Next Stop, the Underwear Olympics

[Snake Eyes]

This is the problem, I don't think you can. This is a guy that quit on his team and since then the only thing he has had to focus on is preparing for the combine (because he declined rehab). None of them know what he has been doing since he left the team and the evidence so far certainly isn't good. The combine has been equated to being an open book test, well with the equal lowest total bench press for TE's I think Lyerla failed. And it's not like he had any excuses to not prepare for it like playing football or graduating.

The other huge concern is this was one of the red flags at Oregon. He was known to not follow the coaches guidance or lift with the rest of the team in the weight room and did his own thing. For most players I think the bench is quite useless unless it's really low, considering Lyerla's situation I think it's actually quite significant and telling.

And what if he's simply not good at benching? As Deus pointed out, Warren Sapp did 16 reps.

Lyerla has emotional issues, that's why he's not being considered for the late 1st round, my only question is how he's dealing with them. If he's not making progress than I don't waste time with him.

 

[mayoclinic]

Defensive weigh-in measurements I like:

- Christian Jones at 6'3" 240#. Good weight.

- Marcus Smith at 6'3" 251# with 34" arms. A bit lighter than at the Senior Bowl (258#), probably better equipped to play in space.

- Dominique Easley at 6'2" 288#.

- Justin Ellis at 6'1" 334#. Great weight for him. Can't weight to see how he does in the agility drills.

Measurements I don't like:

- Trent Murphy at 6'5" 250#. Down from the Senior Bowl. Murphy is grouped with the LB's. I love his intangibles, but he doesn't have the athleticism I want to play in space, and he's too light to play on the line. At this point I wouldn't take him before the 3rd-4th round.

- Aaron Lynch at 6'5" 249#. That's about what he played at last season, and got pushed around. Too light.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm not Arthur Lynch's biggest fan because of athleticism but 4.68 goes some way to changing my mind. Good job.

Pretty sure Richard Rodgers is off my board. Mid 4.8s is way too slow. He'll need to do well in the agility drills to change my mind.

 

[Deus Irae]

Amaro's 40 times did not impress Mayock. Personally, I'd opine that 4.6/4.62 isn't a big enough difference to worry about a TE who clocked in at 265lbs.

With teams like the Jets and Chiefs (among others) out there, Ebron (4.5) and Amaro seem likely to be gone before the Patriots pick.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Measurements I don't like:

- Trent Murphy at 6'5" 250#. Down from the Senior Bowl. Murphy is grouped with the LB's. I love his intangibles, but he doesn't have the athleticism I want to play in space, and he's too light to play on the line. At this point I wouldn't take him before the 3rd-4th round.

- Aaron Lynch at 6'5" 249#. That's about what he played at last season, and got pushed around. Too light.

I think these can be potential opportunities as these guys have been training for the combine, not for football. I'm sure they can add muscle without and issue but if they were heavier their times in these drills would likely be slower.

If their reduced weight drops their stock they can be had at a bit of a bargain.

 

[manxman2601]

Amaro's 40 times did not impress Mayock. Personally, I'd opine that 4.6/4.62 isn't a big enough difference to worry about a TE who clocked in at 265lbs.

With teams like the Jets and Chiefs (among others) out there, Ebron (4.5) and Amaro seem likely to be gone before the Patriots pick.

I'm fine with Amaro's speed which is better than Eifert. His 30" vert concerns me though.

 

[Deus Irae]

I may have missed it. Did they explain Niklas' decision not to run?

 

[Brady6]

Trey Burton ran a 4.50 at 6’2” 224 Lbs. he could be a great late round pick as a flex tight end.

AC Leonard with a 4.43 forty time and 20 reps on the 225 Lb. bench.

I wonder how their aim is in a moving vehicle…

 

[mayoclinic]

I think these can be potential opportunities as these guys have been training for the combine, not for football. I'm sure they can add muscle without and issue but if they were heavier their times in these drills would likely be slower.

If their reduced weight drops their stock they can be had at a bit of a bargain.

I agree. I haven't ruled these guys out, but I don't like them at this playing weight. I'd want both around 265-270#. And I don't think Murphy belongs with the LBs - I don't think agility is his strength. Off course, Dee Ford is grouped with the DEs, and his future is probably as a LB.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm fine with Amaro's speed which is better than Eifert. His 30" vert concerns me though.

I suspect Amaro's vert was affected more by coming in at 265# than his 40 time was.

 

[Deus Irae]

Someone's going to pull a Patriots/Hernandez Cardinals/Matthieu type of move and get Lyerla dirt cheap. Then it's going to be a matter of trying to keep the kid's head straight.

 

[manxman2601]

I suspect Amaro's vert was affected more by coming in at 265# than his 40 time was.

Maybe.

10 char

 

[patsderoer]

Lyerla also with a 36.5" vertical, tops among TEs. Ebron and Amaro both at 30".

Lyerla really showing off. 4.47 and a 36.5", he would be a steal in the 5th round.

 

[mayoclinic]

Met with Donald too apparently.

According to WEEI's Christopher Price, the Patriots have had an "informal meeting" with Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald in Indianapolis.

The Patriots are always fond of versatile players, regardless of their position, and Donald has played all over the line in his collegiate career.

"In college, I played different positions. I played nose tackle, I played in a three-man front as a 5-tech, I played 3-tech, so I moved around in college a lot. So being versatile the way I am, I feel like that's a plus for me."

He was constantly moved around, which has led to some people wondering where he would fit best. Despite that versatility, he feels he has a strong suit.

"Defensive line is defensive line, to me," he said, "but I feel like I'm a 3-tech, I feel like I'm an inside guy."

Report: Patriots meet with Pitt DL Aaron Donald in Indianapolis - Going Deep - Boston.com

 

[Brady6]

All this kid needs is a good tattoo artist to finish up those sleeves...

BOTTOM LINE A physically talented receiving tight end, Lyerla was overshadowed by the play of emerging freshman Johnny Mundt and litany of issues (suspensions, drugs, academics). Has overcome a lot of adversity stemming back to his youth and defied the odds to become an impactful performer. Talent grades could garner interest in the second round, but past history could easily knock him down several rounds and off many draft boards. Would benefit tremendously from a coach willing to serve as a strong father figure.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I agree. I haven't ruled these guys out, but I don't like them at this playing weight. I'd want both around 265-270#. And I don't think Murphy belongs with the LBs - I don't think agility is his strength. Off course, Dee Ford is grouped with the DEs, and his future is probably as a LB.

I also like Murphy MUCH better lined up as a DE with his hand on the ground.

 

[Coach42]

Lyerla late with a 6 or a 7 I would do. However it sure seems there is info out there that hasn't come to light with this kid yet.

 

[Brady6]

Someone's going to pull a Patriots/Hernandez Cardinals/Matthieu type of move and get Lyerla dirt cheap. Then it's going to be a matter of trying to keep the kid's head straight.

You have to admit he looks the part…

 

[mayoclinic]

Ebron reportedly tweaked his hammy running the 40, won't run drills.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

All this kid needs is a good tattoo removal service...

Fixed for accuracy.