NE Patriots Draft would like to thank the good folks at BleacherReport.com for sending us to the Opening Day game of our choice this fall. Any guesses where we'll be going?
Our articles, Top 5 Games to Play During the NFL Draft, won the NFL Draft Challenge, as the most read article between April 16th and April 30th. Sean Crowe at BostonSportsRants finished second with a much better article, although making fun of the Raiders is kind of easy. Thanks to any of you all that helped make this possible.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
NE Patriots Draft Going to Opening Day!
2008 Patriots Draft: A First Look
While we won't put a final grade to this draft until 2013, we can start to evaluate now how the draft addressed the Patriots' perceived roster needs and if the Patriots were able to get good value at their picks. Mel Kiper Jr. gaves us a C+, as he feels that we reached on our picks, and better options were available. I'm sure Belichick was quite upset to hear that. Read on to see our grade.
Need
The Patriots came in with needs across the back seven on defense. Belichick and Pioli addressed that need early and often with the picks of Mayo, Wheatley, Crable, Wilhite, and Ruud. Mayo will be in the ILB rotation immediately, while Crable will bring much needed depth to the OLB position. Wheatley will probably contribute mainly as a slot corner to begin with, while Wilhite might crack the dime or quarter rotations. Ruud and Wilhite may help on special teams as well.
Considering that the Patriots scored a bajillion points last year, they didn't have many needs on the offensive side of the ball. Some felt that they needed to look at their offensive line, but free agency and development can help there. Kevin O'Connell obviously doesn't fill a need for starting QB, but he does help bring competition and upside to a below-average backup QB corps. Matt Slater should contribute on special-teams and is at best a homeless-man's Troy Brown.
Value = Need x Rarity
The Patriots had Jerod Mayo as the number one linebacker on their board, so regardless of whether experts have labeled him a reach, Belichick got his guy. Since Rivers was off the board at ten, ILB's were incredibly rare. Therefore, the Patriots got excellent value for the pick: high need, high rarity.
Wheatley was a slightly different story. Cornerback was definitely a high need area, but the rarity was low, as Charles Godfrey, Terrell Thomas, Justin King, and others were still on the board. Belichick obviously had Terrence rated higher than the others, and we are not inclined to argue. Even with the low rarity, still a good value.
The O'Connell pick presents a lot of opportunities for the Patriots. He could be a good backup, or he could eventually replace Tom Brady due to injury or retirement. Another option would be to treat him like Matt Schaub, who brought two second-round picks to the Falcons from the Texans. His present value is low, but in the future that could grow exponentially.
NE Patriots Draft Grade: Incomplete (Check back in five years)
Read Full Article
Need
The Patriots came in with needs across the back seven on defense. Belichick and Pioli addressed that need early and often with the picks of Mayo, Wheatley, Crable, Wilhite, and Ruud. Mayo will be in the ILB rotation immediately, while Crable will bring much needed depth to the OLB position. Wheatley will probably contribute mainly as a slot corner to begin with, while Wilhite might crack the dime or quarter rotations. Ruud and Wilhite may help on special teams as well.
Considering that the Patriots scored a bajillion points last year, they didn't have many needs on the offensive side of the ball. Some felt that they needed to look at their offensive line, but free agency and development can help there. Kevin O'Connell obviously doesn't fill a need for starting QB, but he does help bring competition and upside to a below-average backup QB corps. Matt Slater should contribute on special-teams and is at best a homeless-man's Troy Brown.
Value = Need x Rarity
The Patriots had Jerod Mayo as the number one linebacker on their board, so regardless of whether experts have labeled him a reach, Belichick got his guy. Since Rivers was off the board at ten, ILB's were incredibly rare. Therefore, the Patriots got excellent value for the pick: high need, high rarity.
Wheatley was a slightly different story. Cornerback was definitely a high need area, but the rarity was low, as Charles Godfrey, Terrell Thomas, Justin King, and others were still on the board. Belichick obviously had Terrence rated higher than the others, and we are not inclined to argue. Even with the low rarity, still a good value.
The O'Connell pick presents a lot of opportunities for the Patriots. He could be a good backup, or he could eventually replace Tom Brady due to injury or retirement. Another option would be to treat him like Matt Schaub, who brought two second-round picks to the Falcons from the Texans. His present value is low, but in the future that could grow exponentially.
NE Patriots Draft Grade: Incomplete (Check back in five years)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
2008 Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Check out the rest of the site for NFL Draft Analysis, Salary Cap Info, and Patriots Talk.
This is an unofficial list of undrafted free agent signings from the 2008 NFL Draft. Please let me know if there are any additions I should be aware of. I'll be adding to this list as more information becomes available.
We definitely can't discount these guys, as each year a few UDFA's step in to make big contributions. For the Patriots, Randall Gay immediately comes to mind.
Thanks to pats1 at patsfans.com, KFFL, and many other places for helping me out.
List Updated 5/2 - 8:13am
Patriots
LB - Vince Redd - Liberty
P - Mike Dragosavich - NDSU (signed)
DE - Chris Norwell - Illinois
TE - Jon Stupar - Virginia
C - Ryan Wendell - Fresno St.
