The annual ILB heartbreak

[patchick]

Let's call it the Jon Abbate Award. Remember Jon? A 5'10" Wake Forest LB, starter from his freshman year, led his team in tackles, all-world intangibles, heart and soul of his college defense, went undrafted. After declaring for the draft his junior year, he said: "Unless someone could promise me if I went back that I'd grow three inches, the decision was pretty easy...I could have gone back and been productive again, had another 100-plus tackles. But I'd be in the same situation with my height as a knock."

This year, as usual, ILB was the position the draftniks got most wrong. As usual, the outside observers gave high marks to the gamers, film rats, tough guys and leaders who thrive as college ILBs despite their small size or weak athleticism, because they're "just football players." But the NFL doesn't draft that way.

4 of NFLDraftScout's top-10 rated ILBs, projected rounds 3-6, went undrafted. (That's as many as the 6 other defensive positions put together.) Here's wishing them the best of luck in whatever lies ahead.

Darryl Beckwith, LSU
Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia
Antonio Appleby, Virginia (special good wishes for him, of course!)
Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

It's clear the Cowboys taking my #1 ILB in this draft, just before NE drafted, precipitated the trade into 2010 with Jacksonville.

 

[patchick]

It's clear the Cowboys taking my #1 ILB in this draft, just before NE drafted, precipitated the trade into 2010 with Jacksonville.

Right, I forgot the other annual ILB heartbreak: yours.

Is McKenzie any consolation?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Right, I forgot the other annual ILB heartbreak: yours.

Is McKenzie any consolation?

He was on my short list at #3 behind Jason Phillips.

I feel bad for Jason Williams, with Phillips as a Head Coach he's going to be ruined, at least if Philly took him I'd be assured he'd be a stud WLB for them.

 

[ropese]

Appelby signed with the Pats as an UDFA.

 

[SamBamsFan]

Appelby signed with the Pats as an UDFA.

Yes, we are aware of that. That is why he received, "special good wishes for him, of course", from Patschick. She thought she was being subtle.

 

[Afterlifemobile-86]

Frantz Joseph is a Raider. As an FAU student i'm thrilled but can't believe he wasn't drafted. As a Patriots fan it sucks, i think he could have been a true force on special teams and i honestly think he has solid potential with the right coaching. Just glad he's not a Jet, Colt, Phin, Steeler, Giant, Cowboy or Charger.

 

[farn]

I'm just glad BB finally cracked and took Mayo in 08. Hard to argue with that call, hard to see anyone from 09 duplicating (suppose some would say Curry would've been a good pickup).

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Let's call it the Jon Abbate Award. Remember Jon? A 5'10" Wake Forest LB, starter from his freshman year, led his team in tackles, all-world intangibles, heart and soul of his college defense, went undrafted. After declaring for the draft his junior year, he said: "Unless someone could promise me if I went back that I'd grow three inches, the decision was pretty easy...I could have gone back and been productive again, had another 100-plus tackles. But I'd be in the same situation with my height as a knock."

This year, as usual, ILB was the position the draftniks got most wrong. As usual, the outside observers gave high marks to the gamers, film rats, tough guys and leaders who thrive as college ILBs despite their small size or weak athleticism, because they're "just football players." But the NFL doesn't draft that way.

4 of NFLDraftScout's top-10 rated ILBs, projected rounds 3-6, went undrafted. (That's as many as the 6 other defensive positions put together.) Here's wishing them the best of luck in whatever lies ahead.

Darryl Beckwith, LSU
Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia
Antonio Appleby, Virginia (special good wishes for him, of course!)
Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic

Sometimes you just have to wait a year maybe two. Superstud ILB Rolando McClain of Alabama is SPECIAL!!!!!!
If he declares after his junior year next season BB is going to scoop him up. He is that good.

 

[patchick]

Sometimes you just have to wait a year maybe two. Superstud ILB Rolando McClain of Alabama is SPECIAL!!!!!!

Oh, I wasn't talking about heartbreak as a Pats fan. Mayo, McKenzie & Guyton make a good lineup of young ILBs. I was referring to those who get attached to such players, those who project them to be drafted in the middle rounds...and most of all, the players themselves. They're exactly the kinds of players you'd like to see succeed.

BTW, Jon Abbate recently signed to play in the CFL.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Oh, I wasn't talking about heartbreak as a Pats fan. Mayo, McKenzie & Guyton make a good lineup of young ILBs. I was referring to those who get attached to such players, those who project them to be drafted in the middle rounds...and most of all, the players themselves. They're exactly the kinds of players you'd like to see succeed.

BTW, Jon Abbate recently signed to play in the CFL.

Since I'd forgotten all about John Abbate, I have to think he was your binky...mine haven't made it to the CFL yet.