Draft observations and analysis

[Kontradiction]

First, let me just say that I have avoided this forum until now in order to avoid the kneejerk reactions. So when I came here and the first thing I saw was a thread titled "The Pats are in trouble", I was not suprised. Now that I got that out of my system, here are my draft observations. I'll stick to the Day 1 picks since I consider Day 2 to essentially be a crapshoot...

1. Patrick Chung - Safety - Oregon: Chung is a fast, fierce, hard hitting safety who appears to have a nose for the ball. In this system, he's the perfect compliment to BM and appears to be the crowned jewel in BB's crown to replace Rodney, who is likely headed to the shadow roster. He can also play in the box which is something that BB appears to be looking for (especially when you consider the signing of Tank Williams last year). To get acquainted I watched this video: YouTube - Oregon football-Patrick Chung Highlights. Pay attention specifically to the 1:12 and 2:43 marks. At 1:12, I think that's actually Jake Long that he flattens with that bonecrushing block. 2:43 is an example of what type of hitter he is. Personally, I love this draft pick.

2. Ron Brace - Defensive Tackle - Boston College: Brace appears to be high level insurance in case the Wilfork situation falls through the cracks after the season. He appears to be a more than capable starter on our DL and shows the ability to hold his position while also being able to collapse the LOS. He is also excellent I personally think (and hope) that we get something worked out with Vince. At the very least, this a Video: YouTube - DT Ron Brace Highlights BC vs Vandy 2008

3. Darius Butler - Cornerback - UConn: The one thing that this video shows is that Butler is as sure a tackler in the open field as we've seen in the Bill Belichick era. Butler is 5'11", 183 lbs., and moves with fluid hips and great field speed. He will not shy down from hitting someone who is bigger than he is. He also appears to have a great nose for the ball and (even though the video shows him dropping one) even better hands, which are put on display when he LINES UP AND PLAYS RECEIVER. He's versatile, which is what we love here in New England. Personally, I love this pick and think Butler will be great in a couple of years. Video: YouTube - CB Darius Butler Highlights Connecticut 2008

4. Sabastian Vollmer - Offensive Tackle - Houston: Having watched the video that RayClay posted on page one of the Vollmer thread, I like the pick already. Guy moves with great quickness and agility for a man his size. I wish he had played in the Super Bowl because he doesn't appear to have a problem with speed rushers. Vollmer appears to he the heir to the throne behind Light and could take over sooner than you think. The only downside is that he is raw (having only played sparingly before he took off in college). However, he has all the tools necessary to succeed and is apparently very coachable. Video: YouTube - Sebastian Vollmer - New England Patriots - Draft Video Profile

For what it's worth, I think Brandon Tate and Tyrone McKenzie were solid pick ups as well. Tate was injured last year, or else he would have been a first round pick and appears to be the first vestige of our "WRs of the Future". I've personally seen McKenzie play before and he could be the darkhouse pick in this year's draft. Like Vollmer, he's raw, but has the ability to rush the passer, cover out of the backfield, and set the edge. He just needs to be coached up and having TBC and A.D. on the roster will allow that to happen. All in all, I'm happy with the draft. We filled holes, took care of pressing needs, and picked up insurance choices for the future.

 

[nowayback]

ditto . i think(hope) Chung can become something close to troy or sanders.
was a great draft for the Pats and they picked up 2 2nds for next year.

 

[PatsBoy12]

ditto . i think(hope) Chung can become something close to troy or sanders.
was a great draft for the Pats and they picked up 2 2nds for next year.

Those are huge comparisons. I sure hope you're right.

 

[muslimman]

3. Darius Butler - Cornerback - UConn: The one thing that this video shows is that Butler is as sure a tackler in the open field as we've seen in the Bill Belichick era. Butler is 5'11", 183 lbs., and moves with fluid hips and great field speed. He will not shy down from hitting someone who is bigger than he is. He also appears to have a great nose for the ball and (even though the video shows him dropping one) even better hands, which are put on display when he LINES UP AND PLAYS RECEIVER. He's versatile, which is what we love here in New England. Personally, I love this pick and think Butler will be great in a couple of years. Video: YouTube - CB Darius Butler Highlights Connecticut 2008

What I found even more revealing than that Butler video is the video of the other top CB prospects. Alphonso Smith seemed like a ****y SOB who danced around after every tackle. Malcolm Jenkins couldnt make a tackle without diving for a players ankles. Vonte Davis was getting picked apart on the underneath routes. Butler seemed like the only one without glaring holes in his college game, at least on youtube . I really like this pick.

