Part Two
It's a little difficult to get a gauge on Mike Vrabel's draft philosophy because it's not clear what control he had over the draft in Tennessee. However, he has focused on culture and character in FA and also the relationships the other coaches have with the players we've signed. Every one signed except the one big signing Milton Williams, was on a team previously coached by one of our current coaches. I think the only college team we have that link to is Boston College although there might be more I'm unaware of.
I'm expecting a heavy offensive draft with WR, LT and the interior OL being key positions of need although I'm hoping to see us take advantage of the deep DT class. We stocked up on quality defensive players in FA but did very little on offense.
There may be some LTs falling to the back of the first round so there's questions about whether we trade up from 38 into the back half of the first round. Ozzy Trapilo, a RT from Boston College is a 2nd-3rd round prospect with some heavy connections to the current Pats through the coaching family so he's a possible for a LT conversion too.
In the first round, the hope is that we get either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. If neither fall to 4, the hope is that there's a trade back but because there are no blue chippers after those two guys, the prospects of a trade back are slim. After Hunter and Carter, there are issues with most of the other prospects that have had us scratching our heads:
1. Will Campbell - Had been the consensus no 1 LT prospect pre-combine but he has sub 33" arms and a wingspan so short that no LT has been drafted with one so short since records began in 2001. Many think he'll only be a LG but he has excellent character and athleticism.
2. Tet McMillan - a 6'5" WR with amazing hands but very questionable long speed which he won't put on record.
3. Armand Membou - A RT from Missouri who has excellent tape and elite athleticism for the position, but has never played LT before.
4. Shemar Stewart - An EDGE from Texas A&M who put up Myles Garrett like numbers at the combine. But his production just isn't there with only 4.5 career sacks so he's a real projection.
5. Ashton Jeanty - RB from Boise State who just put up one of the best ever college seasons last year but of course the value of drafting a RB so high is questionable.
6. Tyler Warren - TE from Penn State who has been given the nickname Baby-Gronk because his play style isn't that different. Again there are questions over value and need.
7. Mason Graham - A DT from Michigan. Was considered the other possible blue-chipper in this draft. Excellent tape and production against both the pass and run. But he came in underweight at the combine which has given pause to some. Additionally the signing of Milton Williams in FA has lessened the need and value of the pick.
