington team, particularly since @I.M. Fletcher seems so enamored, and wow does Vea show potential. He's overflowing with talent. I'm not sure he's as technically sound as we'd like, but if he declares this year, then the Patriots should strongly consider adding him to the rotation. Branch probably only has a few years of high level play left, and Vea is the first DT I've scouted who could realistically be a better player. I do like Jones and Johnson, but they're fairly average players, with the potential to be starters. Vea can legitimately become a superstar at the position if he continues to improve. That size, power, and agility combination just doesn't come along very often.



Thanks. I'm starting to think that if the Patriots are able to trade Garappolo for a top 20 pick, it's going to be spent on the DL. Belichick's taken 8 players in the top 21 spots of the draft (somehow half of them have been pick 21), and he's gone D-line 4 times (Seymour, Warren, Wilfork, Jones), LB once (Mayo), OT once (Solder), TE once (Graham), and RB once (Maroney). If you remove the 4 picks at 21, you're left with Seymour, Warren, Mayo, and Solder, so still the same 50% rate. While I know the Pats have been scheming more towards contain versus rush this year, I still think Belichick expects better results than what we're seeing. If HT and Collins can get under contract for next year (even if it's the franchise tag), those two combined with what we've seen from Roberts now make the LBs a solid group - and they've had no problems creating pressure when asked.

Appreciate you and I.M. Fletcher scouting Vea, he sounds extremely intriguing.
 
I've been trying to do a more thorough review of the Washington team, particularly since @I.M. Fletcher seems so enamored, and wow does Vea show potential. He's overflowing with talent. I'm not sure he's as technically sound as we'd like, but if he declares this year, then the Patriots should strongly consider adding him to the rotation. Branch probably only has a few years of high level play left, and Vea is the first DT I've scouted who could realistically be a better player. I do like Jones and Johnson, but they're fairly average players, with the potential to be starters. Vea can legitimately become a superstar at the position if he continues to improve. That size, power, and agility combination just doesn't come along very often.



To steal a term from NBA scouting, he's a unicorn. You just don't see guys with his size with his quickness. He will be able to line up anywhere on a defensive front, when his technical skills begin to match his physical skills.

His lack of polish is the only reason he isn't going to go top 5. So, it's a bit of a swing on potential, but it's almost unmatched potential.

As far as ceiling, I think Garrett is the only guy you can put ahead of him.
 
Carl Lawson is a perfect fit for us
 
He's definitely flying under the radar right now. Could be an interesting option. What's your take on the strengths of his game?

The scary part is he's a pretty good pass rusher, but he could be an even better run stopper. Could be the best run stopper in this class. Certainly better than Myles Garrett, in that reguard. I think he's a perfect fit. Injuries are a concern though. Barnett and him are pretty similar size wise. (Height and weight) I've seen a lot of Barnett. Lawson is probably quicker. Barnett is really good with his hands, and just looks so powerful at times. Against the run I'll take Lawson. As a pass rusher I'm undecided. I really have a man crush on Lawson though. I have a bad feeling Lawson is going to shoot up the ranks though.
 
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Thanks for the goods on Lawson. He's definitely one to watch! I'm going to have to do more research, since I've only seen a few of his games, but you've intrigued me.

I'm sold on Takkarist McKinley at the moment. He had three sacks this weekend, and he has seven for the season, so he's definitely shown some pass rush prowess, but I think his real potential is as a Jamie Collins type linebacker. McKinley is hybrid sized (listed anywhere between 6'2 and 6'4, at around #260), but he has a personal record of 10.58 in the 100 meter. He said he was usually the biggest guy at the all the track events, but he prides himself on his speed, and made it to States his first year of high school track.

Extremely quick player, great change of direction, excellent range to track down targets. Burst is obvious. Doesn't use his hands well in the trenches, but gives good effort and attempts to play physically. Plays DE in a 43 front on both sides of the line, but also lines up in a two-point stance on the edge, and occasionally sees snaps in the middle of the field (usually as a run blitzer; not a lot of coverage opportunities). If we're unable to sign Collins, McKinley is one of the few players I've seen with the athletic profile to match Collins, although he's likely not as far along as an overall prospect. Solid second rounder.
 
Thanks for the goods on Lawson. He's definitely one to watch! I'm going to have to do more research, since I've only seen a few of his games, but you've intrigued me.

I'm sold on Takkarist McKinley at the moment. He had three sacks this weekend, and he has seven for the season, so he's definitely shown some pass rush prowess, but I think his real potential is as a Jamie Collins type linebacker. McKinley is hybrid sized (listed anywhere between 6'2 and 6'4, at around #260), but he has a personal record of 10.58 in the 100 meter. He said he was usually the biggest guy at the all the track events, but he prides himself on his speed, and made it to States his first year of high school track.

