Brandon Spikes
 

I read a lot of topic on Maualuga or Lauranitis, and I realized that the first can't be a fit for our defense, and for the second there are many different thoughts.

But i read only a bit about the linebacker from Florida, Brandon Spikes.
I read that he can play for our SILB position, and there are many enthusiastic comments. I'm interested about his positions, and if he can be a fit in BB's schemes.


About the draft: Would you draft him if he is available at #24 pick?

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

I'd be thrilled with Spikes at 24. Same response as with the thread on William Moore - I'm happy with him at 24 (and think that right now it's about 50-50 as to whether he will last that long) but wouldn't trade up for him given how much talent there is in the draft.

Spikes is around 6'3" 245# and could probably put on 5-10 more lbs. without loss of speed. He has shown good ability to drop in to coverage, but more than the other ILBs in this draft he has shown an ability to take on and shed blockers which would make him a good complement to Mayo at SILB. The combination of Mayo-Spikes-Guyton would make us set at ILB for potentially the next decade.

If Spikes is not available I do think that some of the DE/LB prospects could move inside and play SILB, particularly both Connor Barwin (my binky) and Clint Sintim.

I'm not sure who I would take if both Moore and Spikes were available at 24. In my dreams we franchise Cassel, trade him to Detroit at 20 or Minnesota at 23, and get both of them.

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

I wouldn't use #24 on Spikes. He was mediocre IMO in the BCS game although he did make a couple of good plays. I think one was the first play from scrimmage when he stopped a run behind the line then he disappeared for a couple of qtrs until he made a nice play along the sidelines fighting through a block to make the tackle. Gresham made him look like a weak DB when he blocked him one on one and he was taken off the field in the red zone. He looked like he wasn't in top condition or he's just overrated. Either way I wouldn't use the 24th pick on him.

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

The Orlando Sentinel is now reporting that with Tim Tebow's decision to return to Florida next year, Spikes is also leaning towards staying. The link is on draftdaddy.com.

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

he may be a really good player. but to me, he comes off as such a punk. i dont know though, i didnt watch florida all that much, but the games i did, he acted like a punk

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

how come u say he would be the SILB? why not move mayo and have him at WILB....arnt their sizes similar?

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

I'll go along with krafty on this one and simply say he no longer has 1st round value to the pats........

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

Spikes had a solid game, he is the leader and arguably best player on the Florida defense, Oklahoma knew that and stayed away from him as much as possible. He is bigger than Mayo, and would be a nice compliment. What some call being a "punk" others would call "passion" and playing with emotion. Is Ray Lewis a punk too? if so that is one punk i want on my team.

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

Spikes is a bit taller and probably a bit heavier than Mayo, and certainly has the ability to put more weight on his frame. He also has shown good ability to take on and shed blockers. Mayo has more pure speed and range. This would suggest that Mayo would be more suited to WILB and Spikes to SILB. I think they would complement each other well.

Spikes reminds me of Karlos Dansby, who plays at 6'3" 250#, both in terms of his build and his game. I'd be happy to bring Dansby in as a FA to complement Mayo at SILB, but doubt we could afford him and think we will resign long term with Arizona anyway. I'd be happy with Spikes as our own home-grown version. I don't see him as "punk". Meyer charged him with becoming the leader of the Florida defense this year, and the results speak for themselves.

Re: Brandon Spikes
 

Pats opponents didn't target Mayo as the year progressed and yet he managed to finish with 139 tackles, including 23 against the Jesters with 17 solo. I'm not saying Spikes is chopped liver but there were questions raised in the BCS game. IMO, the best player on the Gators D is Major Wright.

Guyton surprised this year and should improve next year so he looks like a decent choice down the road to pair with Mayo but it remains to be seen. At least they know what they already have instead of just potential from a drafted player. I think they'll be using the pick to fill another need.