What Draftee Is Starting Game One at ILB?

[Box_O_Rocks]

Your knock on Laurinitis is that he seems similar to those we already have. Well, let the competition begin! He seems to be an excellent talent. Belichick has a knack of adapting his schemes to take advantage of the skills of the talents that he has. The limiting factor is talent and good instincts, which Lauritinitis has more of than anyone else at ILB not named Maualuga. As you point out, before we were to draft Maualuga, Belichick would need to understand the extent of remaining character issues, and how trainable he is.

The trouble with this is I really disagree with the assessment on Launrinaitis, he's not physical enough at a time when folks are hooting and hollering for a tough physical defense. I want to see someone who loves to stick his nose into the pile, NE already has better finesse players who are still more physical than Laurinaitis.

 

[cstjohn17]

Let's see, we've tossed out a handful of names, but it might help to define the role and attributes necessary to play within that role...

I believe the consensus here is for a SILB/Mike with the presumption that Mayo stays at the Jack/WILB? Guyton is a comfortable #3 ILB who may be able to win the starting gig in Training Camp? Bruschi is now a two-down situational field-coach who we'd like to see lined up at second string with a rookie to groom?

So...
-- ILBs are expected to primarily play off the LOS, covering the A & B gaps on their side of the formation.
-- They need to be able to stack & shed blockers (OL, FB, H-back, TE, and slot WR) to close the running lane for their gaps and tackle the ball carrier.
-- They need to cover the short and medium zones on passing plays.
-- They should be able to blitz.
-- They should be great in trash.
-- They should be able to get to the outside on their side of the formation against outside runs.
-- They should be wicked football smaht.
-- Workaholic film/gym rats.
-- Instinctive, an absolute nose for the ball.

Prototype "starting" NE ILB in the BB era is 6'1" - 6'4", 242-260 (used to be 245-260 before Mayo, and probably will be again after the offseason program).

Some excerpts from NFL Draft Scout profiles:

Mayo
-- Productive open-field tackler and playmaker who is a strong presence in the huddle, playing with good aggression taking on lead blockers.
-- Shows functional strength at the point of attack, taking on the lineman or fullback with aggression...
---- ...does struggle some vs. double teams.
-- Smart athlete who calls defensive signals...
--- ...doing a nice job of staying on his feet.
-- Knows how to avoid blocks while maintaining balance on the move.
-- Does the extra film work needed to prepare for games and has no problem taking plays from the chalkboard to the playing field.
-- Can adjust on the move and is quick to read and react to keys (sees the big picture and works hard to get to the ball).
-- Can avoid trash on his way to cut off the ballcarrier.
-- Gets good zone drops due to his hip flexibility, showing the quick feet to fluidly turn and stay tight on his man in pass coverage.
-- His ability tracking the ball in flight stands out on film.
---- Not stout enough to stack and control in tight areas, as he does not keep his hands active enough to handle double teams.
-- Showed improved hand usage as a junior...
---- must do a better job of extending his arms to defeat cut blocks.
---- Needs to finish better as a tackler, as he is more finesse than he is a physical hitter.
---- Needs to step up and plug the holes at the line of scrimmage and seems a little slow to scrape downhill.
---- Better suited for a defensive system that will allow him to cover up, read and move, rather than one that requires Mayo step up and plug holes at the line.
---- Must be more aggressive using his hands to get into the blocker's chest, as the opponent can lock on and push him around at times.

