2017 Draft Prospect Thread

[I.M. Fletcher]

Linebacker might be upgradable, might not be.

There is no one in HTs stratosphere in free agency, so he is the only clear target we can make. Outside of that, it's a coin flip if you get better at any linebacker role.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

Linebacker might be upgradable, might not be.

There is no one in HTs stratosphere in free agency, so he is the only clear target we can make. Outside of that, it's a coin flip if you get better at any linebacker role.

Melvin Ingram a FA to be as of today.. is an upgrade to both McClellan and Van Noy (based on a half season).

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Melvin Ingram a FA to be as of today.. is an upgrade to both McClellan and Van Noy (based on a half season).

He will either get tagged or cost 15mil a year. Hes not an option.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

He will either get tagged or cost 15mil a year. Hes not an option.

If Hightower skips town for greener pastures it's do able..but I'd rather keep Hightower hands down.

However I was just commenting on your thought that LB may or may not be improved via FA..it definitely can be.. Obviously not improving over Hightower..but everyone else behind him? Def could. Now would we spend the cash is a different conversation..

 

[luuked]

If Hightower skips town for greener pastures it's do able..but I'd rather keep Hightower hands down.

However I was just commenting on your thought that LB may or may not be improved via FA..it definitely can be.. Obviously not improving over Hightower..but everyone else behind him? Def could. Now would we spend the cash is a different conversation..

But why pay 15m for Ingram but not Hightower ? The only scenario where I see BB & co not tagging HT to prevent him from reaching FA is if they think that other teams in the league wouldn't value him high enough to warrant a tag. Which is a silly thought to me. He will be here next season but beyond that who knows..

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

!

But why pay 15m for Ingram but not Hightower ? The only scenario where I see BB & co not tagging HT to prevent him from reaching FA is if they think that other teams in the league wouldn't value him high enough to warrant a tag. Which is a silly thought to me. He will be here next season but beyond that who knows..

I don't disagree. I don't think you are getting my point. I'm speaking to a prior statement where it was stated we may or may not upgrade our linebackers through FA because no one is as good as Hightower (which I totally am on board with; Hightower being the creme de la creme of lbs in FA).
I said you def COULD upgrade the linebackers behind him and used Melvin Ingram as an example. It was mentioned that he'd cost 15m per and it wasn't possible to do...and I just said it COULD be done..in that scenario. In no way am I predicting, roooting for the Patriots to let the versatile Hightower go for sub 15m and go sign an exceptional pass rusher who isn't as well rounded FOR 15m. That's asinine.....but it's not impossible.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

Besides there are a few names on the list that could likely improve on mclellan and Van Noy or Roberts (and I actually like all 3) Timmons/Simon ... 2 names that pop some interest

 

[IllegalContact]

And neither was Collins. Not sure what your point is...

Are you saying there is no space for a player like Foster in our defense ?

no....not as a 1st round pick

I would take takkarist mckinley or tim williams, however

 

[manxman2601]

@I.M. Fletcher 's advocacy made me take a look at James Onwualu. Definitely BB's type of guy. May never be much more than a special teamer but that's a key role on the Pats. A Mingo replacement?

 

[mihap]

Scouting Report: Adam Shaheen, TE | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2014 NFL Draft

Huh, officialy my draft binky after Solomon Thomas. BB dont screw this up. I hope that he has some brains to pick up pats offense and one year to learn. Damn i am hyperventilating. Small scholl like Ali Marpet.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Ran through the seemingly consensus top 12 CBs last night & today between class on youtube. Each had 3 games on there.

Jones is legit. Probably the 2nd best man CB IMO after Lattimore. He is thin though and not sure he is worth pick 32. King weighs 36 more lbs. and seemingly moves just as well.

I get the Awuzie hype on the board now. Press CB that can cover slot/outside, fluid mover, and can blitz effectively too. Seems like a great fit here and replacement for Ryan. You don't have to project his man coverage abilities based on traits as much like King since he has more experience in man. Still give the edge to King but Awuzie is a great value.

White is a good fit as versatile outside/slot CBs. He can really cover and his arms looked the longest out of anyone. Doesn't defend the run much and had some lapses. Quick backpedal though and I'm a fan.

Conley is similar to White in the role they play. He can defend the deep ball well but his change of direction isn't as great as others. Got beat on a decent amount of comeback routes.

Wasn't much of a fan of Wilson/Tabor for where they are projected to go. Humphrey is meant for a cover 3 scheme like Seattle/Jacksonville. Tankersley didn't seem to move as well as the others. Jackson is too raw. Lewis didn't impress me and when you factor in his size I'd rather roll with the Cyrus/Jonathan.

------------------------------------

King, White, and Awuzie. Binky CBs ready to go (with the help of the board of course)

 

[Snooky97]

@I.M. Fletcher 's advocacy made me take a look at James Onwualu. Definitely BB's type of guy. May never be much more than a special teamer but that's a key role on the Pats. A Mingo replacement?

Seems an interesting prospect..

 

[manxman2601]

Seems an interesting prospect..

Only 6'1" and 230lbs so might never be more than a special teamer. Good coverage LB though from what I've seen.

 

[luuked]

I get the Awuzie hype on the board now. Press CB that can cover slot/outside, fluid mover, and can blitz effectively too. Seems like a great fit here and replacement for Ryan. You don't have to project his man coverage abilities based on traits as much like King since he has more experience in man. Still give the edge to King but Awuzie is a great value.

Didn't get yet to watching CBs. Any verdict on how sound his tackling is ? With our emphasis on preventing YAC and being able to support consistently against the run I think that's kinda important (and a reason why Logan Ryan is so important).

 

[luuked]

@I.M. Fletcher 's advocacy made me take a look at James Onwualu. Definitely BB's type of guy. May never be much more than a special teamer but that's a key role on the Pats. A Mingo replacement?

I hope we keep Mingo through camp and see if there is something to salvage in terms of strength program. I doubt it since he never was able to work out his body issues but why not take a shot.

 

[manxman2601]

Matt Miller has him graded at 116. Only 6-1 and 227lbs. This years KGH? He doesn't look quite as athletic as KGH but a terrific tackler.

Doesn't have the size of a Patriots linebacker, but certainly has the heart. Actually reminds me a little of our UDFA signing CJ Johnson rather than KGH.

 

[manxman2601]

If you are looking for a hard hitting safety, I may have the guy for you.

Shalom Luani, S, Washington State.6-0, 201

This guy is nasty. Almost too much so as he leads with his helmet ac little too much for my liking.





The Seahawks pundits like him quite a bit.

 

[manxman2601]

Matt Miller has him graded at 116. Only 6-1 and 227lbs. This years KGH? He doesn't look quite as athletic as KGH but a terrific tackler.

Doesn't have the size of a Patriots linebacker, but certainly has the heart. Actually reminds me a little of our UDFA signing CJ Johnson rather than KGH.

just a thought. Su'a Cravens? BB seemed really interested in him last year. They're almost identical in terms of size and play similarly too.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Didn't get yet to watching CBs. Any verdict on how sound his tackling is ? With our emphasis on preventing YAC and being able to support consistently against the run I think that's kinda important (and a reason why Logan Ryan is so important).

Not great from what I saw. He's aggressive when the ball is in the air and Colorado had him blitz often so he has the right attitude to improve at it atleast. Doesn't shy away from physical play.

 

[fightingirish595]

Linebacker might be upgradable, might not be.

There is no one in HTs stratosphere in free agency, so he is the only clear target we can make. Outside of that, it's a coin flip if you get better at any linebacker role.

I'm tellin ya. Beckwith out of lsu is a poor mans hightower