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I've seen some speculation recently about how Bill Belichick looks for a certain prototype at certain positions. Specifically there have been some comments that perhaps he is too rigid in not considering a player because he is an inch shorter than what he is seeking for OLB or DE, for example. At yesterday's pre-draft press conference Belichick spoke about that part of player evaluations, and how much of a role those measurables played.
It Is What It Is: Bill Belichick Q&A, 4/14 by Cristopher Price of WEEI
Belichick went on to point out that Barry Sanders was short for a running back but nobody complained about the way he played. Whether or not lack of measurables would be a deal breaker. He said "in the end that's not the final grade on the player, but it's something you recognize when you take the player." To me that says not being a specific height, weight or speed may drop a player's grade, but it doesn't eliminate him from consideration as some have felt may have been the case in the past.
It Is What It Is: Bill Belichick Q&A, 4/14 by Cristopher Price of WEEI
We have a standard for every position – height, weight and speed. And other measurables that are standard for every position – arm length and things like that. Twenty-times on linemen or whatever it happens to be on that position and so there’s a standard.
Belichick went on to point out that Barry Sanders was short for a running back but nobody complained about the way he played. Whether or not lack of measurables would be a deal breaker. He said "in the end that's not the final grade on the player, but it's something you recognize when you take the player." To me that says not being a specific height, weight or speed may drop a player's grade, but it doesn't eliminate him from consideration as some have felt may have been the case in the past.