No. Reiss isn't right on the mark with this one. Why? Because Belichick personally worked out Chad Jackson, Jermaine Cunningham and Aaron Hernandez. And that included reviewing film with them as well as putting them through their paces.
With Jackson, Brian Daboll didn't want him. But McDaniels and Belichick did. It's probably one of the things that led to Daboll leaving for a time. But Daboll has been back for a few years now. And his influence on the offence is there.
Aaron Hernandez, they waited until the 4th round. They Pats did everything they could short of giving him a personal mentor. But Hernandez was a grown man.
Cunningham remains the enigma. Clearly Belichick saw something. Unfortunately, Cunningham failed to reach that potential.
Furthermore, Reiss' comments regarding Hernandez and Spikes are total BS. Spikes was a 3 year starter for the Pats in the middle before he left via free agency.
Hernandez was a prolific catcher and was a perfect compliment to Gronkowski on the field. For a 4th round pick. it was well worth it. Reiss saying otherwise is being ingenuous.
Sorry, but Reiss should stick to reporting things and keep his opinions in the round file. I'm not sure that Reiss has predicted one pick correctly and his evaluation of players makes some of the people here on Patsfans look like they should be pro scouts..
I think it has more to do with just talent. Obviously BB can watch film, and he has developed a good scouting team that knows what he wants. But when you speak directly with the former coaches, you want more than just what you can see for yourself.
What you want is insights into character, personality, the traits that can't be seen on film. And in that regard, Meyer didn't really help. I don't know if he was lying to get his former players drafted, or just not a good source, but either way, BB shouldn't trust his opinion on off-the-field matters.
It's not a question of talent. Jackson was widely-regarded as the most talented WR in his draft class. He was obviously smart. But he didn't put the work in. Spikes was a headcase as it turns out. Hernandez had talent obviously, but he also had a ton of question marks. At the time, most of those were related to marijuana, but there were a lot of worse things brewing in the background that came to light later on. He obviously had concerns, as reports have him trying to stick Tebow all over Hernandez to try and help him out. And Easley is still quite the talent, but a locker room issue.
Perhaps Easley can't be blamed on Meyer since he did recruit him, but left. But I feel confident that BB at least asked Meyer his opinion on some of the issues. Cunningham was actually the only one who fit in as far as the Patriots culture, he just didn't perform. That happens. But looking back, at least he tried and didn't cause problems.
As for Reiss, I welcome his opinion because it's so rare he actually voices it unlike many in the media. He's not going to be first on an issue, but his commentary is always measured and well-thought-out instead of the knee-jerk whaargaarbl which is the standard media response. Unlike many other mediots who act like they have all the answers, Reiss is always probing, trying to learn, and asking smart questions during the press conferences. Whether right or wrong, it is comprehensive and comprehensible (I'm looking at you Steven A. Smith), and I think he's one of the best we have.
