Thursday, May 29, 2014

Patriots surround Brady with weapons, just not how most envisioned

"There’s no entitlement in the NFL. I don’t expect to be given anything. I just hope I’m the one most entitled to play that position for a long time here.” - Tom Brady

Ummmm, ok.

Tom Brady is very rehearsed in saying the right thing, and it kind of gives him the country yokel presence the way he casually deflects questions about his greatness.  That's admirable for sure, but if anyone thinks that New England Patriots' coach Bill Belichick is going to hand the keys to his offense to anyone but Brady in 2014, they need to spend some time on the couch - at 100 bucks an hour.

And perhaps be prescribed some meds, maybe even fitted for the long sleeves...

Brady isn't perfect - all one has to do is check out his deep ball accuracy and his performances in recent championship tilts - but it's been since Jim Kelly was under center for the Buffalo Bills in the 1990's that one quarterback has enjoyed the consistent level of success that Brady has since the turn of the century...

...and his run isn't close to being done, which makes Belichick spending a second round draft pick for Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo all the more curious - some will say moronic - as one would expect a top draft pick to be an immediate contributor, yet the chances of Garoppolo seeing anything but a clipboard for the next three years are slim to none.

Monday, May 26, 2014

New England Patriots' Offensive Philosophy - heavy on substance, not sexy style

"Merely racking up massive yardage on the field and points on the scoreboard at a break-neck pace isn't good enough any longer - utter domination, a spirit crushing juggernaut unleashed upon the opposition is the only thing that is going to make the nut, complete with perhaps the nastiest power running game in the league to shove down their throats..."  - Foxborough Free Press, May 24, 2014

As Bill Belichick stood watching team trainers tend to a broken Rob Gronkowski early last December, he knew full well that for the third consecutive season, he would have to try to find a way to win a title without his most imposing and impressive offensive weapon.

Gronk.  A beastly man-child who at 6' 6" tall and  265 pounds has 4.62 speed and looks like an old school Sherman tank rolling over defenders and dragging them for as many yards as needed - the best tight end in the game when healthy, scoring a stupid-good 42 touchdowns in the 44 games that he has started in his four seasons in Foxborough.

When healthy.

That is a caveat that applies to as many as half-a-dozen Patriots' offensive players who missed significant time last season, including Shane Vereen (Broken wrist, 8 games), Danny Amendola (Torn adductor, 4 games) and Aaron Dobson (Fractured foot, 4 games), but none were as negatively impactful as Gronkowski's nine games missed with multiple issues - a continuation of a pattern that Belichick had no choice but to break.

In all fairness to Gronkowski, he played in every game his first two seasons, and nearly all of a third before a seemingly innocent point after touchdown attempt in a blow out of Indianapolis late in 2012 started a bizarre string of injuries, surgeries and infections.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

New England Patriots' philosophies morphing back to a simpler time

For a man that is so secretive in his dealings that he could be running the National Security Agency from his digs at Gillette Stadium and no one would be the wiser, Belichick sure isn't being too cryptic about how he envisions his New England Patriots this upcoming season.

From his free agency moves to his draft picks to his undrafted free agent choices, the Hoodie has been very deliberate, much to the chagrin of friend and foe alike - particularly on offense where fans and media of the team are feeling confused and somewhat dis-serviced at the seeming abandonment of the unfulfilled potential of a tight end-centric attack...
Cameron Fleming (73) represents a return to the fundamentals

...the promise of which was the result of doubling up on tight ends in the 2010 draft, Belichick selecting monstrous Rob Gronkowski out of Arizona in the second round then Aaron Hernandez from Florida in the fourth, the two teaming to form what was to be the vaunted nightmare matchup for opposing defensive coordinators for years to come.

And it worked, what with Hernandez' athleticism and speed occupying double teams up the seam and Gronkowski's size and pure strength causing fear and loathing amongst linebackers and defensive backs alike, the latter of which bounced off the man-child like a pinball.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Ty Law to be inducted into New England Patriots' Hall of Fame

If there was a moment in Super Bowl 36 when I knew for a fact that the New England Patriots had a shot at pulling the upset over the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams, it was when cornerback Ty Law snagged an errant Kurt Warner pass in stride midway through the 2nd quarter and sprinted untouched the other direction to give the Patriots a 7-3 lead...

Friday, May 16, 2014

New England Patriots on Paper - White, Houston primed to make noise in backfield competition

James White is going to be a star.

The kid from the University of Wisconsin that the faithful in Madison have dubbed with the dubious nickname "Barry" - as in Sanders, for his quick feet and violent cutting ability - is far more than what the Badgers used him for, and if he becomes everything that the Patriots envision for him, he could be the most complete running back that has roamed Foxborough for at least a decade.

Both the University of Wisconsin and the Patriots are afforded the luxury of having the 5' 10", 200 pound White split carries both with the power backs that Wisconsin is noted for and that the Patriots' "By Committee" approach begs for - but in White, Patriots' coach Bill Belichick has drafted a back that can do everything the veteran backs can do - combined.

"I'd say he's a guy that has shown he has four-down value." Belichick offered in his post-draft presser. "He's been productive in the kicking game, he's been productive catching the ball. He has a high average per carry. He can run inside. He can run outside. He makes good space plays and he can get some tough yards."

Sunday, May 11, 2014

New England Patriots on Paper - Pats go old school on final day of draft

Midway through New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick's post-draft opening remarks, the hooded one gave us an explanation as to why he defied popular opinion and dismissed the weeping and gnashing of teeth from the uninitiated sector of the fan base, going heavy and relatively anonymous with most every draft pick.

"Three year starter for Stanford, right tackle." Belichick said of fourth round selection Cameron Fleming. "Big kid that played against a lot of good competition out there, played against a lot of good players on a good football team. They run the ball a lot."

A perfectly innocent statement, right?

Down the stretch last season, the Patriots discovered a running game that was so dominating that quarterback Tom Brady needed to throw for just 458 yards combined in wins over Baltimore and Buffalo to end the regular season and over Indianapolis in the divisional round playoff game - a running game that averaged over five yards per carry and accounted for nearly two-thirds of their offensive snaps.

Friday, May 9, 2014

New England Patriots on Paper - Pats draft future in second round; trade out of third

The New England Patriots made a decisive step towards their future on Friday night, selecting Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

In a tried and true strategy, coach and defacto General Manager Bill Belichick selected  a signal caller that many believe is already prepared to run an NFL team as a rookie and will groom him behind the greatest quarterback of all time in Tom Brady...

...eerily reminiscent of how the Packers handled Aaron Rodgers - though his precipitous slide only took him to the bottom of the first round - and after three years of backing up Bret Favre he ascended to the role of starter and team leader and, well, the rest is well documented.

The 6' 3", 225 pound Garoppolo reminds some of Tony Romo, some of Dan Marino with the quick release and footwork - but it is his favorite player and the quarterback that he has modeled his game after, Brady, that gets to mentor the 22 year old.

New England Patriots on Paper - Selection of Easley proves (again) that Belichick knows more than we do

Dominique Easley told reporters that he was surprised when he got the call from New England Patriots' coach Bill Belichick informing him that he was about to become their first round draft pick.

He wasn't alone.

So quick off the snap, Easley can blow up running plays
The reaction to Easley's selection near the end of the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft had a curious effect on most folks, with "who?" or "why?" being the most common questions being asked - this blog had him rated as a 3rd to 4th round 'tweener with balky knees - but a closer examination of the merchandise reveals both where this defense is headed and why coach Bill Belichick coveted the Florida product.

There isn't a consensus among experts as to where Easley, at 6' 2" and 288 pounds, would fit in the Patriots' defensive scheme, but if there is one thing for certain, the selection of Easley in the first round signals that the Patriots are indeed headed for a more attacking, aggressive philosophy and a more standardized usage of the 4-3 defense.

"He’s a very disruptive player." Belichick said in the post-round presser. "In college, I would say his stats might have been a little bit deceiving because a lot of times he was the disruptive person on the play, but he wasn’t the guy who ended up making the tackle. Or it wouldn’t be on the stats sheet, but the reason the play wasn’t successful was his penetration and ability to be disruptive. I think he has a good knack for that. He’s an explosive player." 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

New England Patriots on Paper - 2014 NFL Draft Full first round mock (final edition)

There has been a lot of talk coming into the last week before the draft regarding how needs of other teams drafting before the New England Patriots could drive a coveted prospect right down into reach of coach and defacto General Manager Bill Belichick's radius of enticement...

...so although linebacker Ryan Shazier is considered perhaps a top 20 selection by many experts, the fact that there are so many receivers and corners projected for the top end of the draft - as well as some offensive and defensive linemen and perhaps even a few quarterbacks - a dynamic yet undersized talent such as Shazier could still end up in New England.
Shazier to the Pats is one of 12 original mock picks remaining

In this mock draft - the final projection before the actual draft takes place this Thursday - we have eight pass catchers and six defensive backs taking up half of the spots leading up to number 29, with equal numbers of offensive and defensive linemen and quarterbacks taking the show into the mid to late 20's, the hope here is that the Ohio State linebacker and future NFL Big Nickle will be right where Belichick needs him to be to add a difference maker to an already loaded defense.

