Mayo-laga

[dryheat44]

How about Mitch King from Iowa for that role? Didn't we already try Klecko at this before...

Good point. I don't think we drafted Dan to play LB as much as tried to find a place for him when it became apparent he couldn't handle the Nose. But yeah...that didn't work out so well. But I still think it could work.

 

[mayoclinic]

Ayers isn't on my draft board right now, but if he is agile enough to play ILB (I haven't seen enough on-field action to know), I'd give him a shot...but I think he's going to go too high for such a translation...and there's the rub. The guys that have the athleticism to make it work get picked up early by the Tampa 2 teams....and I don't know how comfortable I am spending a top 50 pick on such a project.

As a Tennessee player, Mayo would have a lot of insight regarding Ayers and whether he might be a good complement at SILB. If Mayo thought he would be a good fit and complement, I'm sure he would get a serious look from the Pats' staff.

My personal take is that I'm willing to spend one of our later 1st day picks on an SILB - #47 or #58 - but probably not earlier. If Ayers, English or Sintim fell to that range than I would consider it. I don't mind using two 1st day picks at LB - one at OLB and one at SILB - just not the first two given our other needs.

 

[cstjohn17]

I'm actually working on a theory that we should draft an undersized, uber-athletic Defensive Tackle (like Tedy Bruschi) to develop as an ILB. The idea is that he'd be used to taking on and defeating blocks, so he would be less likely to Monty Beisel himself around a blocker. He'd also present a better matchup against those linemen getting to the second level.

I still think Bruschi was a college DE... but I digress.

I am not sure such an athlete exists, not one who can cover TEs and drop into a zone. The Patriots were able to play Ted Johnson for 2 downs (and later just on first downs) when the league was more balanced run/pass. The league has evolved to a point that 2 down LBs are almost extinct. The new breed of 3-4 ILB are closer to James Farrior than Ted Johnson.

Maualuga played in a much different defense at USC but has the size / speed / instincts and attitude to be a force at ILB. Attitude is high lighted because IMO it is an over looked characteristic for a defensive football player, sure you need the size, speed, smarts, etc. but being an intimidator is largely about mindset (see Rodney Harrison).

I am sold on the guy, if he slips to the Pats I think we will look at as a Vince Wilfork type miracle.

Most of my opinion is based on the USC games I watched, he was a force in every game I saw.

More ammo

NFL Draft Scout - "Willing to take on blocks and has the strength and hand technique to shed quickly"

Rey Maualuga | USC Scouting Report - 2009 NFL Draft Prospect
"Does a nice job of taking on and shedding blockers"

WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Draft Prospects - Rey Maualuga Profile
"Uses his hands well to shed blockers and locate tacklers"
"Can play any scheme in the 4-3, but his ability to blitz and plug the run make him an elite fit for the 3-4. "

New Era Scouting
"Shedding Blocks: Unlike a lot of collegiate linebackers, Maualuga doesn’t have trouble shedding blocks. He uses his speed and strength to quickly shed. Engages linemen before they can lock on. "

I am too cheap to pay for Scouts Inc., some one else can post an excert from his profile (but only if it supports my arguement!).
NFL - National Football League - ESPN

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I still think Bruschi was a college DE... but I digress.

I am not sure such an athlete exists, not one who can cover TEs and drop into a zone. The Patriots were able to play Ted Johnson for 2 downs (and later just on first downs) when the league was more balanced run/pass. The league has evolved to a point that 2 down LBs are almost extinct. The new breed of 3-4 ILB are closer to James Farrior than Ted Johnson.

Maualuga played in a much different defense at USC but has the size / speed / instincts and attitude to be a force at ILB. Attitude is high lighted because IMO it is an over looked characteristic for a defensive football player, sure you need the size, speed, smarts, etc. but being an intimidator is largely about mindset (see Rodney Harrison).

I am sold on the guy, if he slips to the Pats I think we will look at as a Vince Wilfork type miracle.

Most of my opinion is based on the USC games I watched, he was a force in every game I saw.

