The 2013 Prospect Thread

[manxman2601]

This guy's interesting:

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific




A 6'8-6'10" ( ) former basketball playing OT. Found reference to him in this thread. According to one of the contributors, his OL coach is Jackie Slater. A potential late round UDFA pick for the Patriots? Has the feel of a BB/Dante special.

BTW, it's a worthwhile thread to follow.

 

[mayoclinic]

Here's a question.

Assuming the prospect rankings stay as they are now (which of course they won't) and you are a GM of a team in need of strength across the board (and picking high) and bearing in mind the depth of the DE/OLB prospects in this coming draft, do you:

Draft a Jarvis Jones, Mingo etc with your high first rounder or do you draft a Amerson, Woods, Hankins etc with your first rounder and grab the best of the second tier DE's with your second rounder (Lemonier, Jordan, Devin Taylor etc)?

The reason I ask is that I'm curious what dynamic the incredible depth at DE/OLB imposes on this draft. Do all the teams picking ahead of us sup liberally at the DE well thus allowing a non DE type to fall to us or do the other teams look at this depth and think they can fill another position first and still be a able to grab a pass rusher too?

I probably stick to my board and take the highest rated DL. That probably comes down to Lotulelei (or Hankins, if he makes a big leap), Mingo or Jenkins, depending on what kind of player you need. Both DE/OLB and DT are deep. Amerson's a great athletic prospect, but I don't value DB nearly as highly as DL and he hasn't done enough to warrant him taking him aheado f any of those guys IMHO. Same with WR - I don't take WRs in the 1st round, much less with high picks. Very hard to project, and the time to impact is often long, despite the success of AJ Green and Julio Jones - and I don't think Woods is in the class of either.

 

[mayoclinic]

This guy's interesting:

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific




A 6'8-6'10" ( ) former basketball playing OT. Found reference to him in this thread. According to one of the contributors, his OL coach is Jackie Slater. A potential late round UDFA pick for the Patriots? Has the feel of a BB/Dante special.

BTW, it's a worthwhile thread to follow.

:youtheman:

Welcome back, Brother Manx. Great find. "He has the feel of a BB/Dante special" indeed. I love the kid's basketball background, which should make him a prime candidate for Dante's Dancing Academy, especially if he has a vertical above 30". A 6'8"+ 320# small school kid with terrific athleticism? Sounds like Jared Veldheer 2 years ago, and he went early 3rd round (and has been well worth it).

Nick McDonald out of Grand Valley St. is one of my favorite Pats players right now. He was signed as a UDFA by Green Bay. Mike McCarthy had some very favorable things to say about McDonald, and also had this little tidbit about small school linemen:

"Those guys coming from small schools, it just takes them a little longer to get over that hurdle. Once they do, man .?.?. you never have enough of those guys."

McCarthy high on rookie offensive lineman McDonald - JSOnline

Plus if he's coached by Jackie Slater than (1) he will have a strong grounding in fundamentals, and (2) BB will have the inside scoop on the kid.

Great find, Brother. Great find. Add him to my potential binky list to keep an eye on.

 

[Off The Grid]

This guy's interesting:

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific




A 6'8-6'10" ( ) former basketball playing OT. Found reference to him in this thread. According to one of the contributors, his OL coach is Jackie Slater. A potential late round UDFA pick for the Patriots? Has the feel of a BB/Dante special.

BTW, it's a worthwhile thread to follow.

:youtheman:

Welcome back, Brother Manx. Great find. "He has the feel of a BB/Dante special" indeed. I love the kid's basketball background, which should make him a prime candidate for Dante's Dancing Academy, especially if he has a vertical above 30". A 6'8"+ 320# small school kid with terrific athleticism? Sounds like Jared Veldheer 2 years ago, and he went early 3rd round (and has been well worth it).

Nick McDonald out of Grand Valley St. is one of my favorite Pats players right now. He was signed as a UDFA by Green Bay. Mike McCarthy had some very favorable things to say about McDonald, and also had this little tidbit about small school linemen:

McCarthy high on rookie offensive lineman McDonald - JSOnline

Plus if he's coached by Jackie Slater than (1) he will have a strong grounding in fundamentals, and (2) BB will have the inside scoop on the kid.

Great find, Brother. Great find. Add him to my potential binky list to keep an eye on.

Allow me to add my



to brother Mayo's!!

An athletic O Tackle with a BasketBall background from a small school??

Sign me UP!! :rocker:

 

[Off The Grid]

I apologise for my absence and would like to think Mayoclinic for his incredible effort of keeping this thread going. Guy is a star.

