Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

According to Walterfootball.com's mock:

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This is strictly a FWIW bit of info, and by no means meant to be a scoop. The Pats could be looking at most positions -- pass rushers included.

I remember years ago BB saying that the elite pass rushers tend to go earlier (top 20), so if you want one...

Unnamed sources are irritating to those who want to KNOW.

Those who want to package picks and trade up can now start the salivating process... ;)

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

I have a suspicion Maybin will end up rising fast and going quite a bit higher than 23, but he does have a lot of upside. Even though he's a "conversion" rather than a "sure thing", whatever that may be, I find him more appealing at #23 than someone like Clint Sintim, but I doubt he'll last. He and Everett Brown seem like the 2 best DE -> 3/4 OLB conversion prospects by far. I could see SF going for him at #10 or SD at #16. While he is somewhat reminsicent of Crable in terms of his lanky frame and needing to add bulk and strength, I think he has much more upside.

I wouldn't trade up for him (as discussed in a separate thread), but I'd seriously consider him at 23. If we manage to franchise Cassel and trade him for somewhere around 18-22 then I'd be happy with Maybin at 18-22 and a CB or S at 23 (DJ Moore or Sean Smith are my preferences).

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

It would surprise me.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

Larry English would seem to fit the bill but Belichick has never taken a small school guy in the first round before.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

I guess it would be a situational guy as our pass rush comes from the DE and OLB and Warren, Seymour, Vrabel and Thomas seem locked in. I would like to think Crabel could fill some of this role though.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

I he's on the Pats list, he could be a target later in round one, or better yet, maybe early round two.

I have high hopes for Crable as well. Makes sense to always upgrade the position whenever able though, so if there's one prospect who exceeds the skills of Woods, Crable, etc., then BB will have no problem with creating competition for the position.

My belief is that Vrabel remains outside, AD will still offer his versatility to play both in and out, and the Pats will be looking to add another ILB as well as another DE/OLB to the mix -- if the VALUE is there.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

23. New England Patriots: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

Let's parse this out a bit:

"I haven't put much tape of Aaron Maybin in yet, but from what I have heard he is a phenomenal athlete. "

BOR Translation: "I'm using information from fellow web-based draftniks and a couple chats with scouts and have no clue why this kid is projected in the first round."

"A source close to the New England Patriots told me they are going to be looking for a pass rusher in this draft..."

BOR Translation: I was in the donut shop talking with a beat reporter from the Herald and he predicted the Patriots would be drafting a pass rusher since their pass rush was so poor last season."

Maybin has a lot to like: 12 sacks, 20 TFL, 3 FF...and all that as a rSO; however, one year wonderkind are a cautionary tale when trying to assess how well teams are blocking them. In his last four games, Maybin had 1 sack, 1 pass defended, and 4 TFL, teams were adapting to him - oddly enough this started with the Iowa game that broke PSU's undefeated streak and included three bowl teams. I'd want to spend some more time with tape before predicting NE's undying love.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

Something about Maybin just doesn't sit right with me. I really can't explain it...it's my sixth, or possibly even seventh, sense.

I think Sintim is a much safer pick with just as much upside. He has a much greater body of work to judge him by.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

Same here. I'd really like to be more enthusiastic, he seems to have a world of talent, but it seems like he's not just a "projection" to a new position...he's a "projection" to a dedicated, skilled football player. The kid is 20 years old with 2 years of eligibility remaining. For all his natural ability, his body and skills aren't necessarily NFL-ready. That's a huge risk to take on with a high draft pick.

Re: Pats looking for a pass rusher?
 

To respond to the clan for a moment ;), twas the author who guessed Maybin -- not the source. I was more interested in "a source close to the New England Patriots told me" part which may or may not be reliable. If we're going to all speculate (tis what we do here), then I'd prefer to direct my energy in the right direction. Personally, I thought the Pats would go with the current developmental candidates at DE/OLB for this season. But if this rumor has any wings...then maybe it wouldn't hurt to start focusing on some of the prospects who have the best edge rushing skills, perhaps the round 1-2 projections. Just a thought.