Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

According to both Chris Mortenson and Adam Shefter, who reported it 2day and made it clear that there are no plans 2 talk contracts with Matt Ryan.

Mort did say on SC that Chris, Gholston and a shocker in Derrick Harvey are schedules 2 have contract talks with Parcells in the upcoming weeks, but the fact that Jake Long was 1st, shows a lot of serious interest and ahead of the list.

Now that would really shake up the draft. But i could see Parcells being interested in him cause he likes those pass rushing olb types.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

Harvey is a poor man's Jason Taylor. No way does he belong in the #1 pick.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

Of course the Pats won't be interested in him at #7 (or as their tradedown pick) -- correct? :cool:

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

It's hard to say. He doesn't seem to have the right size/makeup to play for the Pats. Havervey is too small for a 3-4 DE and too big and slow for a 3-4 OLB. But the Patriots have made controversial picks before, most of them tend to work out. You never know with BB.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

Harvey is my pick at #7 and has been for a while. I don't think he lacks speed for the OLB spot. He's faster than Colvin ever was and Vrabel has been for at least the last three years anyway. He can get after the Qb and that's what they need BIG TIME. All the D-backs get better with a good rush too. He doesn't have the upper body strength of McGinest but he's got enough power and athleticism to play the spot.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

At 271 lbs, Harvey ran a 4.84 and 4.94 at the combine 40. Colvin ran a 4.89. But Colvin showed elite lower body explosion, jumling 39". Harvey jumped 28.5". Even if you add 3" to compensate for the new VJ testing equipment at the combine, that is still a poor result.

I understand that measurables aren't everything. But drafting in the top 10, don't you want your elite prospects to test to an elite level? Unless Harvey loses weight and regains his quickness, he is not an elite 3-4 OLB prospect.

As far as the Dolphins...

I read they are playing a 3-4 going forward. If that is the case, maybe they project Harvey to bulk up even more, like Jarvis Green, and play 3-4 DE. Either way, this makes no sense to me.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

I agree Krafty, there is a perception that the Pats need OLBs who can cover TEs or RBs. They ask the OLBs to rush the passer and drop into the flat, with the premium being the ability to rush the passer.

All of their OLBs have been slow (Colvin 4.9, before broken hip, Vrabel 4.8 ten years ago, McGinest old & slow). Despite being slow they were all productive.

Parcells looks like my grandma when she got old and we couldn't tell if she was a man or a woman. Chucky Parcells may look terrible but he has also drafted well, his opinions speak volumes about the top players in the draft.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

I'm fine with Harvey's speed moving forward toward the QB. The worry areas with him are quickness in change of direction and backpedal, which are reported as his weaknesses (and backed up by pedestrian shuttle and cone times). That makes him an awfully risky projection to OLB for a top-10 pick, IMO.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

Everyone loses their fastball eventually. J. Long IMO is not a franchise altering player. He is a good player, a safe pick. But it smacks of a GM afraid to fail more than one seizing an opportunity.

Re: Derrick Harvey #1 pick?
 

Colvin was faster than 4.9. He just timed slow, had good explosion, and was somewhat agile for his size.

Also, either Colvin or Vrabel could be seen 20 yards downfield covering RB's and TE's, depending on the particular defensive call, and opponent. Vrabel and Colvin didn't have to do as much of this with AD on the field in 2007, but I'm sure the Patriots would like to find OLB's who are also capable covering some ground in pass coverage.

On a side note, I almost think some fans believe the Patriots are suddenly going to start running a Bum Phillips rush happy 34, and abandon what they've been doing for years.