More ammo

NFL Draft Scout - "Willing to take on blocks and has the strength and hand technique to shed quickly"

Rey Maualuga | USC Scouting Report - 2009 NFL Draft Prospect
"Does a nice job of taking on and shedding blockers"

WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Draft Prospects - Rey Maualuga Profile
"Uses his hands well to shed blockers and locate tacklers"
"Can play any scheme in the 4-3, but his ability to blitz and plug the run make him an elite fit for the 3-4. "

New Era Scouting
"Shedding Blocks: Unlike a lot of collegiate linebackers, Maualuga doesn’t have trouble shedding blocks. He uses his speed and strength to quickly shed. Engages linemen before they can lock on. "

I am too cheap to pay for Scouts Inc., some one else can post an excert from his profile (but only if it supports my arguement!).
NFL - National Football League - ESPN

That's interesting, because the Maualuga I've seen everytime I watched a USC game (and we can't say they weren't on TV) was either running around the block or on the ground - though he did seem to have some luck with FBs. As far as attitude - I saw the same attitude in his games that I saw in the Senior Bowl:
- Shawn Nelson pancakes him one play then drives him off the field in the next.
- He blows up a screen play running unblocked and building up a full head of steam.
- He forced a fumble, swiping at a loosely held ball while riding his rollerskates backwards ahead of a projected 7th/UDFA C whom he could not shed.
- He eats air on an offtackle run by a 230 lb RB who cleared the flight path and let him run by.

And he showed up to the Senior Bowl and was described as soft and out of shape. His Combine didn't impress, he could barely jump 8 feet in the broad jump and needed multiple reps to get it right...which means he wasn't landing balanced. All before he tweaked his hammy.

And that NFL Draft Scout profile, it warns that he'll need adult supervision. :confused2:

 

[CoachK]

Very persuasive.

I guess, if you see all of that, certainly BB does and we won't be taking him.

I'm still open to the idea though.

 

[cstjohn17]

That's interesting, because the Maualuga I've seen everytime I watched a USC game (and we can't say they weren't on TV) was either running around the block or on the ground - though he did seem to have some luck with FBs. As far as attitude - I saw the same attitude in his games that I saw in the Senior Bowl:
- Shawn Nelson pancakes him one play then drives him off the field in the next.
- He blows up a screen play running unblocked and building up a full head of steam.
- He forced a fumble, swiping at a loosely held ball while riding his rollerskates backwards ahead of a projected 7th/UDFA C whom he could not shed.
- He eats air on an offtackle run by a 230 lb RB who cleared the flight path and let him run by.

And he showed up to the Senior Bowl and was described as soft and out of shape. His Combine didn't impress, he could barely jump 8 feet in the broad jump and needed multiple reps to get it right...which means he wasn't landing balanced. All before he tweaked his hammy.

And that NFL Draft Scout profile, it warns that he'll need adult supervision. :confused2:

Well I don't like any of that stuff, it seems like a trend from USC players. They look dominant in college but can't raise their game to the next notch when they turn pro.

He certainly has a lot riding on his pro day.

 

[rookBoston]

I think Maualuga is the bomb. He and Mayo would absolutely ravage offenses for years. I dont understand where all the haters are coming from, this guy has been a star on one of the best college defenses since his Freshman year.

The idea that fans are toying with the idea of Connor Barwin at #23 is almost as idiotic as the idea of passing on Maualuga at #23. The one guy is a complete question mark that measures well and had one good year on a crummy team. The other has been the star and defensive captain of a team that has been arguably the best team in college the last few years.

I promise that BB will not draft Barwin in the first round. And I know he would take Maualuga at #23, if he somehow lasted that long. I think he'd even consider moving up a few spots.

BB could end Day One with Rey Maualuga inside, Larry English outside and Rashad Johnson in the secondary, and have the cornerstones of a fast, strong, young defense for years.

Note: According to the chart, #23 + #58 = #15. That sounds just about right, to me.

 

[JMarr]

I think Maualuga is the bomb. He and Mayo would absolutely ravage offenses for years. I dont understand where all the haters are coming from, this guy has been a star on one of the best college defenses since his Freshman year.

The idea that fans are toying with the idea of Connor Barwin at #23 is almost as idiotic as the idea of passing on Maualuga at #23. The one guy is a complete question mark that measures well and had one good year on a crummy team. The other has been the star and defensive captain of a team that has been arguably the best team in college the last few years.

I promise that BB will not draft Barwin in the first round. And I know he would take Maualuga at #23, if he somehow lasted that long. I think he'd even consider moving up a few spots.

BB could end Day One with Rey Maualuga inside, Larry English outside and Rashad Johnson in the secondary, and have the cornerstones of a fast, strong, young defense for years.

Note: According to the chart, #23 + #58 = #15. That sounds just about right, to me.