RB - Kenny Cattouse - Troy (tryout)
OT - Josh Coffman - ECU (2 years/$0 Bonus)
DL - Casey Tyler - Portland St. (1 year/$0 Bonus)
DL - Carlos Feliciano - Maryland
LB - Gary Guyton - Georgia Tech
RB - Benjarvus Green-Ellis - Ole Miss
LB - Keith Saunders - Alabama
TE - Tyson DeVree - Colorado (tryout)
SS - Mark Dillard - La Tech
LB - Scratch Saunders - Alabama
Bengals
FB - Tyler Whaley - OSU
FB - Bradley Glatthaar - Cincinnati
Bucs
DB - Jonathan Hefney - U. Tennessee
DT - Tywain Myles - Tarleton St.
DT - Chris Bradwell - Troy
DB - Elbert Mack - Troy
K - Chris Gould - Virginia
WR - Derrek Richards - Utah
LB - Lance Brandenburgh - Nebraska
DE - Vegas Franklin - Miami
RB - Carl Stewart - Auburn
Broncos
WR - Anthony Alridge - Houston
OT - Mitch Erickson - South Dakota State
P - Brett Curran - Toledo
K - Garrett Hartley - Oklahoma
LB - Wesley Woodyard - Kentucky
WR - Lorne Sam - UTEP
OT - Tyler Polumbus - Colorado
Browns
DE - Xavier Mitchell - U. Tennessee
QB - Craig Hormann - Columbia
RB - Tony Temple - Missouri
CB - Darnell Terrell - Missouri
WR - Lance Leggett - Miami (Fla.)
LB - Nick Moore - Baylor
K - Jason Reda - Illinois
RB - Austin Scott - PSU
DT - Brian Schaefering - Linderwood
OL - Robbie Powell - Purdue
CB - Jerrid Gaines - Miami (Ohio)
CB - Gerard Lawson - Oregon St.
TE - Ben Barkema - Iowa St.
WR - James Banks - Carson-Newman
LB - Jermaine Dias - Virginia
RB - Travis Thomas - Notre Dame
RB - DeShawn Baker - SC St.
DT - Kyle Lockett - Urbana
DT - Steven Friend - Central Michigan
P - Ben Woods - Buffalo
OT - Brian Stamper - Vanderbilt
Chargers
OL - Tyler Luellen - Missouri
FB - Mike Tolbert - Coastal Carolina
WR - Gary Banks - Troy
OG - Andrew Crummey - Maryland
DL - Erik Bakhtiari - San Diego
WR - Greg Bracey - Missouri
WR - Billy Pittman - Texas
CB - Josh Bell - Baylor
P - Billy Vinnedge - Wyoming
S - Brian Bonner - Texas Christian
CB - Stanley Franks - University of Idaho
TE - John Tereshinski - Wake Forest
FB - Roy Betschart - Wyoming
OG - Brandyn Dombrowski - SDSU
DT - Lamar Divens - Tennessee State
DT - Keith Shologan - Central Florida
WR - Brandon Jackson - North Texas
Chiefs
LB - Steve Octavien - Nebraska
K - Connor Barth - North Carolina
QB - Ricky Santos - New Hampshire
DL - Derek Lokey - Texas
RB - Kalvin McRae - Ohio
WR - Sean Bailey - Georgia
OG - Chris McDuffie - Clemson
WR - Jabari Arthur - Akron
FB - Mike X. Cox - Georgia
LB - Sir Darean Adams - Michigan State
WR - Luke Swan - Wisconsin
DT - Johnny Dingle - West Virginia
LB - James Terry - Youngstown St.
Cowboys
DE - Marcus Dixon - Hampton
WR - Danny Amendola - Texas Tech
FB - Julius Crosslin - Oklahoma St.
OG - Brandon Hale - Sam Houston St.
P - Jay Ottovegio - Stanford
TE - Drew Atchison - William & Mary
OT - Andrew Brecher - Alabama
RB - Keon Lattimore - Maryland
WR - Daniel Polk - Midwestern State
SS - Dowayne Davis - Syracuse
Jets
RB - Danny Woodhead - Chadron State
SS - Nate Lyles - Virginia
DE - Bryan Mattison - Iowa
CB - Alfred Phillips - Wagner
FB - Justin Valentine - Minnesota
LB - Brandon Renkart - Rutgers
RB - Jehuu Caulcrick - Michigan State
WR - Prechae Rodriguez - Auburn
LB - Rodrick Johnson - Oklahoma St.
Falcons
LB - Brandon Miller - Georgia
P - Jimmie Kaylor - Colorado State
RB - Jamar Brittingham - Bloomsburg
OL - Mike Butterworth - Slippery Rock
FS - DJ Wolfe - Oklahoma
CB - Glenn Sharpe - Miami
SS - Ike Brown - Central Michigan
Giants
OL - Digger Bujnoch - Cincinnati
DL - Wallace Gilberry - Alabama
S - Nehemiah Warrick - Michigan State
DE - Antonio Reynolds - Tennessee
OT - Dylan Thiry - Northwestern
OG - Andrew Bain - Miami
OT - Carnell Stewart - Louisiana State
P - Owen Tolson - Army
DT - Josh Muse - Louisiana Tech
49ers
WR - Cameron Colvin - Oregon
LB - Ezra Butler - Nevada
WR - Robert Jordan - California
TE - Joe Jon Finely - Oklahoma
DL - Louis Holmes - Arizona
Packers
TE - Michael Peterson - NW Missouri St.