If not Shazier, needs at tight end and the interior offensive line along with linebacker and safety depth take precedence, a complete breakdown of the Patriots' Big Board as well as a full seven round Patriots' draft can be found by clicking on the links.

As you will notice in the Patriots' full draft, we present three different scenarios - one in which Ryan Shazier falls to 29, one where the Patriots would select Joel Bitonio as a backup option if Shazier doesn't last, and one where they scrap the entire thing and trade down...

...which is pretty much sitting on the fence, but with this draft being one of the toughest in recent memory to try and pin down, the options are too numerous to ignore.

Previous mock drafts:

February 25th: Volume 1 - Combine Edition
March 18th: Volume 2 - Free Agency Frenzy Edition
April 16th: Volume 3 - When the draft should have been held Edition
Consolidated Draft Guide: A Call To Arms


1. Houston - Jadeveon Clowney, DE. South Carolina

It certainly sounds as if the Texans are planning to do everything they can to avoid picking a quarterback with the first overall selection in the draft, and there are even some national writers who are reporting rumors that the Texans like Kahlil Mack more than Clowney - but rumors at this point could be more posturing than having any truth to them.

That said, because of things like that, this is a tough draft to get a handle on.

It was a stroke of genius by Bill O'Brien to bring in veteran signal caller Ryan Fitzpatrick - who is a game manager if there ever was one - to give himself a little flexibility and to suggest going a different direction other than QB.

With mixed signals coming out of the Texans' front offices as to what they will ultimately do with the pick - and with the prospect of turning the pick into a gold mine of draft capital at the forefront, Trading down and collecting draft picks would probably be the prudent move...

...particularly since their team needs include a franchise quarterback and a true 3-4 nose tackle, and selecting the top prospect at those positions has a larger risk factor than most intelligent General Managers would be comfortable with, the smart move is to trade down and take their need picks lower in the round and into the second round.

With that being said, Clowney wouldn't be the worst player they could take with at the top even though he doesn't fulfill a need - he would merely help give the Texans one of the most feared pass rushing tandems in the NFL - and that's a hard thing to argue with.  Another rumor is that the Texans would rather take Kahlil Mack with their first pick, but in the interest of value and extra draft picks, they could possibly trade down a couple of spots and still get Mack.

A Quarterback?  They'll almost certainly hook themselves up with one in the second round, though there is still the chance that Smith and O' Brien covet a signal caller already on another team's roster.

Original projection: Clowney

2. St. Louis - Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

The Rams have a ton of leverage in this draft, even more than the Texans as they have two of the top 13 selections in the first round and could use one or both to hit the sweepstakes in second day draft picks.

Their most prominent needs are for a road grading guard and - to a lesser degree - a wide receiver on offense, while their defensive needs are focused on the secondary, and with none of these positions providing optimum value for the Rams at number 2 overall, look for Jeff Fischer to deal the pick.

Unabashedly, the Rams are dangling the #2 overall pick in front of teams willing to give up a boat load of picks as compensation - but it seems that the excitement surrounding the top three quarterback prospects has waned a bit with either poor combine showings, or not working out at all - so the Rams' status of having the second pick is a bit fluid.

On paper, this team has it all, everywhere except along the offensive line and a quarterback - and word has it that the Rams have talked to the Vikings about dealing Sam Bradford to Minnesota, but again, just a rumor. If they stay at #2, they could take take the top rated right tackle with the biggest upside at second overall, an extremely safe pick, then address a need for a field stretching wide receiver or their secondary at #13.

(Patriots' perspective: The Rams' top need in this draft, a road-grading offensive guard would present a much better value to the Rams at #2 or #13 - and while it is very unlikely that the Patriots would be interested in moving up at the second overall, 13 would certainly be in play with perhaps a deal involving Ryan Mallett and draft picks if they wanted to move up for a Donald, Ebron, Benjamin...

...the most likely trade partners at the second overall would be Atlanta moving up from #6 or San Francisco to move all the way up to take Mack or Clowney, which would be absurd for the Rams to deal with a division rival unless one considers that the 49ers have a boat load of draft picks and the Rams could command a three or four for one and potentially satisfy every need on the roster within the first two rounds of the draft...)

Original projection: Robinson

3. Jacksonville - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

The Jaguars insist that they are not targeting a quarterback, but they lie. 

This draft for the Jaguars is more than just snagging solid value at the #3 overall pick, they need a public relations dream, someone who will immediately become the face of the franchise - someone who will put butts in the seats at EverBank Field while developing consistency on the job.

The team has upgraded their defensive line in the offseason, leaving quarterback, offensive line and a receiver to replace the indefinitely suspended Justin Blackmon - but if they want an immediate face of the franchise, there is only one pick.

Former Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, who protected the blind side of manic quarterback Johnny Manziel before becoming a Jaguar - has spoken on record that he believes that his former teammate belongs in northern Florida - and if they don't take him here, the Rams most likely will with their #13 selection.

"Johnny Football" becomes "Johnny Jaguar" and gives Jacksonville their franchise quarterback - not to mention putting butts in the seats at EverBank Field - right now, that's what it's all about for the floundering Jags...

Original projection: Manziel

4. Cleveland - Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

When the Browns sent running back Trent Richardson to Indianapolis for their 2014 first round draft pick, many believed that it was done with the idea of using the leverage of having two first rounders to wheel and deal to snag the best quarterback in the class...

...and that may still be the case, but they are not going to have to go crazy with moving around to get their quarterback and a whole lot more.

New Browns' bench boss Mike Pettine is apparently enamoured with brief 2013 starter Brian Hoyer and says that he's the top guy going into the offseason process - and while things change in a hurry in the NFL, it sounds like he won't take a QB with the #4 overall.

Instead, the Browns become one of the most potentially explosive passing attacks in the league by selecting Watkins at number 4 overall to team with Josh Gordon, then take their franchise quarterback of the future (present?) at number 26, unless they decide that their draft capital is better spent with one of the many guards that will come into play at the bottom of the first round or even move back into the second round.

Original projection: Watkins

5. Oakland - Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

The Raiders brought former Texans' fans' punching bag Matt Schaub and immediately anointed him day one starter - and who knows how Schaub will prosper in the Black Hole - but one thing is for certain: If they don't protect the quarterback, it won't matter who's taking the snaps.

Overall, the Raiders are needy just about everywhere, and many doubt that Schaub is the answer at quarterback

Oakland tried to spend major money on their tackle positions in free agency, Bringing in Austin Howard from the Jets and Roger Saffold from the Rams, but Saffold somehow managed to fail his physical and reverted back to the Rams, so the Raiders look to the best tackle available in the draft.

Original projection: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

6. Atlanta - Kahlil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

The Falcons are a mess.  They can't run the ball, they can't stop the run.  They give up far too many sacks and their pass rush can't get to the quarterback - that about covers everything.

Now, what can they do about it?

Jadeveon Clowney all but begged the Falcons to trade up to the top pick of the draft to select him - but that may take draft capital that the Falcons can't afford to part with, and the Falcons' have already pretty much played that hand out in free agency by spending big bucks on their defensive line.

With both of the top offensive tackles off the board, the Falcons have some decisions to make as far as draft value - do they take the next best offensive lineman, or wait until the second round and take a pass rushing terror to continue their defensive overhaul?  Better yet, could they trade down to where those need players represent more reasonable value? The bet here is that they won't be able to pass on Mack - nor should they.

Original projection: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

7. Tampa Bay - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

It is very difficult to get a gauge on what Lovey Smith is going to do with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft - but it truly all depends on how they feel about their quarterback situation.

Smith brought Josh McCown with him to Tampa and immediately anointed him the starter under center, relegating last year's starter Mike Glennon either fighting for a roster spot or as trade meat as it is clear that they do not envision him as a fit - but do they see McCown as the bridgekeeper or as the long-term starter?

The answer to that question will guide their hand in the first round of the draft.

If McCown was brought in as a bridgekeeper, chances are high that Smith and General Manager Jason Licht will be looking for one of the top-rated quarterbacks, like Bortles or Bridgewater - but if McCown was brought in to be the franchise, the team must concentrate on an impact weapon to contribute immediately.  Given the sorry state of the Buccaneers' offense last season, those are the options.

At receiver, the Bucs unloaded troubled Mike Williams and have a greater need for an immediate number two and could possibly even double-dip at the position in the later rounds - and the logical choice in the first round is Texas A&M's Mike Evans.

Why?  Well, McCown was fantastic last season filling in for an injured Jay Cutler - throwing for 13 touchdowns and just one pick - and much of the reason why was the two big outside targets he had to throw to in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey.  In taking Evans, Smith would be trying to recreate that duo, teaming Evans with 10-year veteran Vincent Jackson.

Original projection: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

8. Minnesota - Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida 

Bortles has climbed most mock drafts all the way to the top pick of the draft, but this quarterback class has it's share of mystery and certainly no locks to be a success - and with a talent evaluator's charge being to find the guy that give the offense the best chance of succeeding, the Vikings would have to be considered a perfect destination for Bortles.