No worries, Mate!!

Brother Mayo is The Truth!! :rocker:

He is The Heart and Soul of the New EngLand Draft OnLine World, each and every year!!

 

[manxman2601]

Allow me to add my



to brother Mayo's!!

An athletic O Tackle with a BasketBall background from a small school??

Sign me UP!! :rocker:

I knew he would be right up yours and Brother Mayo's street.

 

[manxman2601]

I have a feeling this is going to be a relatively boring draft for the Pats. In terms of squad weaknesses as things stand, O/Line looks to be the greatest need in terms of replenishment and at least for me, this is probably the hardest and least inspiring player type to 'scout'. Also, unless the right OL is there in the early rounds, it's the type of position that can be addressed later (although Mankins and Vollmer suggest that waiting is not BB's preference). I also think with an exciting squad without too many future holes that this could be a trade down draft for the Pats.

So drafting OL's and trading down - not a box office smash unlike last years blockbuster (trading up and pass rushers).

 

[mayoclinic]

I have a feeling this is going to be a relatively boring draft for the Pats. In terms of squad weaknesses as things stand, O/Line looks to be the greatest need in terms of replenishment and at least for me, this is probably the hardest and least inspiring player type to 'scout'. Also, unless the right OL is there in the early rounds, it's the type of position that can be addressed later (although Mankins and Vollmer suggest that waiting is not BB's preference). I also think with an exciting squad without too many future holes that this could be a trade down draft for the Pats.

So drafting OL's and trading down - not a box office smash unlike last years blockbuster (trading up and pass rushers).

I see it differently - use the high picks to complete a dominant defense, and then add value picks to the OL.

I'm actually liking the development of some youngsters on the interior OL so far this preseason. McDonald has always been my binky, and is emerging as a 5 position lineman. Wendell has genuinely surprised me, and has outplayed Koppen. Thomas has looked solid, and may have also outplayed Koppen. With Waters gone after 2012 at the latest and Mankins and Connolly on the wrong side of 30, I'd welcome a chance for some young blood to emerge.

Unless Vollmer's back becomes a major problem, I think that Solder-Vollmer will be a dominant bookend tackle duo. Cannon is still a rookie, so I'm not rushing to judgment on him.

There's definitely room to add talent to the OL, which I wanted us to do this year. But with that nucleus and Scar's coaching, I'm not too concerned. I want to add a couple of players, but I don't see the need to spend high picks on them. I'm as excited about guys like Mark Jackson of Glenville St. and Marquardt than I am about the top rated tackles and guards. Not to mention Missouri Central St. DE David Bass. Love those kind of guys!

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

I apologise for my absence and would like to think Mayoclinic for his incredible effort of keeping this thread going. Guy is a star.

Welcome back borther! I'd like to apologize for my absence too, but I'm back now.

Brother Mayo is The Truth!! :rocker:[/IMG]

He's not our hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight. :rocker:

I have a feeling this is going to be a relatively boring draft for the Pats. In terms of squad weaknesses as things stand, O/Line looks to be the greatest need in terms of replenishment and at least for me, this is probably the hardest and least inspiring player type to 'scout'. Also, unless the right OL is there in the early rounds, it's the type of position that can be addressed later (although Mankins and Vollmer suggest that waiting is not BB's preference). I also think with an exciting squad without too many future holes that this could be a trade down draft for the Pats.

So drafting OL's and trading down - not a box office smash unlike last years blockbuster (trading up and pass rushers).

I see it differently - use the high picks to complete a dominant defense, and then add value picks to the OL.

I'm actually liking the development of some youngsters on the interior OL so far this preseason. McDonald has always been my binky, and is emerging as a 5 position lineman. Wendell has genuinely surprised me, and has outplayed Koppen. Thomas has looked solid, and may have also outplayed Koppen. With Waters gone after 2012 at the latest and Mankins and Connolly on the wrong side of 30, I'd welcome a chance for some young blood to emerge.

Unless Vollmer's back becomes a major problem, I think that Solder-Vollmer will be a dominant bookend tackle duo. Cannon is still a rookie, so I'm not rushing to judgment on him.

There's definitely room to add talent to the OL, which I wanted us to do this year. But with that nucleus and Scar's coaching, I'm not too concerned. I want to add a couple of players, but I don't see the need to spend high picks on them. I'm as excited about guys like Mark Jackson of Glenville St. and Marquardt than I am about the top rated tackles and guards. Not to mention Missouri Central St. DE David Bass. Love those kind of guys!