Guyton
-- Has adequate strength to take on blocks and fill the rush lanes, flashing the speed to close in a hurry once he locates the ball.
-- Demonstrates functional strength to control blockers and is able to hold his ground at the line of scrimmage to plug run lanes.
-- Exhibits good mental alertness, as he learns well and shows adequate awareness and alertness in his play to diagnose and track the ball.
-- Has adequate instincts, feel and awareness to diagnose run and pass plays when working through trash.
-- Able to break down and bring ballcarriers down effectively on inside and outside run patterns.
-- When playing vs. the inside run, he has the functional strength to stack and fill...
---- ...needs time to diagnose, as he is not always good at reading blocking schemes.
-- Has enough strength to hold off or control linemen and has long arms to create and maintain separation.
-- His long arms, strength and use of hands help him to hold his ground vs. tight ends and control the line of scrimmage.
-- As a blitzer/rusher he possesses some feel and timing, and can make the turn, demonstrating a good burst to close.
-- In zone coverage, he exhibits adequate foot quickness and change of direction to transition and break on routes.
-- Has learned how to use his long reach to fend off blockers and keep the opponent away from his body.
-- Solid wrap-up tackler with the hand strength to secure on his initial contact.
----A bit hesitant reading keys at times...
---- ...is not the most instinctive player when it comes to diagnosing the run/pass plays.
---- Not real active with his hands and he tends to get caught up in traffic when trying to flow to the ball.

Ruud
-- Quick to key and diagnose the play...
-- ...is active vs. the run, showing the functional strength to take on blockers and the hand usage to shed blocks.
-- Instinctive player with good vision...
-- ...shows good tackling form...
-- ...using his hands effectively to take on, shed blocks and make the play.
-- Opens his hips properly and is fluid in his pass drops, staying low in his turn-and-go action.
-- ...he can sift through trash quickly.
---- ...needs to improve his strength to be more effective with his inside gap responsibilities.
-- His vision and awareness let him get a good jump on the ball and he does a decent job breaking down in space.
-- Takes good angles.
---- Will lose leverage on inside run plays when he leads with the wrong shoulder.
---- His lack of bulk causes him to get engulfed by the larger blockers and while he needs to add more weight, it could impact his timed speed.
---- ...needs to play under control more, as he tends to over pursue.

On paper, and with the help of one season, the team of Mayo, Guyton, and Ruud reads like a potentially good fit for NE's ILBs.
- All need to get stronger and add some more muscle mass (in progress).
- The two "drafted" players are described as "instinctive"...must be something BB wants to see in his LBs.
- The undrafted player has "adequate" instincts (Ochmed and I have discussed this in the past, I believe you can develop your instincts with hard work and study, "adequate" earned Guyton a chance and he ran with it).
- The drafted kids showed better ability to get through trash.
- All showed the ability to engage and shed blockers - they didn't just run around them everytime.
- They all make the tackle, but don't always deliver the big hit.
- They all were decent in coverage.

Their flaws are correctible, but the keys here are instinctive, good in trash, and willing to engage and shed blockers.

I have nothing to add except for well freaking done sir, well done indeed.

Q:What Draftee Is Starting Game One at ILB?

A: None.

• Cushing could make a transition to ILB but not for game 1. I am not sure I would consider him at 23 but at 34 would be a steal. He is the type of player that can move around depending on down and distance etc.
• Maualuga has all the tools, if he can get his stuff together he has starter potential (and more) but not for game 1

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

We'll look at NFL Draft Scout OLB candidates who might workout inside:

Cushing
-- Versatile.
-- Physical and intense.
-- Big hitter.
-- Attacks blocks aggressively.
-- Good flexibility to turn and run with tight ends and backs in coverage.
-- Productive pass rusher.
---- Struggled with injuries throughout his career.
---- Relies on his athletic ability, rather than his upper body strength to defeat blocks too often.
---- Can overrun the play and allow for cutback opportunities.
---- Mistakes often covered up by the surrounding talent at USC.

Matthews
-- Reliable open-field tackler.
-- Versatile.
-- Natural pass rusher off the edge.
-- Good initial hand punch to pop the blocker and disengage.
-- Good effort and speed in pursuit.
-- Instinctive.
-- Played well in space.
-- Excellent special teams player.
---- Surrounded by so much talent at USC that holes in his game could have been disguised.
---- Lacks the bulk to remain at defensive end.
---- Prefers to run around blocks rather than take them on.
---- Remains a work in progress in disengaging from blocks.