Classic pocket quarterback that can balance the Vikings' offense and with the play action talent to take advantage of the attention that defense pays to their running game - and the big hands that you want your quarterback to have when you go to places like Green Bay and Chicago in the middle of the freaking winter.

It has also been reported that the Vikings are seeking a "disruptor" for the middle of their defensive line as, so it wouldn't be a shock to see Minnesota take a stab at Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald or trade down and take a chance on in-state talent Ra'Shede Hageman at DT.

Bortles remains the pick though it is rumored that the Vikings have expressed interest in LSU's Zack Mettenberger, who should be available when they select in the second round - and if the Vikings do plan on going into the second for Mettenberger, the slide for Bortles could be Rodgers-esque.

Original projection: Bortles

9. Buffalo - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

Bills' General manager Doug Whaley tipped his hand last week when he told beat writers that sophomore quarterback E. J. Manuel needs a "size receiver", then elaborated on the tight end position, stating the the position is "trending toward those basketball, athletic guys that can position their body, go up and get balls, take balls away from smaller defenders. There's less of an emphasis on the blocking at the tight end position nowadays."

Without a doubt, the fastest tight end in the draft is an immediate upgrade over the plodding, yet effective Chandler - which is more an indication of Ebron's skill than any thing to do with the serviceable Chandler and immediately gives quarterback E.J. Manuel a solid safety valve in the middle of the field and a huge, athletic target in the red zone- but offers very little in the way of inline or even downfield blocking.

The Bills lost free safety Jarius Byrd in free agency, so it would not surprise to see them go for the best safety in the class to replace him, though it sounds as if the coaching staff is counting on strong safety Aaron Williams to make the switch.

Original projection: Ebron

10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Gilbert is a high-wire act, taking incredulous risks and relying on his his range and athleticism to get him by if his plans backfire - but a solid man corner with a nose for the ball...

...and while he isn't overly aggressive or physical at the point of contact, his risky style leads to some spectacular plays and with a little NFL coaching, he could be the outside shut-down corner of the immediate future in this defense.

Original projection: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

 11. Tennessee - Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA


If it makes any sense, the Titans' biggest need in the draft is also the position that they also have productive depth in.

Tennessee needs a linebacker - not just a linebacker, but an elite edge-rusher - and while he's far from a finished product as far as a complete linebacker is concerned, the Titans have a unique situation in which the currently one-dimensional Anthony Barr could thrive.

Akeem Ayers, Shaun Phillips, Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley constitute a decent depth chart on the outside of the second level, so a pure pass rusher like Barr could be rotated in and out, plying his trade while being mentored by the others - and not just mentored by those veterans, but also coached up by his former defensive coordinator at UCLA Lou Spanos, who is now the linebacker's coach in Nashville.

Chances are that you give Spanos and the veteran leadership on the depth chart a season to build Barr up, he would prove to be worth a selection this high.

Original projection: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

12. New York Giants - Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

The most glaring needs for the Giants are within the ranks of the pass catchers, where obtaining a wide receiver is of paramount importance, and tight end might have to be considered need 1B.

Maybe there's a way they could get both in one player.

Benjamin is a freak.  At 6' 5" and 240 pounds, the kid eats up cushion, has great hands and separates with a long gait.  The Giants haven't had size like Benjamin's since Plaxico Burress was run out of town, and though he's not as fast as Burress was, his catch radius and intimidating presence would be just as effective in the red zone and on possession routes, particularly stretching the seam like a tight end.

The could certainly go tight end with ease on the second day, as the position is deep in the class - as is wide receiver, but you don't find many hybrids like Benjamin.

Original projection: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan 

13. St. Louis - Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville

St. Louis is a wildcard in the draft as they will be given every opportunity to trade down with one or both of their 1st round picks - however, if they do keep the picks, an offensive tackle is a must and then it comes down to who's available at safety and wide receiver...

...and after taking a bath in shame for last year's 1st round debacle, will they be hesitant to re-up on a wide receiver in the first round again? Another issue facing the Rams is that they desperately need a big, violent strong safety - and many good pure strong safeties will be available throughout the second day of the draft.

St Louis has tons of leverage with two picks in the first round and seven picks on the third day, so a very good argument could be made for the Rams to move down and collect second day picks, where all of the great depth lies.

Those thing said, they could just stay the course and take the best safety in the draft to ensure quality, and Pryor is nothing if not a huge hitter and a force in the running game - and being as they play in the NFC West with those prolific power running schemes....

Original projection: Marquis Lee, WR, USC

14. Chicago - Aaron Donald, DT/DE Pittsburgh

The Bears probably should take an impact safety at this juncture, but with Donald still available there is no way to pass him up.

In free agency, Chicago lost tackle Henry Melton to the Cowboys and end Julius Peppers to the Packers, but ably replaced them with Oakland tackle Lamar Houston and Vikings' end Jared Allen, but with Donald the Bears would get the final piece of the front seven puzzle - the best three-technique rush tackle in the class.

Donald is undersized for a defensive tackle, but somehow manages to slip through the tiniest of openings and causes all sorts of chaos in the opponent's backfield, and he's so quick that he can play five technique and abuse offensive tackles as well.

Original projection: Hasean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

15. Pittsburgh - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Ike Taylor fell apart in the second half of last season and carries a cap hit equivalent to what the franchise tag offers, and the Steelers just can't afford it. Releasing Taylor for cap relief is probable, and even if they somehow manage to retain him, he's 33 years old with a lot of wear on his tires.

As fluid a corner as you'll find in the draft, the Steelers will snatch up Dennard in a heartbeat if he's there for them at 15 - most notably with Dennard, who is the cousin of New England corner Alfonzo, is his aggressiveness in press coverage.  It got him a few flags on the collegiate level so he'll really need to scale it back outside of the five yard buffer, but inside that alleyway he is the best press corner in the class.

Original projection: Dennard

16. Dallas - Hasean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

What a mess the Cowboys' defense is in now.  They've needed a safety since - well - forever, and then they allow their top two defensive linemen to escape the circus.  They've plugged those holes the best they could in free agency, but were probably hoping that Aaron Donald got past the Bears.

If he does, he would be the obvious selection here, but he doesn't on this final mock.  The upside of which is that Clinton-Dix is still on the board and will immediately fill their long-standing need for a true centerfielder.

Original projection: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh


17. Baltimore - Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

Joe Flacco was sacked 48 times last season, and found himself flat on his back after releasing the pass at least twice that many times.  Flacco took a beating and his running game provided no relief at all - and most of the issues had to do with the offensive line - and now they've lost tackle Michael Oher.

The immediate need is for a right tackle - and while the Ravens could put a serious crimp in the Miami Dolphins' draft party by taking the versatile Zack Martin from Notre Dame here - Martin can play every position along the line - he is projected to fit best at guard and with Lewan slipping this far...

Lewan's got a questionable reputation coming out of college, being linked (in name only) to a couple of indiscretions on the campus of the University of Michigan, but he did his best at the combine to quell the talk and stop the rumor mill - but didn't say enough to keep the Giants - our original projection - enticed.

But Baltimore won't care so long as the trouble is behind him - besides, the Ravens will love his nastiness in the trenches, and though he played left tackle in college, making the transition to the right shouldn't be a problem for the athletic Lewan.

Original projection: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

18. New York Jets - Marquis Lee, WR, USC 

Poor Rex Ryan.  He can't get anyone to sign with the Jets outside of the over-rated money grabber Eric Decker from the Broncos.  At least Decker fills that need, but the fact that Ryan had to cut his best remaining cornerback while banking on picking up a top DB in free agency blew up in his face.

He could very well opt for one of the best corners in the class, but Gilbert and Dennard are gone, leaving names like Fuller and Verrett as possibilities, and he still has last season's first rounder, Dee Milliner, on board and ready to take the sophomore step.

But the feeling is that while Decker is on board, he is a limited possession receiver and the need for a true number one is glaring, not because Geno Smith needs more weapons to throw to, rather, Michael Vick needs more weapons to throw to - Smith may be the starter at the beginning of the season, but don't think for a second that Ryan isn't looking for an excuse to make Vick his signal caller, and a slow start by the offense should provide that.

So with Eric Ebron off the board, the choice is between the inconsistent speedster Odell Beckham and the solid playmaking after-the-catch ability of Marquis Lee - and if he gets it right, Lee will be wearing a Jets' jersey come September.

Original projection: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

19. Miami - Zack Martin, T/G, Notre Dame

It requires zero brains to realize that dysfunctional Miami needs to rebuild an offensive line torn apart by scandal last season, and Martin could wind up being the binding agent that brings it all together.  While not as accomplished as a Matthews or a Robinson, he is far more versatile and can play every position along the line - though his best spot would probably be holding down Richie Incognito's old left guard position.

The Dolphins completely blew up their offensive line and are in the process of reconstructing it - but they could always wait for help on the interior until the second round, and stick a fork in the Patriots at the same time by selecting linebacker Ryan Shazier, whose father is the Dolphins' team chaplain.

Shazier is undersized for what the Dolphins need (mike), but his athleticism may be hard to pass up.

