Things to keep in mind for next year's draft conversations

[dryheat44]

From today's press conference:

Third cornerback = 12th starter. In an Xs and Os part of the press conference, Belichick was asked about the recent trend in the NFL of teams placing a higher value on third corners, a result of more offenses spreading the field. Belichick agreed, while revealing that the Patriots have re-valued/re-graded parts of their draft board and the way they value certain positions, such as a third receiver, third corner, third-down running back, or a second- or third-down pass rusher compared to other positions.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

From today's press conference:

Third cornerback = 12th starter. In an Xs and Os part of the press conference, Belichick was asked about the recent trend in the NFL of teams placing a higher value on third corners, a result of more offenses spreading the field. Belichick agreed, while revealing that the Patriots have re-valued/re-graded parts of their draft board and the way they value certain positions, such as a third receiver, third corner, third-down running back, or a second- or third-down pass rusher compared to other positions.

The corner I like best in this year's draft is Burnett of UCF, if he runs well and toughens up vs. the run a bit.
The other corner I like is the kid from Kentucky, Litteral? somerthing like that. If he runs well, he looks like a natural in BB's soft zone defense.

 

[dryheat44]

The corner I like best in this year's draft is Burnett of UCF, if he runs well and toughens up vs. the run a bit.
The other corner I like is the kid from Kentucky, Litteral? somerthing like that. If he runs well, he looks like a natural in BB's soft zone defense.

Are either of these guys better than Malcolm Jenkins, in your opinion? Or the kid from Illinois, Vontae Davis?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I tend to look at college players and immediately try to project them in terms of what I think the Pats look for in players at that position.

To that end, I can't see Jenkins working well in the Pats secondary, there is no quick twitch from him.

I think Davis is only going to be a junior this year and although a saw a few Illinios games last year, I really don't remember him catching my eye. I will scope him out more this year.

I think the farthest north my production crew goes this year is Maryland, but hopefully I will have some down time to watch an Illinios game or two.

 

[cstjohn17]

From today's press conference:

Third cornerback = 12th starter. In an Xs and Os part of the press conference, Belichick was asked about the recent trend in the NFL of teams placing a higher value on third corners, a result of more offenses spreading the field. Belichick agreed, while revealing that the Patriots have re-valued/re-graded parts of their draft board and the way they value certain positions, such as a third receiver, third corner, third-down running back, or a second- or third-down pass rusher compared to other positions.

I should ask only half kidding if the 3rd CB is so valuable how come the Patriot CBs are so average?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I should ask only half kidding if the 3rd CB is so valuable how come the Patriot CBs are so average?

Because we played a soft zone, bend but don't break, defense. We used to play soft until teams got inside our 40, then BB dialed up tigher coverages, exotic coverages, and/or blitzes.

This year from what everyone is reporting, BB's secondary is playing tighter coverage all over the field and having decent success against most Pat WRs not named Moss.

 

[stinkypete]

From today's press conference:

Third cornerback = 12th starter. In an Xs and Os part of the press conference, Belichick was asked about the recent trend in the NFL of teams placing a higher value on third corners, a result of more offenses spreading the field. Belichick agreed, while revealing that the Patriots have re-valued/re-graded parts of their draft board and the way they value certain positions, such as a third receiver, third corner, third-down running back, or a second- or third-down pass rusher compared to other positions.

From this point of view, it makes sense that mid round picks were used on Crable and Wilhite instead of on OT/DL depth.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

From this point of view, it makes sense that mid round picks were used on Crable and Wilhite instead of on OT/DL depth.

I don't know, I still think that football games are won and lost in the lines and it is eaier to find a 3rd CB than a decent quality OT.