LB - Danny Lansanah - UConn
RB - Kregg Lumpkin - Georgia
WR - Taj Smith - Syracuse
P - Ken Debauche - Wisconsin
LS - J.J. Jansen - Notre Dame
LB - Marcus Riley - Fresno State
C - Brennen Carvalho - Portland St.
LB - Durell Mapp - North Carolina
TE - Joey Haynos - Maryland
RB - Justin Beaver - Wisconsin-Whitewater
Bears
WR - Curtis Hamilton - Western Kentucky
QB - Nick Hill - Southern Illinois
CB - Leslie Majors - Indiana
QB - Caleb Hanie - Colorado St.
OT - Cody Balogh - Montana
CB - Trey Brown - UCLA
DL - Joe Clermond - Pitt
DL - David Faaeteete - Oregon
DL - Nick Osborn - San Diego St.
K - Shane Longest - St. Xavier
Bills
QB - Luke Drone - Illinois State
WR - Jason Jones - Arkansas Pine-Bluff
DT - Teraz McRay - Miami
LB - Jon Banks - Iowa St.
LB - Joe Brockington - Notre Dame
FB - Mike Viti - Army
Vikings
LB - J Leman - Illinois
S - Husain Abdulla - WSU
DE - Martail Burnett - Utah
DT - Leger Douzable - UCF
S - Marcus Griffin - Texas
K - Steven Hauschka - NC St.
WR - Nate Jones - Texas
CB - Travis Key - MSU
C - Tim Mattran - Stanford
T - Drew Radovich - USC
WR - Darius Reynaud - WVU
CB - Brandon Sumrall - Southern Miss
CB - Marcus Walker - Oklahoma
QB - Kyle Wright - Miami
RB - Albert Young - Iowa
FB - Tom Busch - Iowa
OC - Matt Roan - Southern Utah
OT - Brandon Joyce - Illinois St.
LB - Erin Henderson - Maryland
LB - AJ Raebel - Wisconsin - Whitewater
TE - Jeff Fielder - Minnesota St.
Jaguars
QB - Paul Smith - Tulsa
TE - Chris Brown - U. Tennessee
C - Drew Miller - Florida
WR - Adam Bishop - Nevada
DE - Alex Boston - Florida State
FB - Anthony Catrone - Maine
WR - Clyde Edwards - Grambling State
CB - Isaiah Gardner - Maryland
CB - Michael Grant - Arkansas
WR - Jeron Harvey - Houston
DT - Theo Horrocks - Vanderbilt
LB - Lamar Myles - Louisville
CB - Brian Witherspoon - Stillman
Lions
WR - Darrell Blackman - NC St.
LB - Tyrone Pruitt - BC
FS - Bobbie Williams - Bethune Cookman
RB - Allen Ervin - Lambuth
QB - Mark Nicolet - Hillsdale
LB - Brian Bradford - Towson
FS - Vince Gliatta - Youngstown St.
Panthers
DL - Brandon Jenkins - Mississippi
WR - Damon Morton - Colorado St.
CB - Courtney Grixby - Nebraska
DL - Darwin Walker - Bears
FB - Breyone Evans - Mass
FS - Joe Fields - Syracuse
DL - Casper Brinkley - South Carolina
QB - Taylor Tharp - Boise St.
CB - Darren Toney - Ark St.
Saints
QB - T.C. Ostrander - Stanford
S - Rocky Schwartz - Houston
DL - Jeremy Geathers - UNLV
OG - Nate McManus - Georgia
OT - Adam Millington - Illinois
LS - Ryan Sener - Ohio
P - Waylon Prather - San Jose St.
OT - Jason Boone - Utah
FB - Olaniyi Sobomehin - Portland St.
WR - Todd Blythe - Iowa St.
DB - David Roach - TCU
WR - Evan Moore - Stanford
LB - Jolonn Dunbar - BC
RB - Lynell Hamilton - SDSU
Seahawks
S - Jamar Adams - Michigan
CB - Donovan Alexander - North Dakota
WR - Travis Brown - New Mexico
OG - Dustin Dickinson - Houston
WR - Michael Bumpus - Washington State
LB - Matt Castelo - San Jose State
CB - DeMichael Dizer - Grambling St.
LB - David Hawthrone - TCU
S - Kelin Johnson - Georgia
WR - Anthony Russo - Washington
OT - William Robinson - SDSU
S - Eric Wicks - WVU
Steelers
WR - Micah Rucker - Eastern Illinois
C - Doug Legursky - Marshall
K - Julian Rauch - Appalachian State
WR - Dorien Bryant - Purdue
CB - Travis Williams - East Carolina
QB - Mike Potts - William & Mary
DL - Patrick Bailey - Duke
LB - Donovan Woods - Oklahoma St.
OT - Floyd Headen - West Texas A&M
Cardinals
QB - Anthony Morelli - Penn State
OT - Hercules Satele - Hawaii
OT - Thaddeus Coleman - Mississippi Valley State
DT - Keilen Dykes - West Virginia
FS - Dennis Keyes - UCLA
OT - Carlton Medder - Florida
LB - Ali Highsmith - LSU
CB - Marcus Brown - McNeese St.