English
-- Positives: Good motor, hustles down or across the field until the play is completed, even if initially blocked.
-- Changes direction in space well.
-- Secure wrap-up tackler.
-- Can use his arms to keep linemen and fullbacks off him when standing up.
-- Stays balanced and upright most times on stretch plays.
---- At times he can bounce off a block using his punch.
-- Has quick, violent hands to stay free.
-- Stays at home on option plays.
-- Able to drop back off the line in zone blitzes and stay with tight ends.
---- Gets engulfed by better left tackles on inside pass rush moves.
---- Lacks the strength to bull rush.
---- Doesn't quite have the speed to get the corner consistently
---- Fails to hold his ground when directly out of his stance and can't get off the block quickly enough to get to the ball.
---- Will need to prove he can handle coverage duties against better tight ends and that he has zone awareness.
---- Needs to get lower in his backpedal, as he stands a bit tall.

Sintim
-- Good straight-line speed and will hustle to get downfield angles.
-- Closes on quarterbacks quickly.
-- Long arms and strength to secure the tackle.
-- Shows versatility
-- Generally holds up against OT blocks, and can occasionally shed to make a play.
-- Takes on fullback blocks to stand his ground or create a pile.
-- He could fit as a strong-side linebacker if he proves the ability to handle coverage responsibilities.
---- Wasn't asked to drop into coverage
---- Rarely gets into position to block passes in space or at the line.
---- Needs to shed tight end blocks on the edge and make more plays.

Freeman
-- Room for additional mass.
-- Instinctive defender who flows to the ball quickly.
-- Athletic enough to elude blockers and make plays at or near the line of scrimmage.
-- Reliable open-field tackler.
-- Good awareness and speed in coverage.
-- Gets good depth on his drops.
-- Excellent special teams player.
---- Likes to avoid blockers rather than facing them up and struggles in disengaging.
---- Lacks the bulk to hold up when targeted in the running game.
---- Seems content to allow the reception to be made and make a secure tackle, rather than breaking on the ball.
---- Has struggled with durability

McKenzie
-- Some versatility to play inside and in space.
-- "Sam" linebacker who lines up in the stack and nine-techniques.
-- Holds his ground adequately against tackles on outside run plays, can shed to turn play inside or make the tackle.
-- Breaks down in the open, and can wrap up elusive runners in space.
-- Brings his hips to hit ballcarriers straight on, and will put his helmet on the ball to create a turnover.
-- Gets a fair punch on tight ends to knock them off the line, and stays with them in coverage.
-- Will chase and hustle downfield, giving second or third effort on inside run plays to get to the ball.
---- Not especially fluid dropping into coverage.
---- Comes out of the game in nickel situations
---- Doesn't have the great strength or bulk to fight his way through trash inside.

Cody Brown
-- Uses his hands to rip off blocks from much bigger tackles.
-- Very good off the edge.
-- Able to get into the chest of his man to bull rush him into the quarterback.
-- Will close on quarterbacks quickly and secure the tackle.
-- Played on the strong or weak side, and was a stand-up rusher at times.
-- Recognizes misdirection quickly.
---- Can be moved out of the hole.
---- He can get deep on zone blitzes.
---- Needs to hustle and chase a bit more
---- Quarterbacks and ballcarriers can sidestep him as he closes because he doesn't break down quickly enough to make the tackle.

Follett
-- Room for an additional 10-15 pounds of muscle mass.
-- Improved play recognition as he gained experience.
-- Forcefully takes on blocks with an impressive pop that can gain him the separation he needs to make big plays behind the line of scrimmage.
-- Downhill defender who can explode into the ballcarrier and has forced eight fumbles over his career
---- Relies on his aggression and physicality to make the play.
---- Inconsistent in his reads.
---- Will take false steps and can be beaten over the top by play-action.
---- Only flashes the lateral quickness to evade blockers.

Lee Robinson
-- Nice closing speed, runs downhill to attack ballcarriers.
-- Uses his hands to keep cut blocks off his knees.
-- Fights through trash inside to get to the ballcarrier.
-- Will hustle down plays.
-- Team leader on and off the field.
-- Can stay with tight ends in short areas.
---- Does not change direction well laterally in space.
---- Needs to improve his open-field tackling.