Original projection: Martin 

20. Arizona - Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State

Arizona may have solidified the core of their team more than any other in free agency, finding a starting left tackle and plenty of cornerback help - leaving strong safety and the outside pass rush as the top need - and while outside linebacker could use an upgrade, there are linebackers crawling all over the second round.

Lawrence is 6' 3" tall,  250 pounds and projected as a defensive end in the 4-3 - and is perhaps the most explosive edge rusher among linemen in the class - with greater upside over Auburn's Dee Ford - who is a medical red flag - and Missouri's Kony Ealy - who is sliding down boards with what scouts are calling an over-rated skill set.

The Cardinals got a lot out of greybeard John Abraham last season, but they would be wise to lock up a young defensive end for Abraham to mentor.  Lawrence has some positional versatility and can rush the quarterback from the blind side from an end position or from a standing weakside linebacker position.

Original projection: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech


21. Green Bay - CJ Mosely, ILB, Alabama

The Packers need many things, but for their defense to take a step up to the next level, the front seven must be stabilized.  They took steps in free agency to do just that by signing Julius Peppers and re-signing OLB Mike Neal.  Neal can play anywhere in front seven but his best position with Green Bay is on the outside, which means the need for an interior linebacker is key.

There's nothing spectacular about his game and he is rated as high as a top 10 pick in some mocks to as low at the top of the second round in others, so it's more or less a crap shoot with Mosely - but less so with Green Bay, surrounded by top notch outside backers and a stout defensive line.

Original projection: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State


22. Philadelphia - Odell Beckham, WR, LSU

The Eagles have to replace DeSean Jackson's speed on the outside or teams will be able to stack the box against them - and Beckham has "Big Play" written all over him.

In Beckham they will find a speedy big play receiver who is magic with the ball in his hands after the catch.  Add in his kick return experience and you have a suitable successor to Jackson - though it will take a while for him to achieve that status - and it's a pick that the Philly fans won't hate them for.

There are rumors floating around that the Eagles are enamoured with Virginia Tech corner Kyle Fuller, and the Eagles can most certainly use some depth in their secondary, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them head in that direction either.

Original projection: Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville

23. Kansas City - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Speed is what Andy Reid needs.  Actually, what Reid needs is some consistency, and with the explosive Dexter McCluster probably on his way out of town, it leaves just Dwayne Bowe and the wildly inconsistent Donnie Avery for Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith to throw to on the outside and down the field.

Free agency has not been kind to the Chiefs, and they could move in many different directions with this pick. but with the loss of Dexter McCluster, the anticipated availability of Cooks appears to be a God send.

Enter the appropriately named Cooks, who absolutely burned up the field at Lucas Oil Stadium during the combine with an overall best 4.33 on the 40 yard dash, coupled with him going for over 1,700 yards and catching 16 touchdowns in an incredibly average Oregon State offense and winning The Bilitnikof Award for the nation's best receiver...

Original projection: Cooks

24. Cincinnati -Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

The Bengals needs are very simple: they need some help at offensive tackle, maybe at guard depending on how things shake out in a seemingly fluid situation - and also at corner, where Terrence Newman is getting a little long in the tooth and Dre Kirkpatrick is not the successor.

In this instance, Fuller gives the team some versatility as he is a scrapper that has extensive collegiate experience at both inside and outside techniques as a corner and at safety as well.  He could be the Swiss Army Knife on the back end of the Bengals' defense.

If not Fuller, TCU's Jason Verrett sould be in line as a slot corner or the team could opt to replace the departed Michael Johnson with another defensive end in the person of Dee Ford or even Kony Ealy.

Original projection:  Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

25. San Diego - Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Verrett is the intense, twitchy guy that would be the pest on a hockey team - smallish, talkative, always buzzing around your head, just waiting for the opportunity to drop the gloves...

The TCU product is smallish in stature but big in confidence and attitude, a perfect combination for a nickle slot back - his athleticism and natural football instincts allow him to be exceptional in space and he is willing in run support - a perfect addition to an over-achieving team.

The Chargers are also in need of a space eater in the middle of the defensive line, so they could surprise with a pick such as Louis Nix out of Notre Dame, but the feeling here is that Verrett is exactly what this defense needs.

Original projection: Verrett

26. Cleveland - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

So now Cleveland has Josh Gordon and Sammy Watkins and a truly great offensive line - they also have Brian Hoyer at quarterback, who will play the part of "incumbent" to the strong-armed rookie and let the chips fall where they may.

Ideally, Carr would win a quarterback competition (isn't that what you would expect from your first round pick?) and have one of the most able backups in the NFL in Hoyer, just in case.

There have been recent reports that the Browns front office is "in love" with Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is the most NFL ready signal caller in the draft, but Carr may have more long-term upside.  Don't be surprised by either one, but we'll stick with our original projection.

Original projection: Carr

27. New Orleans - Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

Ideally, the Saints could use a good cover corner, but the best ones are off the board by this time.  The Saints are pretty lean on pass rushers as well, and Ford is the best athlete left on the board in an area of need.

Ford is undersized for defensive end, but is perfectly sized for either the nickle rusher in Rob Ryan's defense or at weak side.  He is strong at setting the edge and for holding containment and has as explosive a first step as any rusher in the class.

Original projection: Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

28. Carolina - Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss

The Panthers have an emergency need at wide receiver and some help along the offensive line, but all of the elite talent has already been scooped up - so a question to ask themselves is if they reach for a second round talent in an area of need, trade out of the round and pick up draft capital for the second day or take the best athlete left on the board?

At this point Moncrief would be a decent pick as a bigger receiver who can replace Steve Smith's speed immediately and his savvy down the road a bit - a field stretcher who can thin out the second level and leave lots of room for Cam Newton and that Panthers' running game to operate underneath.

Original projection: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

29. New England - Ryan Shazier, LB/SS, Ohio State

The need here is for a nickle rusher as well as a physical intimidator underneath the coverage - and Shazier could be both.

In our seven round Patriots' mock draft, we presented the possiblity that Shazier could be off the board with both Arizona and Green Bay having big-time needs at outside linebacker, but there's no coaching staff in the league that could use Shazier to his full potential - so this pick is presented as more a hope than a probablitlity.

Small for a linebacker at 6' 2" and 235 pounds, Shazier was the fastest linebacker in the nation the past two seasons, easily covering running backs and tight ends in the pattern underneath with a penchant for causing cases of alligator arms amongst them - he was a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, and anyone who saw Ronnie Lott play for the 49ers knows what "impact" means.

An accomplished blitzer who hits like a ton of bricks, coupled with being one of the best sideline-to-sideline talents in college football, Shazier projects as a big nickle who would also provide quality depth on the weak side - a cover backer with his safety skill and range, as well as being an explosive pass rusher, Shazier would complete the back seven picture for the Patriots' defense.

If Shazier goes earlier than 29, expect New England to look at guard Joel Bitonio or safety Jimmie Ward.

Original projection: Shazier

30. San Francisco - Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

The 49ers could just select Roby and be happy they found a corner in the first round with a grade that suggests that they haven't reached - though they are corners in the second and third round that could contribute in the same way they need Roby to, so this pick is fluid.

It may even be that the 49ers trade up to snag Fuller, Verrett or even Dennard, as they have the draft capital to do so - but if they stick here, Roby provides good value as a slot cover or as a number two.  Roby has every intangible there is, but tends to lose battles with taller receivers.

Don't be surprised with anything San Francisco does, as they could move up or down.  If they stay put, Roby or Minnesota defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman would represent good value.

Look for San Francisco to trade up.

Original projection: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

31. Denver - Joel Bitonio, OG, Nevada

The Broncos can do something in the draft that they weren't able to do in the Super Bowl - which is beat the Seahawks.

Beating them to perhaps the best guard in the class isn't quite the same, but it's a step in the right direction as the late-rising Bitonio is athletic and huge - but his best attribute is his mile-wide mean streak.  He looks to bury the defender and doesn't stop until he does.

Original projection: CJ Mosely, ILB, Alabama


32. Seattle - Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

How does one replace a Golden Tate in this offense?  Right, bring in the guy that amounts to the biggest slot receiver in the draft.

Amaro is huge, but he has tremendous foot speed and is adept at splitting the seam but he's not a full value tight end in that he offers little in the way of inline blocking but would be a huge, fast safety valve for Russell Wilson to look for while he's scrambling around...

...and the kid offers a large target with big mitts that swallow the ball.

Original projection: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington



Monday, May 5, 2014

New England Patriots sign free agent DE Will Smith

At 33-years-old and coming off a torn ACL that cost him all of the 2013 season, the New Orleans Saints gave veteran defensive end Will Smith his walking papers before the new business year began for the NFL instead of being responsible for paying him $11.55 million in salary and bonuses in 2014...

...and now he is a member of the New England Patriots, who are hoping that his knee has mended and that his one-dimensional skill set will pay dividends as a nickle pass rusher.

As usual, details of the contract were not made public - but it is likely that the terms of the deal are team friendly.

At 6' 3" tall and 280 pounds, Smith is purely a power rusher, finding much of his success with his hand in the dirt and fighting his way to the quarterback, the exception to that being last preseason when new Saints' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan switched Smith to outside linebacker, but he tore up his knee before that experiment ever got started.

