National Football Post - Positional Reviews

[cstjohn17]

I'll agree with those who see the hole at rNT with Wright's UFA status, and I believe he can make better money as a 4-3 DT in another system. So I am looking for a NT, even though I also want a #3 WR and S in this draft.

A possible cheap fix is California's Mika Kane, 6'2" 312 and ranked in the 100's at DT by NFL Draft Scout. I'm watching the California @ Oregon State game I recorded and Kane is doing a fine job of plugging the middle as a 3-4 NT. He needs some technique work, he could stand to be stronger, and he's not going to be collapsing the pocket, but with the scarcity of valid big 3-4 bodies in this draft, I like this kid as an option - and it looks like he could be had as a UDFA.

Although I consider it a wasted pick and roster spot, if you want a cheap NT look at Ron Brace. He won't be able to play special teams or at DE but he is a huge big fat body that can anchor the middle.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Although I consider it a wasted pick and roster spot, if you want a cheap NT look at Ron Brace. He won't be able to play special teams or at DE but he is a huge big fat body that can anchor the middle.

I agree and have been looking at him, I think I've got BC's bowl game to take another look, but Raji in round one seems to be the only major talent with NT potential in this draft.

 

[tombonneau]

I would LOVE to see the Pats talk BC linebacker/MONSTAH Mark Herzlich to come out this year. In my opinion, he is the best linebacker in the nation by far. He's huge, fast and athletic. Anyone who watched him this year would probably agree.

He also seems to be BB kind of guy.

I'm in the seat right next to you on the Herzlich Bandwagon; I think he is an ideal fit as OLB in the Pats 3-4 and might just be on the board at #24.

Would be great to develop him behind Vrable/AD and when/if one of them gets hurt in 09, hopefully he'll be ready to hit the ground running.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'm in the seat right next to you on the Herzlich Bandwagon; I think he is an ideal fit as OLB in the Pats 3-4 and might just be on the board at #24.

Would be great to develop him behind Vrable/AD and when/if one of them gets hurt in 09, hopefully he'll be ready to hit the ground running.

Has Herzlich declared since he's only a junior? I've not seen anything posted on the draft sites saying that he petitioned the NFL for potential status. Granted, that may change with the rumors that the BC head coach is looking for a job in the NFL.

With the number of underclassmen declaring, the 1st and 2nd round could end up being the equivalent of 2 1st rounds. There is a TON of talent there, particularly at LB.

I saw that Herzlich had a great year. At 6'3 7/8" and 238 lbs, he's a tad undersized, but not so much that he couldn't add a few lbs and have it not affect his ability. Being in cow country (Texas) I didn't get to see any BC games and can only go on what I've read. What are his strengths? What are his weaknesses? How is he against the run? The 6 interceptions this year says he should be good in coverage. Is he a leader?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Has Herzlich declared since he's only a junior? I've not seen anything posted on the draft sites saying that he petitioned the NFL for potential status. Granted, that may change with the rumors that the BC head coach is looking for a job in the NFL.

With the number of underclassmen declaring, the 1st and 2nd round could end up being the equivalent of 2 1st rounds. There is a TON of talent there, particularly at LB.

I saw that Herzlich had a great year. At 6'3 7/8" and 238 lbs, he's a tad undersized, but not so much that he couldn't add a few lbs and have it not affect his ability. Being in cow country (Texas) I didn't get to see any BC games and can only go on what I've read. What are his strengths? What are his weaknesses? How is he against the run? The 6 interceptions this year says he should be good in coverage. Is he a leader?

Weakness? He needs more sand in his shorts to hold up against the run in the NFL as a 3-4 OLB.
Strengths? Pretty much everything. He runs, he jumps, he tackles, he can catch, he has the full quota of operational brain cells.

If he comes out I expect him to push Aaron Curry down a peg or two.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Weakness? He needs more sand in his shorts to hold up against the run in the NFL as a 3-4 OLB.
Strengths? Pretty much everything. He runs, he jumps, he tackles, he can catch, he has the full quota of operational brain cells.

If he comes out I expect him to push Aaron Curry down a peg or two.

Does the push Curry into the Patriots laps? Cos I'd be more than happy to take that guy.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Does the push Curry into the Patriots laps? Cos I'd be more than happy to take that guy.

Probably not, but we can dream.

 

[tombonneau]

Has Herzlich declared since he's only a junior? I've not seen anything posted on the draft sites saying that he petitioned the NFL for potential status. Granted, that may change with the rumors that the BC head coach is looking for a job in the NFL.

With the number of underclassmen declaring, the 1st and 2nd round could end up being the equivalent of 2 1st rounds. There is a TON of talent there, particularly at LB.

I saw that Herzlich had a great year. At 6'3 7/8" and 238 lbs, he's a tad undersized, but not so much that he couldn't add a few lbs and have it not affect his ability. Being in cow country (Texas) I didn't get to see any BC games and can only go on what I've read. What are his strengths? What are his weaknesses? How is he against the run? The 6 interceptions this year says he should be good in coverage. Is he a leader?

I haven't heard anything about him declaring, but all the draft sites I visit treat it as fait accompli that he will come out. The whole mess with Jags should seal the deal.

As far as his strengths, I think he has great instincts in pass coverage and is super-athletic which helps him to make big plays. It's very non-technical, but he seems to be one of those gamers who just makes big plays, a la Bruschi in his prime, which is really something the Pats D has been lacking.

