The Patriots have scheduled a private workout with South Florida cornerback Jerome Murphy. Murphy had a good showing at the combine, including a 4.5 forty and 16 bench reps, and hopes to build on this at his private workouts.
Murphy had a very good final season at South Florida, snagging four interceptions and recording 77 tackles.
Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty will visit the Patriots this Wednesday, according to Extra Points. We hear that the Patriots are checking into some medical issues with Hardesty, specifically a spinal issue.
Great vision and good receiving skills are the highlights of Hardesty’s game. If Belichick still isn’t enamored with any of the current RB’s in the Patriot’s stable, this Volunteer just might get the call.
The Patriots recently held private workouts with Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes and Virginia Tech safety Kam Chancellor.
Spikes has been falling down draft boards after posting a 5.0+ forty-yard dash time at the Florida Pro Day. Spikes would presumably be a two-down run stopping ILB for the Patriots.
Chancellor is an intriguing prospect that some feel could fill the S/LB hybrid role last filled by Rodney Harrison. He is a big thumper that at times struggles with faster receivers.
According to KFFL, Nick Caserio of the Patriots front-office met with Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham and Rutgers CB Devin McCourty recently.
Gresham is widely predicted to be the first tight end of the board in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft, probably in the 17-32 range. His blend of size, strength, and speed is a rare find. The Patriots currently have one tight end with NFL experience on the roster, former Titan Alge Crumpler.
McCourty is arguably the most polished cornerback in this year’s draft, although supporters of Joe Haden and Kyle Wilson might take umbrage at that. McCourty’s ball and coverage skills combined with ability to return kicks, make him a solid option for the Patriots in the 1st or 2nd rounds of the NFL Draft.
While watching the 2010 NFL Draft, you can expect a few die-hard Patriot fans to jump for joy with the selection of a…. punter?
The much-maligned Chris Hanson, whose consistently average punts and solid holding were the highlights of his time in New England, is currently a free agent. All signs point to Hanson not being back in Foxboro for the 2010 NFL Season.
To replace Hanson, the Patriots worked out Virginia Tech punter Brett Bowden yesterday, and also have a workout scheduled with Michigan punter Zoltan Mesko. Matt Dodge of East Carolina and Mike Brandtner of Iowa State should also get some looks as well.
In our 2010 NFL Mock Draft, we have the Patriots selecting Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick. Do the Patriots need another DE that would presumably play the 5-technique? What does Odrick bring to the table? Let’s discuss…
With the Patriots switching from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 base seemingly at will, multi-scheme ability is is incredibly important. Here’s Odrick on his versatility, courtesy of DraftBreakdown – “I’d say I’m a 3 or a 5 technique. I think I can play in multiple schemes, to tell you the truth, and I’ve been hearing the same thing from NFL teams.”
Measuring 6-5 and weighing in at a touch over 300 pounds, Odrick seems to have the prototypical size to fill the 3-4 RDE slot left vacated by the departures of Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green. He also has demonstrated the speed (4.9 forty) and quickness to apply pressure to the quarterback and collapse the pocket.
Odrick doesn’t come without some issues, however. His time against Idaho OG Mike Iupati showed that he can have some trouble disengaging from blocks, where he needs to use his hands better. Odrick would also be wise to add to his repertoire of pass rush moves.
While there are probably more attractive picks to the fans of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick is well aware that it all starts with the defensive front. Look for #91 to get his name called early this April 22nd.
2012 NFL Combine: What to Watch For
Draft Sleeper: Interview with CJ Parish (DE/OLB/FB, Arizona)
2012 NFL Draft: Marvin Jones’ Journey to the NFL
2012 Patriots NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Edition
2012 NFL Combine: Defensive Preview
NEPD Radio: Previewing the 2012 NFL Combine
2012 NFL Combine: Offensive Preview
2012 NFL Combine: Who Will Impress? Who Will Disappoint?