Smith has recorded 67.5 sacks since being the Saints' first round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2004 - decent production considering his lingering knee issues and multiple suspensions - averaging six sacks per season since a 13 sack performance in New Orleans' title year of 2009.

If his knee is healed, Smith would perhaps be a serviceable backup to both Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich, but his presence should not alter what the Patriots hope to accomplish in the draft - rather, should provide a barometer in camp for the defensive line depth - which is probably bad news for third-year bust Jake Bequette and a source of in-your-face inspiration for sophomore Michael Buchanan.


Friday, May 2, 2014

New England Patriots on Paper - With Shazier now unlikey, Belichick should take familiar route in draft

Do we need to give up on any hope that our Ryan Shazier prediction for the Patriots at pick number 29 would ever happen, given his rising popularity?

Our original pick for the Patriots with their late first round selection was a then-third round graded out Shazier, simply because his scheme versatility and stupid-fast playing speed made him look like an excellent choice both for a hard-hitting Big Nickle and as talented depth on the weak side of the linebacking corps...

...but he has steadily climbed the board in the weeks since the combine and now could be a low 20's pick to Green Bay or Arizona - and unless someone like Eric Ebron, Aaron Donald, C. J. Mosely or Joel Bitonio dropped into Bill Belichick's wheelhouse where he would feel comfortable moving up a couple of spots to grab them, this looks like another trade down year.

If the Patriots keep their first rounder:

1.Joel Bitonio - OT/OG, Nevada - Shazier is the pick if he is here, but word is he won't get past Green Bay at 21, so the Patriots start their reload on the offensive line with a can't-miss, clean prospect with a mean streak a mile wide.  Played tackle at Nevada but will most likely need to move inside to guard in the pros.  Exceptionally strong and takes pride in devouring defensive lineman.

2.Jeremy Hill - RB, LSU - at 6' 1" and 235 pounds, is a unique threat as he can play it anyway you want - he will power through the line or slash through a hole to daylight and has good hands, both in protecting the ball and for snagging passes curling out of the backfield and is instinctive in pass protection.  Most commonly compared to Corey Dillon, and the kind of kid the Patriots can build a power running game around.

3.Marqueston Huff - SS/CB, Wyoming - Belichick's annual surprise defensive back, though Huff is a legitimate second day talent.  Smart, fast and tough with terrific range as a safety with rare closing speed in support and has the straight-line speed to stick vertically.  Perhaps smaller that many teams would prefer from their defensive backs given the current trends, but an incredible talent buried in an average program.

4.Russell Bodine - C, North Carolina - Mean and nasty interior load that delivers his best shot snap after snap - real lunch pail type and also has some swing versatility. Excellent in pass protection and looks to level linebackers in the run game.

4.Marcel Jensen - TE, Fresno State - skill set was woefully under-used in Fresno's spread offense, making him a bit of a wildcard.  His history as a basketball player fits him in with the growing trend in tight ends toward the athletic pass catching type, but is also a load in the running game as an inline blocker.

6.Jeff Mathews - QB, Cornell - sloth-footed with very limited athleticism, Mathews is nevertheless exactly what the Patriots should be looking for to back up Brady for the next three seasons - has every leadership and intellectual trait necessary with big hands and a big accurate arm. Mathews could be developed into a fine replacement.

6.Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College -  A workout warrior, Pierre-Louis could very well be the most versatile linebacker in the class this side of Shazier, as he played the weakside for half of his college career, strong side the latter half, while playing the equivalent of nickle safety when the situation dictated - and he ran a 4.51 at the combine, plus finished in the top three in just about every agility drill there.

7.Ryan Carrethers - NT, Arkansas State - What Carrethers brings to the field can't be taught short and stout but strong as a house, was built to be a rotational two-gap run stuffer - and is NFL ready in that capacity.

Priority Free Agents: Blake Annen, TE, Cincinnati; Will Clarke, DE, West Virginia; Devin Street, WR, Pittsburgh; James Wilder, Jr., RB, Florida State; Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn; Larry Webster, DE/TE, Bloomburg College; James Baker, RB, Idaho; Richard Rodgers, TE, California; Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State.

If the Patriots trade down for a second, fourth and seventh rounder:

2.Jeremy Hill - RB, LSU - at 6' 1" and 235 pounds, is a unique threat as he can play it anyway you want - he will power through the line or slash through a hole to daylight and has good hands, both in protecting the ball and for snagging passes curling out of the backfield and is instinctive in pass protection - most commonly compared to Corey Dillon.

2..Laurent Duvernay-Tardif - OT/OG, McGill University - plays both tackle and guard positions for McGill College and is expected to be the top pick in the Canadian Football League draft.  Is a nasty street fighter in the trenches and would project at one of the guard positions with the natural ability to slide out to tackle is needed.

3.Marqueston Huff - SS/CB, Wyoming - Belichick's annual surprise defensive back, though Huff is a legitimate second day talent.  Smart, fast and tough with terrific range as a safety with rare closing speed in support - arriving with a big pop -  and has the straight-line speed to stick vertically.  Perhaps smaller that many teams would prefer from their defensive backs given the current trends, but an incredible talent buried in an average program.


4.Ed Stinson - DE, Alabama - 6' 3" and a stout 290 pounds, and just might be the ticket in Foxborough - country strong, he doesn't worry about fancy moves, he just drives the tackle back into the pocket and may be the best 4-3 defensive end against the run in the class.  Similar in build to former teammate Dont'a Hightower and has a similar upside in versatility as he can move inside, all the way if needed.  Terrific value in the fourth round.

4.Marcel Jensen - TE, Fresno State - skill set was woefully under-used in Fresno's spread offense, making him a bit of a wildcard.  His history as a basketball player fits him in with the growing trend in tight ends toward the athletic pass catching type, but is also a load in the running game as an inline blocker.

4.Russell Bodine - C, North Carolina - Mean and nasty interior load that delivers his best shot snap after snap - real lunch pail type and also has some swing versatility. Excellent in pass protection and looks to level linebackers in the run game.

6.Jeff Mathews - QB, Cornell - sloth-footed with very limited athleticism, Mathews is nevertheless exactly what the Patriots should be looking for to back up Brady for the next three seasons - has every leadership and intellectual trait necessary with big hands and a big accurate arm. Mathews could be developed into a fine replacement.


6.Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College -  A workout warrior, Pierre-Louis could very well be the most versatile linebacker in the class this side of Shazier, as he played the weakside for half of his college career, strong side the latter half, while playing the equivalent of nickle safety when the situation dictated - and he ran a 4.51 at the combine, plus finished in the top three in just about every agility drill there.

7..Blake Annen  - TE, Cincinnati - Produced exceptional results at his pro day, blazing a 40-time (4.41) faster than many receivers. Scrappy in-line blocker, who sustains the block and always tries to drive the defender to the ground

7.Ryan Carrethers - NT, Arkansas State - What Carrethers brings to the field can't be taught short and stout but strong as a house, was built to be a rotational two-gap run stuffer - and is NFL ready in that capacity.

Priority Free Agents: Will Clarke, DE, West Virginia; Devin Street, WR, Pittsburgh; James Wilder, Jr., RB, Florida State; Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn; Larry Webster, DE/TE, Bloomburg College; James Baker, RB, Idaho; Richard Rodgers, TE, California; Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State.  

New England Patriots on Paper - 2014 Big Board: Loaded Patriots can afford to be creative

New England Patriots' Big Board


When considering the needs of the New England Patriots in the 2014 draft, logic dictates that the current roster first be examined and then faulted to determine what the draft offers that your current personnel does not - which is common sense...

...but do the Patriots really need all that much?  Free agency already addressed a big need and a return to health will fill still others - and the experience that the reserves received last season filling in for most of the season makes depth that much more solid.
LSU's Hill is most often compared to Corey Dillon

They made it to the AFC Championship Game without Wilfork, Mayo and Tommy Kelly on defense and with the offense bogged down by injury and suspect play calling - they made it to the game, but failed to win it, and that where we have to begin because just the few moves they made in free agency would have been enough to overcome Denver for the title.

And with health, we have to admit that this team could very well take the field right now and be contenders without making another move - and when working from that baseline and considering that the draft is four rounds deep in quality at most positions, we can reasonably assume that the Patriots can make themselves even better by targeting:

*Linebacker depth with a cover 'backer/Big Nickle on the weak side that doubles as a nickle rusher from the second level and a downhill thumper in the middle to challenge Steve Beauharnais as the first line of depth in the middle;

*Developmental quarterback that, ideally, will be ready to assume spot starter duty immediately and then command of the offense as his rookie contract expires or Tom Brady retires, whichever comes first;

*A hard hitting strong safety or hybrid Big Nickle - a combination of a weakside linebacker and a strong safety - as well as a developmental corner to be mentored by Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner:

*A "move" tight end with inline blocking ability, perhaps looking at a bigger, faster wide receiver to groom into the position - ideally, this move tight end will have hybrid traits and brings some nastiness in the trenches;

*Bruising feature back to compliment Ridley in the power running game, grooming him to take over in 2015 should the team lose any of their backs in free agency - should be looking for the three-down type back so as to make the offense a bit less predictable on early downs;

*Interior line help, preferably a versatile center with mauling swing guard skill and a developmental tackle who will be ready to handle spot duty;

*Stout, developmental nose tackle as well as a nickle rush end that plays the run and can set the edge as well as rush the passer.

