Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Pat' off season and next year (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter PMENFAN
- Start date
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Wide receiver strong possibility on first day of draft
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:39:13 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports the New England Patriots are likely to draft a wide receiver on the first day of the draft, although they are unlikely to make a move at Ohio State WR Santonio Holmes or Florida WR Chad Jackson.
Patriots | Attend Wyatt workout
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:20:41 -0700
The New England Patriots attended the workout of USC CB Justin Wyatt.
Patriots | Team worked out Stevenson
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 06:08:39 -0700
Gene Chamberlain, of the Daily Southtown, reports the New England Patriots conducted a pre-draft workout with Notre Dame OG Dan Stevenson.
Bears | Manning landed; give third round selection to Carolina
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:33:36 -0700
Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Chicago Bears have landed CB Ricky Manning Jr. from the Carolina Panthers after Carolina decided not to match the five-year offer sheet Manning signed with Chicago. As a result, the Bears will now give the Panthers their third-round pick, No. 88 overall, as compensation for signing the restricted free agent cornerback.
I was really hoping the Pats would pursue him earlier in the season...
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:39:13 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports the New England Patriots are likely to draft a wide receiver on the first day of the draft, although they are unlikely to make a move at Ohio State WR Santonio Holmes or Florida WR Chad Jackson.
Patriots | Attend Wyatt workout
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 09:20:41 -0700
The New England Patriots attended the workout of USC CB Justin Wyatt.
Patriots | Team worked out Stevenson
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 06:08:39 -0700
Gene Chamberlain, of the Daily Southtown, reports the New England Patriots conducted a pre-draft workout with Notre Dame OG Dan Stevenson.
Bears | Manning landed; give third round selection to Carolina
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:33:36 -0700
Pat Yasinskas, of the Charlotte Observer, reports the Chicago Bears have landed CB Ricky Manning Jr. from the Carolina Panthers after Carolina decided not to match the five-year offer sheet Manning signed with Chicago. As a result, the Bears will now give the Panthers their third-round pick, No. 88 overall, as compensation for signing the restricted free agent cornerback.
I was really hoping the Pats would pursue him earlier in the season...
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
patriot.com Draft Board: Wide Receivers Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
After losing David Givens, Tim Dwight and Andre' Davis this offseason, receiver is a position the Patriots will have to seriously look at in the draft. Here is how we rate the prospects in what is considered to be a weak draft for receivers and some players we think could end up in New England.
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State – Makes a lot of tough catches and turns short gains into big plays. Runs very well after the catch and is tough to bring down in the open-field because of his knack of evading defenders. At 5-10, 185 pounds, doesn’t have great size but is fearless going over the middle of the field. Doesn’t always get great separation but has good body control and knows how to go up and get the ball in the air. Not the most polished receiver in the draft but the most physically gifted with upside.
2. Demetrius Williams, Oregon – The most complete receiver in the draft. Has soft hands and plays with great body control. Runs good routes and has the acceleration to go by defenders. A tall, physical receiver who does a lot of his work over the middle. Breaks a lot of tackles and takes the ball away from defenders. A good blocker who uses his size well. Put up big numbers as a senior, despite playing with a backup quarterback for the final four games of the season. Has the ability to be a quality No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
3. Chad Jackson, Florida – A polished receiver with great speed and good hands. Ranking him third is no slight on Jackson; I just really love Holmes and Williams. Very quick out of his breaks. Isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Very elusive and has that extra gear in the open-field. Doesn’t make as many big plays for a player with his speed. Catches the ball with his hands and rarely drops a pass. Has all the tools to be a very good pro receiver but isn’t as fast on the football field as he is on a track.
4. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame – A big receiver with exceptional body control. Can go up and fight defenders for the ball and get it at its highest point. Made a lot of tough catches last year at Notre Dame. Didn’t run blazing 40-times but plays much faster on the football field. Physical player who breaks a lot of tackles. Doesn’t always run by defenders but knows how to use his hands to create separation much like the Cowboys Michael Irvin used to do. Actually is very similar to Irvin in a lot of areas. Should be a solid second receiver at the pro level.
5. Sinorice Moss, Miami – Blazing speed and exceptional quickness much like his brother Santana. Is a nightmare for defenders once he gets into the open-field. Really shined at the Senior Bowl. Type of player teams can do a lot of different things with. A very dangerous return man. Doesn’t always catch the ball with his hands and goes down easily. A good prospect because of his versatility. Better suited to be a No. 2 receiver who plays with a bigger, proven veteran on the other side so he won’t see a lot of double teams.