Ivy
-- Holds up strong on the edge against tight ends and tackles, using his length to maintain distance or strength to rip off of blocks.
-- Able to disengage to wrap up ballcarriers near the line.
-- Very solid wrap-up tackler in space.
-- Cleans up plays started by teammates because he swarms to the ball.
-- Drops well into the intermediate zone
-- Comes hard on the blitz and will make the play more often than not.
-- Moves quickly to handle running backs and tight ends in the flat.
-- Stays in his lane and hustles on special teams.
---- Lacks great lateral movement and will whiff on tackles in space because he lacks fluidity and hip flexibility.
---- Best when able to see the play in front of him.
---- Inconsistent winning hand play at the line and in space.

Francois
-- Physical, no-nonsense linebacker that takes on discards blocks well.
-- Can slip blocks with good hand strength and lateral quickness.
-- Squares up and delivers a blow to the ballcarrier.
-- Good effort in pursuit.
-- Gives good pop to tight ends and can ride in coverage.
-- Gets good depth on his drops and is alert in coverage.
-- A standout special teamer.
---- Only 14 career starts.
---- Marginal hand technique as a pass rusher.
---- Lacks the lateral agility to keep up with running backs and athletic tight ends.
---- Performance might have been inflated due to the surrounding talent at defensive tackle and linebacker.

Let's recap:

Cushing - On paper, a good choice, but I still believe he's a 4-3 SLB and not suited to NE's ILB role.
Matthews - Runs around blocks, struggles to disengage.
English - A possibility, but he needs to shed blocks better.
Sintim - A possibility, he needs to shed blocks better.
Freeman - Not physical enough.
McKenzie - Two Down man.
Brown - Needs to hustle a bit more?
Follett - A work in progress, but a possibility.
Robinson - Promising.
Ivy - A possibility.
Francois - Reads like the best choice on this list.

 

[mayoclinic]

The trouble with this is I really disagree with the assessment on Launrinaitis, he's not physical enough at a time when folks are hooting and hollering for a tough physical defense. I want to see someone who loves to stick his nose into the pile, NE already has better finesse players who are still more physical than Laurinaitis.

:ditto::ditto: Nice player, but not what we need at ILB.

 

[Clonamery]

BOR,

Since you mockingly grabbed Jason Phillips this morning in the patsfans forum mock, could you assess his traits? Purrty puhlease.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

NFL Draft Scout's profiles for this year's class isn't as in-depth - lazy buggers.

Maualuga
-- Reads the action quickly.
-- Willing to take on blocks and has the strength and hand technique to shed quickly. (Codswallop from what I've seen on TV, but we'll let it hang.)
-- Gets good depth on his pass drop ...
-- Punishing hitter.
-- Can break down in space to make the secure open-field tackle.
---- Has a tendency to overpursue.
---- Too often relies on his explosive hitting to knock down ballcarriers, rather than wrapping up to make secure tackles.
---- Concerns about his maturity. :attention:
---- Repeated troubles while at USC involving fights and alcohol. :attention:

Laurinaitis
-- Reads the action quickly and gets in position to make the play.
-- Instinctive and rarely out of position.
-- Uses his hands well to meet, greet and discard blockers. (Not on my TV.)
-- Best attribute might be his open-field tackling.
-- Rare instincts and underrated athleticism for coverage.
---- Relies on his athleticism and good technique to defeat blocks and can struggle to disengage.
---- Consistent and reliable, but rarely made the game-changing play over his career. (Damned with faint praise.) :ugh:

Beckwith
-- Highly aggressive and physical.
-- Takes on blockers and uses strong punch to keep himself clean.
-- Understands his role in the defense and is willing to take on blockers to maintain his gap responsibility and trust his teammates to handle theirs and make the play.
-- Works his way through trash.
-- Reliable open-field tackler.
---- A physical battering ram when it comes to taking on blockers, Beckwith struggles to quickly disengage and make tackles in space.
---- Lacks great lateral quickness or the speed to meet the back at the edge or chase down plays outside the box.
---- Struggles maintaining proximity to receivers while in coverage.
---- Lets blockers cut him too easily.
---- Requires a medical check because he has missed games the past three seasons with knee injuries.

