2023 NFL Combine Thread

[borisman]

Do you have any names of guys who could be the next James White? I agree with you that we could use the next James White but I’m not sure who that guy is. Maybe Gibbs or Deuce Vaughn?

Not to butt in but Devon Achane is that guy. His team was a mess last year and he got hurt but prior to that he was a nightmare for other teams.

 

[State]

T. Brown wasn't good last year at left tackle. He was fine the previous year at right tackle. I hate the idea of keeping Brown at LT. But I'm OK with moving him back to RT. Of course I would be fine with getting a stud RT in the draft if one falls in our lap in the mid-2nd or later. But I'm far more concerned with LT & CB.

The ideal solution to your wise words is for Broderick Jones or Paris Hilton Johnson to slip to us at 14.

Or Christian Gonzalez at CB.

Otherwise, attempt to orchestrate a trade down—not out of the first round—and pick up an additional pick.

So we can get another valuable player at a position of need. Here’s one who plays _much_ better than his athletic numbers.

Ji'Ayir Brown Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

The ideal solution to your wise words is for Broderick Jones or Paris Hilton Johnson to slip to us at 14.

Or Christian Gonzalez at CB.

Otherwise, attempt to orchestrate a trade down—not out of the first round—and pick up an additional pick.

So we can get another valuable player at a position of need. Here’s one who plays _much_ better than his athletic numbers.

Ji'Ayir Brown Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

I agree. If we could trade down and get another 2nd and 3rd, or 3rd and 4th, there are some deep sections of this draft that could fill some holes. Freeland and Harrison, for example, will be there later in the 1st, and are they so much worse than a Jones or Johnson that it is worth giving up two extra picks?

 

[PowerRunRevival]

Not to butt in but Devon Achane is that guy. His team was a mess last year and he got hurt but prior to that he was a nightmare for other teams.

Please butt in! I was asking everyone for running backs they like and I appreciate your opinion!

The ideal solution to your wise words is for Broderick Jones or Paris Hilton Johnson to slip to us at 14.

Or Christian Gonzalez at CB.

Otherwise, attempt to orchestrate a trade down—not out of the first round—and pick up an additional pick.

So we can get another valuable player at a position of need. Here’s one who plays _much_ better than his athletic numbers.

Ji'Ayir Brown Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

My list is Johnson Jr, Jones, Skoronski, Porter Jr., Gonzalez and Witherspoon (top 3 tackles, top 3 corners). If none of those guys make it to 14 then I hope the Pats trade back. So we are pretty much on the same page with a couple added names.

I like the idea of trading back because the strength of this draft compared to other drafts is the 2nd- 4th rounds.

 

[State]

This tall kid from BYU made himself some money with his Combine performances. Eerily similar to Lane Johnson coming out of Oklahoma.

Except Freeland is even a tad more explosive. A 37” vertical is ridiculous.



Isn’t it too bad he projects more as a RT? Or am I wrong here?

I don’t envision Blake Freeland dropping out of the first.

 

[Jim Beankie]

Do you have any names of guys who could be the next James White? I agree with you that we could use the next James White but I’m not sure who that guy is. Maybe Gibbs or Deuce Vaughn?

Imho, Pats have that guy (Pierre Strong Jr). Just needs more opportunities.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

Imho, Pats have that guy (Pierre Strong Jr). Just needs more opportunities.

I think he has the speed and quickness to be that guy. Not sure he has the route running ability or hands to be that guy.

 

[Uptown]

1) TE- Darnell Washington
2) TE- Zack Kuntz

 

[Uptown]

6.97 3-cone…

Bryce Ford-Wheaton Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/mountaineers-in-the-pros/bryce-ford-wheaton-drawing-comparisons-to-calvin-johnson-dk-metcalf

Bryce Ford-Wheaton Delivers on Proclamation, Runs 4.38 in 40-Yard Dash

INDIANAPOLIS – Bryce Ford-Wheaton said he was going to “put on a show” during drills at the NFL Combine, and he did exactly that. The West Virginia wide receiver product was clocked at an impressive unofficial 4.38 time in the 40-yard dash. That number surely delivers on his confidence...

wvsportsnow.com

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Can never hurt to put another back into the pipeline. I think our philosophy is not to look to fit the mold of a previous back exactly but to use good athletic smart backs to the best of their ability. Harris-Stephenson were bell cow types, and I am never against collecting more talent on the cheap in the backfield. I think Strong is there as a change of pace or third down guy and Other Harris is a just plain bruiser (another one). in fact, it will be interesting to see whether he can be "the guy." I don't think so, but it's always fun to watch the stable develop. Before Stephenson showed he could be Damien, Damien was showing that Sony Michel was expendable (As guys here were all crying about how we lost this irreplaceable guy.)



