Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

[Isaac]

… and my 500th post. Yes, I know it’s more common to celebrate a 1000th post, but hey, it took me 3 1/2 years to get to 500, so …
Third string baby! :eat3::woohoo::eat2:

I’m attempting to become more of a draftnik, so here’s my attempt at a Patriots draft board by some need positions.

* Asterisks means the guy has Patriots intangibles

CB
1. Alphonso Smith – watching this guy at the Senior Bowl practices, he looked like Asante Samuel out there. It just makes too much sense. He’s my current mock pick at #23.
2. DJ Moore – speed, versatility, returner
3. Sean Smith – we may learn at combine if he’s really an NFL corner
4.Vontae Davis – ranked lower because he doesn’t seem like a Patriots-type guy
5. Jarius Byrd
6. Mike Mickens – current injury won’t scare Patriots away
7. Victor ‘Macho’ Harris
8. *Keenan Lewis – smart, hard worker, average athleticism
9. Darius Butler – weak senior season seems like it’d hurt him in the Patriots’ eyes
10. Joe Burnett – probably biased by this Central Florida Samuel-type corner
Assumed gone: Malcolm Jenkins
Left off: Coye Francies (doesn’t seem to have the character), DeAngelo Smith

OLB – I’m thinking that if they go OLB in round 1, it’d be as an elite pass rusher. Remarkable depth here.
1. Everette Brown – may be long gone, but including him as a possible trade-up option
2. Larry English – if he has the upfield burst could do with comparatively weak coverage ability
3. Brian Cushing – Mock draft favorite
4. Clint Sintim – easy transition, but is he an elite pass rusher?
5. Aaron Maybin – a bit light
6. *Paul Kruger – My current mock for pick #47, he’s got the intangibles
7. Clay Mathews – I’m not seeing it, but maybe he falls
8. Michael Johnson – this guy could drop, but he’s a freak athlete
9. Connor Barwin – mandatory inclusion or I’d get flamed
10. Zack Follett – not the elite pass rusher
11. Marcus Freeman – not the elite pass rusher
Assumed gone: Brian Orakpo, Aaron Curry

S – Overall, I don’t quite see the talent/value for round 1, but they’ll have to pick one by round 3. I’m prioritizing coverage over run support.
1. Sean Smith – If he’s a safety, he could be an excellent ball-hawking cover safety
2. *Louis Delmas – Team leader, an option at #48
3. *Rashad Johnson – “coach on the field”, fast, can cover, my mock for #57
4. Patrick Chung – Not sure he has the coverage ability
Left off: William Moore (board favorite, but I just don’t see it)

OT – I think it’s possible they go OT in round 1 or 2, but I doubt they’d draft one much after that because it wouldn’t be an upgrade. Of course they could draft one in rounds 5+ as a project.
1. Michael Oher: Could fall, but I’m not sure he’s reliable/consistent anyway
2. Eben Britton: Has the athleticism for the system
3. William Beatty: Also has athleticism
4. *Troy Kropog: Athletic plus intangibles, not particularly strong
5. Jamon Meredith: Smart, versatile
Assumed gone: Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith
Left off: Philip Loadholt (not for Patriots system)

WR – Unlikely to take one in round 1, possibly in round 2-3 though. After the Chad Jackson and Bethel Johnson fiascos, I’m thinking the Patriots prioritize intelligence, route-running, and hands over athleticism.
1. Jeremy Maclin – probably gone at #23, but would be nice
2. Percy Harvin – intriguing, but unlikely in round 1 and won’t be there in round 2
3. Derrick Williams – Probably biased as a Penn State alum
4. Juaquin Iglesias – Seems like he’d be a reliable guy
5. Brian Robiskie – polished, smart, but athletic?
6. Kenny Britt – intriguing, but raw
7. Hakeem Nicks – Also reliable, but may be zero deep threat
8. Louis Murphy – Florida connection
9. *Kenny McKinley – lower rounds, but very intriguing as small, quick, good route runner
Assumed gone: Crabtree
Left off: Darrius Heyward-Bay, Patrick Turner, Ramses Barden

TE – We all know this is coming.
1. Brandon Pettigrew – Not my favorite, but he’s probably the best athlete of the bunch
2. Chase Coffman – Reliable
3. Shawn Nelson – Senior Bowl riser
4. Bear Pascoe – Late round option with Fresno St. connection, but maybe not much more
Left off: Lots of guys, I don’t know the TE class as well.

