MORSE: Thoughts on Patriots Day 3 Draft Results
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I was watching the CLNS Media You Tube Live broadcast with Taylor Kyles and his guests Mike Kadlick and John Zannis on CLNS Draft Central when Layden Robinson was selected by the patriots there was stunned silence from the three Patriots reporters. It was comical, they had nothing good to say about him and they just said nothing. I was furious. Eliot Wolf and scouts agreed with me that the team needed a Guard. I wanted Mason McCormack and not Layden Robinson.
This is what Dane Brugler had to say in his “The Beast” Draft Guide.
STRENGTHS: Densely built frame with above-average arm length and hand size … matches power with power at the point of attack … anchors at shallow depth and is a hard guy to move from his spot … locks out his long arms to keep defenders at his fingertips … hands deliver stunning blows when he stays centered … flattens on short pulls and steers on long pulls to create running lanes … uses angles well when climbing to line up and remove his targets … described as “down to earth” and personable … says his toughness became fully developed under Steve Addazio the last two seasons … double-digit starts in the SEC each of the last three seasons. WEAKNESSES: Noticeable lack of explosion in his movements … inconsistent when attempting to redirect or cut off cross-face rushers … taller pad level hampers his mirror through engagement … gets top-heavy and ends up on the ground when he lunges in protection … sustain rate declines rapidly when his hands land wide … inconsistent breaking down at the second level … late to recognize and sort through delayed blitzes … can get antsy and caught up in energy of the game, leading to mistakes (13 combined penalties over his final two seasons) … 100 percent of his college snaps came at right guard and doesn’t have tape at the four other positions. SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Texas A&M, Robinson was plugged in at right guard in former offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s balanced run scheme. After putting himself on the NFL radar with a standout sophomore season, his game showed slight decline in 2022, but he rebounded well as a senior and earned All-SEC honors. As a run blocker, Robinson is powerful at the point of attack with the ability to displace defenders on base and double teams. He has a stout anchor as a pass blocker plus the natural girth to maintain his spot, but his inconsistent balance and timing hurt his ability to maximize his length and widen rushers. Overall, Robinson plays with a rugged, physical demeanor and the play strength to stay connected, but his middling mirror skills in protection will be targeted by NFL pass rushers. He has a chance to provide depth for a power-based scheme in the NFL.
Robinson had 33 starts at Texas A&M all at Right Guard. I don’t understand taking both Wallace and Robinson who both played strictly on the right side. I do believe this is a clear indictment of Cole Strange. It was noted that Strange is not participating in off season workouts. It was clarified by Patriots Forum Moderator jmt57 that his lack of participation is due to his recovery from his late season knee surgery and that he should be back in August. I believe the coaches are concerned about his ability to perform at this point and are looking to the future. Perhaps they have determined that drafting Cole was a mistake the previous administration made and they ae about to purge him. Again I would rather of seen McCormack, especially with his reputation for nastiness and his proven strength (32 reps).
Taylor Kyles was ecstatic when Baker was announced. Initially I was too. But then I remembered why Baker was not on my list. He ran a 4.54 40-yard dash and wouldn’t run a 3-cone drill. He was hiding his inability to make quick changes of direction. I also didn’t like his level of competition in college. I do like his attitude though. Baker immediately took to Instagram and has this to say “Your gonna pay, it took too long, you’re all gonna pay”. This means he has a chip on his shoulder and he is going to take it out on his opponents.
This is what Dane Brugler had to say in “The Beast” NFL Draft Guide.
STRENGTHS: Explosive athlete with a smooth gait … put several big plays on his 2023 tape (five catches of 50-plus yards) … establishes initial leverage in his releases and leans on pace and physicality in his route running … able to clear out catch space at the break point but can just as easily work with bodies around him (see 2023 bowl game vs. Georgia Tech) … plays with good body length and climbs the ladder to make athletic, mid-air adjustments … catches the ball away from his body and quickly puts it away for YAC opportunities … used on screens and jets so he could show off his vision and run balance to weave through the defense … physical mentality also translates to his blocking … “learned a lot” from DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle while in Tuscaloosa … receiving production got better each season. WEAKNESSES: Has speed but doesn’t always use it effectively … inefficient at times in/out of breaks, and his footwork can get wild … needs to improve his body positioning at the catch point to close off defenders and frame the ball … occasionally relies on his body to finish catches, leading to frustrating focus drops (more drops than touchdown catches in his career) … needs to put more of an emphasis on his sales techniques to bait coverage … wasn’t used as a returner in college and offers very meager special-teams experience, although he has the athletic profile to play there … almost all of his offensive production came after he left Alabama. SUMMARY: A two-year starter at UCF, Baker was used across the formation in head coach Gus Malzahn’s up-tempo spread attack (72.9 percent of his 2023 snaps came outside, 27.1 percent inside). After he struggled to see offensive snaps in his two seasons at Alabama, he transferred to UCF and led the team in receiving in 2023, ranking No. 2 in the FBS in yards per catch (21.9). Baker is a good-sized athlete with explosive flashes to create on YAC-designed plays (tunnels, swing screens, etc.) or win deep (his 21 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023 ranks fourth best in the draft class, behind Nabers, Odunze and Malik Washington). He can make some wild catches with his body control and length, but the drops and inconsistencies at the catch point can be maddening. Overall, Baker is a loose-striding athlete with ball tracking skills, although his tape is full of inefficiencies and question marks that didn’t allow him to consistently showcase his talent. He projects as a developmental Z receiver with starting upside.
