My Blueprint for the Defense

[mayoclinic]

The 10 players who I am most interested in right now, in terms of their general fit into the defense as I would like to see it develop:

1. Aaron Donald (mid 1st round). Disruptive interior penetrator.
2. Dominique Easly (early 2nd round). Disruptive interior penetrator.
3. Ra'Shede Hageman (late 1st round). Disruptive defensive force.
4. Ryan Shazier (late 1st round). Speed LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
5. Christian Jones (late day 2/early day 3). All-purpose LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
6. Jordan Tripp (late day 2/early day 3). All-purpose LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
7. Antone Exum (early day 3). CB/S hybrid who complements our existing secondary.
8. Terrance Fede (late day 3). Base edge defender with explosiveness and upside.
9. Marcus Smith (3rd round). Explosive hybrid edge defender who can play out of 2- or 3-point stance and play in space.
10 (tie). Demarcus Lawrence/Jeremiah Attaochu (3rd round). Explosive hybrid edge defender who can play out of 2- or 3-point stance and play in space.

Phillip Gaines and Kyle Fuller would be on the list, but they will go higher than I would take a DB.

 

[All22PatsFan]

The 10 players who I am most interested in right now, in terms of their general fit into the defense as I would like to see it develop:

1. Aaron Donald (mid 1st round). Disruptive interior penetrator.
2. Dominique Easly (early 2nd round). Disruptive interior penetrator.
3. Ra'Shede Hageman (late 1st round). Disruptive defensive force.
4. Ryan Shazier (late 1st round). Speed LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
5. Christian Jones (late day 2/early day 3). All-purpose LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
6. Jordan Tripp (late day 2/early day 3). All-purpose LB who is explosive and fluid in space.
7. Antone Exum (early day 3). CB/S hybrid who complements our existing secondary.
8. Terrance Fede (late day 3). Base edge defender with explosiveness and upside.
9. Marcus Smith (3rd round). Explosive hybrid edge defender who can play out of 2- or 3-point stance and play in space.
10 (tie). Demarcus Lawrence/Jeremiah Attaochu (3rd round). Explosive hybrid edge defender who can play out of 2- or 3-point stance and play in space.

Phillip Gaines and Kyle Fuller would be on the list, but they will go higher than I would take a DB.

Great list. But no way Attaochu lasts to 3rd round, he could go late 1st\early 2nd. Also check out DaQuan Jones. His game vs Michigan was really impressive.

 

[Big-T]

Great list. But no way Attaochu lasts to 3rd round, he could go late 1st\early 2nd.

CBS has him ranked 64th overall and projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder at the minute, can't see him going in the first with some of the other edge rushers available.

 

[All22PatsFan]

CBS has him ranked 64th overall and projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder at the minute, can't see him going in the first with some of the other edge rushers available.

I'd rank him #4. If you consider Mack an Edge rusher.
1. Clowney
2. Mack
3. Ford
4. Attaochu
I think teams are keeping quiet on him. Draft experts will push him there boards soon enough. The film experts like Kevin Weldi and Todd McShay rank him a lot higher then #64 though. McShay even said he had the senor season that Anthony Barr should have had.

 

[mayoclinic]

Great list. But no way Attaochu lasts to 3rd round, he could go late 1st\early 2nd. Also check out DaQuan Jones. His game vs Michigan was really impressive.

Attaochu could be a riser, and I think 2nd round is possible, though I'm skeptical about late 1st. Anything could happen, but he's pretty raw, it's a strong draft, and he doesn't have the "wow" factor or measurables. It's not clear to me that he's better than Dee Ford, Marcus Smith or Demarcus Lawrence, and so far I haven't seen him do anything to differentiate himself from the field. But it's still pretty early.

I am not a DaQuan Jones fan at all. I think he's exactly what he don't need. He lacks explosiveness. He's not in my top 10 list of DTs that I like, much less players.

I should emphasize that that list was NOT a ranking, but a list of 10 guys at different points in the draft who intrigued me, fit the direction I think he defense needs to go, and fit into open needs. There were other guys who are good players who I didn't think fit, and guys who fit but the need was lesser (which was why I left off guys like Dontae Johnson). The positions which I'm most interested in right now are a disruptive DT (Donald, Easley, Hageman), a hybrid edge player who can play in space (Smith, Attaochu, Lawrence), an explosive and versatile space LB who both cover and rush (Shazier, Jones, Tripp), a SS or CB/S or LB/S hybrid (Exum), and a developmental base DE with explosiveness and versatility (Fede).