It's obviously early, and we aren't sure of the most pressing needs, but a draft will never be boring. Sure the O-line needs attention, but almost every position on the team could be improved. The only position that really full of talent is the half back position.

 

[patfanken]

I'm thinking that as far as draft strategy goes the Pats will likely have just 6 draft picks ....to start. (the 5 they have and one comp pick, probably a 6th). Given that we will likely be drafting in the bottom 4 again, I wouldn't be surprised to see BB trade a bit down to add a couple of additional picks to t he mix.

Considering that the Pats roster is very young on defense and very established on offense, the draft becomes more of a method to manage the cap than to add talent that improves the roster. We've gone beyond the time where we need double digit draft picks to overhaul the roster.

I happen to like our OL situation. I like some of the young guys like McDonald Cannon and Wendell. I don't see the immediate need to draft an offensive lineman early in the draft, however taking a prospect like Marquardt on the 3rd day sounds like a sound choice. As for our top choices, I see 2 areas where are likely to be headed.

IMHO the most immediate need will be at WR - Which is a good thing since that area of the draft seems to be extremely deep, so it would be likely that a very good prospect could fall to us. We REALLY need to inject some young talent into that area since, despite the obvious wealth we have now

Think about it, we COULD realistically be looking at a WR situation where only LLoyd and Edelman are back from this current group...and IIRC Edelman is a FA next season, So its even worse that we think. From riches to rags in an instant. So WR is a definite concern.

The other area would be on the DL. Its been a long time since we've drafted a big ugly for the DL. Since Wilfolk, only Ron Brace at the end of the 2nd round come to mind. That's a bit surprising since BB believes so strongly in build strong lines on both sides of the ball.

So that's my 2 cents - WR/DL - The fill in the cracks with FA's and the bottom of the draft....and ride Tom Brady to ANOTHER double digit win season.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm thinking that as far as draft strategy goes the Pats will likely have just 6 draft picks ....to start. (the 5 they have and one comp pick, probably a 6th). Given that we will likely be drafting in the bottom 4 again, I wouldn't be surprised to see BB trade a bit down to add a couple of additional picks to t he mix.

Considering that the Pats roster is very young on defense and very established on offense, the draft becomes more of a method to manage the cap than to add talent that improves the roster. We've gone beyond the time where we need double digit draft picks to overhaul the roster.

I happen to like our OL situation. I like some of the young guys like McDonald Cannon and Wendell. I don't see the immediate need to draft an offensive lineman early in the draft, however taking a prospect like Marquardt on the 3rd day sounds like a sound choice. As for our top choices, I see 2 areas where are likely to be headed.

IMHO the most immediate need will be at WR - Which is a good thing since that area of the draft seems to be extremely deep, so it would be likely that a very good prospect could fall to us. We REALLY need to inject some young talent into that area since, despite the obvious wealth we have now

Think about it, we COULD realistically be looking at a WR situation where only LLoyd and Edelman are back from this current group...and IIRC Edelman is a FA next season, So its even worse that we think. From riches to rags in an instant. So WR is a definite concern.

The other area would be on the DL. Its been a long time since we've drafted a big ugly for the DL. Since Wilfolk, only Ron Brace at the end of the 2nd round come to mind. That's a bit surprising since BB believes so strongly in build strong lines on both sides of the ball.

So that's my 2 cents - WR/DL - The fill in the cracks with FA's and the bottom of the draft....and ride Tom Brady to ANOTHER double digit win season.

To be fair, the highlighted could have been said verbatim before the last draft. Don't know if BB is all that excited about drafting WR's considering the failings at the position (although I can see a slot guy getting drafted in the later rounds).

As for the second highlighted, this is where I tend to differ with the consensus. I think the fact that we have two young DT's in Love and Deaderick that BB hasn't looked to replace/improve in the draft suggests that he is high on those two. I'm not sure DT is the priority others do.

As Mayoclinic suggested, I think this could be a draft for luxury picks, ie athletic impact gamechangers that might not have the requisite size/experience to be starters. I'm with Mayoclinic on being very high on Dion Jordan and Marqus Hunt as they fit the definition. Throw in a development QB, a dynamic receiving TE if they don't think Hernandez will re-sign and a couple of OL's, someone for the secondary and right now, I'd take that as a draft.

 

[manxman2601]

I see it differently - use the high picks to complete a dominant defense, and then add value picks to the OL.