6. Derek Hagan, Arizona State – Extremely productive college receiver who had three straight 1,000 yard seasons for the Sun Devils. Runs crisp routes and is quick out of his breaks. Is a tough guy to guard but his overall football speed isn’t as fast as his 40-time suggests. Drops some catchable balls because he doesn’t always use his hands and lets the ball get into his body. Is a big, physical receiver who runs a lot of short and intermediate routes. Had a terrible week at the Senior Bowl and needs to be more consistent catching the football but Hagan still has the skills to be a productive NFL receiver.
7. Todd Watkins, BYU – One of the more underrated receiver prospects. Tall receiver who is a big-time deep threat. Scored 15 touchdowns in two seasons at BYU, despite the team’s inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Very good hands. Has a knack of making tough catches look easy. Made a lot of acrobatic plays in college. Readjusts well to the ball. Needs work on his route running and with his slim build he doesn’t break a lot of tackles. Has excellent speed and acceleration. At the very least will be a dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
8. Jason Avant, Michigan – A three-year starter at Michigan, Avant is a physical receiver who knows how to use his hands well. Ran awful 40-times but was never known for his blazing speed in the first place. A pure possession receiver in the Keyshawn Johnson mold. Isn’t quick out of his breaks but does a good job at catching the ball in traffic. Good instincts as a receiver helps to offset his lack of speed. Probably will never be a dominant NFL player but should develop into a nice complimentary receiver.
9. Mike Hass, Oregon State – A former walk on at Oregon State, had an extremely productive college career and showed improvement each season. Intelligent receiver who is probably the best route runner of any receiver in this draft. Has soft hands and while he doesn’t have great speed, he’s quick out of his breaks. One of those guys who just knows how to get open and will probably succeed at any level because of his work ethic and feel for the position. Reminds me of Troy Brown in many ways. May never be a Pro Bowl receiver in the NFL but should develop into a reliable, dependable target for some team.
10. Skyler Green, WR LSU – I’m not really in love with any of the other receiver prospects, so I’m going with Green here because of his explosiveness and ability to return kicks. Is never going to be a No. 1 but can be a very dangerous slot receiver and return man. Is extremely quick and elusive in the open field. Is small (5-9, 200) but built lock a rock. Has tremendous lower body strength. When he catches the ball in space, he’s always a threat to score. Will be able to come in and help a team as a rookie because of his versatility. Has the ability to become one of the best return men in the NFL.
Overrated
Moss – Moss is an exciting player but I don’t know about a first-round draft pick. He never really set the world on fire at Miami. I know teams are infatuated with finding players who can do different things like Antwaan Randle El but I wouldn’t pick Randle El in the first round of a draft. I think Moss will be a fine NFL player and a dangerous kick returner but he probably will never live up to where he’s actually selected in the draft.
Greg Lee, Pittsburgh – Lee put up some good numbers in college but I wasn’t impressed with him. He catches the ball with his body and has trouble separating from defenders. I thought he had trouble concentrating and that contributed to him dropping some catchable balls. Lee does have some athletic ability but he doesn’t go up and fight defenders for the ball. I see him more of a fifth or sixth round pick, while others have him going on day one of the draft.
Underrated
Williams – In a weak year for receivers, Williams could end up being the best player to come out of this class. I think he has the total package. He’s big, physical, goes across the middle, makes the tough catch and has the speed to run by defenders. He totally abused Fresno State’s Richard Marshall – a first round prospect – when the two were matched up against each other last year. Williams knows how to use his size to shield himself from defensive backs and he makes a lot of tough catches in tight coverage. He is projected to go in the second or third round and that would be a steal in my book. May not be the best fit for the Patriots system but Williams has the potential to be a star for some team.
Hass – Like I said earlier, Hass would probably be successful at any level. He’s not going to wow you when you look at him but he’s one of those guys that just understands how to play the game of football and is very comfortable on the field. Hass doesn’t have great speed but his ability to get open negates that. He’s a very reliable receiver who knows how to find the soft spot in the zone or beat one-on-one coverage. While his straight-line speed isn’t great, he’s extremely quick out of his breaks. His ability to run crisp routes really makes Hass a tough guy to cover. Probably won’t be a star but should have a long, productive NFL career.
