Metaphors
In the Starting Line-Up
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2005
- Messages
- 3,670
- Reaction score
- 0
Goals
1) Get faster and more aggressive on defense (particularly against the pass)
2) Get Brady targets in the passing game that get open quickly
3) Depth at positions that will transition in 2011
Plan
1) DE, OLB and TE need starter-quality players out of this draft. Don't wait too long.
2) WR, ILB and CB need contingencies in case youngsters don't pan out
3) Same for RB in case oldsters regress
4) More OL talent in the pipeline (particularly interior) is a good thing
5) Look for a developmental QB late
6) No S or NT picks unless value is overwhelming
7) Get a P
Picks (trades probably needed but not specifically spelled out)
- Jared Odrick, DE Penn St. (6'5", 306)
Eventual starting DE in the base 3-4. After developing his pass rush moves, has the potential to slide inside in the nickel. His draft floor is Indy at #31 so have to get him first.
- Jerry Hughes, OLB TCU (6'2", 257)
Starts out as a specialist on passing downs. Generally don't like changing my mind based on the combine, but Hughes showed plus skills dropping into coverage. That flexibility is key. Has good functional strength but probably don't want him too much in the base 3-4 initially, but over time he could be an every-down guy. Will likely need to move up a bit to get him.
- Koa Misi, LB Utah (6'2", 244)
Can play all over the field and do everything at a relatively high level (though not a stud at anything in particular). Adding Hughes and Misi gives Belichick the numbers to run the "wandering LB" formation on 3rd downs that he showed at the end of 2009. Misi in particular can play outside or inside effectively which adds to the disguise and gives the QB more to think about.
- Dennis Pitta, TE BYU (6'4", 245)
The "speed" TEs will go first, but the Pats don't need another guy like Watson. Pitta isn't a burner but knows how to get separation quickly and has excellent hands, particularly on the move. He won't get many of those 30 yard seam passes, but he will become a go-to guy on 3rd down and in the red zone. The Misi and Pitta picks are a little early so some trade-downs could be had.
- Kevin Thomas, CB USC (6'1", 185)
Very good size/speed ratio and was an aggressive defender particularly in the middle of the field. Dropped in the draft because the "stink" from the USC season stuck to him. Can immediately contribute in the slot and in the red zone. Pretty much ensures that at the end of camp, one of Wheatley/Wilhite will get voted off the island...which should light a serious fire under Wheatley.
- James Starks, RB Buffalo (6'2", 218)
Assuming his shoulder checks out, he is an interesting candidate for the RB depth chart. Not a speed guy (though he thinks he can be) and was never super-productive running the ball...but he has excellent receiving skills and has the size and recognition to develop into an effective pass protector. Faulk is almost certainly in his last year and Pats have kicked the tires on Starks so they are interested to some degree.
- Seyi Ajirotutu, WR Fresno St. (6'3", 204)
Doesn't stand out except on the football field. He is a David Givens type and would fit naturally into a #4 role and red zone specialist. Opened some eyes at the Shrine Game but lost that momentum since he didn't test well at the combine.
- Nate Byham, TE Pittsburgh (6'4", 268)
A mini-tackle but has reliable hands if the defense forgets about him. Should be effective in 2 TE sets and at the goal line.
- Matt Dodge, P East Carolina (6'2", 223)
He is a punter so by definition he is an upgrade.
- Joe Hawley, G/C UNLV (6'3", 297)
A project for Dante to mold. Also fits the "I live on a mountain and hunt for my food" look that the Pats lineman occasionally sport.
- Tim Hiller, QB WMU (6'4", 230)
Fits the Pats prototype for the position, but has been in a free-fall since his junior year. Was on a nice career arc but graduation of his skill position teammates seems to have destroyed his confidence. Developed some bad habits that scouts have reported as a "weak arm". He needs to be coached up and get his confidence back, but look at his first 3 years in college and you see a kid that was on target for something special.
Results
1) Get faster and more aggressive on defense (particularly against the pass)
Check. Got pass rush and cover skills. Odrick isn't a Seymour replacement but aren't going to get that this year without getting into the top 3. Misi can also help inside without taking snaps away from McKenzie and Guyton. Belichick would have the pieces to be more aggressive without fundamentally changing the scheme.
2) Get Brady targets in the passing game that get open quickly
Pitta fits the bill here. Didn't get a top WR but Ajirotutu can help as a situational guy. Still counting on Tate and Edelman to hold down the fort and Welker to be back for the stretch run...which is risky.
3) Depth at positions that will transition in 2011
Didn't do much at WR, but the 2011 draft should be able to yield a Moss replacement. Got the next-gen Faulk and some more pipeline talent for the interior OL.
So lots of talent at positions of need and builds good depth. Didn't want to invest much in another young WR with Edelman/Tate already onboard and a top WR class in 2011. However, the pass defense should be improved enough to take significant pressure off Brady. Did get Brady a couple of new toys that will help turn short FG's into TD's. Addressed the 2009 pain points without upsetting the apple cart with bad character or blocking youngsters already on the roster. One way to skin a cat but I think it demonstrates this draft is a good one to build from.