 

[All22PatsFan]

Attaochu could be a riser, and I think 2nd round is possible, though I'm skeptical about late 1st. Anything could happen, but he's pretty raw, it's a strong draft, and he doesn't have the "wow" factor or measurables. It's not clear to me that he's better than Dee Ford, Marcus Smith or Demarcus Lawrence, and so far I haven't seen him do anything to differentiate himself from the field. But it's still pretty early.

I am not a DaQuan Jones fan at all. I think he's exactly what he don't need. He lacks explosiveness. He's not in my top 10 list of DTs that I like, much less players.

I should emphasize that that list was NOT a ranking, but a list of 10 guys at different points in the draft who intrigued me, fit the direction I think he defense needs to go, and fit into open needs. There were other guys who are good players who I didn't think fit, and guys who fit but the need was lesser (which was why I left off guys like Dontae Johnson).

I think he is more explosive than Hageman. Watch Jones vs Michigan. If you watched the Nebraska game he had a weird assignments and he wasn't rushing the passer. So that could have messed up your analysis.

 

[mayoclinic]

A couple of nice reads on Cover 1 and Cover 1 Robber schemes:

http://jimlightsfootballblog.wordpr... 1 Robber Defense | Jim Light's Football Blog

The Tape Never Lies: Analyzing Cover 1 and Cover 1 Robber | 100 Yards and Running | Blogs | theScore.com

I could a Cover 1 Robber really excelling with someone like Christian Jones or Jordan Trip at MLB. Think Sean Lee/Kiko Alonso. I'm not sure Dont'a Hightower has the coverage ability to pull it off.

 

[Patriot Missile]

A couple of nice reads on Cover 1 and Cover 1 Robber schemes:

http://jimlightsfootballblog.wordpr... 1 Robber Defense | Jim Light's Football Blog

The Tape Never Lies: Analyzing Cover 1 and Cover 1 Robber | 100 Yards and Running | Blogs | theScore.com

I could a Cover 1 Robber really excelling with someone like Christian Jones or Jordan Trip at MLB. Think Sean Lee/Kiko Alonso. I'm not sure Dont'a Hightower has the coverage ability to pull it off.

If we get 1 of those two I'd be a happy man come May. Not saying they are Lavonte David-Bobby Wagner but their style of play is similar. I'd hate to miss out again.

 

[manxman2601]

I have just spent the most bizarre 20 minutes or so. The reason? I've been watching Dominique Easley. How can one player look so bad on one play and then other-worldly on the next. At times I think he's better than Aaron Donald, at others, I literally throw my hands up in disgust.

1. His get off at the snap is amazing and he plays with such violence that offensive linemen just have no idea what to do. Half the time they're back in the QB's face before he's caught the ball from the shotgun snap. Absolutely amazing. In that regard, I'd grade him higher than Donald.

2. But then, he does all that hard work only for a RB to run right past his shoulder. I don't think Easley has any awareness whatsoever. He has a horrible tendency to bury his head down into his chest as he battles a lineman - he's too interested in winning a one on one battle rather than controlling a play. On one play against Tennesee he got turned around so that his back was to the ball. He had absolutely no idea what was going on. On one play against Miami he absolutely destroyed an offensive lineman. On the very next play, the RB ran right past him for a big gain because Easley was so intent on penetrating.

This might be the hardest evaluation I've made. I love his versatility, more so than Donald, I love his on-field craziness and his explosion and his quickness. In that regard, he's a clear first rounder. But he's going to make a lot of bad plays too and then I think there's no way I'd touch him in the first two rounds.

I think, I'm going to give him a third round grade with the caveat that I'll lick my lips in anticipation of some genuine excitement if we pick him earlier. But there's no way I would. I am very right now.

I cannot stress just how flummoxed I was by watching Easley. Equal measures of AMAZING! and horrible.

 

[mayoclinic]

I have just spent the most bizarre 20 minutes or so. The reason? I've been watching Dominique Easley. How can one player look so bad on one play and then other-worldly on the next. At times I think he's better than Aaron Donald, at others, I literally throw my hands up in disgust.

1. His get off at the snap is amazing and he plays with such violence that offensive linemen just have no idea what to do. Half the time they're back in the QB's face before he's caught the ball from the shotgun snap. Absolutely amazing. In that regard, I'd grade him higher than Donald.