Maualuga at 23 is the mother of all no-brainers. This board has gone a little crazy. First we get knee-jerk hand-wringing over Greg Lewis, who actually is the perfect fit for what the Pats need in a #3 WR, not to mention that he comes at a bargain price.

Now seemingly overnight Maualuga has gone from a top defensive talent in this years' draft (save Aaron Curry) to a borderline JAG. Did I miss something, or have the Pats recently decided to change their drafting philosophy and only draft players who are prototypes at their respective positions?

The Maualuga bashers haven't been willing to budge an inch--their minds are already made up. Their opinions may be based on solid analysis and knowledge of the Pats' schemes, but the scouting services do this for a living and tend to know a thing or two about player evaluation.

Everyone here is talking about their binkie OLBs, (none of whom are half the football player that Rey is), and if he slides to 23 (or maybe even 19 or so) I think BB pounces, already knowing that AD is best used on the outside. The other OLB? That's were Jason Taylor hopefully comes in--Mr. edge pass rush specialist.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Has nothing to do with need..it's all about value !!

In Foxboro, value is partly predicated on need. If Matt Stafford fell to #23, the Pats aren't about to take him.

 

[stinkypete]

Patsfans draft syndrome strikes again. We're so used to the team throwing us curveballs on draft day that we say, "to hell with the college stars, give me someone I've never heard of!"

This is a weird draft class because while there seems to be unheard of depth from slots 20 through 75 or so, it remains woefully thin at the top. On my board, I have 6 prospects that I would deem "elite:" Curry, Jason Smith, Monroe, Stafford, Crabtree and Raji. After that, there's a group of only 12-15 players that I think are clear, safe 1st round picks. Maualuga is part of that group. Now do the breakdown...

Is Malcom Jenkins clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brandon Pettigrew clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brian Cushing clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brian Orakpo clearly better than Maualuga?
etc.

In most cases, I would say no. In fact, I would not be surprised to see him taken in the top 10. Once the elite guys are off the board, there are a number of teams (Cleveland, Cincy, Jacksonville, Green Bay, San Francisco) who are needy at ILB.

If Maualuga falls to #23, he's a Patriot. The thing is he won't come close to falling to #23.

 

[dryheat44]

Patsfans draft syndrome strikes again. We're so used to the team throwing us curveballs on draft day that we say, "to hell with the college stars, give me someone I've never heard of!"

I agree...we tend to outsmart ourselves sometimes.

Is Malcom Jenkins clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brandon Pettigrew clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brian Cushing clearly better than Maualuga?
Is Brian Orakpo clearly better than Maualuga?
etc.

In most cases, I would say no. In fact, I would not be surprised to see him taken in the top 10. Once the elite guys are off the board, there are a number of teams (Cleveland, Cincy, Jacksonville, Green Bay, San Francisco) who are needy at ILB.

Yes
No
No
Yes

If Maualuga falls to #23, he's a Patriot. The thing is he won't come close to falling to #23.

I will state confidently, as I did elsewhere (perhaps even in this thread) that if Maualuga is available at #23, he's also going to be available at #24. No doubt in my mind. We'd be spending consecutive #1's on Jack linebackers. That's not very intelligent. For all of the draft sites that say he willingly took on blocks, I certainly didn't see it this year. I saw little ability, and even worse, little interest, in taking on blocks and forcing the play.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I will state confidently, as I did elsewhere (perhaps even in this thread) that if Maualuga is available at #23, he's also going to be available at #24. No doubt in my mind. We'd be spending consecutive #1's on Jack linebackers. That's not very intelligent. For all of the draft sites that say he willingly took on blocks, I certainly didn't see it this year. I saw little ability, and even worse, little interest, in taking on blocks and forcing the play.

Author, author!

 

[JSn]

Author, author!

"I just wanna say that you are the craziest person I've met since the guy blocking the bank door. He was wearing a Superman cape and pantyhose. Crazier than you! ...maybe not."

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

I like Cushing better next to Mayo at SILB as he started as a freshmen at DE and played a hell of a game in the Bowl game that year. As I have said before Maualuga has had a bad couple of months (Senior Bowl and Combine) but he does have good tape from USC.

The guy who I was all over a couple of years ago in the first round to take over for Bruschi was David Pollack. It was too bad about his injury because I thought he would have been a hell of a SILB for us.