I'm actually liking the development of some youngsters on the interior OL so far this preseason. McDonald has always been my binky, and is emerging as a 5 position lineman. Wendell has genuinely surprised me, and has outplayed Koppen. Thomas has looked solid, and may have also outplayed Koppen. With Waters gone after 2012 at the latest and Mankins and Connolly on the wrong side of 30, I'd welcome a chance for some young blood to emerge.

Unless Vollmer's back becomes a major problem, I think that Solder-Vollmer will be a dominant bookend tackle duo. Cannon is still a rookie, so I'm not rushing to judgment on him.

There's definitely room to add talent to the OL, which I wanted us to do this year. But with that nucleus and Scar's coaching, I'm not too concerned. I want to add a couple of players, but I don't see the need to spend high picks on them. I'm as excited about guys like Mark Jackson of Glenville St. and Marquardt than I am about the top rated tackles and guards. Not to mention Missouri Central St. DE David Bass. Love those kind of guys!

I probably didn't express myself all that well when I said "boring". I really just meant to say that I think we'll be trading down and positionally focusing on the OL which I do see as a a weakness (or at least unproven).

I do agree with you on strengthening the defense so that it becomes even more of a monster than it is now (at least front 7-wise). A perfect first three picks for me would be Margus Hunt, Dion Jordan and Alec Ogeltree. I know you'd go along with my first two (I'd also be perfectly happy substituting in Barrett Jones and Eric Reid). Now that would be an exciting draft.

 

[The Gr8est]

I see it differently - use the high picks to complete a dominant defense, and then add value picks to the OL.

I would prefer the Pats use their 1st round pick on another Golden Goose.

I LOVE those things; the gift that keeps on giving, and the current squad is good enough and deep enough to take the one year hit.

 

[mayoclinic]

To be fair, the highlighted could have been said verbatim before the last draft. Don't know if BB is all that excited about drafting WR's considering the failings at the position (although I can see a slot guy getting drafted in the later rounds).

I'm personally almost never a fan of drafting WRs high. It's not important enough to me as a position, it's hard to project, they often take a while to develop, and you can almost always find good ones later on. JMHO.

As for the second highlighted, this is where I tend to differ with the consensus. I think the fact that we have two young DT's in Love and Deaderick that BB hasn't looked to replace/improve in the draft suggests that he is high on those two. I'm not sure DT is the priority others do.

I'm high on Love, Deaderick and Fanene. Solid group behind Wilfork. Love is developing into a load. I like Pryor, if healthy. I also like Harrison and Forston, and think one or both could stick. But Pryor's in a contract year and can't get on the field, Love will be an RFA, and above all Wilfork is 31 and played 86% of the defensive snaps. I want at least one "big ugly" to form a dominant duo with Wilfork and to eventually replace him. And this is a stellar year for DTs.

As Mayoclinic suggested, I think this could be a draft for luxury picks, ie athletic impact gamechangers that might not have the requisite size/experience to be starters. I'm with Mayoclinic on being very high on Dion Jordan and Marqus Hunt as they fit the definition. Throw in a development QB, a dynamic receiving TE if they don't think Hernandez will re-sign and a couple of OL's, someone for the secondary and right now, I'd take that as a draft.

Besides a DT, a think DL is ALWAYS a worthwhile place to invest a high pick. I like the Giants philosophy of overloading on the DL position. I wouldn't stop even if Jones and Bequette work out great - I'd continue to overload the position. Hunt, Jordan, Buchanan, Werner ... there are some very talented players with a variety of different skill sets. I love David Bass' production and upside, as a day 3 small school kid.

As for a "dynamic receiving TE", that remains to be seen. There aren't many Aaron Hernandez' out there, which is one reason why I prize him so much. Grid badly wanted Evan Rodriguez out of Temple (went #111 in the 4th round to the Bears). My prize for 2014 is UWashington sophomore Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is going to be another Gronk, but he could well go top 15. He's that good (so was Gronk).

My developmental QB of choice is AJ McCarron of Alabama. There's some Brady in that kid.

 

[manxman2601]

@ Brother Mayo.

1. Really like McCarron as a developmental QB. In this draft I'm looking at Brad Sorensen and possibly Mike Glennon.

2. Whilst I'm with you on Jesse Williams, I'm not altogether thrilled with the DT class yet (assuming Lotulelei and Hankins are out of range).

3. Don't know if we'' ever draft an outside receiver again under BB when you can get the likes of Stallworth and Gaffney on relatively cheap money.