McKillop
-- Productive, instinctual player who sorts through the trash to get to the ballcarrier, seems to have an innate sense of how and when to slide through oncoming blockers.
-- ...always seems to know where the ball is.
-- Breaks down well in space and makes secure tackles in the open field.
-- Can get to the outside to meet the back at the edge.
-- Drops quickly and hustles to meet receivers in intermediate routes.
-- Knows where the sticks are.
---- Does not have great speed to chase plays from behind...
-- ...but generally makes up for it by taking good angles.
---- Lacks physicality and runs around blocks instead of taking them on.
---- Unable to get off blocks when engaged.

Brinkley
-- Reliable open-field tackler and can be a punisher inside.
---- Relies on his physical attributes and is still developing his instincts and technique.
---- Too often looks to slip blocks instead of using his size advantage.
---- Struggles with his hand placement and is slow to disengage.
---- Can be fooled by misdirection and lacks the explosiveness to recover.
---- Lacks the instincts and foot speed to be a factor in coverage.

Phillips
-- Avoids blocks from guards in trash to reach the ballcarrier...
-- ...but is also physical enough to punch linemen and maintain his gap.
-- Very tough and won't back down from anyone.
-- Aggressive, instinctual player
-- Adequate drop and good awareness in coverage
-- Secure tackler, has the length to wrap up and strength to bring the man down.
---- He often reads the play correctly but is a step slow to break down or react.
---- His aggressiveness sometimes causes him to leave his gap responsibility.

Joseph
-- Very physical at the line, throws his body into the hole.
-- Will not win any track events, but seems to get to every play with good football speed.
-- Runs through the ballcarrier on tackles -- behind the line or after hustling to the sideline on quick screens.
-- Swarms to the ball downfield, plays through the whistle.
-- Possesses one of the most ferocious punches in the country; slams the pads of linemen when attacking the run.
-- Can also slip through traffic to hit a back in the hole.
-- Rarely gets knocked to the ground on cut blocks.
-- Uses his hands to get off blocks near the line and at the second level from full-grown guards.
---- A two-down player.
---- Not very fast in his drop and comes out of his stance too early...
-- ...but he still manages to cover enough ground to stop middle routes short of the first down.

Mauga
-- Instinctive and more athletic than he looks, Mauga reads the action quickly and is quick to attack the line of scrimmage.
-- He has the lateral quickness to slip by blockers and make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
-- He isn't a bruising tackler, but is a scrapper who always seems to get the ballcarrier on the ground.
-- Reads the action quickly and puts himself in position to make the tackle before blockers have a chance to get to him.
-- Doesn't shy away from contact and has the lower-body strength and good lateral quickness to engage blockers, keep his feet and disengage as the ballcarrier approaches.
-- Good open-field tackler who breaks down well and wraps his arms for the secure stop.
---- Questionable level of competition.
---- Makes a lot of tackles in pursuit...
-- though much of this is based on effort and not elite speed.
---- Will need to be protected by a solid front to keep blockers off of him. (Sounds like Mayo.)
---- Good burst upfield as a blitzer, but doesn't get home often enough.
-- Good awareness in coverage...
---- ...marginal overall athleticism.
---- Medical check necessary.

We're down into NFL Draft Scout's projected 6th round - lets recap:

Maualuga - Do you really want to spend a first round pick on a kid with maturity and off-field flags?
Laurinaitis - We already have three somewhat like him, what does he add to the mix?
Beckwith - Two down LB. Medical issues. Physical, but can't get off the block and is very limited in his range.
McKillop - Sooo close, but he just isn't physical enough.
Brinkley - No instincts, Two down LB.
Phillips - Reads like a decent option for SILB, a bit undersized but has the frame to add another 10-15 lbs.
Joseph - Two down LB, but he can still make plays in coverage if necessary, just a playmaker.
Mauga - They were struggling to find negatives for him, seems like a fine project for Coach Woicik.