When generating a big board for a loaded team like New England in a depth draft such as this one, the team can afford to be a little creative, particularly if a desired player doesn't fall to them in the first round.  They have always been willing to wheel and deal, and trading their first round pick for a couple of extra second day selections could have more far-reaching impact, both for the short and long-term.

The second, third and fourth rounds are absolutely loaded with top shelf prospects in every one of the Patriots' "needs" - and while Bill Belichick already has four picks in what is commonly known as his wheelhouse, getting two or even three more is not beyond the realm of possibility, and would be the NFL equivalent of turning a child loose in a candy store with a fist full of cash.

After all, that's what happened in last year's draft - and if memory serves, that turned out ok.

That said, very few first round grades are present on this big board, listing only the players that would possibly compel Belichick to use his first round pick while the middle rounds are loaded with scheme-specific prospects.

First round grade

Ryan Shazier - LB/SS, Ohio State - Consider, the Big 12's leading tackler by a wide margin ran a 4.37 at Ohio State's Pro Day, a remarkable 40-time for a 6'1", 240 pound linebacker - and combined with his cover skills in both man and zone and the fact that he is as explosive a pass rusher as you'll find in this class coming off the second level and you have one freakish Big Nickle.

C. J. Mosley - LB, Alabama - Unique combination of superior talent and high motor, Mosley could emerge as one of the stars of this draft as an every down linebacker and can play anywhere on the second level with equal success.  A very useful weapon and potential Pro Bowl talent as a rookie. May be the most instinctive defender in the class.

Eric Ebron - TE, North Carolina - Some will argue that his pro day performance brought his draft stock down a bit - what with a plethora of dropped passes and still nursing a hamstring injury suffered at the combine, but some tight end-needy team will see enough to ensure he's taken in the top 20.

Joel Bitonio - OT/OG, Nevada - Like Martin, a clean prospect but with a mean streak a mile wide.  Played tackle at Nevada but will most likely need to move inside to guard in the pros.  Exceptionally strong and takes pride in devouring defensive lineman.

Kelvin Benjamin - WR, Florida State - Rare specimen, tight end-sized receiver that would probably be used in the "Move" tight end capacity in some formations for the Patriots, or any team that selects him - and may turn out to be the best in the bunch.

Zack Martin - OT/OG, Notre Dame - Clean prospect, doesn't possess outstanding length but can cover at tackle, power through at guard and can even play a little center.  Athletic more than massive, but very smart and excellent in pass protection.

Aaron Donald - DT/DE, Pittsburgh - Disruptor.  Is short but plays with vinegar and has the instincts of a cat - and is nearly as quick.  In the Patriots' scheme he would be a three-technique tackle or five-technique end and would serve as a perfect nickle rusher as he has the speed and recovery skill to chase to the sideline, set the edge and blow up screens.

Louis Nix - NT, Notre Dame - a motivated, Wilfork sized nose tackle that occupies a lot of space and blockers - the kind of talent that affords your linebackers space to move and make plays - seems to be a Wilfork type personality as well as he is talkative and well-liked, and can translate to the field.  Coming off a torn meniscus and dealing with tendonitis in his knees, ample attention will need to be paid to his medical evaluation.

Second round grade

Jimmy Garoppolo - QB, Northern Illinois - viewed as more of a safe game manager rather than big-time downfield playmaker, which isn't the worst thing in the world. Will require some patience with reads and game speed.

Troy Niklas - TE, Notre Dame - emerged as a legitimate tight end prospect in the past couple of years after converting from defensive end and outside linebacker - Of the prospects in the top two rounds, Niklas has the greatest upside.

Jimmie Ward - S, Northern Illinois - Ward is actually a combination between the free and strong varieties - like Harmon, but a more violent striker in the mold of Chung, going for the knockout blow when making contact, but whiffing on occasion. His speed in coverage is undeniable and would make a good backup for either Harmon or McCourty.

Demarcus Lawrence - DE, Boise State - perhaps the best true pass rusher in the draft, and is as explosive out of his blind-side stance any any in the class - but is a pass rusher only and limited to nickle duties as he is less than stout at the point of attack in the running game.

Carlos Hyde -RB, Ohio State - powerfully built at 6' 0" and 230 pounds, bell cow type back that seems to get stronger and nastier as the game progresses, and he completes the picture with solid in pass protection skill and shows soft hands in the pattern.

Stephon Tuitt - DE, Notre Dame - Projects as a base end in the 4-3 but can slide inside to the five or three technique and not be considered under-sized.  Quick and physically gifted, yet not as stout as one would think and had foot surgery after a fracture was diagnosed at the combine.

 Jason Verrett - CB, TCU - who is a smaller corner, but plays like he's ten feet tall and bullet proof.  An agitator not unlike Cortland Finnegan, but has speed to burn and treats the football like it's his.

Ra'Shede Hageman - DT, Minnesota -   A raw nickel pass-rusher that may be one of the biggest risks in the class.  Has undeniable skill and athleticism, but it doesn't always translate to the field - inconsistent as his motor is hot and cold, but could be a spectacular franchise type defensive tackle if he applied himself.

Deone Bucannon - SS, Washington State - possesses the size to handle the nickle safety duties, and may be the most violent striker in the draft - delivering the nasty hit, but is choppy in coverage, which relegates him to the box in the pro game.

Xavier Su'a Filo - OG, UCLA - played tackle at UCLA but is far more comfortable and effective at left guard.  Has mush for a body and needs to add some muscle, but is a nasty road grader as it is.

Tre Mason - RB, Auburn - impact receiver and dependable in pass protection. Explosive one-cut style - when he sees a hole he gains it more quickly than any other back in the class.  Has additional value as an experienced kick returner.

Timmy Jernigan - DT, Florida State -  undersized for a 4-3 nose tackle but has impressive strength to hold the point - would ideally be suited as a 3-4 move tackle but with New England would be more of a quick three-technique run stopper that would ideally never have to come off the field.  Is a bit injury prone.

Donte Moncrief - WR, Ole' Miss - Flat out flies and is aware of where everyone is supposed to be - and where the sticks and goal line are and uses leverage and huge jumping advantage to win contests with NFL sized corners - Moncrief is also a terrific blocker and hasn't realized his potential, the kind of kid that will develop his skill while terrorizing NFL secondaries.

Brandin Cooks - WR, Oregon State - blazing fast, Cooks projects out of the slot and as a vertical field stretcher on the flank.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB, Louisville - quiet, reserved and studious, determined to succeed and his football intangibles are off the charts, having everything that any football coach would want from not just a quarterback, but also from a team leader in the locker room and in the huddle - except for those small-ish hands and average arm.

Jace Amaro - TE, Texas Tech - combination of size and speed having both entities drooling over the prospect of watching the athletic Amaro stretching the seam, but is otherwise a one-dimensional slot target, albeit a good one.

Kony Ealy - DE, Missouri - Natural pass rusher with the frame to add more muscle to aid him in his softer than desired push against the run - but is a work in progress and would be best suited as a rookie in the nickle rusher role.Very athletic and could see time as rush linebacker as a result.

Marcus Martin - C/OG, USC - Plays more with technique than strength, though he possesses the bulk and muscle mass to be a dominant center or right guard for years to come, particularly if a team takes the time to let him acclimate to the pro game and gets him into a weight room.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins - TE, Washington - the concern is how the better defenses in the Pac-12 were able to neutralize him for periods in games last season and is a bit of a project as an in-line blocker, but could still present the appropriate value at the end of the second round.

Davante Adams - WR, Fresno State - possession receiver that has tons of upside and does most of his damage after the catch.

Dee Ford - DE, Auburn - linebacker sized defensive end that probably would be best suited as a rush linebacker in the nickle, as he offers little against the run.  Has a constant motor and gets after the quarterback best from the left side.

A. J. McCarron - QB, Alabama - game-managing quarterback who has shown he can carry an offense and could be a possibility with his football IQ and mechanics and decision making ability.

Gabe Jackson - OG, Missisippi State - Wide and heavy with a solid base, would be an exceptional value as a right guard at the end of the second round or even the third.

Christian Jones - ILB, Florida State - Big-time athletic ability and intriguing size/speed mixture - he is not as instinctive enough as yet to man the middle of a 4-3, so he would be relegated to nickle rusher while being coached up. 

Third round grade

C. J. Fiedorowicz - TE, Iowa -  already a better blocker than any of the talent ahead of him on the big board, he is also a reliable receiver - the most balanced of the prospects in the class and could be taken higher than his third round grade.

David Yankey - OG, Stanford - perhaps too tall for the position at 6' 6", Yankey still is able to brace himself and work under the pads on defensive tackles.  Big and mean and ready to start in a power running game, especially with his pulling ability.

Adrian Hubbard - OLB/DE, Alabama -  a 6' 6", 260 pound strong side 'backer that can play upright or with his hand in the dirt against the opposition's right tackle and tight ends.  Is one of very few OLB prospects that play the run and pass equally well - though speed is an issue and is a bit of a diva.

