Tonesetters/Mentality Changers

In the 2023 draft, Seattle had the #5 and #20 picks in the draft. They picked CB Devon Witherspoon and WR Jaxson Smith-Jjigba. 3 seasons later, they won a SB, with those 2 guys as cornerstones.

Witherspoon was not considered the best defensive player in the draft. Will Anderson went #4, and Jalon Carter was generally graded higher, though with character issues. Christian Gonzalez is a more complete shutdown CB.

What Witherspoon did bring was playmaker sanity, disruption, and a kamikaze attack mentality, that changed the entire persona of the defense. And that made him invuable.

Who are the guys in the 2026 draft whose contribution to the persona of the entire offense or defense outweighs their individual skills and talents? Guys who could transform the entire mentality of their side?

I can think of a few:

- WR Chris Bell. He punishes defensive players, brings an element of "bully ball" that the Pats haven't had since Gronk kicked guys out of the club.

- IOL Keylan Rutledge. The "toughest player in the draft", a fire breather with athletic upside. Is it worth spending a day 1 or 2 pick on an IOL. Maybe not. Would he transform thd entire identity of the OL? And would that alone be worth it?

- DB Keionte Scott. The most kamikaze and disruptive DB since Witherspoon. He would give the defense a whole different identity.

- LB Jacob Rodriguez. Other players have cleaner upgrade value. But Rodriguez is another guy who can stamp an entire defense with his personality - think Mike Singletary and the 1986 Bears.

Two questions:

1. How important do people feel that the ability to transform the mentality/identity of an entire unit us, vs. immediate contributions/clarity of how role and skills Ryan fit?

2. Are there other guys you think have these qualities, and should be prized particularly highly?

Thinking from 'an entire unit' perspective.

1. Rueben Bain - Tone-setter. Has to be accounted for.

2. Caleb Downs - Makes the whole defensive backfield smarter.

3. Jake Slaughter - very smart, experienced 2 year team captain. Just what you want from the fulcrum of your OL.

My boy Kayden McDonald at DT, collapses pockets on a regular basis

Gabe Jacas, plays with high intensity and violence

Jaishawn Barsham, relentless motor, sudden and hard hitting

Markel Bell, man mountain who can bully the biggest, baddest Defensive Ends

Agree on Bain, though I was focusing on players within reach.

Best comp I've heard for Bain is the boxer Joe Frazier. Bain is not just a dog - he's a rabid dog. He plays so low, and will get under a OLs pads and overpower him. Relentless, never stops attacking.

Bain and Scott teammates both with that rabid dog/kamikaze/take jo prisoners mentality.

I think the Pats could benefit from some of that, on both sides of the ball. Teams should know that - winner lise - they are going to get the crap beat out of them.