Posts belonging to Category Patriots

When you own as many picks as the Patriots it’s tough to get a poor grade in the draft. However, Bill Belichick certainly doesn’t get high marks for this year’s draft class. One or two risky picks can make a draft great, but only if supported by a few safe selections. The Patriots, however, rolled the dice on almost every one of their selections. It’s possible that they’ll all work out and this will become a legendary draft class. But there’s also a chance that very few of these players wind up contributing in New England.

The Patriots selection of Nate Solder was one of the biggest reaches of the entire draft. He was over-hyped based on his size and raw athleticism, but he did very little in college to warrant a 1st-round selection. I gave Solder a 3rd round grade based on the fact that he has the potential to develop into an elite left tackle, but he isn’t there yet. When drafting an offensive linemen in the 1st round I expect him to be able to start immediately. It’s one of the few positions that can provide immediate value, and the Patriots passed up on some safer options such as Gabe Carimi and Anthony Castonzo to land the guy with the higher ceiling, but also a lower floor.

Ras-I Dowling was another reach with the first pick of the 2nd round. Like Solder, his size and athleticism indicate the potential of a future Pro Bowler. However, injuries and inconsistency limit his immediate value. It will be interesting to see where the Patriots end up using Dowling. He has the potential to play cornerback, but may ultimately be a better fit at free safety.

Keeping with the theme, Shane Vereen was another reach in the late 2nd round. He will be productive in New England as a Kevin Faulk-type change-of-pace running back. However, there were better players that fit that mold on the board such as Kendall Hunter.

The selection of Stevan Ridley in the 3rd round would have been a reach for anyone, but looks like a partucularly poor choice for the Patriots following the selection of Vereen. Ridley is more of a downhill runner than Vereen, but wasn’t particularly productive at LSU. In New England he’ll benefit from sharing the load with others, but the Patriots passed up an opportunity to land others capable of playing a larger role at that spot in the draft.

Ryan Mallett was one of the few value-based selections for the Patriots in this draft. He may not see the field for three years, but there is a chance that he may by Tom Brady’s eventual replacement. He certainly has the all the tools to succeed, it’s just a matter of teaching him how to think and act like an NFL quarterback.

The selection of Marcus Cannon was another great value pick. He was diagnosed with lymphoma shortly before the draft and likely will not play in 2011. If he returns to 100%, however, he will be the steal of this draft. He played left tackle at TCU, but I had him rated as the top interior lineman in this year’s class. He has the potential to be a Leonard Davis-like force on the offensive line.

Lee Smith was a solid addition in the 5th round. He may never catch a pass in New England behind Hernandez and Gronkowski, but he’ll be used as a blocking tight end and should have a long career in that role.

Markell Carter is a developmental prospect at outside linebacker. He had 19 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a senior in 2010 and has flashed the athleticism to carry that production over to the NFL.

Malcolm Williams is a typical Belichick late round pick – a player with very little collegiate production that the Patriots will try to develop. Williams is a former JUCO transfer who was primarily used as a backup at both safety and cornerback in his two years at TCU. His experience on special teams will be the key to earning a roster spot.

Overall, this was a decent draft for the Patriots based purely on the volume of talent they brought in. However, almost every pick was a reach, right down to Williams in the 7th round. They could have as many as four starters from this class. And they could just as easily have none. For a team hoping to compete for a Super Bowl title, this draft class is severely lacking instant-impact players.

With the 138th pick in the draft the New England Patriots selected Marcus Cannon, a guard/tackle ‘tweener out of TCU.

A week ago the thought of Cannon slipping to the 5th rounded sounded absurd. He was the 31st-rated player on my board and a consensus 2nd round pick.

Cannon won't play in 2011, but could be a steal once he returns to full strength

However, in the week leading up to the draft it was revealed that Cannon had been diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer in the lymph nodes. Cannon will undergo chemotherapy in the upcoming weeks and likely will not play in the NFL in 2011.

While the outlook for Cannon’s immediate future in the league is bleak, there is no reason he cannot beat cancer and return in 2012.

The struggle for Cannon will be gaining back the weight he’ll lose and turning himself back into the behemoth lineman he is today. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible. And in the 5th round he is well worth the risk.

I wish Cannon nothing but the best, and hope to see him back on the football field soon.

Ryan Mallet (scouting report) was a boom-or-bust prospect no matter where he landed, but that may be even more true now that he’s a New England Patriot.

Mallett will be a doing a lot of standing around in New England over the next 3 years

Barring an injury to Tom Brady, we won’t see Mallett on the field for an extended period of time for at least three years. Meaning he’ll be given every opportunity to sit, watch and learn.