Extremely quick player, great change of direction, excellent range to track down targets. Burst is obvious. Doesn't use his hands well in the trenches, but gives good effort and attempts to play physically. Plays DE in a 43 front on both sides of the line, but also lines up in a two-point stance on the edge, and occasionally sees snaps in the middle of the field (usually as a run blitzer; not a lot of coverage opportunities). If we're unable to sign Collins, McKinley is one of the few players I've seen with the athletic profile to match Collins, although he's likely not as far along as an overall prospect. Solid second rounder.
Very nice!
I had Lawson on my first mock here. Mckinley is certainly on my list aswell. Zach Cunningham is my favourite Collins replacement at the moment but he'll probably be a 1st rounder and is a little lighter than what Bill usually likes. The other Collins replacements i have on my list are Josey Jewell and Micah Kiser(both likely staying in school), TJ Watt(JJ's little brother) and Nick DeLuca(who i also had on my mock, injured for the season i believe).

Havent seen Kiser yet but heard really good things.
 
Q Wilson has allowed 5 catches and has 3 int's per Miller twitter.

Just got done watching Lamp and came away very impressed. Reminds me a lil bit of Thuney when it comes time to get physical and stepping up to the challenge. Maybe even a lil stronger when coming forward and he gets his hands inside.
Bama threw literally everything at him. He saw Allen, Williams, Hand, Jennings, Evans, Ball and Anderson. He looked very good and didn't give up much at all. Looks like a legit player.
 
31. Seahawks select Joe Thuney, G, NC State (Actual pick: Germain Ifedi, G)

From a S.I. 2016 re-draft. They had Whitehair as a top 15 pick but Thuney has been the best iol this year imo. Hes looks like a 2-3 year vet.

You don't see the "professional" play he brings in rookies nowadays. Head, hips and feet all work and snap in the run game. Hes patient and balanced in pass pro.
 
I've been trying to do a more thorough review of the Washington team, particularly since @I.M. Fletcher seems so enamored, and wow does Vea show potential. He's overflowing with talent. I'm not sure he's as technically sound as we'd like, but if he declares this year, then the Patriots should strongly consider adding him to the rotation. Branch probably only has a few years of high level play left, and Vea is the first DT I've scouted who could realistically be a better player. I do like Jones and Johnson, but they're fairly average players, with the potential to be starters. Vea can legitimately become a superstar at the position if he continues to improve. That size, power, and agility combination just doesn't come along very often.



I said it earlier and I will say it again. This guy is a beast.

He need tons of technique work, but by year three will be all pro every year if he goes to the right team.

Allen from Alabama is the best player in college football this year and we have zero chance of getting him.

Vea would be a great consolation prize.
 
Kendall Beckwith, poor mans hightower
 
Paging Reuben Foster.....
 
Bunch of really nice backers in this draft.

As of rn I feel confident in saying ...

Davis and Foster are 1st imo.
KB is a 2nd imo.
With Cunningham and DeLuca mid-late 2nd.
McMillan and Walker late 3rds-4ths.
Steven Taylor 7th

Bonus
DE Marquis Haynes. Reminds me a lil bit of Jamie Collins as an out-of-position DL who drops back at times and might be better at OLB in the NFL.
 
I've been trying to do a more thorough review of the Washington team, particularly since @I.M. Fletcher seems so enamored, and wow does Vea show potential. He's overflowing with talent. I'm not sure he's as technically sound as we'd like, but if he declares this year, then the Patriots should strongly consider adding him to the rotation. Branch probably only has a few years of high level play left, and Vea is the first DT I've scouted who could realistically be a better player. I do like Jones and Johnson, but they're fairly average players, with the potential to be starters. Vea can legitimately become a superstar at the position if he continues to improve. That size, power, and agility combination just doesn't come along very often.




Heavy hands and knows how to use em. Nice hump move in which he uses em to smash G/C to the ground. Powerful. Nice lil burst off the line. Legit 2 gap. Nice movement skills. Favorite part of his game is his hussle and effort.

Would love to have him talk with Vince about body sculpting and fitness. I love him at 325-335 but just needs to shed the bad and add the good.

Perfect for Bill imo. It seems he wants 2 big bodies up front and surrounded them with DE's that have some hybrid/olb to their game. He wants wants to win up front most of time. Some legit pressure up front would really help.


I really think this team needs an explosive interior presence in the worst way. Pressure period actually.
 
Pretty good stat regarding Foreman:



He's putting together a great season. Reminds me a lot of Blount, but with more speed.
 
Pretty good stat regarding Foreman:



He's putting together a great season. Reminds me a lot of Blount, but with more speed.


I was listening to McShay talk about his pass pro last weekend. 84 snaps in pass pro w/out a pressure is pretty good.
 


TRANSCRIPT: Eliot Wolf’s Pre-Draft Press Conference 4/18/24
Thursday Patriots Notebook 4/18: News and Notes
Wednesday Patriots Notebook 4/17: News and Notes
Tuesday Patriots Notebook 4/16: News and Notes
Monday Patriots Notebook 4/15: News and Notes
Patriots News 4-14, Mock Draft 3.0, Gilmore, Law Rally For Bill 
Potential Patriot: Boston Globe’s Price Talks to Georgia WR McConkey
Friday Patriots Notebook 4/12: News and Notes
Not a First Round Pick? Hoge Doubles Down on Maye
Thursday Patriots Notebook 4/11: News and Notes
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