Honorable mention: Scott McKillop – didn’t do ILB, but I love this guy for the Patriots

So, who’d I leave off? Rankings out of whack? Any Patriots-type character guys I should have asterisked?

 

[Taxed in Maine]

A couple more names for consideration:

Chip Vaughn needs to be on the safety list, probably as early as the 3rd round.

I really like Tyrone Mckenzie as a possibility at ILB. Maybe another 3rd rounder.

Augustus Parrish as a an OG prospect, 3rd - 4th round?

James Casey at tight-end / H-back, he could be a steal if available in the 3rd - 4th range.

 

[KY Pats Fan]

I think that with Mayo and Guyton emerging, that ILB may not be a priority in this draft. I think that an FA pickup at this spot would be likely, so I agree that OLB looks like a better option. Even though I think Crable, Woods, Thomas, vrabel will fill the spots nicely. I don't think a WR will be in their plans unless one falls in their lap in the 3rd or lower rounds.

I think the suprise will be a move up or a pick of a DL.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Strong work, sir. One thing, though:

9. Connor Barwin – mandatory inclusion or I’d get flamed

I'm guessing he's not your binky . . . yet.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

500! :woohoo:, welcome to the draft team!

… and my 500th post. Yes, I know it’s more common to celebrate a 1000th post, but hey, it took me 3 1/2 years to get to 500, so …
Third string baby! :eat3::woohoo::eat2:

I’m attempting to become more of a draftnik, so here’s my attempt at a Patriots draft board by some need positions.

* Asterisks means the guy has Patriots intangibles

CB - only minor quibbles. * Alphonso


OLB – I’m thinking that if they go OLB in round 1, it’d be as an elite pass rusher. Remarkable depth here.
1. Everette Brown
2. Larry English *
3. Brian Cushing see bold above and ponder 3 sacks last season.
4. Clint Sintim 13 sacks, #1 "LB" sack artist last season.
5. Aaron Maybin
6. *Paul Kruger see bold above, 7.5 sacks last season.
7. Clay Mathews * see bold above, 3 sacks last season
8. Michael Johnson see bold above and ponder 9 sacks for a guy who doesn't play the run.
9. Connor Barwin

* 11 sacks in his first year at DE...what could he do with better technique?
10. Zack Follett
11. Marcus Freeman
Assumed gone: Brian Orakpo, Aaron Curry

S – If you count Sean Smith here, why not Jarius Byrd?

OT

WR – Unlikely to take one in round 1, possibly in round 2-3 though. After the Chad Jackson and Bethel Johnson fiascos, I’m thinking the Patriots prioritize intelligence, route-running, and hands over athleticism.
1. Jeremy Maclin
2. Percy Harvin
3. Derrick Williams
4. Juaquin Iglesias
5. Brian Robiskie
6. Kenny Britt
7. Hakeem Nicks – Also reliable, but may be zero deep threat Like Jerry Rice, Anquan Boldin, and Larry Fitzgerald
8. Louis Murphy
9. *Kenny McKinley
Assumed gone: Crabtree
Left off: Darrius Heyward-Bay, Patrick Turner, Ramses Barden

TE


So, who’d I leave off? Rankings out of whack? Any Patriots-type character guys I should have asterisked?

 

[billdog3484]

pretty amazing post isaac. good stuff

 

[ctpatsfan77]

9. Connor Barwin *

11 sacks in his first year at DE...what could he do with better technique?