Possible Patriots
Holmes – Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said on Sirius NFL Radio that the Patriots have shown interest in a number of Buckeyes, including Holmes. I doubt New England is going to take a receiver with the 21st selection but if they do take one that high, it will probably be Holmes. The big-play receiver would not only instantly give a boost to the New England receiving corps, he still has plenty of room to grow and get better. Holmes and Deion Branch would provide one of the most explosive tandems in the NFL.
Stovall – Stovall is the logical choice to become a Patriot because he was in the same offense last year under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. He actually said at the Combine that he’s familiar with some of the Patriots terminology already. Stovall would give the Patriots that big, possession-type receiver they haven’t had in a while. In general, rookie receivers rarely come into the NFL and make a big splash in their first year but Stovall’s familiarity with the Patriots system may give him a heads up when it comes to getting adjusted to the pro game. If he’s still on the board in Round 2, Stovall will definitely be a possibility for the Patriots.
Hass – If the Patriots wait until the middle rounds to address the receiver position, Hass would be a good choice. He’s smart enough to pick up the Patriots system quickly and contribute as a slot receiver as a rookie. Hass is the type of player who will earn Tom Brady’s trust quickly with his soft hands and ability to get open. He will be more effective in some systems than others at the pro level but the offense the Patriots run is taylor made for him.
Green – Green already has ties to the Patriots organization – Jarvis Green is his cousin. Skyler said at the Combine the Patriots were showing a lot of interest in him as a receiver and return man and that he would love to come up North and play with his cousin. New England has aggressively addressed their special teams this offseason but they’re still looking for an explosive kick returner. Even if they draft a receiver early on, expect the Patriots to give Green a look in the middle rounds because of what he brings to the table on special teams.
After losing David Givens, Tim Dwight and Andre' Davis this offseason, receiver is a position the Patriots will have to seriously look at in the draft. Here is how we rate the prospects in what is considered to be a weak draft for receivers and some players we think could end up in New England.
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State – Makes a lot of tough catches and turns short gains into big plays. Runs very well after the catch and is tough to bring down in the open-field because of his knack of evading defenders. At 5-10, 185 pounds, doesn’t have great size but is fearless going over the middle of the field. Doesn’t always get great separation but has good body control and knows how to go up and get the ball in the air. Not the most polished receiver in the draft but the most physically gifted with upside.
2. Demetrius Williams, Oregon – The most complete receiver in the draft. Has soft hands and plays with great body control. Runs good routes and has the acceleration to go by defenders. A tall, physical receiver who does a lot of his work over the middle. Breaks a lot of tackles and takes the ball away from defenders. A good blocker who uses his size well. Put up big numbers as a senior, despite playing with a backup quarterback for the final four games of the season. Has the ability to be a quality No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
3. Chad Jackson, Florida – A polished receiver with great speed and good hands. Ranking him third is no slight on Jackson; I just really love Holmes and Williams. Very quick out of his breaks. Isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Very elusive and has that extra gear in the open-field. Doesn’t make as many big plays for a player with his speed. Catches the ball with his hands and rarely drops a pass. Has all the tools to be a very good pro receiver but isn’t as fast on the football field as he is on a track.
4. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame – A big receiver with exceptional body control. Can go up and fight defenders for the ball and get it at its highest point. Made a lot of tough catches last year at Notre Dame. Didn’t run blazing 40-times but plays much faster on the football field. Physical player who breaks a lot of tackles. Doesn’t always run by defenders but knows how to use his hands to create separation much like the Cowboys Michael Irvin used to do. Actually is very similar to Irvin in a lot of areas. Should be a solid second receiver at the pro level.
5. Sinorice Moss, Miami – Blazing speed and exceptional quickness much like his brother Santana. Is a nightmare for defenders once he gets into the open-field. Really shined at the Senior Bowl. Type of player teams can do a lot of different things with. A very dangerous return man. Doesn’t always catch the ball with his hands and goes down easily. A good prospect because of his versatility. Better suited to be a No. 2 receiver who plays with a bigger, proven veteran on the other side so he won’t see a lot of double teams.
