Aldon Smith
 

Most mocks seem to have Smith falling beyond #17 with the Patriots passing. Should he be available at that pick, he'd be the most physically ideal 3-4 OLB to fall to us in the Belichick era. Certainly the potential is almost limitless. The questions are also there about health, stoutness and football IQ.

The question is, why or why not pick Aldon Smith?

Re: Aldon Smith
 

Heck yeah him and Quinn have the most potential to be a disruptive force right away my ideal draft would be walking away with either, watt or wilkerson, mixed with quinn, Smith or Brooks Reed I see Aldon having the mean streak more so than the other forementioned he has the tenacity of Takeo Spikes but the athletic potential of a dmarcus Ware his floor is Wimberly but I think the Kid is going to be something special he just has that mean streak and confidence that all great pass rushers have.
I haven't seen enough film of him stopping the run does anyone know where I can see game film against a great rushing front.
Much appreciated.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

He's not going to last to 17. I have the Pats trading up to #13 for him.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

I don't see the Pats taking any DE/OLB conversion project at their 1a pick. BB is all about who is the safest pick that early. Even if it isn't the most needed position or the guy with the highest ceiling.

I think it would even be un BB-like to take a conversion at 1b. Although I hope he does if the right guy is still available @ 28.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

It's not really "safest." It's "most useful." The biggest issue is that he figures conversion projects can't really do much their rookie years (yet, OTOH, he drafted Meriweather and he barely played in 2007. . . .).

Re: Aldon Smith
 

given the choice between a talented but risky OLB prospect that is going to take 2-3 years to train or a DE who is sure to contribute immediately is a no brainer for BB He'll go DL EVERYTIME. f BB is going to "reach" for a player it will be at 28 or 33 NOT at 17. BB has had only 3 picks in 11 tries out of the 20's and 2 of them were DLmen

Smith is an intriguing prospect. I'd have to say I'd be OK with the pick, but I'd be very surprised





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Re: Aldon Smith
 

He took Meriweather at 24, and he played a decent amount for a first year safety on a stacked team. Wilfork is a better example of a first round project than Meriweather.

I don't think Belichick is drafting anyone in the first this year unless they can play. I expect some tradebacks.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

I agreed with the NFL evaluation committee's second round grade on this kid, I've seen nothing to suggest he's a first round value.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

I think if you go back and look, Ty Warren played little during his rookie season, is it all about the ability to do the job and technique.

I do not see BB taking Smith because Smith is a projection selection and BB projects very little in the first round.

Re: Aldon Smith
 

The bottom line is that in today's pass happy NFL the Patriots desparately need to improve their pass rush. Players that have BB's preferred 3-4 OLB measurabes and can get after the QB are few and far between. At a minimum, I think Smith has shown enough on tape to indicate that he can be a very good pass rusher and one day he may even be elite. The only X-factor for me is what's between his ears and in his chest.

If you want a guy with elite potential pass rushing ability you're going to have to spend a high draft pick on it. I think its a gamble that the Pats should strongly consider.