DH523
On the Roster
- Joined
- May 7, 2010
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 32
He may be a bit short at 6'2" (or 6'1") but I'm really high on Wisconsin's Ryan Connelly. Problem is he may not have the size Belichick looks for in an OLB but his downhill speed could make him a possibility as an ILB/Rush Specialist. He looks like he could bulk up to 245-250 and not lose much speed.
Positives: Downhill speed when he diagnoses/attacks. Reminds me a ton of Elandon Roberts/Ja'wuan Bentley in this regard ---- Flashes the ability to use his hands to disengage blockers and has some bull rush/rush move (showed off a spin against Ohio State in 2017) potential when blitzing.
Cons: Just average sideline to sideline speed. Showed faster speed in this area in 2017 but not above average (playing through injuries in 2018?) --- May be a better fit playing to a particular side of the field as opposed to the middle. --- Can be caught out of position, not quick twitch enough to recover in pursuit --- Shows some potential as a Zone Cover LB but he won't be the type to be able to drop back and cover the seams.
May be a 4th-6th round pick but I think he has potential to be a very good ST Cover guy with some potential to be utilized as downhill gap penetration either against the run or on blitzes. Issues are his lack of quick twitch athleticism and average sideline to sideline speed may make him a "box" area LB only. I can see enough upside at what Connelly does well to see Belichick taking a flier on him and playing to his strengths, especially as a potential downhill ST cover guy to start his career out.
Positives: Downhill speed when he diagnoses/attacks. Reminds me a ton of Elandon Roberts/Ja'wuan Bentley in this regard ---- Flashes the ability to use his hands to disengage blockers and has some bull rush/rush move (showed off a spin against Ohio State in 2017) potential when blitzing.
Cons: Just average sideline to sideline speed. Showed faster speed in this area in 2017 but not above average (playing through injuries in 2018?) --- May be a better fit playing to a particular side of the field as opposed to the middle. --- Can be caught out of position, not quick twitch enough to recover in pursuit --- Shows some potential as a Zone Cover LB but he won't be the type to be able to drop back and cover the seams.
May be a 4th-6th round pick but I think he has potential to be a very good ST Cover guy with some potential to be utilized as downhill gap penetration either against the run or on blitzes. Issues are his lack of quick twitch athleticism and average sideline to sideline speed may make him a "box" area LB only. I can see enough upside at what Connelly does well to see Belichick taking a flier on him and playing to his strengths, especially as a potential downhill ST cover guy to start his career out.