Accentuate the Positive

[Box_O_Rocks]

BB wants to know what a prospect "does well," and how he will help NE succeed. Don't defend your binkies, describe what he does well, and how NE could use him to compete in 2009 and beyond. Accentuate the positive folks, our new challenge.

 

[BradyManny]

Despite all the hussing and fussing I've personally done over CBs, S & LBs, I'm all about the wideouts so far this draft. It just seems so clear that we can come out of the draft with 1-2 difference makers at the position.

I have a few WR binkies, but I'll pick one:

Brian Robiskie....

How he helps the Pats in 2009:
- Seen as one of the most polished receivers in the draft, he's ready to step in immediately, and as we know, the Patriots learning curve at WR has proven challenging for some, so this is a huge issue.
- Can run routes. Another big issue.
- Size is a plus, not a necessity, but it doesn't hurt.
- Is a good complement to Moss for these aforementioned traits. We need a reliable route runner to get to the intermediate spots in the field and get open when defenses are getting obsessed w Moss & Welker.
- Is passionate about the game and based on the interviews I've seen, having a father who is a WR coach in the game right now and has played in the NFL has rubbed off on him in a positive way. Intangibles are off the chart. After seeing Mayo come in and produce immediately largely thanks to a strong work ethic, I'm more heavily weighing those intangibles when it comes to Day 1 players.

How he helps the Pats beyond 09:
- Honestly, Robiskie obviously lacks the upside of DHB, Nicks, Britt. But I'm fine with that. He'll be a great #2 outside receiver, and the Pats have been looking for that for a while (I'm not counting Wes since he's a slot man).

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Despite all the hussing and fussing I've personally done over CBs, S & LBs, I'm all about the wideouts so far this draft. It just seems so clear that we can come out of the draft with 1-2 difference makers at the position.

I have a few WR binkies, but I'll pick one:

Brian Robiskie....

How he helps the Pats in 2009:
- Seen as one of the most polished receivers in the draft, he's ready to step in immediately, and as we know, the Patriots learning curve at WR has proven challenging for some, so this is a huge issue.
- Can run routes. Another big issue.
- Size is a plus, not a necessity, but it doesn't hurt.
- Is a good complement to Moss for these aforementioned traits. We need a reliable route runner to get to the intermediate spots in the field and get open when defenses are getting obsessed w Moss & Welker.
- Is passionate about the game and based on the interviews I've seen, having a father who is a WR coach in the game right now and has played in the NFL has rubbed off on him in a positive way. Intangibles are off the chart. After seeing Mayo come in and produce immediately largely thanks to a strong work ethic, I'm more heavily weighing those intangibles when it comes to Day 1 players.

How he helps the Pats beyond 09:
- Honestly, Robiskie obviously lacks the upside of DHB, Nicks, Britt. But I'm fine with that. He'll be a great #2 outside receiver, and the Pats have been looking for that for a while (I'm not counting Wes since he's a slot man).

Good kickoff!

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

BB wants to know what a prospect "does well," and how he will help NE succeed. Don't defend your binkies, describe what he does well, and how NE could use him to compete in 2009 and beyond. Accentuate the positive folks, our new challenge.

Should we not wait for you to start with Barwin first

My guy is Larry English, 6-3/255

With Vraible gone and us having unproven OLB on the roster I like this guy to come in to play off the edge for us this upcomming season.

I feel that he can set the edge and play physical at the point of attack. His ability to get to the QB and make plays in the backfield makes me want this kid more. I think he had a good Senior Bowl even though he was not playing OLB in a 3-4 I saw some good things. He was the star on Northern Illinois and recieved alot of attention from opposing blockers.

He is strong and has solid muscle definition, He is tough, physical ... Gritty player who maximizes his talent on the field. When I watched his game against Tennessee he showed a great motor did a great job of anticipating the play and has a sixth sense you look for. I find him very instinctive and gives a great second effort as a pass rusher. Uses leverage and powerfully executes the bull rush as well as nice hand technique at point of attack.

Here is the some words from NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com

"Belichick is intrigued by the linebackers/defensive ends he evaluated at the combine last week. Since they play a 3-4, the Patriots have a habit of turning 4-3 defensive ends into linebackers based on their size and speed, so the week leading up to the draft always makes for an interesting guessing game. "The 3-4 outside linebacker/4-3 defensive end group, I think it's an interesting group," Belichick said. "I think there are some very talented players there, guys from different backgrounds, guys who have been in coverage, guys who haven't been in coverage, with pass rush ability. The (Brian) Orapkos and (Larry) Englishes, guys like that. That will be part of the process as we go forward, to try to figure out how they would fit in, in our case, to our system."

To finish I love all the Lamar Woodley comparisons this guy is getting.

 

[dryheat44]

Here's what Ralph Friedgen had to say about Heyward Bey:

He's one of those kids who was not only blessed with athleticism and speed, he's also got a great work ethic," Friedgen said. "He's not a finished product. I think he's 60 percent of what he's going to be. I think there's a lot of room for improvement because of that work ethic. I'm very confident that in time, he'll be one of the top receivers" in the NFL.

While it's quite normal for a coach to speak highly of one of his players, it's still nice to hear that DHB isn't just a speed freak. His determination in fighting for balls is unsurpassed, and he's a good blocking WR, for what it's worth.

He wouldn't be my favorite pick at #23, but I'd be OK with it.

 

[BradyManny]

Here's what Ralph Friedgen had to say about Heyward Bey:

He's one of those kids who was not only blessed with athleticism and speed, he's also got a great work ethic," Friedgen said. "He's not a finished product. I think he's 60 percent of what he's going to be. I think there's a lot of room for improvement because of that work ethic. I'm very confident that in time, he'll be one of the top receivers" in the NFL.