And that goes for more than just the on-field side of things. New England’s cast of veterans, Brady included, will teach Mallett how to be a professional – assuming he’s willing to learn.

As an outside it’s easy to say that Mallett will be better off watching and learning (because it’s true), but it’s much harder to be in that position. Imagine being Mallett today. You’re arguably the most NFL ready quarterback in this year’s draft class and have obvious 1st-round talent. The draft is filled with teams in desperate need of a quarterback. And you end up falling until the 3rd round to a team with no use for you until three or four years down the road. That’s gotta hurt.

How Mallett responds will determine his future success. If he takes advantage of the opportunity Belichick has given him, I have absolutely no doubt that he will be successful. But if he doesn’t and becomes a distraction in the locker room, Belichick will have no problem cutting him lose before he ever sees the field.

10. Thomas Dimitroff, Falcons
This Bill Belichick disciple rebuilt the Falcons in one draft, possibly even one draft pick, with Matt Ryan in 2008. What Dimitroff has accomplished in three drafts is impressive, and makes you wonder just how good he could make the Falcons in another three years.
Best 1st-round pick: Matt Ryan (2008)
Best late-round pick: Kroy Biermann (5th round, 2008)
Biggest bust: Peria Jerry (1st round, 2009)

9.  Mike Reinfeldt, Titans
Reinfeldt’s first two 1st-round picks (Micael Griffin, Chris Johnson) have already developed into Pro Bowlers, and Kenny Britt is poised for a breakout year in 2011. Reinfeldt has also started to get production from some late-round picks such as Jason McCourty, Gerald McRath and Alterraun Verner.
Best 1st-round pick: Chris Johnson (2008)
Best late-round pick: Jason McCourty (6th round, 2009)
Biggest bust: Chris Henry (2nd round, 2007) (more…)

5. A trade occurs within the first five picks
The Panthers would love to trade down. The Broncos probably feel the same way. With two quarterbacks possibly coming off the board within the first five picks, someone is going to trade up to ensure they get their guy. My money’s on the Cardinals moving up for Gabbert, possibly to No. 1.

4. The Patriots actually use both 1st-round picks
No one loves trading picks more than Bill Belichick, but this year the Patriots actually need their picks. There is enough talent at positions of need (defensive line, offensive line) that the Patriots will stay put and fill some holes. In the 2nd round is where we’ll see the Pats start making moves. 

The best player in the draft isn't falling as far as you may think

3. Patrick Peterson is off the board within the first six picks
Nearly every mock draft has Peterson falling to the 49ers.  Sorry to ruin your fun 49ers fans, but the best player in the draft isn’t getting past six different teams. If he falls to No. 6 the Browns will gladly end his fall, even if he doesn’t fill a glaring hole.

2. A.J. Green falls to the Washington Redskins
There are multiple scenarios in which this could happen, and I truly believe one of them will come true. In my most recent mock draft I have the Bengals selecting Julio Jones, which allows Green to fall to No. 10.

1. At least three quarterbacks will go in the 1st round
Newton and Gabbert are 1st-round locks. After that, it’s anyone’s guess as to who many come off the board next. However, I am confident that someone will reach for another quarterback in the 1st round. Maybe the Dolphins reach for Mallett or Locker. Maybe the Seahawks do the same. Maybe someone falls in love with Dalton or Ponder. Whatever happens, one of those guys is going in the 1st round, and possibly more.

Matt Peterson tracks the offseason needs of every team in the league. Today’s franchise, the New England Patriots [full archive here].

Season Recap – Earning the best record in the NFL at 14-2, New England was the clear selection for most to win the first Super Bowl of the new decade, but an upset loss to the fiery New York Jets in the divisional round killed any shot. New England’s aerial attack led by MVP Tom Brady along with the RB core consisting of the unknown Danny Woodhead and Benjarvis Green-Ellis beat up on opponents all season long, but the Jets found a way to stop them. It was an upset that surely got Tom Brady and the New England Patriots pumped to chase the title in 2011.

Needs:
1. Defensive End – New England began the offseason by signing recently released veteran Marcus Stroud. Stroud could wind up starting, but he isn’t a long-term solution. The Patriots should look in the first round to fill the void. JJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Cameron Jordan, and Adrian Clayborn all could be available for the Patriots in round one. (more…)

5. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings need a quarterback, but the 12th pick is too early to reach for Locker or Mallett. To make matters worse, the 43rd pick may be too late to land either of those two, and possibly too late for Ponder as well. They may try to trade down to the late 1st-round in order to land a quarterback in a reasonable draft slot.

