Oooh, I like these games.
Most participants in these exercises, however, fall into one of two camps: we either try to stringently predict the Patriots, or just charge ahead and pick players that appeal on a personal level. I will try to post mocks of each kind, since my feelings about personnel is often not the same as the Patriots.
First, a mock for my own enjoyment. Perhaps tomorrow or the next day I can attempt one from the Patriots front office/scouting corp perspective, but for now, I'll pick players I like, independent of perfect scheme fit.
I wrote this at work while only one reply existed, but now that I have a chance to post my ramblings, I realize quite a few people chose the same players. I'm not sure if that's a good sign or a bad sign. *grin*
17) Adrian Clayborn DE/OLB from Iowa. Hey, if Tamba Hali can play in the Romeo Crennel 34 defense at 6'3, 275 with a 4.87 forty, then I don't see why Clayborn couldn't as well, once he's back down to the 270 range (he bulked up per coaches request, and should regain his burst and agility at a lower weight).
28) Jimmy Smith CB from Colorado. I have full confidence that he will work out better than our last corner from Colorado. Smith is exceptional against slant routes. He might have the best press coverage skills of any corner in the draft. Some have issues with the fluidity of his hips, and others complain that he doesn’t get off blocks well enough in the run game, but I think it is more a function of technique and coaching than a lack of physical ability. Flashes explosive hitting power, and has super long arms that he uses extremely well to knock away passes, even when he’s beaten. Love the fact that he plays RCB, while McCourty is locked in at LCB. Smith can play in a rotation, and eventually take over for Bodden, who could also be an intriguing option at free safety.
33) Danny Watkins OG from Baylor. Mankins redux. He'll play RG for us, since we'll open the coffers and keep the All-Pro mountain man Logan Mankins at LG. Watkins and Vollmer will be the most beastly right side in the business.
60) Benjamin Ijalana OT from Villanova. Perhaps the most athletic road grader in the draft. Some of the other tackles are taller and quicker in a straight line, but few have the overall coordination, footwork, raw power, and run blocking skills. He's roughly the same height as Matt Light, for those who worry about his length on the edge (maybe ¾ of an inch shorter), but he's thicker, stronger and, in my opinion, more agile. I think he's a better overall talent than Saffold was last year, who proved to be a good young left tackle. Ijalana and Mankins playing on the left side is a dominant run-blocking tandem, with great upside. And as Vollmer illustrated in his rookie season, BB trusts a rookie LT to protect TFB provided he gets the job done.
74) Kenrick Ellis DT/DE from Hampton. Has the size, power, and athleticism to become a cross between Haloti Ngata and Richard Seymour. Raw, but insanely talented, he falls due to off the field concerns, but straightens out once he has a chance to play in the big leagues.
92) Bilal Powell RB from Louisville. My favorite player in the draft, Powell has the burst and lateral agility to add a new dimension to our run game. His hard-charging style and fearlessness between the tackles sets him apart from other 5’11 #205 scat backs. High speed, high intensity, high character. Perfect running back to fill out our rotation.
123) John Moffit OC from Wisconsin. Moffit bounced between guard and center in his career, but now has lost weight and is working as a center in the senior bowl. His run blocking is flat out nasty, though he does occasionally struggle in space. He will need to improve his ability to pull and get out to the second level, but he’s got the size and strength to hold up against the big nose tackles in our division. May need a year in Scar’s academy before he’s ready to start, due to some coordination issues, but I expect him to be a long term answer at the position.
156) Markus White DE/OLB from Florida State University. White has flown under the radar all year, but at 6’4, #262 with 4.6 speed, he deserves consideration late in the draft. Why not take a flyer on a guy who put up 8.5 sacks and plays with a relentless motor? If not for Brandon Jenkins across from him, White may have had better stats. In the games I saw, he was often doubled, and still hit the quarterback just after Jenkins registered the sack. At the very least, he could challenge TBC for a roster spot.
184) Lee Smith TE from Marshall. One of the most dominating blocking tight ends I’ve seen in a long time, with enough short area quickness to at least serve as a reliable outlet as a pass catcher, as well. Could replace Crumpler in another year or two.
I didn’t have room to slot him in, but if I could choose one more player, it would be Henry Hynoski, the FB from Pittsburgh. Oh, yeah. We’re bringing back the fullback. Hynoski is an old school blocker who obliterates linebackers, but he’s also a pretty good receiver. Plus, his name always makes me think of a rhinoceros, which is always a plus. More than just a masher, he’s a two time Big East All Academic, which bodes well for his chances in the Patriots offense.
Whew! I need to type less. Sorry, folks. That was a bit lengthy.
