When you guys mention SILB, what specifically are you referring to? The classic definition is the linebacker who lines up on the TE side. I doubt this is what you all mean since I haven't noticed the Pats adjust the ILB matchups based on the TE formation.
The other common usage is to describe the run stuffing LB. "Stack-n-Shed" and all that stuff. The implication is a bigger, stronger player but possibly sacrificing coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline speed.
In my observations, it seems like Belichick doesn't really have a "strong vs. weak"...just a "right vs. left". Same for the safeties, but that is for another thread. Seems to me that Belichick doesn't want the opposing offense (particularly the QB) to know the responsibilities of the defenders just by a) where they are positioned pre-snap or b) the fact that they are even on the field.
For example, if the same player always has responsibility for run action, I know that play-action will predictably move him (or at least freeze him). Isn't that exactly where any QB would attack with a quick passing game? Since coverage isn't this guy's strong suit anyway, doesn't he quickly become a weak point in the defense against any reasonably proficient passing team?
The problem I think everyone is having is that Guyton has been cast as a weak-only guy...necessarily making Mayo the SILB, which by the definition above doesn't seem to fit well. Guyton isn't a real fit as a 3-4 ILB, strong or weak. He is really a situational guy or a 4-3 OLB. Though he has held up surprisingly well despite being not ideally cast in this role, which is a credit to him.
So in regards to the draft...wouldn't the Pats be looking for an ILB that, "with his versatility, he can line up for a few plays at each linebacker position to keep the offense's blocking schemes having to account for him at all times." That is from the 2008 draft profile of Tyrone McKenzie.
So who does that describe in this draft class? From the little I've seen of him, I'd have to vote for Misi. Though Edds does seem to always be in a position to make plays, the Big Ten isn't really representative of the passing/spread formations he will see in the NFL. The practice reports on him from the Senior Bowl were positive in his ability to "do it all", so maybe he would be a good fit.