WR - Lance Long - Miss St.
DL - Bryan Robinson - Wesley
FB - Dionte Johnson - Ohio St.
OT - Peter Clifford - Michigan St.
DE - Jason Banks - Grambling
Raiders
TE - Chris Wagner - South Dakota State
LB - Shane Simmons - Western Washington
RB - Louis Rankin - Washington
LB - Malik Jackson - Louisville
CB - Derrick Brown - Southern Utah
OL - Brandon Rodd - ASU
LB - Ronnie Pentz - San Diego
TE - Darrell Strong - Pitt
QB - Brian White - Portland St.
Rams
FB - Brandon McAnderson - Kansas
OG - Stephen Sene - Liberty
RB - Yvenson Bernard - Oregon St.
WR - Joshua Hyman - VT
LB - Mark Magro - WVU
LB - Vince Hall - VT
DE - Rodney Hardeway - Louisiana-Lafayette
CB - Justin McKinney - Kansas State
Ravens
LB - Jameel McClain - Syracuse
QB - Brad Roach - Catawba
DL - Lorenzo Williams - Missouri
TE - Scott Kuhn - Louisville
OL - Isaiah Wiggins - Illinois State
K - Piotr Czech - Wagner
P - Benjamin Dato - Fordham
OG - Sean Dumford - Eastern Kentucky
OG - Adam Kraus - Michigan
OG - Brandon Burns - Pearl River
C - Joe Reitz - Western Michigan
WR - Ernie Wheelright - Minnesota
Redskins
OG - Kerry Brown - Appalachian State
OT - Shannon Boatman - Florida State
OT - Devin Clark - New Mexico
S - Kevin T. Mitchell - Illinois
WR - Horace Grant - St. Olaf
OT - Darren Marquez - S. Illinois
DL - Wallace Gilberry - Alabama
QB - Bret Meyer - Iowa St.
LB - Bryan Wilson - Morgan St.
WR - Edward Williams - Lane
Dolphins
WR - Davone Bess - Hawaii
LB - Kelly Poppinga - BYU
QB - Jayson Foster - Georgia Southern
TE - Mike Mulligan - Maine
K - Dan Carpenter - Montana
OT - Darren Heerspink - Portland State
CB - Scorpio Babers - Sam Houston St.
OL - Dan Gore - Boise St.
TE - Kris Kasparek - Akron
DE - Titus Brown - Miss St.
WR - Selwynn Lymon - Purdue
DT - Anthony Toribio - Carson-Newmann
Texans
WR - Ryan Grice-Mullen - Hawaii
LB - Ben Moffit - South Florida
TE - Cole Bennett - Auburn
WR - Darnell Jenkins - Miami
DE - Jessie Mading - CSU
DT - Gabe Long - Utah
LB - Marcus Richardson - Troy
Titans
WR - Jason Rivers - Hawaii
OL - Eric Scott - Kentucky
RB - Omar Cuff - Delaware
SS - Tony Joiner - Florida
C - Fernando Velasco - Georgia
OL - Brock Pasteur - Stephen F. Austin
LB - Jerrell Freeman - Mary Hardin-Baylor
Eagles
OT - Franklin Dunbar - MTSU
LB - Justin Roland - KSU
WR - Terrell Golden - PSU
WR- Frantz Hardy - Nebraska
FB - Jed Collins - WSU
CB - Kyle Arrington - Hofstra
WR - Shaheer McBride - Delaware St.
Colts
DT - Don Davis - UCONN
WR - Samuel Giguère - CFL
DE - Curtis Johnson - Clark Atlanta
DB - Jaime Silva - BC
WR - Rudy Burgess - ASU
CB - Brandon Foster - Texas
DE - Eric Foster - Rutgers
DL - Colin Ferrell - Kent St.
WR - Rudy Burgess - Arizona State
LB - Anthony X. Adams - Grand Valley State
RB - Chad Simpson - Morgan St.
Mocking the Mocks
Check out The Huddle Report's mock draft scores list. This is a list of nearly all the major mocks from the web. Robby Esch of THR, and Ricky Dimon of FFL Toolbox were the winners at 45 points. NE Patriots Draft took a very respectable 4th place with 43 points, just two points off the leader. Yeah us! Last year's winner, Clark Judge from CBS Sportsline, finished 12th, tied with multiple-time winner Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News. Other notables:
- Scott Wright - 17th (39 points)
- Mel Kiper Jr. - 27th (37 points)
- Dr. Z , SI.com - 36th (36 points)
- Todd McShay - 56th (34 points)
- Mike Mayock - 56th (34 points)
- NFL Draft Scout - 95th (25 points)
Read Full Article
Late Round Picks
Jonathan Wilhite - Wilhite is a surprise to most, but makes sense when you think about what role he will play, although it still seems a bit early. He is an extremely quick athlete that is at his best when covering slot receivers and playing a zone. He can't cover big wideouts, nor does he cover man-to-man very well, but as a nickel/dime/special teams guy he should be just fine.
