The 2013 Prospect Thread

[State]

Yup. Here's the ESPN hype machine comparing Lewan to a young Jake Long:

Analyst says Michigan's Taylor Lewan will be elite NFL prospect in 2013, Denard Robinson won't be a QB

Lewan's somewhere between 6'7"-6'8" and around 300-310#.

In October we could see William Gholston go against Taylor Lewan.

Last year Gholston had his facemask grabbed by Lewan who dragged him to the ground. The Detroit native, unstoppable in the bowl game against Georgia, came up swinging.

It should be interesting. Gholston is now 285-290 with lots of growth potential. A real 6' 7" guy with incredible strength.

 

[patsfaninpa]

In October we could see William Gholston go against Taylor Lewan.

Last year Gholston had his facemask grabbed by Lewan who dragged him to the ground. The Detroit native, unstoppable in the bowl game against Georgia, came up swinging.

It should be interesting. Gholston is now 285-290 with lots of growth potential. A real 6' 7" guy with incredible strength.

I've got no problem popping a Michigan guy in the face...LOL.. I wouldn't have a problem going D-Line next year too. 1-2. Andre Carter if we re-up him is getting up there. We don't know what we have in Bequette. Could use depth at de. Can upgrade dt too. I think d-line is going to be a strong area in next years draft if a lot of the underclassmen declare. And, they usually do. We're not talking mensas here for the most part. We're talking about the underclassmen a lot. Two seniors who returned are Devin Taylor - South Carolina. Probably needed to. Didn't have a great year and could put some muscle on. Another whom I thought had a good year and surprised he didn't come out was Brandon Jenkins - Florida St. Not the biggest guy was 6'3" 258lb. But, has good pass rushing moves.

 

[mayoclinic]

In October we could see William Gholston go against Taylor Lewan.

Last year Gholston had his facemask grabbed by Lewan who dragged him to the ground. The Detroit native, unstoppable in the bowl game against Georgia, came up swinging.

It should be interesting. Gholston is now 285-290 with lots of growth potential. A real 6' 7" guy with incredible strength.

Gholston's one of the more interesting draft eligible defensive prospects for 2013. Great length and strength and a frame that can bulk up. He came to Michigan St. as a LB and has nice movement skills for his size. He'll be someone to keep an eye on.

 

[mayoclinic]

This is a mistake by Pauline. This kid is a really good player. He can play OG or OT and he dominates the LOS while also being decent in pass protection. He is a knee bender who can sink his hips, decent with his hands, although I wish he were more violent with his hands.

Upshaw said that Jones is the best player he has played against in college football.

I completely agree. Barrett Jones is probably my #3 prospect for the Pats for 2013 right now after Lotulelei and Johnathan Hankins. He's a perfect Pats kind of prospect - tough, smart, durable, a leader, and incredibly versatile. He could probably be a Pro Bowl OL at every position except maybe left tackle. His ceiling may not be as high as some of the more athletic guys, but his floor is higher than most guys' ceiling.

 

[Coach42]

I completely agree. Barrett Jones is probably my #3 prospect for the Pats for 2013 right now after Lotulelei and Johnathan Hankins. He's a perfect Pats kind of prospect - tough, smart, durable, a leader, and incredibly versatile. He could probably be a Pro Bowl OL at every position except maybe left tackle. His ceiling may not be as high as some of the more athletic guys, but his floor is higher than most guys' ceiling.

Nice to see you back in action brother Mayo.....

 

[manxman2601]

I think for any prospect we're considering for the Patriots we need to ask one thing above all else. Are they a team captain? Judging by the last two drafts, if the answer is no, their chances of being drafted by the Patriots are drastically reduced. Also likely out of the running for early picks are small-schoolers and considering the contacts within the conference and the most recent draft, big-10ers look like they might be getting a boost.

Oh yes, and if a running back, look to the SEC: Brandon Boldin, Steven Ridley, BJGE.

