Well the combine is over, and there were several surprises that came about like Dontari Poe having a very respectable 40 time (4.98)and posting 44 reps on the bench press. Another surprise was Stephen Hill posting a crazy 40 time himself (4.33).But I will discuss the best options for the Patriots, and how they should draft to help improve the team.
The first order of business is to address the defense, more importantly the pass rushing area from the outside linebacker position.
So at #27 the Patriots should target multiple players if they are available when its their turn to select. First is Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End from Clemson. Mercilus led the nation in sacks last year (16) due to his aggressive and physical play. He is a motivated player who has a high motor. I see him as a OLB in the NFL, and can obviously play defensive end as well. Hybrid formations in the 3-4 defense will utilize Mercilus and prevent protection problems Other players to look at here are Donatri Poe, Devon Still and Michael Brockers. All who are defensive tackles, but can be put at defensive end minus Poe. This allows more strength on the line, and take pressure of Wilfork to control things. A outside possibility here can be Nick Perry or Andre Branch. Both are in similar positions like Mercilus being they can play defensive end, yet will be used as OLB as well.
At #31, the Patriots can target a secondary need positions, which include safety and center, With the secondary getting torched last year, Mark Barron would come in and be a immediate force, and he is from Alabama where Nick Saban was a former Belichick product.Hewill allow Chung to come up in run support and Barron can punish receivers all day. Another option is Peter Konz, the lone center prospect that is worthy of a first round selection. He was very productive at Wisconsin, and is a beast who can start day one for the Pats who may lose Koppen and Connely.
In the second round, depending on the first round you may see the Pats trade up. if Hightower falls to the 2nd round I think a move up to select him would be a rewarding decision. He can play inside and outside linebacker and has good wheels for his size. Another guy to target is Stephen Gilmore, who is fast and uses good cover skills.
If the Patriots do not add a defensive end or linebacker in the 1st round, I think it will be another long year on the defense. Given that a good pass rush can lesson the pressure for the secondary, adding a edge rusher will help the secondary greatly. And if Barron falls, you found a steal at 31, with a player groomed for the NFL system. Bill Belichick needs to strike gold like last year in Grokowski and Hernandez, and Solder will be a great pick when he gets his chance. If they can add some playmaking help to a younger defense that has leadership (Mayo, Spikes, McCourty, Chung) will be great to help this team excel.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Mock Draft 2.0
1) Colts- Andrew Luck: Franchise QB with the arm strength and accuracy to be a star in this league and help inspire the Colts fan base.
2) Rams- Justin Blackmon: Blackmon will immediately step in and give Sam Bradford a boost and a play maker that he needs. Danorio Alexander will compliment Blackmon well, and help Bradford live up to his hype since being drafted.
3) Vikings- Matt Kalil: The Vikings are going to have to protect Christian Ponder if they plan of him being the franchise QB. Also, it would be nice for AP to have one great lineman to help open up the running lanes.
4) Browns- Trent Richardson: The Browns will not resign Peyton Hillis after the drama displayed during the season. To replace him they grab the best running back in the draft, who has power and speed ready to be a force behind a solid line.
5) Buccaneers- Morris Clayborne: With Ronde Barber not getting younger, and Talib in his own world with of fthe field issues the Buccs need someone in the secondary. So they grab the best playmaker to fill there CB void.
6) Redskins- RG3: Some people feel the skins need to move up to get RG3, but i don't think so. The Browns invested in Colt McCoy and will wait til next year to make a run at Matt Barkley if anything. Redskins jump on getting a do it yourself QB to energize the fans.
7) Jaguars- Quinton Coples: The Jags have a reputation grabbing players that are questionable, and Coples has the talent but make be undersized as a D end.
8) Panthers-Michael Brockers: The Panthers will improve against the run and grab the best DT in the draft. Being 6'5", 305 Brockers has a good size combination to help free up Charles Johnson back to bringingthe heat.
9) Dolphins- Johnathan Martin: The Dolphins will want to protect there new QB, whether its Matt Flynn or someone else. Martin is a stud, who took care of Andrew Luck at Stanford.
10) Bills- Courtney Upshaw: If the Bills plan of moving to a 4-3 look, they will need to add a LB to make the transition. Upshaw has top size to play OLB or play DE sometimes.
11) Chiefs- Luke Kuechly: The Chiefs have named Romeo Crennel the head coach, so he will look to build up the defense. Kuechly next to Derrick Johnson will be a good combo in the middle of there defense. A defensive tackle also should be on there radar.