Matt Slater - Slater has played both d-back and wideout at UCLA, but he is being drafted as a replacement for Willie Andrews, who ran into some legal problems and may be released by the Patriots. Slater is an excellent kick returner (30.9 average) and should be able to keep Ellis Hobbs fresher.
Bo Ruud - Ruud is the brother of Barrett Ruud, both linebackers from Nebraska. Ruud (6'3" / 235) is a downhill thumper that isn't a liability in the passing game. He plays with passion and a non-stop motor. Should provide depth and excellent effort in the kicking game.
NFL Draft: Kevin O'Connell
While Tom Brady won't be involved, there will be a QB controversy this year in Patriots training camp. Matt Cassell and Kevin O'Connell of SDSU will go head-to-head to be Brady's backup. Matt Guttierez could still be the number three, but he or Cassell will either get traded or released during camp.
O'Connell (6'5", 225) is a great QB prospect that is light on his feet and has good vision to go along with a good arm. His speed (4.6) and agility is so good in fact, that speculation has already started that Belichick may use him as a H-back or WR/TE that is a threat to throw at times.
Patriots Draft Shawn Crable
With the 78th pick in the draft, acquired from the New Orleans Saints on day one, the Patriots selected Shawn Crable (LB, Michigan). Shawn is a versatile player that can play with his hand down and rush or stand up off the line in the 3-4. A relentless player, Crable is never found loafing. He often makes plays pursuing from the backside where some players would have given up. Hopefully Shawn will join a long line of DE/LB hybrids from college (Bruschi, Vrabel, etc...) that have come in to Gillette Stadium and made plays.
Read Full Article
Patriots: Wheelin' and Dealin'
The Patriots have traded the 69th pick to the San Diego Chargers for their 2nd round pick in 2009 and their 5th rounder this year, number 160 overall. Belichick still has two more picks in the third round at number 78 and 94.
Read Full ArticleNFL Draft: Mayo on Sale
Looking at the salary cap implications of moving down from number seven to number ten, Patriots fans have to be very happy with their team's savvy moves on day one of the NFL Draft. Last year, these are how the surrounding picks made out in terms of money.
- 7 - Adrian Peterson - 6 years / 40.5 million
- 8 - Jamaal Anderson - 5 years / 31 million
- 9 - Ted Ginn - n/a
- 10 - Amobi Okoye - 6 years / 15.4 million
- 11 - Patrick Willis - 5 years / 16.65 million
Willis will probably be the closest proxy for Mayo, as he plays the same position. If we can expect a five percent increase from last year, we are looking at a contract somewhere in the vicinity of 5 years for 20 million dollars. A number seven pick is looking at a 6 year, 42 million contract this year, so the Patriots got quite a deal. Many people wonder why Belichick had to throw in a 5th round pick to get the deal to work, as the points chart says the 3rd round pick they received from New Orleans is a fair deal. Well, the salary cap says it all.
Read Full ArticleSaturday, April 26, 2008
2008 NFL Draft: Day Two Awaits
Day two of the draft awaits, and Patriots fans will be very active Sunday morning. The Patriots have three draft picks in the third round: 69, 78, and 94. There is a veritable smorgasboard of prospects that would fit in our program. Here is a look at some of our needs and who might be available.
CB/S - Charles Godfrey, Reggie Smith, Justin King, Chevis Jackson, Tyvon Branch
OLB - Cliff Avril, Tavares Gooden
ILB - Jonathan Goff, Beau Bell
TE - Ben Cottam
WR - Mario Manningham, Andre Caldwell
RB - Jamaal Charles, Tashard Choice
OL - Mike McGlynn, John Greco
Patriots Bread & Butter: Wheat-ley and Mayo
To go with the linebacker they drafted at number ten, Jerod Mayo, the Patriots selected Terrence Wheatley (S, Colorado). Wheatley is a quick-twitch athlete that is in the in the same mold as former Patriot Asasnte Samuel -- small, agile, great ballskills and an average tackler. That being said, Wheatley has some durability issues with his wrist, as he has had multiple surgeries. His size and strength will probably relegate him to nickel coverage, at least to start his career.
Wheatley is a solid pick that will start to fill a need at cornerback. Expect the Patriots to revisit the defensive backfield during round three, as there are multiple quality DB's still available. Charles Godfrey, Dajuan Morgan, Reggie Smith, and Justin King are all still on the board. With two picks in the third round, expect one of them to be on another CB/S.
Patriots D: Extra Mayo Please
With the 10th pick, the Patriots picked Jerod Mayo (6-2/230) from the University of Tennessee. Mayo combines athletecism with good football instincts, and should be able to start for a starting job inside right away. He has shown fluidness in coverage that will be a welcome addition to the linebacking corps. He struggles at times to fight off guards in the running game, but Vince Wilfork should be able to protect him. He can and will deliver the big hit, as well as being a very reliable tackler.
Bill Belichick stated that he liked his versatility, as he has played all three positions for the Volunteers: weak-side, strong-side, and middle. Belichick also praised his football IQ and work ethic.
The New England Patriots received the 78th pick from the New Orleans Saints for moving down from seven to ten. The Patriots also sent their fifth round pick to the Saints.
Gosselin: Ellis to the Pats?
