Could the Patriots trade up for this elite prospect from UNC?
NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed
For the last post of our pre-draft coverage, I figured I’d have some fun and throw out some random predictions and superlatives.
Feel free to use my questions and fill out your own draft superlatives in the comments section.
If both fall in the 1st round, who would Doug rather have, Devon Still or Nick Perry?
NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed
What could the Patriots get for their first two picks? Who’s my dream pick to fall in the first round? Where would Quinton Coples fit with the Patriots?
Those are some of the questions I’ll be answering in my weekly “Too Long For Twitter” Friday mailbag where I take questions from Twitter that warrant, deserve or need answers longer than 140 characters
If you have a question about anything, tweet it to me @DougKyedNEPD, and I’ll try to include it in the column on Friday. If you aren’t on Twitter, feel free to throw in a question in the comments section.
Bruce Irvin could the fastest defensive lineman in Indianapolis this week. But how will he stack up during official measurements? (Photo: ICON SMI)
NEPD Editor: Doug Kyed
The combine is great for many things, but one of those is just the chance to see every player in one setting, doing the same drills right next to one another. There are so many variables during the season, it’s nice to see one controlled environment even if they aren’t in pads.
Each of these positions has something different to showcase at the combine, for DBs, it’s all about speed at footwork. For the defensive line, it’s more about flexibility and strength. For linebackers, teams will be looking at technique, burst and overall athleticism.
It’s a fun time of year, so when you’re watching the NFL Network, make sure to watch some of these guys.
If Janoris Jenkins has been the best defensive back, Quinton Coples (DE, North Carolina) has certainly been in the running with Courtney Upshaw as the best defensive lineman.
Coples has been nearly unblockable at times, although NEPD writer Doug Kyed was able to shut him down long enough to ask him a few questions.
Coples, our #1 defensive end prospect, talks about his versatility, his last year at North Carolina, and the funniest guy at the Senior Bowl.
NEPD Staff Writer: Mike Loyko
Due to the inclement weather in Mobile the South practice was also held indoors. Unfortunately it was another walk through type practice which featured players wearing no pads and no helmets. As has been the story all week, the South practice featured a little bit more pace and a little bit more effort from the players.
It seems that Coach Shanahan puts more emphasis on match ups and consistent 1 on 1 competition than Coach Frazier does. The South team runs more 7 on 7 drills and does more 11 on 11work than the North squad does. Although the practice was not a good opportunity to scout and evaluate players, it was a good opportunity to talk to agents and scouts about the week.
NEPD Staff Writer: Mike Loyko
I finally got a chance to watch the South team practice today and I was impressed. Out of the two teams the South team definitely has the better pro prospects. Here are my notes from the practice. (more…)
Episode Four: Defensive Ends (12/27, 11pm est)
The Three Days in April crew (Matt Elder, Eric Galko and myself) are back for some more 2012 NFL Draft talk.
Yes, we’ll touch on the Matt Barkley fallout. First though, we’re going to be looking at some of the controversial defensive ends in the 2012 NFL Draft.
You can listen to last week’s episode (or download to iTunes) below until the new episode is finished.
The Five Most Intriguing Veteran Players in 2013
Report: Rob Gronkowski May Need Back Surgery
Major 2012 Contributors on the Roster Bubble in 2013
Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley: The Symbiotic Patriots Backfield
Patriots Sign Veteran Guard Tyronne Green
Bill Belichick’s Affinity for Greg Schiano, Rutgers Should Be Questioned
Film Room: Josh Boyce vs. Boise St. (2011)
Previewing New England’s 2014 NFL Draft Needs: Defense