4. Carolina Panthers
There isn’t an obvious choice at No. 1 this year and the Panthers could get a similar player at a cheaper price if they trade down. If they can convince a team like the Bills or Bengals to trade up for a quarterback, the Panthers would gladly move down.

3. New England Patriots
The Patriots are a candidate here because, well, they always trade down. A great defensive lineman is likely to be on the board at No. 17 and the Patriots can probably find a trading partner. They may be able to pick up an additional 1st-round pick in the 2012 draft, continuing the cycle which Bill Belichick has mastered.

2. St. Louis Rams
If A.J. Green and Julio Jones are off the board the Rams will immediately begin shopping the 14th pick. There isn’t another receiver worthy of a top-15 pick and there isn’t anyone else that fills a glaring hole. The smart move would be to move down and possibly consider Jonathan Baldwin later in the round.

1. Detroit Lions
The Lions want a cornerback or a linebacker and there may not be anyone worthy of the 13th pick on the board at either position.  Unless Prince Amukamara or Von Miller somehow falls, the Lions will try hard to trade back. When they do, Akeem Ayers and Jimmy Smith could become targets.

Pre-draft workouts mean different things for different teams, but one team that isn’t afraid to tip their hand is the Patriots. Their draft visits are (surprisingly) often made public, and they often draft off the list of player’s they’ve visited with.

Among the players who worked out for and were lated drafted by the Patriots are Patrick Chung, Darius Butler, Tyrone McKenzie, Brandon Tate, Julian Edeman, Aaron Hernandez, Devin McCourty and Rob Gronkowski. And that’s from the past two drafts alone.

Kendall Hunter could be a 2nd-round option for the Patriots

So far this year I’ve found reports of 21 players that are visiting the Patriots, and there’s one common thread linking most of them: speed.

Among the speedsters that Patriots have shown an interest in are five running backs –  Ryan Williams, Derrick Locke, Kendall Hunter, Jordan Todman and Da’Rel Scott (who had the fast 40 time among running backs at the combine).

The Patriots have also shown an interest in some of this year’s faster receivers, including Torrey Smith, Jeremy Kerley, Cecil Shorts and Randall Cobb. They’ve also visited with Virgil Green, arguably the most athletic tight end in this year’s class.

With such a long list it’s tough to say who the Patriots are targeting at this point, but it’s clear that they’re putting a priority on adding athletes on offense. With four picks in the first two rounds, it’s safe to assume that Belichick will bring aboard at least one more weapon for Tom Brady.

Rackley is one of the top small-school prospects

According to Josh Buchanan of JBScouting.com Lehigh offensive lineman Will Rackley is lining up a number of visits and private workouts.

He’ll be one of the busiest prospects over the next month, as he meets with the Browns, Cowboys, Rams, Chiefs, Dolphins, Lions, Jaguars, Patriots and Jets.

Rackley played left tackle in college but is probably best suited for guard at the next level. That said, his potential versatility certainly gives his stock an extra boost.

Based on the amount of interest in Rackley he is starting to look like a pretty safe bet to go in the first three rounds. A team like the Cleveland Browns, who could use help at both right guard and right tackle would be a good fit. The St. Louis Rams, who desperately need to upgrade their interior line would also make sense.

With a large class of potential 1st-round quarterbacks the middle-tier guys haven’t received much media attention. One under-the-radar guy that is starting to generate some buzz, however, is Andy Dalton (my 4th-rated quarterback).

According to various reports, Dalton has either already met with or is scheduled to visit the Bears, Bengals, Browns, Chiefs, Patriots and Vikings.

Dalton could wind up starting for someone in 2011

I have Newton rated ahead of potential 1st-round picks Cam Newton and Jake Locker, mainly because I believe he is the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year’s draft class. He isn’t the flashiest player with the strongest arm but he is a solid pocket passer with above-average athleticism.

The reason for all the interest in Dalton is the fact that he fills a variety of needs for different teams.

Teams like the Bears and Patriots are looking for a quality backup quarterback, and Dalton can fill that role immediately. He may not end up ever starting for those franchises, but he can provide some insurance behind Tom Brady and Jay Cutler.

Others may look to him as a short-term starter. The Vikings, for example, may miss out on the opportunity to land a top-tier quarterback in the 1st round. However, if Dalton is on the board in the 2nd or 3rd round, they could select him and plan on making him the starter for 2011. Given the uncertainty surrounded free agency, this would be a safe way to ensure that they have someone other than Joe Webb at quarterback if they’re unable to address that need in free agency. In that scenario Dalton may only start for season, but he would be a cheap one-year starter who would then become a valuable backup once the new franchise quarterback is brought in.