 

[mayoclinic]

I think for any prospect we're considering for the Patriots we need to ask one thing above all else. Are they a team captain? Judging by the last two drafts, if the answer is no, their chances of being drafted by the Patriots are drastically reduced. Also likely out of the running for early picks are small-schoolers and considering the contacts within the conference and the most recent draft, big-10ers look like they might be getting a boost.

Oh yes, and if a running back, look to the SEC: Brandon Boldin, Steven Ridley, BJGE.

It's an interesting discussion. I understand your point, but I'm not so sure I'd pigeonhole BB quite that much. He always does the unexpected. He's not averse to small school players (Taylor Price; Kyle Arrington and Danny Woodhead are major contributors, though they weren't drafted). Logan Mankins was a 1st round out of the WAC, so certainly he should consider guys from schools like Boise St. Although I think that he clearly gives a nod to players who are proven by competition at a high level, I wouldn't rule out someone else. Similarly for team captains - BB drafted 5 in 2010, but he drafted 12 players. I don't believe Rob Gronkowski was a team captain, though I'm not certain. Again, I think you are right that it is a big consideration - just not a hard and fast rule.

As for RBs from the SEC, Laurence Maroney came from the Big 10. OTOH, maybe that proves your point. :violent:

 

[NinjaZX6R]

For me, Nathan Williams. Prob right now a 5-7th rd pick. He is a DE/ OLB and a Rob Ninko type player. He is actually good in coverage.

 

[manxman2601]

Mocking The Draft have a list of 10 small-schoolers to keep an eye on. The QB I mentioned earlier, Brad Sorensen, tops the list:

2013 NCAA Small School Stand-Outs - Mocking The Draft

 

[mayoclinic]

Mocking The Draft have a list of 10 small-schoolers to keep an eye on. The QB I mentioned earlier, Brad Sorensen, tops the list:

2013 NCAA Small School Stand-Outs - Mocking The Draft

But also ...

Also likely out of the running for early picks are small-schoolers.

Seriously, nice list. And of course I'm elated to see another space-eating DT on the list - 6'3" 325# Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern. The more the merrier.

 

[Defsoul]

It's an interesting discussion. I understand your point, but I'm not so sure I'd pigeonhole BB quite that much. He always does the unexpected. He's not averse to small school players (Taylor Price; Kyle Arrington and Danny Woodhead are major contributors, though they weren't drafted). Logan Mankins was a 1st round out of the WAC, so certainly he should consider guys from schools like Boise St. Although I think that he clearly gives a nod to players who are proven by competition at a high level, I wouldn't rule out someone else. Similarly for team captains - BB drafted 5 in 2010, but he drafted 12 players. I don't believe Rob Gronkowski was a team captain, though I'm not certain. Again, I think you are right that it is a big consideration - just not a hard and fast rule.

As for RBs from the SEC, Laurence Maroney came from the Big 10. OTOH, maybe that proves your point. :violent:

Logan Mankins was coached by Pat Hill who was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns under Belichick. So there was a connection that might have played a role. The Patriots also drafted James Sanders in 2005 out of Fresno State.

As far as draft prospects goes: Keep an eye on Bjoern Werner from Germany. He is playing defensive end for FSU.

 

[manxman2601]

But also ...





Seriously, nice list. And of course I'm elated to see another space-eating DT on the list - 6'3" 325# Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern. The more the merrier.

Well I didn't necessarily peg them as early rounders nor suggest them as Pats, just sharing more info.

Which begs the question. If true that BB favours bigger schools/conferences early, what's the cutoff?

If we say that the bigger conferences are:

SEC
Big 10
Big 12
Big East
ACC
PAC 12.