Right now at 23 I would take Cushing then Maualuga then English as it stands for me right now if all three were available.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I like Cushing better next to Mayo at SILB as he started as a freshmen at DE and played a hell of a game in the Bowl game that year. As I have said before Maualuga has had a bad couple of months (Senior Bowl and Combine) but he does have good tape from USC.

The guy who I was all over a couple of years ago in the first round to take over for Bruschi was David Pollack. It was too bad about his injury because I thought he would have been a hell of a SILB for us.

Right now at 23 I would take Cushing then Maualuga then English as it stands for me right now if all three were available.

Have you got any tape of USC on hand right now? I'd be interested in having you break down Maualuga for me - my assessment of him as an ILB is a fast guy with size who is out of the play if an OL gets a fingernail on him - if he's cut blocked he's on the ground, no ifs, ands, or buts. He looks good when he's kept clean and allowed to get up a head of steam, but I thought he looked poor moving through trash. I just don't see him being paired inside with Mayo.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

"I just wanna say that you are the craziest person I've met since the guy blocking the bank door. He was wearing a Superman cape and pantyhose. Crazier than you! ...maybe not."

Ah laddy, we'll have a nice cup of tea together if Nurse Ratchet ever gives me cape back. :singing:

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Have you got any tape of USC on hand right now? I'd be interested in having you break down Maualuga for me - my assessment of him as an ILB is a fast guy with size who is out of the play if an OL gets a fingernail on him - if he's cut blocked he's on the ground, no ifs, ands, or buts. He looks good when he's kept clean and allowed to get up a head of steam, but I thought he looked poor moving through trash. I just don't see him being paired inside with Mayo.

I was hinting at Cushing being my SILB prospect not Maualuga. I was pointing out that Maualuga has enough good tape to be drafted despite his poor performance in the Senior Bowl and the Combine. One of the 4-3 teams is going to grab his kid in the first round but I do agree that Maualuga is not good for our 3-4 but some team is going to take this kid.

I have seen him play and broke down film many times before during my football career and here is how I see Maualuga:

I think he will be an excellent MLB in a 4-3 as he has excelled there in college. SD and Tampa are going to take a serious look at this kid so @ 23 I really do not think he will be there. His most notable negative that I see is that he overreacts to plays which can get him caught out of position.

On the flip side, even when he does find himself out of position he still uses his strength and motor to disrupt blockers or even in some cases make the play from behind.

Maualuga is an elite run-stopping middle linebacker and he is the best blitzing middle-backer we have seen in a few years. If the D-Line can open up a hole for him, he will quickly buck the running back and start hounding the QB. His closing speed is what impressed me as he also delivers a pop on many hits.

In the passing game Maualuga can get deep in his drop and does a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes and re-routing receivers. His man skills are below average, but won't be called upon much.

What a 4-3 team will love about Rey Maualuga is his sideline-to-sideline play making presence.

While I agree he does need to learn how to man up and take on OL he has never been asked to do that. He relied on beating his block with speed but ended up having to go backdoor too many times for me to draft him inside for us. He did win a few awards in college and to win the Bednarik Award he had to have some good film.

 

[mayoclinic]

I will state confidently, as I did elsewhere (perhaps even in this thread) that if Maualuga is available at #23, he's also going to be available at #24. No doubt in my mind. We'd be spending consecutive #1's on Jack linebackers. That's not very intelligent. For all of the draft sites that say he willingly took on blocks, I certainly didn't see it this year. I saw little ability, and even worse, little interest, in taking on blocks and forcing the play.

It's really not fair to make player evaluations based on actual observation and common sense needs assement, instead of hype and generic "draft boards".

 

[mayoclinic]

The guy who I was all over a couple of years ago in the first round to take over for Bruschi was David Pollack. It was too bad about his injury because I thought he would have been a hell of a SILB for us.

I totally agree. I loved David Pollack in 2005, and thought he would be an amazing LB conversion. His 3-cone and agility numbers were off the charts for a DE - in the DeMarcus Ware class, though slower on his 40 time. I would have loved to move him inside to SILB. Though his neck injury cut his career short, he will always be in my mind as a "what could have been" kind of player.

 

[dryheat44]

I totally agree. I loved David Pollack in 2005, and thought he would be an amazing LB conversion. His 3-cone and agility numbers were off the charts for a DE - in the DeMarcus Ware class, though slower on his 40 time. I would have loved to move him inside to SILB. Though his neck injury cut his career short, he will always be in my mind as a "what could have been" kind of player.

As did I. I also loved (still like) AJ Hawk, whom I think could be very good in that position.