No BJ Raji DT (Boston Collge) in the first 2 rounds? I think BB/SP would take well before selecting Ndamukong Suh.
Speaking of draft prospects coming out of Boston College, does anyone have an opinion on OLB Mark Herzlich (Junior - might not come out)? In the games I watched he excelled at both rushing the QB and in coverage. Could be the impact player we are looking for on defense and should be available in the mid 20s, if not the 2nd round.
Herzlich has turned out to be a much better playmaker than Toal, who gt much more press when he signed with BC.
Here is the problem. If you assume that Mayo stays at the weak ILB spot next season, it leaves us with a huge hole on the strong side. Thomas is the ideal fit to handle the ILB slot on the strong side, but moving Thomas inside leaves nothing to rush the passer on the outside for next season. (if only BB had traded up for Groves, it still stings)
Vrabel should return for a final season at one OLB spot, and I expect him to have a better season, given the extra month of rest his ailing shoulder will receive this off season.
So what does this draft offer as far as OLB's that can rush the passer. Unfortunately, nothing! Brown, Selvie, Johnson and Maybin are not going to cut it on outisde for the Pats. They would be for us what Gholston was for the Jets, a projection that needs a few years to learn a whole new position at best. At worst a bust.
Some guys that might work at OLB for next season.
Crable - (Currently on roster) a disspointment this year, but he gets to spend an off season with Woicik to get stronger and by next TC he will have a year in the system.
Cushing USC- (Requires a draft pick probably 1st or 2nd round) Has experience in the elephant type position at USC which requires him to play with his hand off the ground at times. Huge questions about a history with roids and has struggled to stay healthy.
Mathews USC - (Requires draft pick probabl 3rd or 4th round) Same creditials as Cushings, however while he has a higher revving motor, and he will need a year or two in the systembefore contributing on anything other than ST.
Shaunnesy Wisconsin - (Requires draft pick probably second round) High revving motor but solid against the run. No experience playing with his hand off the ground, so he will need a year or two in the system before he can contribute, but once he figures it out, he has a higher ceiling than any of those mentioned before.
If we keep Thomas on the outside, I see the draft having two good candidates to take over the strong side ILB position next season.
1.) Brinkley South Carolina - (Requires draft pick probably a second or third rounder) Provided he is recovered from knee surgery, he is a huge 275 pounder with decent instincts and decent speed. He can mash and he can cover.
2.) Laurenitis OSU - (Requires draft pick probably a first rounder) I was not high on him until this season when he finally learned how to take on and shed blockers as opposed to running around them. Instincts are not first rate, but he can stop the run and he can cover better than expected.