Serious question: Why did BB finally select LBx2 this year?

[ctpatsfan77]

Here's my question: did BB change his criteria for what a first-round OLB-type needed to be, or is it simply that he didn't see anyone (other than Mayo in 2008) until this year worth drafting?

 

[AzPatsFan]

BB has tried to find LBs that fit his schemes. Every year there seemed to be only one or two and those guys were gonr in the top 15. Way out of reach.

Finally there were a few guys that had his requisite size, speed, and talent levels, so he stocked up. Good Job.

 

[makoute]

Like I stated in the thread in the draft forum, he really didn't have a choice. They need OLB.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

BB has tried to find LBs that fit his schemes. Every year there seemed to be only one or two and those guys were gonr in the top 15. Way out of reach.

Finally there were a few guys that had his requisite size, speed, and talent levels, so he stocked up. Good Job.

Isn't Hightower on the short side of what BB supposedly looks for (6'4"+)?

 

[Sciz]

I'm wondering if a possible switch to the 4-3 (again) could explain it. Jones has everything Belichick wants except long speed, and Hightower lacks a little length as a 3-4 OLB. Both problems are covered up a little by the 4-3.

That said, you don't often see a National Champion LB who runs sub-4.7 at 265 pounds or a 6'5", 265 pound DE with 35.5" arms get out of the first half of the first round. It all worked out.

 

[Ring 6]

Here's my question: did BB change his criteria for what a first-round OLB-type needed to be, or is it simply that he didn't see anyone (other than Mayo in 2008) until this year worth drafting?

I don't think there is a mystical answer. I think the boring answer is the right one.
He looked at his team, considered the best way to use his picks, and found 2 LBs that could help the team and were value for the slot. Same as all his other picks.

 

[Spergon Wynn]

A mix of the right players being there and value.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

Because we lost Mark Anderson and Andre Carter...

 

[PATSNUTme]

First Jones is a DE and the Patriots have changed to a hybrid defense. It's not the 3-4 of years past.
Secondly Hightower can play multiple positions so BB will use him in various ways. Jones should be mostly a pass rushing DE for the first year or two.

I love these picks.

 

[Ring 6]

Isn't Hightower on the short side of what BB supposedly looks for (6'4"+)?

I don't think the height is a prerequisite, I think that the skillset needed normally is accompanied by height.
There is reallly nothing substantial that an inch and a half changes, but when you consider the rigorous requirements for an OLB in our system, most guys that meet them happen to also be tall.
Roman Phifer was 6'2
Colvin 6'3
TBC 6'2
A Thomas 6'2
Cunningham 6'2
Ninko 6'3

at 6'2 1/2 Hightower is actually exactly the typical size for a BB OLB, and he weighs more than anyone on that list but Thomas.
Only Vrabel at 6'4 and McG at 6'5 were substantially taller, and looking over the rosters under BB, they appear to be the exceptions not the rule.

 

[Ring 6]

First Jones is a DE and the Patriots have changed to a hybrid defense. It's not the 3-4 of years past.
Secondly Hightower can play multiple positions so BB will use him in various ways. Jones should be mostly a pass rushing DE for the first year or two.

I love these picks.

I don't think we can be certain at all what defense we will be playing in 2012.
2011 is hard to project from because BB was clear in stating that the move to the 43 was motivated by being easier to install while dealing with a shortened camp.
There really isn't any indication that he has had a philosophical change.

I do agree though that Jones most important role is playing 30 snaps a game as a pass rusher in the sub package, and any contribution in the base defense is gravy.

 

[Sciz]

I don't think the height is a prerequisite, I think that the skillset needed normally is accompanied by height.
There is reallly nothing substantial that an inch and a half changes, but when you consider the rigorous requirements for an OLB in our system, most guys that meet them happen to also be tall.
Roman Phifer was 6'2
Colvin 6'3
TBC 6'2
A Thomas 6'2
Cunningham 6'2
Ninko 6'3

at 6'2 1/2 Hightower is actually exactly the typical size for a BB OLB, and he weighs more than anyone on that list but Thomas.
Only Vrabel at 6'4 and McG at 6'5 were substantially taller, and looking over the rosters under BB, they appear to be the exceptions not the rule.

Cunningham is technically 6' 3 3/8", but close enough. Lack of height is also a smaller problem is that player already has enough bulk. That's something that Thomas, Cunningham, Ninkovich, and now Hightower all have. Under 6'4", but over 255 pounds.

 

[Deus Irae]

It was a combination of need and the fact that the draft fell almost perfectly. The cost for locking up desired players was just a 3rd and 4th, keeping the pair of 2nds in play for tomorrow.

 

[Henroc]

Here's my question: did BB change his criteria for what a first-round OLB-type needed to be, or is it simply that he didn't see anyone (other than Mayo in 2008) until this year worth drafting?