According to draft guru Rick Gosselin, who NE Patriots Draft interviewed earlier this month, the Patriots will take Sedrick Ellis with the 7th pick in the draft. As we've talked about before here, adding Dorsey or Ellis would give us added flexibility in switching up our fronts. Gosselin was correct with picking Meriweather to the Patriots last year, so we'll see if he can go two in a row.
Other surprises were Chris Williams going number five to the Chiefs over Ryan Clady, Keith Rivers dropping to nubmer 17, and Chad Henne and Tyrell Johnson sneaking into the first round.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Trojan Horse: An Interview with Keith Rivers
For years Patriots fans have been searching for youth and playmaking at the inside linebacker position. Depending on what happens tomorrow at the 2008 NFL Draft, the loyal Patriots fans might have found their guy. USC Trojan linebacker and projected Top 10 Pick tomorrow Keith Rivers was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for NE Patriots Draft readers.
NE Patriots Draft: What did the Patriots coaching staff put you through during your visit?
Rivers: I spent most of my time watching film with Coach Belichick, Coach Pees and Coach Patricia. We watched the Cal game and went through my thoughts on each play from beginning to end. We also chatted about my background and what my time was like at USC. After spending time with Coach Pees and Coach Belichick, Coach Patricia and I went into another meeting room and watched the Arizona and Notre Dame games. After watching those films we went over some base alignments that the Pats run and where I'd fit in the scheme.
NE Patriots Draft: Where do you and the coaches think you would fit in the Pats 3-4 scheme?
Rivers: In their scheme there are two outside backers where Vrabel and Thomas play then in the inside they have two backers where Tedy and Junior play. I would fit in the scheme as an inside backer where Tedy and Junior play.
NE Patriots Draft: How do you feel about shedding guards inside? Would Vince Wilfork help you out there?
Rivers: I'm excited for the change to take on guards on the next level and I think playing with Vince would be great and would help me out a lot.
NE Patriots Draft: Describe playing for Pete Carroll.
Rivers: Playing for Coach Carroll has been great. He's thought me and the rest of the SC players how to compete at the highest level. At SC he's prepared us to take that next step by having us play an NFL style defense. Coming from FL to CA is tough, but when you have a coach like Coach Carroll and the other coaches like Ken Norton, Nick Holt, Rocky Seto and Chris Charlie it makes it easier.
NE Patriots Draft: What will you be doing on Draft day?
I will be with my family and friends, but my draft day can been seen at Yardbarker.com as soon as it all happens. I am looking forward to sharing the experience with all the fans.
NE Patriots Draft: Thanks for stopping by Keith, and good luck tomorrow!
Read Full Article
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NFL Draft Day Primer: New England Patriots
Patriot Picks
The Patriots have the following picks in the 2008 NFL Draft:
Round 1: 7th overall (from San Fran)
Round 2: 62nd overall (assigned)
Round 3: 69th overall (from Oakland)
Round 3: 94th overall (assigned)
Round 4: 129th overall (assigned)
Round 5: 164th overall (assigned)
Round 6: 197th overall (assigned)
Round 7: 238th overall (assigned)
Patriot Needs
Priority One: Cornerback
Sources are saying that Ty Law is going to sign with the Patriots very soon. We are not
saying that Ty Law, Ellis Hobbs, Brandon Meriweather, and Fernando Bryant are a great
cadre of corners, but we did win a Superbowl with Earthwind Moreland and Hank Poteat
covering opponents. Law would bring a strong veteran presence, and given enough help
over the top, would not be a liability. His signing would drop CB from priority one to
priority two or three. We expect at least one, if not two, defensive backs to be
selected over the weekend, just not during the first round.
Targets: Brandon Flowers, Charles Godfrey, Antoine Cason
Priority Two: Linebacker
Linebacker has been a "priority" for the Patriots for the last three years, according to
the media. For Bill Belichick, however, this may finally be the year that he agrees.
The Patriots' linebacking corps is still playing at a high level, but 30+ year-old
players have a knack for dropping off quick. Eric Alexander and Pierre Woods provide a
little depth, but this position needs an upgrade. With the exception of USC prospect
Keith Rivers, no linebacker grades out as a top fifteen pick. There is a host of
prospects available in the late first, eary second round area that may prompt the
Patriots to package some picks together and move up.
Targets: Keith Rivers, Cliff Avril, Shawn Crable
Priority Three: Offensive Line/Tight End
Patriots observers wouldn't have deemed this a need until the Superbowl, where the Giants exposed the right side of the line to a barrage of rushes and blitzes. In order to shore up some small deficiences on the average right side of the o-line, a guard or tackle could be brought aboard to provide Kaczur and Neal some competition. This pick could come as early as round one, or we may wait until day two to work on the line. Whoever they get, I hope they can grow a beard.
Targets: Branden Albert, Duane Brown, John Greco
Patriot History
Under Bill Belichick the Patriots have drafted the following positions in the first three rounds:
Offense - 10 picks
RB - 1 time (Maroney '06)
WR - 3 times (Jackson '06, Johnson '03, Branch '02)
TE - 3 times (Thomas '06, Watson '04, Graham '02)
OL - 3 times (Mankins '05, Kaczur '05, Light '01)
Defense - 9 picks
DL - 4 times (Wilfork '04, Hill '04, Warren '03, Seymour '01)
DB - 5 times (Meriweather '07, Hobbs '05, Scott '04, Wilson '03, Williams '01)
Final NFL Mock Draft
Final 2008 NFL Mock Draft - 4/23/08
Round 2 Round 3
These picks reflect what team will draft what player, regardless of draft position due to trades. For example, I know that Cinci would draft Ellis in a heartbeat, but I think New Orleans will trade up to get him.