He probably needs to put on a little weight to handle an NFL 3-4 OLB role, but really not that much, as he already has a pretty solid frame.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Although I consider it a wasted pick and roster spot, if you want a cheap NT look at Ron Brace. He won't be able to play special teams or at DE but he is a huge big fat body that can anchor the middle.

Just because a player has a huge fat body does not mean he can anchor against the double team.

To anchor, a player needs to be incredibly thick and strong in the lower body. A lot of sand in the pants, and massive tree trunk strong thighs would help tremendously.

A big fat body helps keep the Oline guys from getting their arms around you.

 

[Metaphors]

I haven't heard anything about him declaring, but all the draft sites I visit treat it as fait accompli that he will come out. The whole mess with Jags should seal the deal.

As far as his strengths, I think he has great instincts in pass coverage and is super-athletic which helps him to make big plays. It's very non-technical, but he seems to be one of those gamers who just makes big plays, a la Bruschi in his prime, which is really something the Pats D has been lacking.

He probably needs to put on a little weight to handle an NFL 3-4 OLB role, but really not that much, as he already has a pretty solid frame.

It seemed like he was going to return to school but who knows now with the coaching situation. I would say that Herzlich would translate better inside with the Pats. I believe he played inside in HS but got opportunities as a SAM at BC. I don't think the Pats have acquired an OLB (draft or FA) that hasn't had primary or significant experience as a DE.

BTW, I think Curry would also fit better inside with the Pats.

 

[cstjohn17]

Just because a player has a huge fat body does not mean he can anchor against the double team.

To anchor, a player needs to be incredibly thick and strong in the lower body. A lot of sand in the pants, and massive tree trunk strong thighs would help tremendously.

A big fat body helps keep the Oline guys from getting their arms around you.

It was tongue in cheek, Brace has some NT potential. Raji is clearly more talented, it wouldn't be insane to consider a scenario where the Pats look to extend Seymour, draft a NT replacement (Raji) and then decide to let Wilfork go or franchise him. If he walks he would certainly draw a 3rd round comp in 2011. This would keep the D Line among the best in the league for the next 3-5 years.

 

[Metaphors]

it wouldn't be insane to consider a scenario where the Pats ...decide to let Wilfork go

Yes. Yes it would. You are hereby banished to the 6th circle of Hell (look it up) for even suggesting it.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

It was tongue in cheek, Brace has some NT potential. Raji is clearly more talented, it wouldn't be insane to consider a scenario where the Pats look to extend Seymour, draft a NT replacement (Raji) and then decide to let Wilfork go or franchise him. If he walks he would certainly draw a 3rd round comp in 2011. This would keep the D Line among the best in the league for the next 3-5 years.

I believe NE will make every effort to re-sign/extend Seymour and Wilfork. Players of their caliber are few and far between, which is why BB drafted them in the 1st round to begin with. Wilfork can also play DE, so I'd be very surprised if he were to walk.

 

[cstjohn17]

I believe NE will make every effort to re-sign/extend Seymour and Wilfork. Players of their caliber are few and far between, which is why BB drafted them in the 1st round to begin with. Wilfork can also play DE, so I'd be very surprised if he were to walk.

I am right there with you I expect them to try and re-sign one and use the franchise on the other one as leverage.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I am right there with you I expect them to try and re-sign one and use the franchise on the other one as leverage.

Vince says he wants to stay put, he just isn't planning to take a hometown discount. I suspect we'll know what kind of money Vince is looking for once Haynesworth gets his new contract. Sey will be looking for something similar, reason enough to cash in on Cassel.

 

[cstjohn17]

Vince says he wants to stay put, he just isn't planning to take a hometown discount. I suspect we'll know what kind of money Vince is looking for once Haynesworth gets his new contract. Sey will be looking for something similar, reason enough to cash in on Cassel.

It will be interesting, there are arguments to be made either way. Not many teams have 3 D linemen with premium contracts.

 

[bakes781]

I think it's a no brainer. Given the choice I'd keep Wilfork.

 

[Synovia]

Yes. Yes it would. You are hereby banished to the 6th circle of Hell (look it up) for even suggesting it.

Why would you resign Seymour and let Wilfork walk? They're both great at their position, but Wilfork is 2 years younger, has significantly less injury history, and would probably be signed for ceahper.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I am right there with you I expect them to try and re-sign one and use the franchise on the other one as leverage.

Re-signing Seymour is more urgent and much cheaper in 2009, will probably not raise the 2009 CAP number much if at all. His present compensation was/will be $9 million in 2009.

Under the rules for an uncapped year, he can't get more than 130% in 2010; and a new contract will be well below that. He will be a FA too, as he has more than 6 years experience.

Wilfork will only be a FA if there is a new CBA. Otherwise he isn't free, but a RFA, (ERFA?), until end of 2011, or a new CBA. (Same applies to Cassel by the way).

If there is no new CBA, they are both RFAs until after 2010 and 2011 respectively.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I think it's a no brainer. Given the choice I'd keep Wilfork.

No it is NOT. Seymour is far more valuable. He created a good D line, before Wilfork arrived. He is a first ballot HOF member, confirming it when he came all the way back in 2008, from the injuries of 2007.

You never get rid of those type of players. Fortunately, Belichick is not a as un-informed.