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Before we throw out the names of every draft eligible prospects, I think we need to take a minute and describe the job duties and examine what BB prefers in those positions.
First NT. A Pats 3-4 NT must be able to control the A gaps. This player should possesss a wide base, be an excellent technician and play with extreme leverage on almost every play. Ideal body size is from 6'0" to 6'3". Weight 320 plus and more plus. Remember the taller the player the lower they have to get at the snap of the ball. However conversly the shorter the player the shorter the arms. As we know once an OL gets their hands on you it's usually all over for the DL. This player must be very good with his hands. On running plays this player must be able to anchor (really out leverage the opposition) and tie up two blockers. On pass plays they must occupy two blockers as well as serve as QB spy for the mildly mobile QBs.
Judging from the past, BB prefers guys with a wide base, wide behinds and massive thighs. They must be disciplined in order to hold their ground, stay low and control their gaps. Any NT that shows any piece of his chest to an opposing OL need not apply for BB.
The starter is Wilfork. The current backup is Wright. Wright is very raw, probably two years away from being capable of meaningful minutes.
Ideally we would prefer a veteran backup. Since Oakland and Houston are switching to the 4-3 we have an excellent opportunity to trade for very capable backup NTs in Washington and Payne. Both would need their contracts reworked however.
NT Summary: Only use a draft pick if we can not secure a veteran backup.
DE: A Pats 3-4 DE must be able to control the B & C gaps. This player must be technically sound. They must be able to anchor and control at the snap of the ball. On passing plays they must be able to push the pocket. These players must be adept at defending against both the pass and the run. Ideal body size 6'3" and above. Weight 280 to 310 lbs. BB prefes taller players at DE that are heavier, but also fairly mobile. The Pats do require these players to be disciplined and DE's are responsibile for backside contain on end arounds and bootlegs. BB also prefers very strong players especially with their hands in this position.
Starters: Seymour (the best DL in football currently) and Warren. Backups Green and Hill. Are are under 30 and all seem to be exactly what BB wants.
DE Summary: Unless BB knows of a hidden injury or some other problem, no need to use a draft pick over here unless the player drafted is an exceptional ST player.
First NT. A Pats 3-4 NT must be able to control the A gaps. This player should possesss a wide base, be an excellent technician and play with extreme leverage on almost every play. Ideal body size is from 6'0" to 6'3". Weight 320 plus and more plus. Remember the taller the player the lower they have to get at the snap of the ball. However conversly the shorter the player the shorter the arms. As we know once an OL gets their hands on you it's usually all over for the DL. This player must be very good with his hands. On running plays this player must be able to anchor (really out leverage the opposition) and tie up two blockers. On pass plays they must occupy two blockers as well as serve as QB spy for the mildly mobile QBs.
Judging from the past, BB prefers guys with a wide base, wide behinds and massive thighs. They must be disciplined in order to hold their ground, stay low and control their gaps. Any NT that shows any piece of his chest to an opposing OL need not apply for BB.
The starter is Wilfork. The current backup is Wright. Wright is very raw, probably two years away from being capable of meaningful minutes.
Ideally we would prefer a veteran backup. Since Oakland and Houston are switching to the 4-3 we have an excellent opportunity to trade for very capable backup NTs in Washington and Payne. Both would need their contracts reworked however.
NT Summary: Only use a draft pick if we can not secure a veteran backup.
DE: A Pats 3-4 DE must be able to control the B & C gaps. This player must be technically sound. They must be able to anchor and control at the snap of the ball. On passing plays they must be able to push the pocket. These players must be adept at defending against both the pass and the run. Ideal body size 6'3" and above. Weight 280 to 310 lbs. BB prefes taller players at DE that are heavier, but also fairly mobile. The Pats do require these players to be disciplined and DE's are responsibile for backside contain on end arounds and bootlegs. BB also prefers very strong players especially with their hands in this position.
Starters: Seymour (the best DL in football currently) and Warren. Backups Green and Hill. Are are under 30 and all seem to be exactly what BB wants.
DE Summary: Unless BB knows of a hidden injury or some other problem, no need to use a draft pick over here unless the player drafted is an exceptional ST player.