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams- Chris Long - DE - Virginia
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
4. Oakland Raiders - Vernon Gholston - DE - OSU
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Branden Albert - OG - Virginia
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
7. New England Patriots - Keith Rivers - LB - USC
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan - QB - BC
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Derrick Harvey - DE - Florida
10. New Orleans Saints - Sedrick Ellis - DT - USC
11. Buffalo Bills - Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise St.
14. Chicago Bears - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
15. Detroit Lions - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
16. Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tenn St.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Philip Merling - DE - Clemson
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Gosder Cherilus - OT - BC
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - Kentwan Balmer - DT - North Carolina
21. Washington Redskins - Devin Thomas - WR - Mich. St.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Mike Jenkins - CB - USF
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn
24. Tennessee Titans - Desean Jackson - WR - California
25. Seattle Seahawks - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
27. San Diego Chargers - Kenny Phillips - S - Miami
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones - RB - Arkansas
29. San Francisco 49ers - Sam Baker - OT - USC
30. Green Bay Packers - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
31. Pick Forfeited
32. New York Giants - Jerod Mayo - LB - Tennessee
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jake Long to the 'Fins
According to ESPN, the Dolphins have agreed to terms with Jake Long and will select him with first overall pick. This has a nice effect for the Patriots, as the chances that one of Sedrick Ellis, Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden, or Matt Ryan will be there have increased exponentially. Each of those four have serious interest from suitors outside the top ten, who are willing to part with first-day picks in order to grab the guy they want.
It is being widely reported that Long has signed a 5yr, 57.75 million dollar contract, with 30 million guaranteed. Many see that as a step down in compensation, as Jamarcus Russell had more total and guaranteed money. Russell's contract was for six years however, and Long's average figures end up higher than Russell's. What looks like a win for the Dolphin's front office may not turn out to be anything at all.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Patriots Mock Draft: Final Thoughts
There a few changes since we last looked at the Patriots choices. The New Orleans Saints, accoring to ESPN Insider, are actively seeking a trade with the Patriots if Sedrick Ellis is available. This looks like a great partner for us, and we'd probably pick up their no. 78 pick in the process of moving down from pick seven to ten. As we are playing the Belioli combination today, we'll pull the trigger.
No. 10 - Keith Rivers LB - We're not high on drafting linebackers this early, but this prospect's football IQ is off the charts, and seems willing and able to play inside and outside.
Let's trade the newly acquired no. 78 pick in combination with our own no. 62 to the Detroit Lions for their second rounder at no. 45.
No. 45 - Antoine Cason CB - If you read this site, you know how much we love Cason. He is the best football player at the CB position in the draft, and because he doesn't return kicks, we can steal him here.
No. 69 - Duane Brown OG - Solid Guard/Tackle prospect that can challenge Neal for a starting job in year one.
Belichick has stated that he likes this year's draft, so we'll package our 94th and 128th picks to move up to no. 82 and the Vikings, who may need some extra picks if they are going to deal for Jared Allen.
No. 82 - Tyvon Branch CB - We'd love to see Charles Godfrey here, but it's a little late for him to be around. Branch would be a solid nickel CB with the potential to be a good number two.
No. 165 - Erik Ainge QB - Can't have enough good QB's around.
No. 197 - J Leman LB - Tackling = good.
No. 238 - Mike Klinkenborg LB - Good special teams and depth inside.
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No. 10 - Keith Rivers LB - We're not high on drafting linebackers this early, but this prospect's football IQ is off the charts, and seems willing and able to play inside and outside.
Let's trade the newly acquired no. 78 pick in combination with our own no. 62 to the Detroit Lions for their second rounder at no. 45.
No. 45 - Antoine Cason CB - If you read this site, you know how much we love Cason. He is the best football player at the CB position in the draft, and because he doesn't return kicks, we can steal him here.
No. 69 - Duane Brown OG - Solid Guard/Tackle prospect that can challenge Neal for a starting job in year one.
Belichick has stated that he likes this year's draft, so we'll package our 94th and 128th picks to move up to no. 82 and the Vikings, who may need some extra picks if they are going to deal for Jared Allen.
No. 82 - Tyvon Branch CB - We'd love to see Charles Godfrey here, but it's a little late for him to be around. Branch would be a solid nickel CB with the potential to be a good number two.
No. 165 - Erik Ainge QB - Can't have enough good QB's around.
No. 197 - J Leman LB - Tackling = good.
No. 238 - Mike Klinkenborg LB - Good special teams and depth inside.