While it's quite normal for a coach to speak highly of one of his players, it's still nice to hear that DHB isn't just a speed freak. His determination in fighting for balls is unsurpassed, and he's a good blocking WR, for what it's worth.

He wouldn't be my favorite pick at #23, but I'd be OK with it.

Good stuff.

I don't know if anyone caught it, but Mayock referred to DHB and Nicks as two of the most professional players at the combine. I just about did cartwheels when I heard that. I think we all may have a bit of reticence about taking another high ceiling wideout after CJax and Bethel fared, but a huge part of that is work ethic and character.

If the value is right, I would love to get one of those two aforementioned guys, though as I said, I'm targeting Robiskie as someone who can help the Pats immediately.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Keep it coming guys and gals...heh, were are the gals? Your holding up the show ladies (that's you too PATSNUTMe).

 

[midwestpatsfan]

this is great stuff, I will be adding a few to this later, we should make sure this stays at the top.

 

[alvinnf]

Max Unger C Oregon
Jack of all trades OL, could play all positions on the line. Love to solidify the triangle, Neal's injury trouble has sort of hurt us. He would'nt replace neal, but you bring him in , let him compete and you groom him. More than likely we're not finishing the year with the same five guys, get yourself an insurance policy. Someone Tuck can't throw around.

 

[CoachK]

Patrick Chung

Just a few of the descriptives I've joted down about him:

the agility of a defensive back and the hard-hitting and production of a linebacker.... tough, smart, intinidating, durable, closes exteremly fast, tackling machine, good covergae skills, powerfully built, .....good size, .... shows decent coverage skills,.... can blitz with the best of them

Does this sound like a safety we have all come to know and love over the past 6 years!!

 

[alvinnf]

Patrick Chung

Just a few of the descriptives I've joted down about him:

the agility of a defensive back and the hard-hitting and production of a linebacker.... tough, smart, intinidating, durable, closes exteremly fast, tackling machine, good covergae skills, powerfully built, .....good size, .... shows decent coverage skills,.... can blitz with the best of them

Does this sound like a safety we have all come to know and love over the past 6 years!!

I also like the fact that he has only been playing football for a few years, and he comes from a pass rich conference.

 

[dryheat44]

I also like the fact that he has only been playing football for a few years, and he comes from a pass rich conference.

You have to have a special place in your heart for a Jamaican named Chung who opted to go to school in Eugene, Oregon.

It's just mind-boggling.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Frantz Joseph would tackle an oncoming train.

(Actually, he's also one of the few college players I recognize and he's got the COOLEST name -- he'd have to be nicknamed "The Kaiser"!)

P.S. Also endorse BradyManny's praise for Robiskie

 

[Revman]

Larry English-olb-N.Illinois
Rey Maualuga-ILB-U.S.C.
Alex Mack-center- California

* My 3 targets at 23. Best realistic values for that spot.

 

[Revman]

Patrick Chung will be the best safety out of this draft.

 

[Revman]

One other name I have not seen on this board lately is Mitch King. Impressive career at Iowa. He is an under the radar guy that stood out at senior bowl practices. Belicheck knows coach Ferentz well and may have a highly regarded prospect for rd 2 or 3. His size puts him in the discussion of where would he succeed-end-tackle-lb. Key here is versatility-and a true football player. Great hand strength-many scouts said after senior bowl that if he weighed 300 lbs he would be a 1st round pick. I think he goes 275. He makes pressure. Understands roles in a defense. I think Pat's will look at him hard in rd 2 with one of later picks like 58. More likely rd 3#89.Bruschi wa an undersized dt at Arizona-transitioned to ILB. Maybe a project for rotation. Would be very tough on special teams as well.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Larry English-olb-N.Illinois
Rey Maualuga-ILB-U.S.C.
Alex Mack-center- California

* My 3 targets at 23. Best realistic values for that spot.

C'mon Rev, tell us what these kids do well and how it will help NE win ball games.

 

[PATSNUTme]

C'mon Rev, tell us what these kids do well and how it will help NE win ball games.

Are you looking for "Patriots Type Players"?


Jarius Byrd CB/S Ore Could be a better pro than a college player. Always around the ball, good tackler, good leader, good ball skills, can play both Cb and S.

 

[Revman]

Larry English- OLB-N.Illinois
* Brings heat. English is one of the 3 best pre edge rushers in this draft.
Motor-Power- speed. If what we want is pressure he should be there around 23. Curry-Orakpo-Brown are all considered the top OLB'S-they will all be gone. Maybin very immature player. English much more ready to contribute as a rookie.


Alex Mack-Center-California- I see him as the safest offensive lineman in this draft. He can play as a rookie at center or guard. Koppen is aging-Neal is often injured. Mack could be the next 10 year strter protecting Brady.

Rey Maualuga-ILB-U.S.C.- With more teams switching to 3/4 defenses, ILB'S become more valueable. Maualuga is a machine. The Pat's lack a true thumper. Ted Johnson was that guy-they have lacked that production since he retired. Big-physical-intimidating. Mayo would have a great partner. The Ilb depth is poor.

 

[midwestpatsfan]

Jasper Brinkley, ILB

In my opinion, Brinkley fits the bill as that 2 down thumper at inside linebacker. I think he would make a great compliment to Guyton who could come in on passing situations. Before the knee injury, Brinkley played at an extremely high level. Last year I think he played a little tentative for the 1st half of the season but came around to his old self by the end. The other nice thing is he can be had later in the draft to fill a position of need.