4. It's funny you mentioned the NYG. I wrote exactly that in my last post but then deleted it before posting. BB learns from experience. Being beaten twice by the Giants could well be the type of inspiration that takes BB down a new path. We've switched to a 4-3 and drafted/signed 4-5 DE's prior to this season. Early evidence (albeit incomplete) suggests we might be heading down the NYG path.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Besides a DT, a think DL is ALWAYS a worthwhile place to invest a high pick. I like the Giants philosophy of overloading on the DL position. I wouldn't stop even if Jones and Bequette work out great - I'd continue to overload the position. Hunt, Jordan, Buchanan, Werner ... there are some very talented players with a variety of different skill sets. I love David Bass' production and upside, as a day 3 small school kid.

4. It's funny you mentioned the NYG. I wrote exactly that in my last post but then deleted it before posting. BB learns from experience. Being beaten twice by the Giants could well be the type of inspiration that takes BB down a new path. We've switched to a 4-3 and drafted/signed 4-5 DE's prior to this season. Early evidence (albeit incomplete) suggests we might be heading down the NYG path.

You can never have enough grizzlies, but I'm not sure we're copying the Giants as much as you guys think. They play all one gap and utilize sub players for their nascar packages. It's only been one game but we haven't done much of that at all. Bill only used a one gap front with a DE at DT like the Giants do on one play vs the Saints.

 

[Off The Grid]

I'm high on Love...

Man, that is fantastic, Bro!!

~ Brother Mayo "Sharing a Moment" with his Schmoopy ~



Congratulations.

 

[mayoclinic]

Man, that is fantastic, Bro!!

~ Brother Mayo "Sharing a Moment" with his Schmoopy ~



Congratulations.

You can never be too high on Love, as long as the price is right.

 

[mayoclinic]

I would prefer the Pats use their 1st round pick on another Golden Goose.

I LOVE those things; the gift that keeps on giving, and the current squad is good enough and deep enough to take the one year hit.

BB is all about value, so if there is better value by trading back and/or out, then I'm sure he'll strongly consider it. It will all depend on who is available and what offers he gets. The 2013 draft will probably be at least 2 rounds deep with talent, so I'd welcome the kind of deal we got from New Orleans in 2011 - pick up a couple of solid players in the 2nd round and have an extra pick for 2014 - which would help increase the chances of landing Austin Seferian-Jenkins, my uber-binky on offense.

 

[patfanken]

To be fair, the highlighted could have been said verbatim before the last draft. Don't know if BB is all that excited about drafting WR's considering the failings at the position (although I can see a slot guy getting drafted in the later rounds).

As a big fan of both Sill and Reyes in the 2nd, I would agree on the DL part. But the last thing I wanted last season was a WR. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the Ebert pick, but I can deal with it assuming he'll get a Red shirt year on the PS, and have a leg up next season. His speed is intriguing.

However NEXT season is an entirely different situation. With Welker's status very cloudy and Gaffney, Stallworth, AND Branch ANOTHER year older, and even more marginal. With Edelman (love him or hate him) a potential FA. The cupboard is bare, Max.

I understand your reluctance to draft a WR that early, and in most years I'd readily agree. If we don't do something, we could be forced to bring back what might be the oldest WR corps in league history.

No Max, if there were EVER a year when BB would be justified in drafting a WR early it would be next year where the extreme need would meet a very deep and talented draft class, and there would be a good chance to grab a WR who would be a value and worthy of the pick, at (hopefully) the 32nd spot.

As for the second highlighted, this is where I tend to differ with the consensus. I think the fact that we have two young DT's in Love and Deaderick that BB hasn't looked to replace/improve in the draft suggests that he is high on those two. I'm not sure DT is the priority others do.

While I don't disagree. I still think its been too long between getting a "big ugly" early, so if BB doesn't go for a WR, I'd want him to grab a DT

As Mayoclinic suggested, I think this could be a draft for luxury picks, ie athletic impact gamechangers that might not have the requisite size/experience to be starters. I'm with Mayoclinic on being very high on Dion Jordan and Marqus Hunt as they fit the definition. Throw in a development QB, a dynamic receiving TE if they don't think Hernandez will re-sign and a couple of OL's, someone for the secondary and right now, I'd take that as a draft.

I don't think we have the luxury of ignoring what COULD be a glaring need at WR next April. However when your first 2 picks are likely to be in the area of 32 and 64, I don't think you can pass on a guy you might consider a "dynamic player", over a player who might fill a perceived need.

By the time the Pats will pick, their choices of "dynamic players" is going to be thin....at best. That's why I think WR could be a place where they can find a "dynamic player", simply because of the potential depth at the position, its more likely that a player who fits that "dynamic" description will be there.