Honestly i think it has something to do with the front office. meaning kraft. I know belichick is the HC and the GM but what if Kraft decided to finally tell BB like " Hey Bill its about time we stop playing around and finally start building a defense we can be proud of. Do it or suffer the consequences!" lol OKAY maybe not all of that but something to that nature? maybe?

 

[PatsFanStnfrd]

Remember Jason Pierre-Paul had great measurables, just a year w/ a Florida school, and a fast-riser. The Giants picked him as a pass-rusher @15, two picks ahead of NE picking Solder last year. So, Pierre-Paul worked out great for the Gints.

Chandler Jones is this year's Pierre-Paul, similar measurables, lack of college production but great motor and potential. Those are rare traits that can't be taught. The rest is coachable.

Hightower is a versatile LB who was coveted by Steelers, Ravens, Jets. So there. BB got him.

Great for the Pats. Decisive. Quality. ImPact!!!!!!

 

[manxman2601]

I think one important factor is that they're both sound against the run. Chandler Jones gets high but his long arms help him in the run game. Hightower is coached well and assignment sound. I never really thought BB was going to take a linear athlete like Nick Perry or Bruce Irvin.

Both also seem to be plus characters.

One final thought. Does anyone think Aldon Smith's success last year might have sold BB on Chandler Jones?

 

[Huckleberry1]

I think it was opportunity. The Patriots brought in more DL last year and played more 4-3 than they have in years, and I really believe Belichick is changing back to a 3-4 base with the joker DE/OLB positions giving them 4 down on the fly. The LB's are going to be the heart of this defense for the next year or two and the DL is going to be expected to clog lanes and tie up blockers. Belichick is more willing to go with the project in Jones because the opening is there for him while Hightower is good enough and ready enough to step into his defense tomorrow, and that's rare. I honestly can't believe they came out of this draft with both of these players. This is my favorite 1st round in years of following the draft.

 

[patfanken]

Cunningham is technically 6' 3 3/8", but close enough. Lack of height is also a smaller problem is that player already has enough bulk. That's something that Thomas, Cunningham, Ninkovich, and now Hightower all have. Under 6'4", but over 255 pounds.

I think its less about height and more about the arm length that usually comes with the height. A shorter guy with long arms is good, while a tall guy with short arms wouldn't be.

Also it could be in BB's mind that he didn't draft 2 OLBs today. He could see Jones growing into a true 300lb 3-4 DE over the next few years.

 

[strngplyr]

I think its less about height and more about the arm length that usually comes with the height. A shorter guy with long arms is good, while a tall guy with short arms wouldn't be.

Also it could be in BB's mind that he didn't draft 2 OLBs today. He could see Jones growing into a true 300lb 3-4 DE over the next few years.

I don't see Jones putting on 35+ lbs, maybe 15-20. You don't turn an athlete like him into a body to occupy blockers on the line.

 

[unoriginal]

People aren't going to like this, but the Pats learned something from what the Jets did five years ago.

14. Darrelle Revis
47. David Harris
177. Jacob Bender
235. Chansi Stuckey

That's the Jets haul from the 2007 Draft, which some of the draft gurus here have compared this one too, in the sense that the talent is spotty up front and completely falls off the table on "Day 3." The Jets traded the 25th, 59th, and 164th pick to move up to 14. They traded the 63rd, the 89th, and the 191st pick to move up to 47.

Previous to the draft, they had traded the 37th pick for Thomas Jones and the 63rd pick. They had traded the 124th pick for RB Kevan Barlow, the 200th pick for CB Pete Hunter, and they had originally traded the 235th pick for OL Steve Morley before getting it back in the trade for 47.

In short, the Jets either (a) threw their picks at pre-draft trades for veterans, particularly in later rounds or (b) aggressively packaged mid-round picks to move up the board to pick and choose the few values they saw up high.

The Patriots also traded picks for veterans successfully (Wes Welker for a 2nd and 7th, Randy Moss for a 4th) but sat at 24th and took the last survivor in a run on DBs that the Jets kicked off at 14. They then traded the 28th pick forward, rather lucratively it turned out (Jerod Mayo in 2008). Then the Patriots sat at 91 and watched the Eagles take the linebacker they wanted at 87, Stewart Bradley, and then traded that pick forward too. They were then left with a slew of late round picks, none of which made the roster.

For this year's draft, the Pats ejected all their late-round picks early for veterans (5th for Ochocinco, 6th for Tracy White, 7th for Jarrad Page) and have used their mid-round picks to jump ahead of teams likely to draft the same positions or the specific player they were targeting.

Seems like they've tweaked their strategy in talent-poor drafts; take shots at vets with worthless picks, and trade up into the middle of runs at positions of need instead of waiting around and hoping you can trade into next year.