This is what Dane Brugler has to say about Dial.
STRENGTHS: Enough size and length to match up with big receivers … play speed can get the job done at the next level … ball skills and ability to track the football downfield stand out on film … when he is late getting his head turned, he does a nice job reading the receiver to feel incoming throws … averaged one pass defended per game over the last two seasons … reads well from off coverage to pedal or sink and drive … doesn’t play passive and tries to make receivers feel uncomfortable early and late in the route … plays with a sensitive trigger to quickly unlock and go … attacks blocks with a head of steam … played on punt coverages in 2023 … selected by the South Carolina coaches for the team’s Overcoming Adversity Award in 2023 … played in all 38 games over the last three seasons. WEAKNESSES: Stiff-hipped and has a hitch in his turn-and-run ability … can be fooled by double moves and late to recover once he takes the cheese … inconsistent play recognition and will get grabby when late to read route stems … needs to better anticipate quick screens/slants, especially on third downs … loses his relationship with routes, allowing for late separation and box outs … competitive but streaky as a run defender … undisciplined tackling angles and doesn’t always come to balance, which leads to misses … didn’t create any turnovers in 2023 … saw safety and nickel reps in 2022 but was an outside-only corner in 2023. SUMMARY: A three-year starter at South Carolina, Dial played outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Clayton White’s multiple-coverage scheme. Once he arrived in Columbia, he was one of the most productive defensive backs in the SEC with a combined 25 passes defended over the last two seasons. Dial is a good-sized athlete with the length and speed desired at the position, but his lack of fluidity hurts his ability to stay connected in press man. Though he can click and close with a head of steam, his instincts are spotty, and his finishing skills as a tackler need to be addressed. Overall, Dial has the ball skills and burst that give him a chance to earn an NFL role, but his undisciplined spacing in coverage must improve to match up with NFL receivers. He could be an option for zone schemes.
NFL Draft Buzz had this about Dial
Strengths
Effective out of the slot, showing the instincts and quickness to mirror when the receiver has a two-way go. Dial has good instincts and awareness when playing off, showing good route recognition and anticipation when breaking on the ball.
Stays low in his backpedal and shows the click-and-close ability to break up plays in front of him. Dial can move well laterally and shows excellent instincts when looking into the backfield in zone coverage.
Plays with the natural balance and ultra-quick feet to mirror underneath, and he’s tremendous at reading routes and reading quarterbacks.
Extremely aggressive to come up and put his body in traffic to make tackles.
Likely has the length and physical ability to fit in a press scheme but ideal fit as a zone defender because of his recognition skills and an above-average burst to close on the ball.
Quicker than Dial is fast but has a burst to close in zone coverage and plays physical at the line in man.
Weaknesses
Isn’t great in route recognition when he’s facing the action, is hesitant and susceptible to double moves, and too often gets unnecessarily handsy when playing trail position
The majority of the time last season, Dial was able to physically overwhelm opposing receivers early in the down, a scenario that won’t play out as often against NFL receivers.
Gave up far too many big plays in college, especially concerning since he has recovery speed to make up for missteps.
At 6’5” 233 4.63 40-yard dash, his measurables are off the charts.
STRENGTHS: Outstanding size and stature … throws with exceptional arm power and is able to drive the football to every inch of the field … drills opposite hash out routes and bang-eights with ease … passes get on receivers quickly for YAC opportunities, forcing cover defenders to keep tight cushions … stays balanced in his drops and delivers with an effortless flick and high release point … nifty runner with long, strong strides to quickly get going when scrambling … outstanding finishing toughness as a runner, dropping his pads to power through bodies … well liked by his teammates and has been a team player throughout his career (NFL scout: “Instead of bolting once (Hendon) Hooker took his job, he stayed patient, and it paid off for him.”) … respectable production at Tennessee, including 41 total touchdowns and a 11-5 win-loss record as a starter.
WEAKNESSES: Holds the ball too long in the pocket and is late to anticipate windows … locks onto primary targets and bird-dogs reads, relying too much on his arm to make up the difference … throws to areas, not pinpoint spots, and his ball placement must continue to improve … inefficient deep ball thrower in 2023, completing only 29.5 percent of his attempts of more than 20 yards (18-for-61) … his fastballs often sail on him … can throw a football harder than anyone, but needs to develop a change-up and better touch on throws … his accuracy suffers when on the move, and he is much more comfortable with a stationary base and delivery … pocket awareness showed improvements but is still not a strength to his game … five fumbles in 2023 … only one full season of starting experience (in a wide-field spread scheme that helped define his reads) … will be 24 years old on draft weekend. SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Tennessee, Milton waited his turn to be the triggerman in head coach Josh Heupel’s offense, which is an offspring of Art Briles’ system (spacing and fast tempo to put defenses in conflict). After not being able to secure the starting job at Michigan or during his first two seasons in Knoxville, he finally got his chance as a super senior and looked like a talented, yet inexperienced and inconsistent passer. A strong, mobile athlete, Milton has an absolute hose for an arm (in the mix for the strongest I have ever evaluated) and will make throws every game that gives evaluators hope. However, the lack of consistency with his decision-making and ball placement remains a pinnacle concern. Overall, Milton has the physical tools that scream first-round pick, but his passing instincts and ability to read the field are undeveloped. He is a project quarterback prospect, and some teams believe he will eventually transition to tight end in the NFL (similar path as Logan Thomas).
