SMY: 2009 Draft Profiles
 

I came across this last night and wanted to share. Providence Journal's Shalise Manza Young has put together several draft profiles, focusing on the question of if that player is a fit for the Pats.

Larry English, Northern Illinois
English’s pluses are his athleticism, instincts and game speed; he can use work in pass coverage, which is understandable for someone who played with his hand in the dirt for his college career. Scouts praise his high motor and ability as a wrap-up tackler.

Clay Matthews, USC
While Matthews is listed as an outside linebacker, his size is more suited to inside in a 3-4 system, and he’s been tabbed for his “Vrabel-like” versatility; while with the Patriots, Mike Vrabel played both outside and inside linebacker, and New England needs more depth inside.

Brian Cushing, USC
Is he a fit for New England? Yes, particularly because he carries that tag of versatile. While teammate Rey Maualuga received all the accolades in college, there are many scouts who feel that Cushing will have the better NFL career.

Pat White, West Virginia
White reportedly had a private workout with the Patriots in which he did receiver drills, and he’s said he’s open to playing other positions. ... The first college quarterback to start and win four bowl games (including two BCS games), White is a leader. But he throws off his back foot too often, lacks patience in the pocket and doesn’t always make the best decisions.

D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt
While his vertical is impressive (and necessary, given that he'll be at least four or five inches shorter than most receivers he'll face), his 40-yard dash time is a bit slow, and his broad jump is subpar as well. Moore is also versatile -- in his final season with the Commodores, he lined up as a cornerback, wide receiver, running back, kick returner and punt returner.

Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
Is he a fit for the Patriots? Considering that one draft site calls him a "Mike Vrabel clone," that would seem like a yes.

Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
Delmas will likely have to bulk up a bit for the NFL, but is physical and unafraid to come up to stop the run. He has good lateral agility and instincts in coverage, and is a natural playmaker. His aggressiveness can sometimes lead to Delmas getting beat on play-action plays, and needs some work on his tackling.

Eben Britton, Arizona
Blessed with a tremendous wingspan to go with great size, Britton can overpower his opponent. He has good awareness in recognizing the blitz and responding. Britton’s strength is as a run blocker, and the two-time captain led an Arizona offense that had 31 rushing touchdowns in 2008 (after just seven the season before).

Coye Francies, San Jose State
Some consider Francies to be one of the most underrated corners in the draft. He opened eyes at both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game, but with only one full Division I-A season under his belt, there are questions about his ability to play at the NFL level.

Re: SMY: 2009 Draft Profiles
 

Paging SMYoung...According to all published numbers, Britton doesn't have a tremendous wingspan. In fact, his arms are quite short for his frame, and one of the reasons he projects solely to RT.

I read that too. He has good length, but not wingspan.

Several sites say he struggles with speed rushers. And several sites say he has the feet to stay with NFL speed rushers.

All sites I have read agree; he can drive block.

Re: SMY: 2009 Draft Profiles
 

I am pretty sure you are right and that is why I like Beatty in the first better then Britton. Just looked it up 32 3/4 inches, I find him to be a great RT in the pros with his good plays in the running game. Maybe a move to Guard might be in this kids future but his foot speed would not be good enough for LT IMO. Beatty has a 34 3/4 arm span from the combine and is the same size with much better feat.

Great find and enjoyable read, I am beginning to look at Coye Francies and this article make me think I need to do some homework on this kid. I remember him at the senior bowl but I have been busy looking at other prospects.