Looking at previous drafts and the earliest they've drafted anyone outside these conferences:

2012 - None
2011 - 5th Round (Marcus Cannon, Lee Smith)
2010 - 3rd round (Taylor Price)
2009 - 2nd Round (Sebastian Vollmer)
2008 - 3rd Round (Kevin O'Connell)
2007 - 5th Round (Clint Oldenburg)
2006 - 4th Round (Garrett Mills)
2005 - 1st Round (Fresno State)
2004 - None
2003 - 4th Round (Asante Samuel)
2002 - None
2001 - 4th Round (Kenyatta Jones)

So Mankins and Vollmer are the obvious exceptions, but whilst there's probably no hard and fast rule, it really looks like the third and fourth rounds are where BB will start to consider non big conference prospects.

It's pretty difficult to discern any obvious patterns to BB's drafting. Short of measurables, there's not a lot there. I think I saw that only about 10% of his draftees are underclassmen and the Patriots draft history is full of big conference teams so if, when doing a mock, one was to err on the side of caution, a big conference senior is a better bet than a smaller conference junior.

One more possiblity. The Pats took a prospect from the Nick Saban led Michigan State in 2000 and 2001. Between 2002-4, the Pats took three prospects from the Nick Saban led LSU and have now taken two prospects from the Nick Saban led Alabama. Here's hoping Barrett Jones or Jesse Williams continue that trend.

 

[mayoclinic]

Well I didn't necessarily peg them as early rounders nor suggest them as Pats, just sharing more info.

I was just yanking your chain - hence the "seriously" addendum. It's a good discussion.

Which begs the question. If true that BB favours bigger schools/conferences early, what's the cutoff?

If we say that the bigger conferences are:

SEC
Big 10
Big 12
Big East
ACC
PAC 12.

Looking at previous drafts and the earliest they've drafted anyone outside these conferences:

2012 - None
2011 - 5th Round (Marcus Cannon, Lee Smith)
2010 - 3rd round (Taylor Price)
2009 - 2nd Round (Sebastian Vollmer)
2008 - 3rd Round (Kevin O'Connell)
2007 - 5th Round (Clint Oldenburg)
2006 - 4th Round (Garrett Mills)
2005 - 1st Round (Fresno State)
2004 - None
2003 - 4th Round (Asante Samuel)
2002 - None
2001 - 4th Round (Kenyatta Jones)

So Mankins and Vollmer are the obvious exceptions, but whilst there's probably no hard and fast rule, it really looks like the third and fourth rounds are where BB will start to consider non big conference prospects.

There's been some suggestion that the caliber of competition may have played into favoring Tavon Wilson over Trumaine Johnson, who was widely mocked to the Pats at 48 and rumored to be the pick. Although other factors could just as easily be involved - Johnson had some off-field issues and character questions, was rumored to be a bit selfish, and perhaps did not have Wilson's smarts. He also didn't have as much actual experience playing both CB and safety. All of those could have been considerations.

It's pretty difficult to discern any obvious patterns to BB's drafting. Short of measurables, there's not a lot there. I think I saw that only about 10% of his draftees are underclassmen and the Patriots draft history is full of big conference teams so if, when doing a mock, one was to err on the side of caution, a big conference senior is a better bet than a smaller conference junior.

It certainly used to be the case that BB seemed to favor seniors over juniors. But Jerod Mayo was a junior taken at #10, Chandler Jones was taken at #21, Rob Gronkowski at #42, Shane Vereen at #56, Stevan Ridley at #73, and Aaron Hernandez at #113. The Pats traded up for both Jones and Gronkowski. As you say, it's pretty difficult to discern any obvious patters to BB's drafting.

One more possiblity. The Pats took a prospect from the Nick Saban led Michigan State in 2000 and 2001. Between 2002-4, the Pats took three prospects from the Nick Saban led LSU and have now taken two prospects from the Nick Saban led Alabama. Here's hoping Barrett Jones or Jesse Williams continue that trend.

From your lips to God's ears. I'm higher on Barrett and Williams than I have EVER been on any Saban prospects. And there have been a lot of damn good ones. I also wouldn't be averse to Johnathan Hankins from Urban Meyer-led Ohio St.