The way the Pats still manage the backs is a thing of beauty. I hope I don't curse it with this post.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Can never hurt to put another back into the pipeline. I think our philosophy is not to look to fit the mold of a previous back exactly but to use good athletic smart backs to the best of their ability. Harris-Stephenson were bell cow types, and I am never against collecting more talent on the cheap in the backfield. I think Strong is there as a change of pace or third down guy and Other Harris is a just plain bruiser (another one). in fact, it will be interesting to see whether he can be "the guy." I don't think so, but it's always fun to watch the stable develop. Before Stephenson showed he could be Damien, Damien was showing that Sony Michel was expendable (As guys here were all crying about how we lost this irreplaceable guy.)



The way the Pats still manage the backs is a thing of beauty. I hope I don't curse it with this post.

I think K Harris is a good stable back, he cuts and runs well. He is strong and is always falling forward - all good things. I do not think he has Stephenson's size or Strong's speed, but a good solid guy. I still like D Harris and I hope we resign him, but I do not know what the market is for him.

 

[Jim Beankie]

I think he has the speed and quickness to be that guy. Not sure he has the route running ability or hands to be that guy.

We'll see, I guess. Not a bad start so far. Their rookie years looked pretty similar, eerily enough, stats wise, although I don't remember how White looked his rookie year.

JW: 5recs for 23yds on 5tgts, 9 rush 38yds
PS: 7recs for 42yds on 7tgts, 10 rush 100yds

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I think K Harris is a good stable back, he cuts and runs well. He is strong and is always falling forward - all good things. I do not think he has Stephenson's size or Strong's speed, but a good solid guy. I still like D Harris and I hope we resign him, but I do not know what the market is for him.

You know my shtick, and sure it's going too far, but... don't learn the names of Pats' running backs. Don't buy their jerseys. Don't follow them on social, don't get wrapped up in their lives. Rookie deal and out. They cost too much after.

Now that said... if the market is that stupid about Damien, sure. I think somebody pays him better money, and the Pats do what they do at RB.

Now having thought I figured out what we do at any given position, watch it all go the other direction this year.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

I think he has the speed and quickness to be that guy. Not sure he has the route running ability or hands to be that guy.

Strong has talent but doesn't look the part of a 3rd down receiving back (to me). Need a super quick shifty guy cause so many of their receptions are in traffic. The Eagles got a perfect guy in Kenneth Gainwell in the 5th round 2 years ago.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

I think our backfield will be: Stevenson as the feature back, Strong as the 2nd back (replacing Damien Harris), Kevin Harris as the all around depth back, and a new 3rd down receiving back (not sure via FA or draft).

 

[Jim Beankie]

Strong has talent but doesn't look the part of a 3rd down receiving back (to me). Need a super quick shifty guy cause so many of their receptions are in traffic. The Eagles got a perfect guy in Kenneth Gainwell in the 5th round 2 years ago.

I know we take measurables with a grain of salt, but PSJr's 6.95 3 cone (pro day) is faster than JW's 7.05 (combine). We'll see what he's got upstairs and in his hands. Not sure if you checked out his last carry in the vid I posted in an earlier post... that's pretty darn shifty but it was a carry not a reception.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

MIxed bag for RAS here:

10 most athletic Patriots' draft picks of the Bill Belichick era

Who cracked the top-10 most athletic Patriots draft picks? Some names on the list might surprise you.

patriotswire.usatoday.com

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I know we take measurables with a grain of salt, but PSJr's 6.95 3 cone (pro day) is faster than JW's 7.05 (combine). We'll see what he's got upstairs and in his hands. Not sure if you checked out his last carry in the vid I posted in an earlier post... that's pretty darn shifty but it was a carry not a reception.

I remember feeling every time I saw him on the field I can't wait to see more of him. I believe his straight line workout warrior speed was also great, in the high 4.3s. We need to see more of him but so far, so good.

 

[DaBruinz]

6.97 3-cone…

Bryce Ford-Wheaton Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

https://www.si.com/college/westvirginia/mountaineers-in-the-pros/bryce-ford-wheaton-drawing-comparisons-to-calvin-johnson-dk-metcalf

Bryce Ford-Wheaton Delivers on Proclamation, Runs 4.38 in 40-Yard Dash

INDIANAPOLIS – Bryce Ford-Wheaton said he was going to “put on a show” during drills at the NFL Combine, and he did exactly that. The West Virginia wide receiver product was clocked at an impressive unofficial 4.38 time in the 40-yard dash. That number surely delivers on his confidence...

wvsportsnow.com

Only other WR to run a sub 4.4 with that vertical and that brad jump is Metcalf.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Only other WR to run a sub 4.4 with that vertical and that brad jump is Metcalf.

Might be like N'Keal Harry.