Patriots draft Florida guard Jon Halapio in 6th round with 179th overall pick

[jmt57]

2014 NFL Draft: New England Patriots Select Jon Halapio (G, Florida) | NEPatriotsDraft.com

The New England Patriots continue to add talented youth and depth to their offensive line, which could spell doom for pricey incumbents like Dan Connolly.

Halapio started 43 games at Florida, seeing time mainly at right guard. At 6’3? and 323 pounds, Halapio is a force on the interior. He has a nice anchor and can root out defensive linemen with his strength. He is incredibly tough and should fit in well with fellow draft pick Bryan Stork.

If Halapio has to move too far off his spot, his technique and ability start to break down. His athleticism is sub-par and he can look a bit awkward when trying to block in space. Here is more on Halapio from DetroitLionsDraft.com scout Jeff Risdon:

What Jon Halapio does well, he does extremely well. His initial punch and ability to drive power from his base through his shoulders and hands is truly a treat to behold. Anyone who can physically lift 350-pound Dan McCullers off the earth has immense strength. He is a mauling run blocker at the line, able to seal open holes and collapse defenders.

Unfortunately, he’s limited otherwise. His lack of agility and quickness rule him out for teams that use zone blocking schemes that require a lot of movement and second-level attacking from the guards. When his mark lines up beyond his initial reach–especially to the outside–Halapio struggles in pass protection.​

If Bill Belichick is committed to a power-running game in 2014, Halapio is a perfect fit.​

 

[pdangle]

Stacking the OL! Just what we need. And this draft is full of talent.

Fun player to watch, might be a tad slow laterally, but plays with a mean streak.

...and kootchie kootchie koo, has a face only a bad mutha could love!

 

[Gwedd]

I'm rather taken with this pick and it's potential.

One thing's for certain: Coach REALLY likes Florida players.

 

[pdangle]

Here's a vid.

 

[Danger Zone]

I'm rather taken with this pick and it's potential.

One thing's for certain: Coach REALLY likes Florida players.

Where's the Rutger love?

I wonder if Belichick picks deeply from certain schools this because he feels certain programs ready players for the NFL better than others?

Or if he is somehow taking looker room considerations as part of his Big Picture with putting some kind of value on drafting guys that get along with each other. I'm probably over-thinking it, but I imagine even two college teammates that did not get along in college have a good chance of bonding strong if they end up on the same NFL team together.

And maybe Belichick is more comfortable picking from schools where he has the best inside knowledge of its players.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Here's a vid.

He looked very good in that video. Feeling good about the pick.

 

[Big-T]

A mauler, just like past Jets & Dolphins OL...see where this is heading? New coach, new style.

All the picks on the OL have shown a needed change in philosophy. No more collapsed pocket because the line is too light, take the fight to the DL!

 

[Kontradiction]

So now we have two physical maulers on the OL. I've watched quite a bit of Halapio. He's another guy that seeks contact but if you get him out in space, he's going to get beaten. I'm fine with this pick.

 

[rdf63]

Good 6th round pick. He is a mauler and the Pats will have a year to see if he could effectively replace Mankins if Logan becomes too expensive.

 

[mgteich]

I think that Kline is a better prospect to start at LG.

Good 6th round pick. He is a mauler and the Pats will have a year to see if he could effectively replace Mankins if Logan becomes too expensive.