2. But then, he does all that hard work only for a RB to run right past his shoulder. I don't think Easley has any awareness whatsoever. He has a horrible tendency to bury his head down into his chest as he battles a lineman - he's too interested in winning a one on one battle rather than controlling a play. On one play against Tennesee he got turned around so that his back was to the ball. He had absolutely no idea what was going on. On one play against Miami he absolutely destroyed an offensive lineman. On the very next play, the RB ran right past him for a big gain because Easley was so intent on penetrating.

This might be the hardest evaluation I've made. I love his versatility, more so than Donald, I love his on-field craziness and his explosion and his quickness. In that regard, he's a clear first rounder. But he's going to make a lot of bad plays too and then I think there's no way I'd touch him in the first two rounds.

I think, I'm going to give him a third round grade with the caveat that I'll lick my lips in anticipation of some genuine excitement if we pick him earlier. But there's no way I would. I am very right now.

I cannot stress just how flummoxed I was by watching Easley. Equal measures of AMAZING! and horrible.

I generally agree that Easley has a bit more versatility than Donald, and that Donald has much better ball and situational awareness. Donald is a true senior, and Easley is a junior who had 2 seasons cut short by injury, which probably affected his technical development. Some of his flaws can be corrected, but what he has can't be taught. I'd still take him in the high 2nd round, and maybe at 29, but I understand your concerns.

 

[patchick]

I cannot stress just how flummoxed I was by watching Easley. Equal measures of AMAZING! and horrible.

He's an absolute cipher on the field...then throw in two ACL tears, no measurables available due to recuperation, a reputation for an "unconventional" personality, and an admission that he doesn't watch football.

For good measure, two different profiles listed NFL players most comparable to Easley as: Glenn Dorsey and Greg Hardy. Oh right, that type.

At various times I've mocked him to the Patriots in the 1st, and scratched him off my board.

 

[mayoclinic]

He's an absolute cipher on the field...then throw in two ACL tears, no measurables available due to recuperation, a reputation for an "unconventional" personality, and an admission that he doesn't watch football.

For good measure, two different profiles listed NFL players most comparable to Easley as: Glenn Dorsey and Greg Hardy. Oh right, that type.

At various times I've mocked him to the Patriots in the 1st, and scratched him off my board.

And if Donald is out of reach, I sincerely hope that all of those questions keep Easley from going too high.

Passing on Greg Hardy at 150 in 2010 still hurts. Taking Jermaine Cunningham at 53 and passing on Greg Hardy at 150 hurts even more.

I personally don't give a fig that Easley watches cartoons. I've never heard a more inane reason for suggesting that a player should be off our draft board. He plays with terrific intensity, and doesn't take any plays off. I'd certainly talk to the coaching staff to see how coachable he is, but I don't doubt his intensity or commitment to football.

 

[manxman2601]

I generally agree that Easley has a bit more versatility than Donald, and that Donald has much better ball and situational awareness. Donald is a true senior, and Easley is a junior who had 2 seasons cut short by injury, which probably affected his technical development. Some of his flaws can be corrected, but what he has can't be taught. I'd still take him in the high 2nd round, and maybe at 29, but I understand your concerns.

I can absolutely understand why you like him. If he didn't have his flaws, I'd grade him higher than Donald, who, as you know, I really like. But I wasn't joking when I said that "I literally threw my hands up in disgust". But at the same time, almost invariably, the play before I'd probably said "wow" out loud. I have never experienced such a pronounced juxtaposition before.

And the guy is crazy to boot...before the ball is even snapped...with his dancing and that weird four point stance spin move he does when he shifts. I think it's safe to say that there is nothing ordinary or boring about Easley.

 

[manxman2601]

I personally don't give a fig that Easley watches cartoons. I've never heard a more inane reason for suggesting that a player should be off our draft board. He plays with terrific intensity, and doesn't take any plays off. I'd certainly talk to the coaching staff to see how coachable he is, but I don't doubt his intensity or commitment to football.

1,000 times this. There might be legitimate question marks about his studiousness, which as you say Mayo, will mean talking to teammates or coaches but Easley's intensity on the field is unmatched. I have zero questions about on field commitment or effort.

 

[JerseyShore99]

1,000 times this. There might be legitimate question marks about his studiousness, which as you say Mayo, will mean talking to teammates or coaches but Easley's intensity on the field is unmatched. I have zero questions about on field commitment or effort.

I partially agree with you however Bill Belichick would disagree time 2,000

 

[manxman2601]

I partially agree with you however Bill Belichick would disagree time 2,000

He won't disagree as regards Easley's on-field effort which is what Mayo and I were talking about. That cannot be questioned. The question is about what he is like off the field. That is a question to which we won't get a definitive answer. Only interviews with Easley, his coaches and teammates will help there.