These are the kids NFL Draft Scout lists as ILBs, I'll take a look at OLBs and DEs in a bit.

Great write up!!

I would add that Malauga is a outstanding blitzer to his resume which is very important in BB SILB position. The scouts keep saying that he reads the QB's eyes very well and flows to action naturally. That kinda reminds me of Bru when was younger (His int for a TD in the snow is a great example of reading QB' eyes). His off feild issues and his little grind on youtube with Erin Andrews shows that he does have some growing up to do.

 

[BradyManny]

Damn, awesome stuff BOR. Great breakdowns.

 

[Revman]

Good question. I believe that this is the single largest need for Pat's base defense now that they have added the 2 cb's. Mayo was fantastic. Guyton is similar to Roman Phifer of old. Take Bruschi's age -health concerns and there is a big hole in our heart. I still believe that Darry Beckwith is somewhat under the radar-comes out of S.E.C.-L/S/U. Beckwith is one who will gain value as we near the draft. He could go late one-most likely early 2. He has 3/4 experience-diagnosis plays well-can go outside on occasion-good speed-not great. Will hit. Could start around mid year-or sooner with Bruschi teaching him the ropes in camp. I like this kid.

 

[Revman]

One other thought is the kid from Southern Mississippi- Gerald McRath- Good showing at combine-a little light for a thumper role-but very quick-good 40- active-versatile in/out. Remember Mayo was a climber - very unexpected #10 pick-most scouts had him as a mid. rd 2 guy because he was light-had injuries-weren't sure he could take on the big boys inside. I believe that Beckwith will be the guy to climb somewhat over next few weeks. Don't forget Curtis Lofton-Falcons #2 was outstanding as a rookie.
Beckwith is most similar to Lofton. McRath will play - can he fit this system?

 

[PatsChamp88]

Thanks Box your dedication to the draft forum makes it hard not to read daily.....now if only the draft could come sooner.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

BOR,

Since you mockingly grabbed Jason Phillips this morning in the patsfans forum mock, could you assess his traits? Purrty puhlease.

Here's the overview from NFL Darft Scout: "Phillips earned first-team All-Mountain West honors twice (2006, '08) and was named to the second team twice. In his four years as a starter, he accumulated 325 career tackles including 38.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks. He's not what scouts call a quick-twitch athlete, but his toughness, work ethic and instincts make him a potential NFL starter inside."

There's a couple key words highlighted above.

He's one pound below my profiled NE ILB prospect at 239 and he's 6' 3/4" Which I believe is about Tedy's height, though he's listed as 6'1" on the roster. Phillips was the MLB for the #2 Defense in the Nation last season. They play a 3-3-5 defense, so Phillips isn't hiding behind big DTs. He's durable, no games missed in four years, though he tore a meniscus while training for the Combine and was on crutches after surgery when he showed up for the TCU Pro Day - this means he'll be ready for Training Camp. I believe it was Mike Mayock who said the only difference between Maualuga, Laurinaitis and Phillips...one went to USC, one to Ohio State, and one to TCU. I beg to differ with him on the fine details, but Phillips is the better NE fit as far as I can see. He's also projected to the 5th round by NFL Draft Scout, down from the 3rd round I think, but he's obviously a better value than the other two.

Tedy played at 245 in 2001/2002, and has been listed at 247 since 2003. Mayo and Guyton were both listed at 242, perhaps a sign BB is looking for more speed. Phillips had a 4.6/40, Mayo 4.54. 10 yd split, Phillips 1.56, Mayo 1.50. Vertical jump, Phillips 34", Mayo 32". Broad jump Phillips 10' Mayo 9' 6". Short Shuttle, Phillips 4.32, Mayo 4.29. Phillips is more downhill, Mayo more side-to-side.