Trai Turner - C/OG, LSU - built for road grading, but will need some pro coaching to bring the best out of him, which would be as a bully on the interior line and may be a better center than guard.

Rashaad Reynolds - CB, Oregon State -  Reynolds may be the most natural man cover corner in the class, and is considered a steal if a team can pick him up at his projected third round grade - obviously shorter than the trend toward taller corners would be able to satisfy, Reynolds still does everything well and would benefit from New England's luxury of being able to bring him along at his own pace rather than just be thrown into the fire, but from the looks of it, he would be able to handle that anyway... 

Colt Lyerla - TE, Oregon - a mid to late round gem, the baggage that come with him has "locker room cancer" written all over it. First round talent with seventh round Red Flags.

Terrance West -RB, Towson - While standing just 5' 9" tall, West is impressive physically at 225 pounds, is uniquely built to handle the rigors of running between the tackles, lower his pads to initiate contact with the defender and has an extra gear once he breaks free - and his receiving skill are top notch.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif - OT/OG, McGill College - plays both tackle and guard positions for McGill College and is expected to be the top pick in the Canadian Football League draft.  Is a nasty street fighter in the trenches and would project at one of the guard positions with the natural ability to slide out to tackle is needed.

Ed Stinson - DE, Alabama - 6' 3" and a stout 290 pounds, and just might be the ticket in Foxborough - country strong, he doesn't worry about fancy moves, he just drives the tackle back into the pocket and may be the best 4-3 defensive end against the run in the class.  Similar in build to former teammate Dont'a Hightower and has a similar upside in versatility as he can move inside, all the way if needed.  Terrific value in the third round.

Antone Exum - CB, Virginia Tech - size and confidence are very appealing, would be good value so long as he's fully recovered from off-season knee surgery.  At six-foot-even and 220 pounds, Exum is an excellent physical specimen for both corner and safety duty.

Brock Vereen - S, Minnesota - Intelligent, athletic, rangy free safety with desirable strength and cover skills to go along with football bloodlines. Needs to improve against the run but is instinctive and brings terrific intangibles that could propel him into a role as a starter and defensive leader. 

Jeremiah Attaochu - OLB, Georgia Tech - provides a relentless pass rush from the weak side but offers little against the run, relegating him to nickle duties only.  Would be best suited as a 3-4 weakside backer.

Cyril Richardson - OG, Baylor - perhaps the nastiest road grading guard in the class that has the ability to re-establish the line of scrimmage in the run game. Can also slide out to right tackle in a backup role.

Keith McGill  - CB, Utah - a big, rangy corner with a safety background and a heart full of ill-intent toward his foes.  McGill doesn't always make the best decisions - neither on the field or off - so he needs to go to a team that has the veteran leadership to bring out the best in him...

Jordan Matthews - WR, Vanderbilt - a thin 6' 3", 210 pounds but runs a 4.46 and catches everything thrown his way and lines up everywhere - seriously needs to add some bulk to his frame but would be a steal in the late second, early third rounds

Brandon Thomas - OG, Clemson - as a left tackle in college, was one of the rare athletes that handled Jadeveon Clowney without help, but with his strength and mass will project at left guard in the pros - but the experience at left tackle will surely come into play at some point.

Bashaud Breeland - CB, Clemson - shows some of the same stickiness in coverage that Reynolds does and is a better overall athlete, but has pedestrian speed at best, which would limit him to zone or short area man, such as the slot.

Trent Murphy - OLB/DE, Stanford - projects as a base left end in the 4-3 or a rush OLB in an odd front - is an instinctive and relentless pass rusher and is experienced in dealing with chipping tight ends on the line which makes him a decent nickle rusher prospect. 

Kareem Martin - DE, North Carolina - Big famed project at left defensive end that is best suited for a 3-4 rush linebacker that could develop into a terror as a base end of a 4-3 with some pro coaching. 

Ka'Deem Carey - RB, Arizona - perhaps the most gifted runner in the class, with similar size and skill to Hyde and could find his way into being someone's franchise back with his combination of speed, power and receiving ability.

Jeremy Hill - RB, LSU - at 6' 1" and 235 pounds, is a unique threat as he can play it anyway you want - he will power through the line or slash through a hole to daylight and has good hands, both in protecting the ball and for snagging passes curling out of the backfield and is instinctive in pass protection.

Allen Robinson - WR, Penn State - the 6' 2", 220 pounder is more of an outside the numbers target and has a little Brandon Lloyd in him as he will look for a place to sit down after the catch rather than look for extra yardage..

Devonta Freeman  - RB, Florida State - second day gem as he has the ability of any of the top backs, but back issues hurt his stock while having the luxury of running behind one of the better offensive lines in the college ranks inflates his value somewhat, but is an explosive runner with a slippery side that could become a three-down back.

Marqueston Huff - SS/CB, Wyoming - Huff is a legitimate second day talent.  Smart, fast and tough with terrific range as a safety with rare closing speed in support and has the straight-line speed to stick vertically.  Perhaps smaller that many teams would prefer from their defensive backs given the current trends, but an incredible talent buried in an average program.

Logan Thomas  - QB, Virginia Tech - Pretty much the perfect developmental project.  has intriguing, raw arm.  Is a converted tight end that could be a starter in the league with a patient coaching staff and a couple of years to refine his skill set.

Travis Swanson - C, Arkansas - Experienced and intelligent center who will have to bulk up to handle the rigors of the NFL, though he faced NFL caliber defensive tackles in college and more than held his own.  A project that is purely a center.

Bishop Sankey - RB, Washington - an instinctive, competitive and shifty, low-to-the-ground hard runner. Can be effective as a complementary zone runner capable of moving the chains and picking up chunk yards. 

Andre Williams - RB, Boston College - Heisman Trophy finalist - a taller prospect in the same mold, but his lack of production in the passing game makes him a bit of a wildcard.

Zack Mettenberger - QB, LSU - is right on that cusp of being NFL ready but is a work in progress that probably will take at least a season behind an incumbent to refine skills, but has experience in pro style and is a classic drop back pocket passer that hard-sells the play-action.

Dakota Dozier - OG, Furman - another left tackle that will kick inside at the pro level - big time street fighter that needs a little refinement in his pass blocking, which makes him a bit of a project, but has the versatility to play anywhere along the line, even center. Exceptional run blocker.

Russell Bodine - C, North Carolina - Mean and nasty interior load that delivers his best shot snap after snap - real lunch pail type and also has some swing versatility. Excellent in pass protection and looks to level linebackers in the run game.

Scott Crichton - DE, Oregon State - a project, Crichton doesn't have a true position - not athletic enough for the blind side and not stout enough for the strong side, plus doesn't have ideal length or strength to play rush linebacker - so will need plenty of coaching, because there has to be a place for a football player like Crichton.

Telvin Smith - ILB, Florida State - an instinctive but undersized linebacker that projects as a weaksider in the pros - and is a fall back candidate as a strong safety if need be.  Quick to fill in run support and has wheels to handle the backs coming out into the pattern.

Fourth round grade

Marcel Jensen - TE, Fresno State - skill set was woefully under-used in Fresno's spread offense, making him a bit of a wildcard.  His history as a basketball player fits him in with the growing trend in tight ends toward the athletic pass catching type, but is also a load in the running game as an inline blocker.

Crockett Gillmore - TE, Colorado State - is pretty much exactly what the present-day Patriots should be looking for in a tight end - a willing, chippy blocker with tremendous size and a nasty streak in dealing with blocking defensive ends and outside linebackers.

DaQuan Jones - NT - Penn State - at 6' 3" and 325 pounds has a solid base to work with and a frame that could handle another ten pounds of muscle - developmental nose tackle that has displayed NFL-ready physicality.  Is known as on off-side loafer, but that won't last long in the pros.

Kyle Van Noy - OLB, Brigham Young -  Athletic and smooth pass rusher from the weak side and gets upfield quickly, but seems indifferent to defending the run.  A nickle 'backer only.

Stanley Jean-Baptiste - CB, Nebraska - Jean-Baptiste is another big corner with lots of strength but not a whole lot of speed, odd for a converted receiver but has excellent ball skills - perhaps even projecting as a safety in the pros.

Daniel McCullers - DT, Tennessee - at 6' 7" and 350 pounds, one would think McCullers would be an immovable entity, and perhaps he will be at some point but is currently a project that could use a year on a practice squad to get coached up in technique. 

Jarvis Landry  - WR, LSU - small, plodding possession receiver much in the mold of Julien Edelman, though not nearly as fast - has terrific hands and catches everything as a safety valve.

Tom Savage - QB, Pittsburgh - has better athleticism than any quarterback in the wheelhouse and all of the skill - but is extremely raw and will need a year or two being coached up before his potential is realized. May project higher as draft approaches.

Charles Sims - RB, West Virginia - Athletic, competitive, tough, upright slasher who is an asset as a receiver -- hands rate among the best on a RB in recent years.

Preston Brown - ILB, Louisville - Big-time violent striker that also sets the attitude on defense.  Highly intelligent and a vocal leader, throwback two-down run-stuffer.

