Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

Random thought... what if the Pats load up at ILB and take a hard look at Spikes from Florida to run side by side with Mayo?

From National Football Post
The National Football Post | NFL Draft: Top 10 Linebackers

"1. MLB Brandon Spikes, Florida
THE BUZZ: He’s the kind of athlete you can build an entire defense around. Spikes is a long-limbed, rangy athlete who does an excellent job at quickly reading and reacting to plays. He finds the ball instantly, takes good angles and reads gap assignments well. He displays excellent closing speed and power in pursuit of the ball while making a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He not only has sideline-to-sideline range but also has the power to take on blocks. He is fluid and flexible in his hips and does a nice job getting a deep drop into zone coverage. He covers a lot of ground in coverage and displays the range needed to stay with tight ends down the seam. At times he gets caught watching the ball and will get cut off by blockers at the second level. Spikes isn’t as instinctive making his way through traffic and needs to do a better job protecting his legs. He plays with a lot of emotion and has a great motor. His passion really seems to rub off on his teammates. "

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

Paired with Mayo, IMO, they'd be among the top ILBs in the game. Maintaining the strength of the front seven is wise, and more specifically, improving the coverage D is even wiser.

Spikes has crossed my mind often, wondering if he'd be within reach -- not whether or not BB would want him.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

BB has strong ties to the Florida program, so i am sure he would be talking to Urban Myers about a few guy on the squad. Spikes is a stud and would be a great first round choice.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

Spikes is interesting and would give BB three fast ILBs for the future, though I'm looking for someone can split wigs with OL like Ted Johnson could.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

Jasper Brinkley perhaps?

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

I've watched him several times and I'm not sold. If he's there late on Day Two I'd consider him.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

I am right there with you, he has looked very slow, likely due to his injury.

Forgive my arrogance but I am looking for an impact player at LB or no LB. There are enough JAGs on the roster, especially if you include the practice squad.

OLB - Thomas, Vrabel, Crable, Woods, Robertson, Craig
ILB - Mayo, Guyton, Alexander, Ruud... Bruschi

Plus Colvin and Seau.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

So what do you mean by 'impact player'?

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

Sad to say, but I actually thought he looked faster after coming back from the injury - he just doesn't seem to have any instinct for finding the ball. Though I'd love to see his teammate Norwood in a Pats' uniform alongside Mayo.

Re: Spikes - Florida - ILB?
 

I was looking at that article too. How about the FS listed at #1, Taylor Mays?

Maybe he's related Willie Mays Hayes? Plays like Mays, Runs like Hayes...

http://www.rivalfish.com/rivalroom/u...512-738407.jpg