There's another description that makes me think of Tedy in the Championship years: "Avoids blocks from guards in trash to reach the ballcarrier, but is also physical enough to punch linemen and maintain his gap." Remember how Tedy could just slither through the blockers and defenders to make the stop in the hole for little to no gain? Call me intrigued.

I hadn't done the OLB when I did my mock, but the more I think about it, Phillips in the 4th and Francois in the 7th or as a Priority UDFA gets the two best "fits" that I can see with my limited data. Grab Barwin, and later Rodney Jr. (SS Stephen Hodge of TCU) and you've got speed and run stopping power to spare.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Thanks Box your dedication to the draft forum makes it hard not to read daily.....now if only the draft could come sooner.

De nada. :rocker:

 

[bakes781]

De nada. :rocker:

What are your thoughts on Dannell Ellerbe? I was rewatching the LB drills last night and he showed some serious quick feet. His size is almost identical to that of Phillips.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

What are your thoughts on Dannell Ellerbe? I was rewatching the LB drills last night and he showed some serious quick feet. His size is almost identical to that of Phillips.

6'1" 236

Ellerbee
-- Frame to add additional mass.
-- Versatile defender with experience at all three linebacker positions.
-- Aggressive to attack the line of scrimmage in run support.
-- Good speed to the outside to meet the back at the edge.
-- Reads his keys quickly and puts himself in position to make the play.
-- Among the better inside linebackers in the country in pass coverage.
-- Can beat blockers to the action due to his lateral agility and aggression.
-- Effective blitzer.
-- Flashes explosiveness as a hitter.
---- Relies on his athleticism and aggression to beat blockers to the ballcarrier...
---- Struggles disengaging from blocks when confronted.
---- Too often tackles high, leaving him susceptible to missed tackles.
---- Some concern that he played soft in 2008, trying to protect his stock.
---- Legitimate character concerns. Suspended for first three games of the 2006 season (also spent two days in jail and received two years probation) for pleading guilty to reduced charges of minor in possession of alcohol, reckless driving and unlawful use of a license.)

There's his profile notes from NFL Draft Scout. The basic tools are there, but I think they're packaged for another team's business. He's basically another Laurinaitis, whom I already don't want.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Updating with some Pro-Day information:

LB Robert Francois (6-2 1/4, 244 pounds) ran 4.61 and 4.59 in the 40, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical, a 9-10 broad jump, a 4.34 in the short shuttle, a 7.11 three-cone drill and kept his bench press numbers from combine. He was already profiled above.

LB Mike Rivera (6-2, 245 pounds) ran 4.63 and 4.66 in the 40, had a 38 1/2-inch vertical, a 9-foot, 10-inch broad jump, a 4.08 short shuttle and a 6.67 three-cone drill and did 14 bench-press reps.
Nfl Draft Scout hasn't profiled him, but has this recap of his senior year.
-- Earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. Has earned honorable mention all-league honors three times in his career.
-- Tabbed as a Wuerffel Trophy Finalist, Draddy Semifinalist, Bednarik Award Watch List, and Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection.
-- Earned academic all-league honors three times in his career.
-- Led the team in tackles as a sophomore while playing middle linebacker.
-- Moved to outside linebacker for each of the last two years.
-- Third on the team with 79 tackles this season.
-- His seven tackles for loss rank fourth on the team and include two sacks.
-- One of the hardest hitters on the team, he has forced three fumbles and recovered two.
New England was interested in him: KU linebackers want NFL shot - Kansas City Star

Rivera impressed the scouts with his vertical leap of 38.5 inches, which was 1 1/2 inches better than any linebacker at the combine. He also filled out two lengthy questionnaires for the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots...“It’s a personality test,” Rivera said. “There’s not really any right or wrong answers on a lot of it. One hundred five questions on one and 80-something on the other.”

The other question that needed to be answered was whether Rivera and Mortensen, in particular, were healthy. Mortensen is just a year removed from major knee surgery, and Rivera has suffered from knee and ankle issues.

“We are healthy,” Rivera said. “We’ve had time to heal and rest, and with the injuries we had, that’s all we really needed was that time to recover.”