12) Seahawks- Andre Branch: The Seahawks look to fill the void of Aaron Curry, who never panned out. They have a great need at OLB to get pressure on the QB, and hold down the weakside.
13) Cardinals- David Decastro: The Cardinals need to help build a OL for Kevin Kolb to stay alive. Also to help spark Beanie Wells/Ryan Williams run effectively.
14) Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick: The Cowboys jump on the chance to get a top 10 talent,especially since the CB position was torched this past year. Even though he had a drug charge, the Cowboys don't look past his talent.
15) Eagles- Nick Perry: The Eagles LB core couldn't stop anything last year, and constantly was being shuffled. Perry should start day one and contribute on slowing down running and be able to drop into coverage.
16) Jets- Mark Barron: The Jets need to add help covering the TE's in New England, which I don't see happening. But they get Barron who also is good in the run support.
17) Bengals- Chris Polk: The Bengals in no way bring back the troublesome Benson, so they need a back who can fill in.Polk is physical, and that matches the attitude in Cincy.
18) Chargers- Riley Reiff: The Chargers have alot of questions on the OL with McNeill and Kris Deilman being on the fence from retiring. So they need help on the OL no doubt.
19) Bears- Michael Floyd: The Bears need to add a pure receiver who is a vertical threat.This opens up things for Hester to run underneath.
20) Titans- Zack Brown: Titans need some outside pressure to free up the inside tackles. They spent 2 picks on d tackles last year, so a upgrade at LB is needed.
21) Bengals- Cordy Glenn: Bengals need to replace BobbieWilliams and Glenn fits the mold. Big size to step in and help the running game excel.
22) Falcons- Coby Fleener: The Falcons need to replace Tony Gonzalez as he isn't getting younger. Adding a fast TE to this offense just gives Matt Ryan even more weapons.
23) Lions-Peter Konz: The Lions need a instant starter to improve the line, and protect Matt Stafford and his shoulder. Konz is a great athlete, and will help alot.
24) Steelers- Mike Adams: With many needs, including DT I think the Steelers address the OL as they had several injuries. Likewise does there D line, but I think they wait til the 2nd round.
25) Broncos- Lamar Miller: The Broncos need a dynamic runner to help Tebow open up the option game. He has the speed that McGahee doesn't have.
26) Texans- Alston Jeffrey: The Texans also need a DT, but I think adding a WR to help Andre Johnson will be key to the offense. This allows other players to work one on one, and also stretch the field.
27) Patriots- Devon Still: The Pats need to strengthen the front seven in a couple ways. Adding Still will allow flexibility, having him play some DT or DE, as he can fit each position.
28) Packers- Janoris Jenkins: The Packers need to return to a strong defense and add a solid CB to help out. They may also look to address the d line as well.
29) Ravens- Vontaze Burfict: To add a replacement for Ray Lewis, with this talent, is a great opportunity in this draft. He can start next to Lewis and learn.
30) 49ers- Mohamed Sanu: The need to add a WR to pair with Crabtree is needed after the Braylon Edward experience when south. Good size and speed helps Alex Smith improve more.
31) Patriots- Whitney Mercilus: The Pats need to address the pass rush, and Mercilus has great size to rush effectively. Some compare him to a WIllie McGinest, and I believe he will be a great OLB for the team in need of help off the edge.
32) Giants- Dwayne Allen: The Giants have lost 2 TE's in the superbowl with knee injuries, so who knows how good they will be.
2) Rams- Justin Blackmon: Blackmon will immediately step in and give Sam Bradford a boost and a play maker that he needs. Danorio Alexander will compliment Blackmon well, and help Bradford live up to his hype since being drafted.
3) Vikings- Matt Kalil: The Vikings are going to have to protect Christian Ponder if they plan of him being the franchise QB. Also, it would be nice for AP to have one great lineman to help open up the running lanes.
4) Browns- Trent Richardson: The Browns will not resign Peyton Hillis after the drama displayed during the season. To replace him they grab the best running back in the draft, who has power and speed ready to be a force behind a solid line.
5) Buccaneers- Morris Clayborne: With Ronde Barber not getting younger, and Talib in his own world with of fthe field issues the Buccs need someone in the secondary. So they grab the best playmaker to fill there CB void.
6) Redskins- RG3: Some people feel the skins need to move up to get RG3, but i don't think so. The Browns invested in Colt McCoy and will wait til next year to make a run at Matt Barkley if anything. Redskins jump on getting a do it yourself QB to energize the fans.