Chris Watt - OG, Notre Dame - Another street fighter who has plenty of experience in multiple schemes.  Is a bit injury prone, but tends to work through injury - though he missed time last season with a torn PCL. 

Dri Archer - RB, Kent State - could fit into a third down back type of role, 4.26 40 yard dash at combine.

Jeff Janis - WR, Saginaw Valley State - sub 4.4 speed and incredible leaping ability.  Janis also has some Brandon Lloyd in him, seeking to get to the ground after the catch and gets lost in heavy traffic - but all things considered, he is an intriguing speed merchant with the intangibles (6' 3", 220 pounds) worthy of a fourth or fifth round selection...

Chris Borland - ILB, Wisconsin - throwback-type downhill run-stuffer with decent athleticism and peerless instincts.  Sliding down boards due to recently discovered medical issues.

Dominique Easley - DT, Florida - Medical red flags abound as Easley has had both knees surgically repaired after tearing ACLs.  Understands and uses leverage inside, but will find himself man-handled by better guards and chasing the play from behind. 

De'Anthony Thomas  - RB, Oregon - A deluxe, specialty back and potential slot receiver with game-breaking return ability, Thomas can be an explosive mismatch weapon in multiple facets of the game.

Jerick McKinnon - RB, Georgia Southern - possesses the athletic ability to warrant a chance as a change-of-pace back in the pros. Could even be tried as a return man

Weston Richburg - C, Colorado State - a lightweight but smart and technically refined center who makes all of the calls and communicates well.  A project, he may have the versatility to move outside to guard, but needs to add more bulk. 

Shaq Evans  - WR, UCLA - good sized possession receiver that competes for everything.

Alfred Blue - RB, LSU - At 6' 2" and 225 pounds, Blue is a second-rounder on talent alone, but injuries limited Blue’'s body of work - so he's a bit of a wildcard, but appears to work well in any scheme - has terrific hands out of the backfield but could use some work in pass protection.

T. J. Jones  - WR, Notre Dame - A Tom Brady receiver: runs crisp routes, has sticky hands- intelligent and mature and a team captain, needs to bulk up to add a measure of physicality to his game.

Brandon Coleman - WR, Rutgers - incredible size.  Featuring possession receiver speed, the 6" 6", 230 pound Coleman should be available in the late third round, possibly even the fourth round as his elusiveness has yet to catch up with his long legs and is a bit gangly - but is well worth a flyer on the second day.

Fifth round grade

Jeff Mathews - QB, Cornell - sloth-footed with very limited athleticism, Mathews is nevertheless exactly what the Patriots should be looking for to back up Brady for the next three seasons - has every leadership and intellectual trait necessary with big hands and a big accurate arm. Mathews could be developed into a fine replacement.

Trey Burton - TE, Florida - small for the position and is more of an H-back, logging snaps at Florida as a "wildcat" type quarterback, fullback, half back, wide receiver and, of course, tight end.  His smallish frame may render him to that of a slot receiver, but otherwise he is a man without a true position...

Spencer Long - OG, Nebraska - Huge mauler that offers little athleticism thanks to a knee injury that required season-ending surgery, so it is unclear if he will be ready for camp.  Shows enough nastiness to compete and is truly an elite short-area pass and run blocker but can not get to the second level to re-establish the line of scrimmage.

Shayne Skov - ILB, Stanford - Instinctive and intense as a two down run defender, but Skov tore his ACL in his junior season and struggled through his senior campaign unable to plant and drive - otherwise he would be a steal in the middle rounds.  Still possesses just minimal range of motion.

Stephen Morris - QB, Miami - has a bigger arm than either McCarron or Garoppolo and he has the leadership skill to command an offense.  Morris represents the start of the list of throwers that should land in Belichick's wheelhouse for a developmental role that could be molded into a legit NFL starter...

Larry Webster - DE/TE, Bloomburg College - is listed as a defensive end that could develop into a fine nickle rusher, though he is very thin for the position and most scouts see him value switching to the other side of the ball as a "Move" type tight end.  Has the size, wingspan, athletic ability and coordination to create mismatches as a tight end.  Intriguing versatility.

Bruce Ellington  - WR, South Carolina - Explosive off the line and can eat up the cushion in a hurry, but is short and tends to disappear in games.

James Baker - RB, Idaho - 4.50 at 240 pounds, A big, powerful runner with soft hands - needs to take better care with the ball, but that is the only thing lacking in his game.

John Urschel - C/OG, Penn State - quick and tenacious interior blocker who will probably have to abandon any plans for guard at the next level as his intelligence and athleticism will see him as a center. 

Max Bullough - ILB, Michigan State - Big, slow, lumbering but incredibly smart, durable and tough.  A throwback middle linebacker that will have to come off the field in the nickle but will be a big-time presence in the run defense.

Kevin Norwood - WR, Alabama - an exceptional route runner with great concentration and hands and sub 4.5 speed and is a try hard pass catcher with undeniable character, but will be available in the fifth round due to having troubles coming off jams at the line and is purely a receiver, not showing blocking ability and has limited elusiveness after the catch.

Reggie Jordan - TE, Missouri Western - At 6' 3" and 240 pounds and running a 4.77, Jordan easily managed to dominate his small school opposition, but at the big school and pro levels, he is a developmental H-Back with tremendous upside if he ever refines his route running and blocking

Jared Abbrederis - WR, Wisconsin - rail thin and needs some NFL weight room exposure, but is incredibly intelligent and mature and has been described by friend and foe alike as a coach on the field.  His average elusiveness after the catch and concussion history have prompted his slide to a fifth round prospect.

Jordan Zumwalt - ILB, UCLA - Big and violent, his claim to fame is knocking Virginia Tech Quarterback Logan Thomas cold on a blitz.  Lunchpail type that loves the game, but may never be more than a two-down run stuffer. 

Tyler Larsen C, Utah State - a brick wall with little versatility or athleticism.  Smart, big and dependable, good pass blocker but doesn't offer much to the second level or in pulling. 

Storm Johnson  - RB, big, nifty-footed runner with enough run strength and burst to be productive in a downhill power scheme or as a one-cut zone runner. However, he will have to take better care of the football and make strides in pass protection to earn carries.

Tyler Gaffney  - RB, Stanford - showing inside running skills as a big, athletic, downhill back willing to grind out the tough yards. Has the determination and competitiveness to earn a backup role for a power-running team.

Ryan Carrethers - NT, Arkansas State - What Carrethers brings to the field can't be taught short and stout but strong as a house, was built to be a rotational two-gap run stuffer - and is NFL ready in that capacity. 

Sixth round grade

Martavis Bryant  - WR, Clemson - A true project for a patient coaching staff - described as "Lazy", rounds off routes and is not a student of the game - but possesses incredible athleticism if the light ever turns on.

Richard Rodgers  - TE, California - natural "F" tight end skills. Is an unpolished product, but could be a better pro than college player.

Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB, Boston College -  A workout warrior, Pierre-Louis could very well be the most versatile linebacker in the class this side of Shazier, as he played the weakside for half of his college career, strong side the latter half, while playing the equivalent of nickle safety when the situation dictated - and he ran a 4.51 at the combine, plus finished in the top three in just about every agility drill there.

Will Clarke - DE, West Virginia -  Developmental base end in a 4-3 front, has been most compared to Chandler Jones in style and size, but is a true project.

Blake Annen  - TE, Cincinnati - Produced exceptional results at his pro day, blazing a 40-time (4.41) faster than many receivers. Scrappy in-line blocker --

LaDarius Perkins - RB, Miss. State - Undersized, competitive, change-of-pace back who was bothered by an ankle injury as a senior, but offers enough of a balanced skill set, including good acceleration, to be a better pro than college player. Evaluators would benefit to revisit junior tape for best indication of his ability.

Devin Street - WR, Pittsburgh - Pitt's all-time leading pass catcher, big but narrow who chews up the cushion but has limited physicality in his game and is somewhat of a plodder.  Nice red zone target.

Seventh round grade

A. C. Leonard - TE, Tennessee St. One dimensional move tight end with little blocking prowess - very raw

Rob Blanchflower - TE, Massachusetts - may get a look-see from the Patriots but it's hard to imagine that he could be much more than an inline blocker and occasional red zone threat, as he has reliable hands and is a willing pass catcher, but with limited athleticism

George Atkinson  - RB, Notre Dame - Is not a natural running back, but has raw tools to warrant consideration as a developmental, one-cut slasher. Better tester than football player. Solid combine numbers.

Jay Prosch  - FB, Auburn - An old-school fullback with explosive power to pave the way as an iso-lead blocker and enough speed and athletic ability to carve a niche as a core special-teams performer. Valuable pass protector with good hands and short-yardage running power to contribute when needed.

James Wilder, Jr. - RB, Florida State - at 6' 3" and 235 pounds, Wilder relies on brute strength to make up for his limited foot speed, but is a hammer up the middle and an effective cutter on the edge.  He has good hands and is decent in pass protection, which makes this plodding but powerful and explosive runner a good fit for New England's stable of rotational backs, but maybe not a feature back.