NFL Draft Buzz
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
Possesses an exceptional arm strength that rivals the best, enabling him to make throws many can’t.
Demonstrates quick acceleration through his throwing motion, sending the ball across the field instantaneously.
Displays commendable pocket awareness, making controlled movements under pressure, showcasing his football IQ.
With his significant size and stature (6’5″, 235 lbs), he exemplifies the prototypical quarterback build.
Not just a stationary pocket passer; shows the ability to move off his spot and make accurate throws on the run.
While his processing speed may need tuning, his velocity compensates by closing tight windows effectively.
His resistance to sloppy tackle attempts due to his size means defenders need to ensure solid hits to impact him.
Has a lightning-quick release that, combined with his arm strength, makes him a formidable offensive weapon.
NFL Draft Buzz
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
Struggles in blocking, and often gets overpowered at the point of attack.
Requires improvement in physicality, particularly in traffic and at the top of routes.
Limited effectiveness in run schemes due to size and strength.
Remarkable open-field speed, demonstrating the ability to consistently outrun linebackers and safeties
His agility and agility are exceptional for a player in the tight end position
YAC threat, Bell shows the capability to add dynamic and additional yardage post-reception.
Impressive in ball tracking and showing great flexibility, Bell has the ability to adjust and make difficult catches
Is comfortable moving laterally – excelling in executing crossers, wheel routes, and seam routes effectively.
Displays decent directional changeability and contact balance, enabling him to navigate through defenders and maintain possession after contact.
This is what Dane Brugler “The Beast” NFL Draft Guide had to say.
STRENGTHS: Adequate length and body bulk … accelerates well off the line and runs with purpose, not allowing contact mid-route to disrupt his path … runs with the same mentality and low center of gravity after the catch, which helps him bounce off tackle attempts (his 8.1 YAC per reception in 2023 ranked No. 3 among FBS tight ends) … solid hands-catcher and quickly puts the ball away … physical lead blocker in the run game as an H-back and delivers pop with his hands … has enough play strength to battle base ends in pass protection … holds the South Carolina single-game receiving yards record by a tight end (159 yards) … quickly connected with his new teammates and made a positive impact in Tallahassee despite spending less than a year there.
WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t have ideal size measurements for what some NFL offenses desire at the position … has a bad habit of bending his route, forecasting his intended path to defenders … runs well but lacks a burst at the break point to easily uncover from defenders … accounted for only one red-zone touchdown in 2023 and just two touchdowns overall … did most of his damage as an underneath or dump-off option (31 of his 39 catches in 2023 came within nine yards of the line of scrimmage) … inconsistent blocking posture, technique and execution … wasn’t a regular on special-teams coverages in college … suffered a torn ACL (September 2019), which ended his senior year of high school; required another procedure to repair the meniscus in his left knee prior to the 2020 season. SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Florida State, Bell was a versatile tight end in head coach Mike Norvell’s up-tempo scheme (44.3 percent of his snaps came in the slot, 43.0 percent inline and 10.4 percent out wide). After three seasons with the Gamecocks, he transferred to Tallahassee, where he set career bests in catches and receiving yards (one of 12 FBS tight ends in 2023 with 35-plus catches and 500-plus receiving yards). As a receiving option, Bell is a good-sized athlete who can push through physical coverage and be an effective catch-and-run option. He struggles to sustain as a blocker, but he efficiently fits up his target to wall off in the run game or lose slowly once engaged in pass pro. Overall, Bell isn’t a dynamic weapon, but he has pass-catching talent, and NFL teams will like his contact balance and competitive chops as a blocker, receiver and after the catch. A similar player to the Houston Texans’ Brevin Jordan, he can earn a No. 2 tight end role.
Bell is 6,2” 232 lbs and runs a 4.61 40-yard dash. That was tied for 2nd. But is he really a TE? He is more like an H-Back, playing more than 40% of his plays from the slot. Alex Van Pelt’s offense will feature lots of movement and utilization of TEs and Wildcat backs. Also of note is that the Patriots current TEs Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper contracts expire next year.
Overall, I was underwhelmed by the first draft under Eliot Wolf. We won’t really know until a few years down the line how well this draft class will be. Now it’s up to Jerod Mayo and his coaching staff to get them to gel as a team and round off those rough edges of the rookies.
With the drafting of two Wide Receivers, I think that JuJu Smith-Schuster will be a June 1st cut.
I will try and follow the signing of Undrafted Free Agents. If I see any tonight, I will post them, but it will be more likely on Tuesday.
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