1) Get faster and more aggressive on defense (particularly against the pass)
2) Get Brady targets in the passing game that get open quickly
3) Depth at positions that will transition in 2011
Plan
1) DE, OLB and TE need starter-quality players out of this draft. Don't wait too long.
2) WR, ILB and CB need contingencies in case youngsters don't pan out
3) Same for RB in case oldsters regress
4) More OL talent in the pipeline (particularly interior) is a good thing
5) Look for a developmental QB late
6) No S or NT picks unless value is overwhelming
7) Get a P
Picks (trades probably needed but not specifically spelled out)
- Jared Odrick, DE Penn St. (6'5", 306)
Eventual starting DE in the base 3-4. After developing his pass rush moves, has the potential to slide inside in the nickel. His draft floor is Indy at #31 so have to get him first.
- Jerry Hughes, OLB TCU (6'2", 257)
Starts out as a specialist on passing downs. Generally don't like changing my mind based on the combine, but Hughes showed plus skills dropping into coverage. That flexibility is key. Has good functional strength but probably don't want him too much in the base 3-4 initially, but over time he could be an every-down guy. Will likely need to move up a bit to get him.
- Koa Misi, LB Utah (6'2", 244)
Can play all over the field and do everything at a relatively high level (though not a stud at anything in particular). Adding Hughes and Misi gives Belichick the numbers to run the "wandering LB" formation on 3rd downs that he showed at the end of 2009. Misi in particular can play outside or inside effectively which adds to the disguise and gives the QB more to think about.
- Dennis Pitta, TE BYU (6'4", 245)
The "speed" TEs will go first, but the Pats don't need another guy like Watson. Pitta isn't a burner but knows how to get separation quickly and has excellent hands, particularly on the move. He won't get many of those 30 yard seam passes, but he will become a go-to guy on 3rd down and in the red zone. The Misi and Pitta picks are a little early so some trade-downs could be had.
- Kevin Thomas, CB USC (6'1", 185)
Very good size/speed ratio and was an aggressive defender particularly in the middle of the field. Dropped in the draft because the "stink" from the USC season stuck to him. Can immediately contribute in the slot and in the red zone. Pretty much ensures that at the end of camp, one of Wheatley/Wilhite will get voted off the island...which should light a serious fire under Wheatley.
- James Starks, RB Buffalo (6'2", 218)
Assuming his shoulder checks out, he is an interesting candidate for the RB depth chart. Not a speed guy (though he thinks he can be) and was never super-productive running the ball...but he has excellent receiving skills and has the size and recognition to develop into an effective pass protector. Faulk is almost certainly in his last year and Pats have kicked the tires on Starks so they are interested to some degree.
- Seyi Ajirotutu, WR Fresno St. (6'3", 204)
Doesn't stand out except on the football field. He is a David Givens type and would fit naturally into a #4 role and red zone specialist. Opened some eyes at the Shrine Game but lost that momentum since he didn't test well at the combine.
- Nate Byham, TE Pittsburgh (6'4", 268)
A mini-tackle but has reliable hands if the defense forgets about him. Should be effective in 2 TE sets and at the goal line.
- Matt Dodge, P East Carolina (6'2", 223)
He is a punter so by definition he is an upgrade.
- Joe Hawley, G/C UNLV (6'3", 297)
A project for Dante to mold. Also fits the "I live on a mountain and hunt for my food" look that the Pats lineman occasionally sport.
- Tim Hiller, QB WMU (6'4", 230)
Fits the Pats prototype for the position, but has been in a free-fall since his junior year. Was on a nice career arc but graduation of his skill position teammates seems to have destroyed his confidence. Developed some bad habits that scouts have reported as a "weak arm". He needs to be coached up and get his confidence back, but look at his first 3 years in college and you see a kid that was on target for something special.
Results
1) Get faster and more aggressive on defense (particularly against the pass)
Check. Got pass rush and cover skills. Odrick isn't a Seymour replacement but aren't going to get that this year without getting into the top 3. Misi can also help inside without taking snaps away from McKenzie and Guyton. Belichick would have the pieces to be more aggressive without fundamentally changing the scheme.
2) Get Brady targets in the passing game that get open quickly
Pitta fits the bill here. Didn't get a top WR but Ajirotutu can help as a situational guy. Still counting on Tate and Edelman to hold down the fort and Welker to be back for the stretch run...which is risky.
3) Depth at positions that will transition in 2011
Didn't do much at WR, but the 2011 draft should be able to yield a Moss replacement. Got the next-gen Faulk and some more pipeline talent for the interior OL.
So lots of talent at positions of need and builds good depth. Didn't want to invest much in another young WR with Edelman/Tate already onboard and a top WR class in 2011. However, the pass defense should be improved enough to take significant pressure off Brady. Did get Brady a couple of new toys that will help turn short FG's into TD's. Addressed the 2009 pain points without upsetting the apple cart with bad character or blocking youngsters already on the roster. One way to skin a cat but I think it demonstrates this draft is a good one to build from.