2008 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long - OT - Michigan
2. St. Louis Rams- Chris Long - DE - Virginia
3. Atlanta Falcons - Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU
4. Oakland Raiders - Vernon Gholston - DE - OSU
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Branden Albert - OG - Virginia
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
7. New England Patriots - Keith Rivers - LB - USC
8. Baltimore Ravens - Matt Ryan - QB - BC
9. Cincinatti Bengals - Derrick Harvey - DE - Florida
10. New Orleans Saints - Sedrick Ellis - DT - USC
11. Buffalo Bills - Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy
12. Denver Broncos - Chris Williams - OT - Vanderbilt
13. Carolina Panthers - Ryan Clady - OT - Boise St.
14. Chicago Bears - Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
15. Detroit Lions - Rashard Mendenhall - RB - Illinois
16. Arizona Cardinals - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tenn St.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - Philip Merling - DE - Clemson
18. Houston Texans - Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Gosder Cherilus - OT - BC
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - Kentwan Balmer - DT - North Carolina
21. Washington Redskins - Devin Thomas - WR - Mich. St.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Mike Jenkins - CB - USF
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Quentin Groves - DE - Auburn
24. Tennessee Titans - Desean Jackson - WR - California
25. Seattle Seahawks - Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lawrence Jackson - DE - USC
27. San Diego Chargers - Kenny Phillips - S - Miami
28. Dallas Cowboys - Felix Jones - RB - Arkansas
29. San Francisco 49ers - Sam Baker - OT - USC
30. Green Bay Packers - Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas
31. Pick Forfeited
32. New York Giants - Jerod Mayo - LB - Tennessee
Sunday, April 20, 2008
NFL Draft: Final Top 100 Prospect Board
NE Patriots Draft
Final Top 100 Prospect Board
1. Chris Long DE Virginia
2. Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
3. Sedrick Ellis DT USC
4. Jake Long OT Michigan
5. Vernon Gholston DE OSU
6. Branden Albert OG Virginia
7. Ryan Clady OT Boise St.
8. Keith Rivers LB USC
9. Leodis McKelvin CB Troy
10. Jeff Otah OT Pitt
11. Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois
12. Derrick Harvey DE Florida
13. Antoine Cason CB Arizona
14. Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
15. Kentwan Balmer DT NC
16. Devin Thomas WR Mich St.
17. Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
18. Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
19. Phillip Merling DE Clemson
20. Kenny Phillips S Miami (FL)
21. Matt Ryan QB Boston College
22. Jerod Mayo LB Tennessee
23. Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma
24. Limas Sweed WR Texas
25. Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon
26. Sam Baker OT USC
27. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tenn St.
28. James Hardy WR Indiana
29. Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
30. Mike Jenkins CB USF
31. Lawrence Jackson DE USC
32. Mario Manningham WR Michigan
33. Felix Jones RB Arkansas
34. Cliff Avril DE Purdue
35. Desean Jackson WR California
36. Quentin Groves DE Auburn
37. Calais Campbell DE Miami
38. Joe Flacco QB Delaware
39. Charles Godfrey CB Iowa
40. Dan Connor LB Penn St.
41. Curtis Lofton LB Oklahoma
42. Early Doucet III WR LSU
43. Dustin Keller TE Purdue
44. Aqib Talib CB Kansas
45. Dajuan Morgan S NC St.
46. Brian Brohm QB Louisville
47. Reggie Smith S Oklahoma
48. Justin King CB Penn St.
49. Chris Ellis DE Virginia Tech
50. Tracy Porter CB Indiana
51. Patrick Lee CB Auburn
52. Andre Caldwell WR Florida
53. Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame
54. Erin Henderson LB Maryland
55. Ray Rice RB Rutgers
56. Fred Davis TE USC
57. Jordy Nelson WR KSU
58. Chilo Rachal OG USC
59. Mike Pollak OC Arizona St.
60. Carl Nicks OT Nebraska
61. Ahtyba Rubin DT Iowa St.
62. Red Bryant DT Texas A&M
63. Andre Woodson QB Kentucky
64. Chad Henne QB Michigan
65. Thomas DeCoud S California
66. Duane Brown OG Virginia Tech
67. Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas
68. Jason Jones DE Eastern Michigan
69. Jeremy Thompson DE Wake Forest
70. John Carlson TE Notre Dame
71. Xavier Adibi OLB Virginia Tech
72. Marcellus Bennett TE Texas A&M
73. Anthony Collins OT Kansas
74. Dexter Jackson WR App. St.
75. Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech
76. Ali Highsmith LB LSU
77. Geno Hayes LB Florida St.
78. Marcellus Johnson S Arizona St.
79. Brad Cottam TE Tennessee
80. Pat Sims DT Auburn
81. Oniel Cousins OT UTEP
82. Jordan Dizon LB Colorado
83. Dre Moore DT Maryland
84. Earl Bennett WR Vanderbilt
85. Chris Johnson RB East Carolina
86. Kevin smith RB Central Florida
87. Donnie Avery WR Houston
88. Tavares Gooden LB Miami (FL)
89. Jamaal Charles RB Texas
90. Roy Scheuning OG Oregon St.
91. Josh Barrett S Arizona St.
92. Chevis Jackson CB LSU
93. Jonathan Goff LB Vanderbilt
94. Shawn Crable DE Michigan
95. Erik Ainge QB Tennessee
96. Josh Johnson QB San Diego
97. John David Booty QB USC
98. Tyvon Branch CB Connecticut
99. Kenny Iwebema DE Iowa
100. Steve Slaton RB West Virginia