New England Patriots Mock Draft 3.0, Building Depth on Defense

[maineman209]

That is why we strongly need someone like Reid or Harrison to add athleticism and speed especially in the box. It would be tough to watch again our players with mediocre ability in tackling.

McCourty and Chung led the team in tackles in 2017 with 94 and 78, respectively (172 total). The top three LBs (KVN, Roberts & M. Flowers) had 170 between them. On the DL, Guy, Brown and T. Flowers managed to get 179.

Overall, the DBs were in on 400 tackles - 45% of all team tackles in 2017.

When the DBs can't count on the front-6/7 to stop the run, it tends to make them a bit late in coverage.

Anyway, McCourty and Chung were both playing in (or close to) the box last season, and doing more than their own "normal" jobs.

 

[maineman209]

Like I said earlier - almost impossible to keep Flowers and Mason in next FA. Better be ready to have a replacement of Flowers.

AND Mason.

 

[oceansizer]

AND Mason.

Somehow I believe we will be able to keep one of them but I know it is gonna be a challenge.

 

[maineman209]

Somehow I believe we will be able to keep one of them but I know it is gonna be a challenge.

IDK. With the way that IOL salaries were bumped up in FA this year, there may be slightly less chance of keeping Mason than Flowers.

Flowers has been solid for two seasons in both pressures and run-D, but he hasn't had a high sack number either season. If he hits double-digits in 2018, he'll be among the top 2019 FA defenders. The 15th highest paid 4-3 DE (Cam Jordan, NOL) has an $11M APY

Mason is more athletic than most IOL out there and more athletic than all but two or three of the IOL in this draft class, I think. The 15th highest-paid RG (Josh Kline, TEN), got $6.5M APY on his new contract. Mason seems likely to be close to the top-10 (Warford, NOL) at $8.5M APY. For comparison, Solder was getting $10M from the Pats in 2016-2017. Cannon's contract maxes out at $7.75M in 2020.

For reference, the 2018 FT for DE was $17M. For OL it was $14M.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

IDK. With the way that IOL salaries were bumped up in FA this year, there may be slightly less chance of keeping Mason than Flowers.

Flowers has been solid for two seasons in both pressures and run-D, but he hasn't had a high sack number either season. If he hits double-digits in 2018, he'll be among the top 2019 FA defenders. The 15th highest paid 4-3 DE (Cam Jordan, NOL) has an $11M APY

Mason is more athletic than most IOL out there and more athletic than all but two or three of the IOL in this draft class, I think. The 15th highest-paid RG (Josh Kline, TEN), got $6.5M APY on his new contract. Mason seems likely to be close to the top-10 (Warford, NOL) at $8.5M APY. For comparison, Solder was getting $10M from the Pats in 2016-2017. Cannon's contract maxes out at $7.75M in 2020.

For reference, the 2018 FT for DE was $17M. For OL it was $14M.

Note that the Patriots once paid a lot for a physical IOL for a couple years...until they didn't.

 

[maineman209]

Note that the Patriots once paid a lot for a physical IOL for a couple years...until they didn't.

Scar seems to have generally preferred relatively smaller, athletic types over bigger power types for IOL, with some notable exceptions. Andrews isn't extremely athletic, but centers work in the smallest box and rarely pull on running plays (Karras is a bit bigger than Andrews, but about the same level of athleticism).

Thuney and Mason are both very athletic - and Mason, at 6016, is pretty small. The closest comps (on measurables) in this draft, as far as I gotten to this point, seem to be James Daniels (6033), Brian O'Neill (actually, tackle-size at 6067) and Joe Noteboom (6050). As a projected 3rd/4th-rounder, Noteboom might be a candidate based on his measurables, but I have no idea if he can actually play or not.

 

[mgteich]

AND Mason.

I apologize. I've been a patriot fan since the 70's. I simply don't think finding a RG to be a top priority. Belichick will find a way. We've won SB's using very little resources on RG's.
And, sure, having Mason has been great.

 

[mgteich]

Note that the Patriots once paid a lot for a physical IOL for a couple years...until they didn't.

OK, I'll bite, please tell us the highest paid RG's that we've had since Belichick arrived; heck, since Kraft arrived? What is highest draft pick that we've used?

Yes, I do indeed know that you said IOL. Still, help us out. Thanks!

 

[maineman209]

I apologize. I've been a patriot fan since the 70's. I simply don't think finding a RG to be a top priority. Belichick will find a way. We've won SB's using very little resources on RG's.
And, sure, having Mason has been great.

I didn't say "top" priority. I'm not advocating for the Pats to spend the #23 on Wynn or the #43 on Daniels here. However ...

With so many defenses these days being focused on generating interior pressure (like the sack that Mason himself allowed that killed the Pats final drive in this past Superbowl), and with the Pats ground game relying heavily on athletic guards who can pull and get downfield in a hurry, and with the salaries of IOL rising dramatically, nearly to tackle level over the past couple of years, because there are so few good ones, I fail to see why finding a solid, athletic replacement for Mason in this draft wouldn't be enough of a priority for the Pats to consider spending the #63 or the #95 on.

But, then, what do I know? I've only been following the NFL since I attended my first game in 1963.

 

[supafly]

Think there is a need to invest in an athletic tackle with Pick #2..

They are scheduled to bring in OT Kolten Miller, today. He could be your second pick at #31.

I’d like to see LB addressed at #23, myself.

 

[maineman209]

They are scheduled to bring in OT Kolten Miller, today. He could be your second pick at #31.

I’d like to see LB addressed at #23, myself.

I feel that the chances are highest for the Pats selecting an ILB/MLB type with one of their first three picks, followed closely by OLB/edge and DL/edge, then by QB and LT.

Somewhat lower chances for them selecting CB, Safety or IOL. Lower still for DL-interior/3-4 type DE, and practically zero for WR, RB or TE.

But, ya never know with BB.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

OK, I'll bite, please tell us the highest paid RG's that we've had since Belichick arrived; heck, since Kraft arrived? What is highest draft pick that we've used?

Yes, I do indeed know that you said IOL. Still, help us out. Thanks!

Logan Mankins says Hi! Played LG not RG. Also played some LT, etc. in emergency.

I said nothing about draft round, but he was a 1st round pick I believe.

Always glad to help new fans out about the Patriots.

 

[mgteich]

I agree.

An IOL should be consideration in the early rounds.

But, then, what do I know? I've only been following the NFL since I attended my first game in 1963.

 

[mgteich]

Agreed.

And yes, helping out new fans is a good thing.

My point was that RG has traditionally been a very low priority for the patriots. That being said, I have no problem with drafting a RG. I would think that we would want someone who can backup at center.

Logan Mankins says Hi! Played LG not RG. Also played some LT, etc. in emergency.

I said nothing about draft round, but he was a 1st round pick I believe.

Always glad to help new fans out about the Patriots.