That Chung video was also pretty sick, I rewatched the clip of him blocking like 6 times. This guy is unbelievable strong for his size, I think he can be more than just another hard hitting safety that cant cover... although his one negative is that hes not elite fast. Everything else I see in him screams elite for years to come. Cant wait.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Unless you expect NE to convert to a base 4-3 defense, I have to wonder at your expectation for McKenzie as an OLB? Regardless of how he was used at South Florida, in BB's base 3-4 he's a classic SILB type who is strong against the run, but a liability in coverage - one of Guyton/Adalius/Williams will replace him on passing downs once he starts taking #1 SILB reps. Good kid, good value in the draft, his time at MLB for Iowa State and his USF 'Sam' role were part of a natural career path for SILB in New England. I expect him to work in the 2's alongside Guyton and behind Tedy in camp. As he get's stronger, adds some more mass, and gets better at stacking and shedding OL, he'll likely supplant Tedy mid-season.

 

[JackBauer]

Unless you expect NE to convert to a base 4-3 defense, I have to wonder at your expectation for McKenzie as an OLB? Regardless of how he was used at South Florida, in BB's base 3-4 he's a classic SILB type who is strong against the run, but a liability in coverage - one of Guyton/Adalius/Williams will replace him on passing downs once he starts taking #1 SILB reps. Good kid, good value in the draft, his time at MLB for Iowa State and his USF 'Sam' role were part of a natural career path for SILB in New England. I expect him to work in the 2's alongside Guyton and behind Tedy in camp. As he get's stronger, adds some more mass, and gets better at stacking and shedding OL, he'll likely supplant Tedy mid-season.

Personally, I expect McKenzie to be the Ted Johnson to Guyton's Roman Phifer.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Unless you expect NE to convert to a base 4-3 defense, I have to wonder at your expectation for McKenzie as an OLB? Regardless of how he was used at South Florida, in BB's base 3-4 he's a classic SILB type who is strong against the run, but a liability in coverage - one of Guyton/Adalius/Williams will replace him on passing downs once he starts taking #1 SILB reps. Good kid, good value in the draft, his time at MLB for Iowa State and his USF 'Sam' role were part of a natural career path for SILB in New England. I expect him to work in the 2's alongside Guyton and behind Tedy in camp. As he get's stronger, adds some more mass, and gets better at stacking and shedding OL, he'll likely supplant Tedy mid-season.

I think from what Bill did, and didn't do, that Mackenzie wil take over for Tedy. But as a reserve, behind Guyton and Mayo. He doesn't have the size or speed to displace either of them, as a starter. But his triangle and mental qualities suggest he will be a good reserve.

 

[Kontradiction]

Unless you expect NE to convert to a base 4-3 defense, I have to wonder at your expectation for McKenzie as an OLB? Regardless of how he was used at South Florida, in BB's base 3-4 he's a classic SILB type who is strong against the run, but a liability in coverage - one of Guyton/Adalius/Williams will replace him on passing downs once he starts taking #1 SILB reps. Good kid, good value in the draft, his time at MLB for Iowa State and his USF 'Sam' role were part of a natural career path for SILB in New England. I expect him to work in the 2's alongside Guyton and behind Tedy in camp. As he get's stronger, adds some more mass, and gets better at stacking and shedding OL, he'll likely supplant Tedy mid-season.

I was going by what I watched him play at USF. He did play all three LB spots though.

 

[WhiZa]

I thought the knock on Butler was that he couldn't tackle?

 

[N.Eman]

Seeing a small guy like chung level then OT Long of michigan is just insane, great tackling. Troy P, doesnt have that much speed and does a great job flying across the field on passes and plugging holes on run plays. Great video highlight of him and most of all great pick up for our back 4.