 

[mayoclinic]

I can absolutely understand why you like him. If he didn't have his flaws, I'd grade him higher than Donald, who, as you know, I really like. But I wasn't joking when I said that "I literally threw my hands up in disgust". But at the same time, almost invariably, the play before I'd probably said "wow" out loud. I have never experienced such a pronounced juxtaposition before.

And the guy is crazy to boot...before the ball is even snapped...with his dancing and that weird four point stance spin move he does when he shifts. I think it's safe to say that there is nothing ordinary or boring about Easley.

I think that he clearly marches to the beat of a different drummer. The dancing and 4 point spin moves are fun to watch. FWIW, Fox featured Easley writing about his "path to the draft" and his recovery from his ACL injury. It gives some sense about his seriousness and commitment.

Draft Diary: Florida DT Easley tracks his path to the NFL | FOX Sports on MSN

Draft Diary: Dominique Easley tracks his path to the NFL (Part II) | FOX Sports on MSN

Draft Diary: Dominique Easley tracks path to the NFL (Part III) | FOX Sports on MSN

Draft Diary: Dominique Easley tracks his path to the NFL (Part IV) | FOX Sports on MSN

Draft Diary: Dominque Easley tracks path to the NFL (Part V) | FOX Sports on MSN

I agree that he's a wild card. I'd still go after Donald as more of a sure thing, but Easley's my joker right now.

 

[JerseyShore99]

He won't disagree as regards Easley's on-field effort which is what Mayo and I were talking about. That cannot be questioned. The question is about what he is like off the field. That is a question to which we won't get a definitive answer. Only interviews with Easley, his coaches and teammates will help there.

I do love Easely, wouldn't mind him in the second or third but not first, remember seeing him play high school ball in New York, carried his team defensively

 

[JerseyShore99]

With that said however I just saw on UofF forum from earlier this year that he is quite an "oddball". Days before he tore his ACL he said how he hates the south (He's a Staten Island native), hates all SEC towns, and wouldn't go to Kentucky ever again. Apparently even before that, he is known for bringing gallon sized tubs of animal crackers to press conferences, carrying a chuckie doll that never leaves his side in the locker room and during the Gator Walk, and finally had no clue who Bear Bryant was or that Kirk Herbstreit played football.
This was all before he was questioned why he committed to Florida if he hates the South and he said it wasn't his choice sparking rumors that Urban Meyer paid him to commit to UofF.

Although I do love his skill, since he was high schooler, his character, personality, and injury may not spark red flags for all but I definitely think it will for BB. He'd rather have a coke addict that plays with passion and loves the game than a great, clean, funny kid that sounds lazy.

 

[mayoclinic]

I partially agree with you however Bill Belichick would disagree time 2,000

Why do you feel so certain that watching cartoons would take a guy off BB's draft board?

BB has drafted a guy with drug problems and a rumored gang history who is now an alleged multiple killer in jail. He's traded for a DT who openly dogged it after getting a huge FA contract. He drafted Brandon Meriweather in the 1st round. Cartoons? Please. Easley has a 1 year old son, and from everything I've read is a devoted father and committed player who wants to provide for his family. He has no major off field red flags that I'm aware of.

I understand that BB would be turned off by a player that he believed wasn't 100% committed to football, or willing to put in the time and film study needed. I'm just not sure how admitted to watching cartoons qualifies.

Although I do love his skill, since he was high schooler, his character, personality, and injury may not spark red flags for all but I definitely think it will for BB. He'd rather have a coke addict that plays with passion and loves the game than a great, clean, funny kid that sounds lazy.

Seriously?

Again, I haven't seen anything that suggests that Easley is "lazy". I agree that would be a major issue for BB, but "different" does not equal "lazy" in my book.

I do love Easely, wouldn't mind him in the second or third but not first, remember seeing him play high school ball in New York, carried his team defensively

It wouldn't shock me at all to see Seattle sign Jared Allen, possibly pick up DeSean Jackson via trade or if he gets cut (they've reportedly shown some interest) and then draft Easley at #32. Then we'll all be screaming bloody murder about it. Instant disruption. Bennett-Mebane-Easley-Allen would be a hellacious DL, and with their back 7 they would probably be better than they were in 2013. Add a healthy Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson will Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, and they would be in great position to repeat.

Teams drafting at the back of the first round have to be aggressive and take some chances. Easley and Hageman are the two guys with potential top 15 talent who could be available in that range. Both have major question marks, otherwise they wouldn't be available at all.