Rivera, who has played both middle and outside linebacker for Kansas, is scheduled to work out April 11 for the Chiefs, who can conduct a Pro Day for local players.
-----
“I think I can fit in any defense, but probably best at middle linebacker, whether it’s in a 3-4 or a 4-3.”

ILB Endor Cooper (6-0 5/8, 247 pounds, Howard University), who ran 4.83 and 4.85 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Cooper posted a 27.5-inch vertical, an 8-foot, 11-inch broad jump, a 4.60-second short shuttle and a 7.05-second three-cone drill. He didn’t participate in the bench press.

An Electrical Engineering major

             GP  Solo  Ast Total  TFL/Yds  Sks-Yds   Int-Yds  BrUp QBH FR-Yds  FF 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Endor Cooper 11   71   54  98.0  16.0-44   3.0-14      .       1    2   1-0    4   

KICK RETURNS     No.  Yds   Avg TD Long
---------------------------------------
COOPER,Endor      2   16    8.0  0   8

12/16/08 - 2008 ALL-MEAC CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM: LB Endor Cooper Sr. Howard Woodbridge, Va., has been selected Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference First Team for the 2008 college football season as voted on by the league head coaches. Cooper, a 6-3, 245-pound senior middle linebacker from Woodbridge, Va., had an outstanding season. He led the MEAC in total tackles per game with 11.4 and in forced fumbles with four. He also finished tied for third in tackles for losses. Nationally, Cooper was the highest ranked defensive player from the MEAC. He was third in solo tackles, seventh in total tackles, tied for eighth in forced fumbles and tied for 17th in tackles for losses. He recorded double figures in tackles in nine of 11 games played. Cooper was a pre-season MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and is a strong candidate for the Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College Defensive Player of the Year. - Howard football

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Mike Mayock's Top five ILB

Inside linebackers
1 Rey Maualuga USC Explosive point of attack, can struggle in space
2 James Laurinaitis Ohio State Consistent technician, clean off the field
3 Jason Phillips TCU Four-year starter/coach's son, limited in space
4 Darry Beckwith LSU Athletic and solid tackler, engulfed by big bodies
5 Dannell Ellerbe Georgia Can cover/blitz, question durability and instincts

 

[dryheat44]

Mike Mayock's Top five ILB

Inside linebackers
1 Rey Maualuga USC Explosive point of attack, can struggle in space
2 James Laurinaitis Ohio State Consistent technician, clean off the field
3 Jason Phillips TCU Four-year starter/coach's son, limited in space
4 Darry Beckwith LSU Athletic and solid tackler, engulfed by big bodies
5 Dannell Ellerbe Georgia Can cover/blitz, question durability and instincts

Wow. None of those guys really interest me for the Pats. I suppose I'd take Laurinaitis of the five, although if Maualuga drops to round 2 I'd consider him.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Wow. None of those guys really interest me for the Pats. I suppose I'd take Laurinaitis of the five, although if Maualuga drops to round 2 I'd consider him.

I highlighted the one I believe to be the best fit.

 

[MetalBleachers]

the funny part about this is, most of us will be fooled. Right now BB sees something we don't (the reason we love having him) and will act on it on Day One.

I don't see Ruud in the middle, or even on this roster come September. I'm more partial to putting AD in there and going with a rookie at OLB, just because that's where the talent is this year. It's just not a great year for ILBs, and I don't see the Pats reaching for it.

My sleeper, who's starting to wake up:
Jason Williams | Western Illinois, OLB : 2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

the funny part about this is, most of us will be fooled. Right now BB sees something we don't (the reason we love having him) and will act on it on Day One.

I don't see Ruud in the middle, or even on this roster come September. I'm more partial to putting AD in there and going with a rookie at OLB, just because that's where the talent is this year. It's just not a great year for ILBs, and I don't see the Pats reaching for it.

My sleeper, who's starting to wake up:
Jason Williams*|*Western Illinois,*OLB*:*2009 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile

Yes, he had a good All Star game to, I thought I read a Pro Day report on him but couldn't find it.