7) Jaguars- Quinton Coples: The Jags have a reputation grabbing players that are questionable, and Coples has the talent but make be undersized as a D end.
8) Panthers-Michael Brockers: The Panthers will improve against the run and grab the best DT in the draft. Being 6'5", 305 Brockers has a good size combination to help free up Charles Johnson back to bringingthe heat.
9) Dolphins- Johnathan Martin: The Dolphins will want to protect there new QB, whether its Matt Flynn or someone else. Martin is a stud, who took care of Andrew Luck at Stanford.
10) Bills- Courtney Upshaw: If the Bills plan of moving to a 4-3 look, they will need to add a LB to make the transition. Upshaw has top size to play OLB or play DE sometimes.
11) Chiefs- Luke Kuechly: The Chiefs have named Romeo Crennel the head coach, so he will look to build up the defense. Kuechly next to Derrick Johnson will be a good combo in the middle of there defense. A defensive tackle also should be on there radar.
12) Seahawks- Andre Branch: The Seahawks look to fill the void of Aaron Curry, who never panned out. They have a great need at OLB to get pressure on the QB, and hold down the weakside.
13) Cardinals- David Decastro: The Cardinals need to help build a OL for Kevin Kolb to stay alive. Also to help spark Beanie Wells/Ryan Williams run effectively.
14) Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick: The Cowboys jump on the chance to get a top 10 talent,especially since the CB position was torched this past year. Even though he had a drug charge, the Cowboys don't look past his talent.
15) Eagles- Nick Perry: The Eagles LB core couldn't stop anything last year, and constantly was being shuffled. Perry should start day one and contribute on slowing down running and be able to drop into coverage.
16) Jets- Mark Barron: The Jets need to add help covering the TE's in New England, which I don't see happening. But they get Barron who also is good in the run support.
17) Bengals- Chris Polk: The Bengals in no way bring back the troublesome Benson, so they need a back who can fill in.Polk is physical, and that matches the attitude in Cincy.
18) Chargers- Riley Reiff: The Chargers have alot of questions on the OL with McNeill and Kris Deilman being on the fence from retiring. So they need help on the OL no doubt.
19) Bears- Michael Floyd: The Bears need to add a pure receiver who is a vertical threat.This opens up things for Hester to run underneath.
20) Titans- Zack Brown: Titans need some outside pressure to free up the inside tackles. They spent 2 picks on d tackles last year, so a upgrade at LB is needed.
21) Bengals- Cordy Glenn: Bengals need to replace BobbieWilliams and Glenn fits the mold. Big size to step in and help the running game excel.
22) Falcons- Coby Fleener: The Falcons need to replace Tony Gonzalez as he isn't getting younger. Adding a fast TE to this offense just gives Matt Ryan even more weapons.
23) Lions-Peter Konz: The Lions need a instant starter to improve the line, and protect Matt Stafford and his shoulder. Konz is a great athlete, and will help alot.
24) Steelers- Mike Adams: With many needs, including DT I think the Steelers address the OL as they had several injuries. Likewise does there D line, but I think they wait til the 2nd round.
25) Broncos- Lamar Miller: The Broncos need a dynamic runner to help Tebow open up the option game. He has the speed that McGahee doesn't have.
26) Texans- Alston Jeffrey: The Texans also need a DT, but I think adding a WR to help Andre Johnson will be key to the offense. This allows other players to work one on one, and also stretch the field.
27) Patriots- Devon Still: The Pats need to strengthen the front seven in a couple ways. Adding Still will allow flexibility, having him play some DT or DE, as he can fit each position.
28) Packers- Janoris Jenkins: The Packers need to return to a strong defense and add a solid CB to help out. They may also look to address the d line as well.
29) Ravens- Vontaze Burfict: To add a replacement for Ray Lewis, with this talent, is a great opportunity in this draft. He can start next to Lewis and learn.
30) 49ers- Mohamed Sanu: The need to add a WR to pair with Crabtree is needed after the Braylon Edward experience when south. Good size and speed helps Alex Smith improve more.
31) Patriots- Whitney Mercilus: The Pats need to address the pass rush, and Mercilus has great size to rush effectively. Some compare him to a WIllie McGinest, and I believe he will be a great OLB for the team in need of help off the edge.
32) Giants- Dwayne Allen: The Giants have lost 2 TE's in the superbowl with knee injuries, so who knows how good they will be.
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