 

[Sicilian]

That Chung video was also pretty sick, I rewatched the clip of him blocking like 6 times. This guy is unbelievable strong for his size, I think he can be more than just another hard hitting safety that cant cover... although his one negative is that hes not elite fast. Everything else I see in him screams elite for years to come. Cant wait.

From what I've heard of Chung, he isn't great on man-to-man coverage (like on TE's, etc), but that he was good range in defensive backfield. Sounds like the type of guy that can play down in the box against the run, still cover over the top or middle depending on where the receivers go. On third downs, we might see him and Sanders playing deep to cover over the top, while Meriweather either blitzes or covers a TE. Good scenario in my book.

 

[VJCPatriot]

ditto . i think(hope) Chung can become something close to troy or sanders.
was a great draft for the Pats and they picked up 2 2nds for next year.

Hope you don't mean James Sanders. LOL.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/s/Patrick-Chung.php

Well I heard BB talking about Chung in his press conference on the 25th and I liked how he talked about him as the 'QB of the defense'. So obviously BB thinks this guy is smart and very versatile as to what he can offer for the defense. I think he's going to be a very good complement to Meriweather. When Chung tackles he really 'sticks it'. You don't see much forward movement once he hits the ball carrier. That's the kind of enforcer I coveted at safety.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erhkOdPXpvw&feature=related

 

[CrazyDave]

I thought the knock on Butler was that he couldn't tackle?

Yo wiz, what happened to the avatar?

 

[WhiZa]

Yo wiz, what happened to the avatar?

It was part of the Cassel trade. I had to find a new one

 

[The_Riddler]

Chung was an animal in the senior bowl. I love his fearlessness. He's a shorter, lighter Steve Atwater. Chung and Meriweather will be the next Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater.

How silky smooth is Butler, whoa, this kid can bring it and he's smooth as silk. He'll be our lockdown corner in 2010.

Big Vince will take Brace under his wing and show him the ropes. I just hope that he wasn't offended by the pick or that it's an indication that we can't afford him.

I'll be honest, I couldn't believe we passed on Rey Maualuga not once but twice, I was angry at BB, couldn't believe he would pass up a stud like Rey to play next to Mayo, especially where it was a true need for our defense. OH well, and it will not shock me in the least if Maualuga turns into a dynamo in this league, I won't be shocked one bit. At the point in the second round where he was there, I felt the value was definately there, apparently BB didn't.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

It was part of the Cassel trade. I had to find a new one

Don't worry. In time, he'll grow on you, the same way Patriot drafts do.

 

[DW Toys]

Unless you expect NE to convert to a base 4-3 defense, I have to wonder at your expectation for McKenzie as an OLB? Regardless of how he was used at South Florida, in BB's base 3-4 he's a classic SILB type who is strong against the run, but a liability in coverage - one of Guyton/Adalius/Williams will replace him on passing downs once he starts taking #1 SILB reps. Good kid, good value in the draft, his time at MLB for Iowa State and his USF 'Sam' role were part of a natural career path for SILB in New England. I expect him to work in the 2's alongside Guyton and behind Tedy in camp. As he get's stronger, adds some more mass, and gets better at stacking and shedding OL, he'll likely supplant Tedy mid-season.

Agreed BOX. This kid is an ILB.
DW Toys

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Agreed BOX. This kid is an ILB.
DW Toys

DW, you have to be the happiest man in the world now that J. Sanders will end up likely being the #3 Safety long term instead of being a starter.

Nothing against Sanders from me but Meriweater/Chung seems like the likely starters NLT a year from now.

 

[KY Pats Fan]

I'm not shocked at the non-draft of a high end LB. When he released the LB back in February, BB said "We have a pretty full roster at LB". Given that, he must feel pretty confident. Mayo and Guyton at ILB and Thomas and TBC or Crable at OLB. Rotation includes Bruschi, Alexander and Ruud in the middle and Woods, Redd, TBC/Crable, and rook at OLB.

 

[Feep50]

I have to thank you personally for your excellent post, summary and attached highlight vids, Kontra!

I really appreciate the effort and support this site puts out....Having a resource like Patsfans.com is tremendous.....I even enjoy the internecine back-biting and food-fights.....