If, God forbid, BB doesn't draft Barwin, I'll be seeing you at the support group meetings?

 

[mmasterkillah]

Does anybody have a list of ALL combine invitees?

I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Also, I'm wondering specifically about Brian Toal.

 

[mayoclinic]

Does anybody have a list of ALL combine invitees?

I can't seem to find one anywhere.

Also, I'm wondering specifically about Brian Toal.

Here's the list:

NFL Combine Official Invite List 2009 | National Invitational Camp

It doesn't seem as though Toal got an invite.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Nice list! :idea2:

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

If, God forbid, BB doesn't draft Barwin, I'll be seeing you at the support group meetings?

Oh sure, the two of us crying hysterically will be sooooo good for achieving closure.

If my draft luck holds true to form, the Eagles will draft him.

 

[Isaac]

A couple more names for consideration:

Chip Vaughn needs to be on the safety list, probably as early as the 3rd round.

I really like Tyrone Mckenzie as a possibility at ILB. Maybe another 3rd rounder.

Augustus Parrish as a an OG prospect, 3rd - 4th round?

James Casey at tight-end / H-back, he could be a steal if available in the 3rd - 4th range.

Thanks, I'll get to know these guys. From what I read online Parrish is more of an OT? Sounds like Chip Vaughan could be a LB/S hybrid type. McKenzie seems too light for this system.

 

[Isaac]

CB - only minor quibbles. * Alphonso Ah, didn't realize he has the intangibles too. This guy makes more sense every day.

S – If you count Sean Smith here, why not Jarius Byrd?
Will do!

I am wondering if Cushing and Mathews would project more to ILB for the Pats.

 

[Isaac]

Strong work, sir. One thing, though:

9. Connor Barwin – mandatory inclusion or I’d get flamed

I'm guessing he's not your binky . . . yet.

OK, OK, revised:
OLB –
1. Everette Brown
2. Larry English
3. Clint Sintim
4. Connor Barwin
5. *Paul Kruger
6. Aaron Maybin
7. Clay Mathews

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

I am wondering if Cushing and Mathews would project more to ILB for the Pats.

Cushing was originally of interest to me, but the more I've read and heard, the less he attracts me. Matthews may eventually move inside, but he's just now showing enough talent on the edge to make him of interest.

 

[mayoclinic]

Cushing was originally of interest to me, but the more I've read and heard, the less he attracts me. Matthews may eventually move inside, but he's just now showing enough talent on the edge to make him of interest.

I personally don't want any part of Cushing. Too many issues. Matthews seems more interesting - high motor, good bloodlines, blue color work ethic, etc. I'd be interested in him in the 2nd round if the Pats thought he could move inside to SILB, but I think there are better values outside.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

Thanks, I'll get to know these guys. From what I read online Parrish is more of an OT? Sounds like Chip Vaughan could be a LB/S hybrid type. McKenzie seems too light for this system.

Parrish is more likely to be used at OG, but Icould see him as a four position player.

Vaughn has in-the-box S skills and could be an OLB in a Tampa-2 scheme, but he'll do well at S from all I've seen or read.

McKenzie is about 4 lbs. lighter than Bruschi's playing weight and a lb heavier than Mayo. I don't really think of him as a 3-down LB and he'd probably be better at MLB in a 4-3, but he could work out okay in time at ILB for NE.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

If my draft luck holds true to form, the Eagles will draft him.

If it makes you feel better, Box, the Patriots have a second-rounder before the Iggles'.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Re: Pre-combine Patriots positional draft board…

If it makes you feel better, Box, the Patriots have a second-rounder before the Iggles'.

Yeh, but the bastitchs have two late firsts and some wanker is bound to trade them back into the early second just ahead of NE.

 

[bakes781]

I rewatched the Senior Bowl over the weekend and really focused on some of the names at LB that I've become more familiar with and I'm really liking this kid Larry English. He looks to be a very active pass rusher and strong as hell. Cushing on the otherhand looks way too small and a little slow to react IMO.