 

[mayoclinic]

Here's a brief look at the 7 DTs who currently look to be potential 1st or 2nd round picks for 2013:

Seniors:

1. Star Lotulelei, Utah. 6'3" 325#

2. Jesse Williams, Alabama. 6'4" 330#

3. Kawann Short, Purdue. 6'3" 315#

4. John Jenkins, Georgia. 6'4" 340#

5. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina. 6'3" 320#

Juniors:

1. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio St. 6'4" 320#

2. Kwame Geathers, Georgia. 6'5" 345#

 

[ZoisKing]

Thanks for that pic list mayo.

And just as a random thought, Jarvis Jones is currently talked about as the top pass rusher in college football. However, when you look at this list, and you see that he is a bookend to two massive DTs then you wonder how much of the production is truly his.

 

[mayoclinic]

Thanks for that pic list mayo.

And just as a random thought, Jarvis Jones is currently talked about as the top pass rusher in college football. However, when you look at this list, and you see that he is a bookend to two massive DTs then you wonder how much of the production is truly his.

Well, it certainly helps to be playing alongside/behind 700 lbs. of beef. It opens up a lot of things for a fast, athletic guy like Jenkins that would otherwise perhaps not be available. But any of those guys next to Vince Wilfork in the Pats' lineup and it will open up a lot of opportunities for guys like Jones, Hightower and Mayo.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Dude, I love Johnny Hankins. He was good last year and HE WAS FAT. Played the 5 tech (Cam Heyward's spot) and was amazing.

This year, Meyer put everyone (d line and O line) on a strength and conditioning program and he has lost weight. App he is now quicker and more agile.


I see him as a Vince Wilfork type player.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Thanks for that pic list mayo.

And just as a random thought, Jarvis Jones is currently talked about as the top pass rusher in college football. However, when you look at this list, and you see that he is a bookend to two massive DTs then you wonder how much of the production is truly his.

The other de opposite Jarvis Jones is Cornelius Washington. He played olb in their 3-4 last year. Supposedly ran a 4.4 forty. Here's an article on his fory time and another on his position switch. Georgia is going to be an interesting team to follow. Also, have a safety in Baccari Rambo to keep an eye on. He's moving to de this year. I'm leery of drafting Jones if he couldn't pass USC's physical.

Cornelius Washington is READY!! | DawgBarkCEO | Dawgbark.net

Georgia's Cornelius Washington excited about position switch | The Augusta Chronicle

 

[ZoisKing]

Well, it certainly helps to be playing alongside/behind 700 lbs. of beef. It opens up a lot of things for a fast, athletic guy like Jenkins that would otherwise perhaps not be available. But any of those guys next to Vince Wilfork in the Pats' lineup and it will open up a lot of opportunities for guys like Jones, Hightower and Mayo.

That's what I'm going to enjoy looking forward to this coming season, and the 2013 draft. If Wilfork could get some help on that line, then this team would be stellar up front.

I'd like to see what kind of opportunities our pass rushers could benefit from with less attention paid to them. I really think we're one draft away from a dominant defense.

 

[ZoisKing]

The other de opposite Jarvis Jones is Cornelius Washington. He played olb in their 3-4 last year. Supposedly ran a 4.4 forty. Here's an article on his fory time and another on his position switch. Georgia is going to be an interesting team to follow. Also, have a safety in Baccari Rambo to keep an eye on. He's moving to de this year. I'm leery of drafting Jones if he couldn't pass USC's physical.

Cornelius Washington is READY!! | DawgBarkCEO | Dawgbark.net

Georgia's Cornelius Washington excited about position switch | The Augusta Chronicle

Really good stuff patsfaninpa! That size and speed ratio is rare.

That entire defensive line is going to be something to watch next year. Actually, the SEC is loaded with frontline talent (not that that's news). However, the Georgia line is looking to be on another level as a single unit, and will be fun to watch.