6. Derek Hagan, Arizona State – Extremely productive college receiver who had three straight 1,000 yard seasons for the Sun Devils. Runs crisp routes and is quick out of his breaks. Is a tough guy to guard but his overall football speed isn’t as fast as his 40-time suggests. Drops some catchable balls because he doesn’t always use his hands and lets the ball get into his body. Is a big, physical receiver who runs a lot of short and intermediate routes. Had a terrible week at the Senior Bowl and needs to be more consistent catching the football but Hagan still has the skills to be a productive NFL receiver.
7. Todd Watkins, BYU – One of the more underrated receiver prospects. Tall receiver who is a big-time deep threat. Scored 15 touchdowns in two seasons at BYU, despite the team’s inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Very good hands. Has a knack of making tough catches look easy. Made a lot of acrobatic plays in college. Readjusts well to the ball. Needs work on his route running and with his slim build he doesn’t break a lot of tackles. Has excellent speed and acceleration. At the very least will be a dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
8. Jason Avant, Michigan – A three-year starter at Michigan, Avant is a physical receiver who knows how to use his hands well. Ran awful 40-times but was never known for his blazing speed in the first place. A pure possession receiver in the Keyshawn Johnson mold. Isn’t quick out of his breaks but does a good job at catching the ball in traffic. Good instincts as a receiver helps to offset his lack of speed. Probably will never be a dominant NFL player but should develop into a nice complimentary receiver.
9. Mike Hass, Oregon State – A former walk on at Oregon State, had an extremely productive college career and showed improvement each season. Intelligent receiver who is probably the best route runner of any receiver in this draft. Has soft hands and while he doesn’t have great speed, he’s quick out of his breaks. One of those guys who just knows how to get open and will probably succeed at any level because of his work ethic and feel for the position. Reminds me of Troy Brown in many ways. May never be a Pro Bowl receiver in the NFL but should develop into a reliable, dependable target for some team.
10. Skyler Green, WR LSU – I’m not really in love with any of the other receiver prospects, so I’m going with Green here because of his explosiveness and ability to return kicks. Is never going to be a No. 1 but can be a very dangerous slot receiver and return man. Is extremely quick and elusive in the open field. Is small (5-9, 200) but built lock a rock. Has tremendous lower body strength. When he catches the ball in space, he’s always a threat to score. Will be able to come in and help a team as a rookie because of his versatility. Has the ability to become one of the best return men in the NFL.
Overrated
Moss – Moss is an exciting player but I don’t know about a first-round draft pick. He never really set the world on fire at Miami. I know teams are infatuated with finding players who can do different things like Antwaan Randle El but I wouldn’t pick Randle El in the first round of a draft. I think Moss will be a fine NFL player and a dangerous kick returner but he probably will never live up to where he’s actually selected in the draft.
Greg Lee, Pittsburgh – Lee put up some good numbers in college but I wasn’t impressed with him. He catches the ball with his body and has trouble separating from defenders. I thought he had trouble concentrating and that contributed to him dropping some catchable balls. Lee does have some athletic ability but he doesn’t go up and fight defenders for the ball. I see him more of a fifth or sixth round pick, while others have him going on day one of the draft.
Underrated
Williams – In a weak year for receivers, Williams could end up being the best player to come out of this class. I think he has the total package. He’s big, physical, goes across the middle, makes the tough catch and has the speed to run by defenders. He totally abused Fresno State’s Richard Marshall – a first round prospect – when the two were matched up against each other last year. Williams knows how to use his size to shield himself from defensive backs and he makes a lot of tough catches in tight coverage. He is projected to go in the second or third round and that would be a steal in my book. May not be the best fit for the Patriots system but Williams has the potential to be a star for some team.
Hass – Like I said earlier, Hass would probably be successful at any level. He’s not going to wow you when you look at him but he’s one of those guys that just understands how to play the game of football and is very comfortable on the field. Hass doesn’t have great speed but his ability to get open negates that. He’s a very reliable receiver who knows how to find the soft spot in the zone or beat one-on-one coverage. While his straight-line speed isn’t great, he’s extremely quick out of his breaks. His ability to run crisp routes really makes Hass a tough guy to cover. Probably won’t be a star but should have a long, productive NFL career.
Possible Patriots
Holmes – Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said on Sirius NFL Radio that the Patriots have shown interest in a number of Buckeyes, including Holmes. I doubt New England is going to take a receiver with the 21st selection but if they do take one that high, it will probably be Holmes. The big-play receiver would not only instantly give a boost to the New England receiving corps, he still has plenty of room to grow and get better. Holmes and Deion Branch would provide one of the most explosive tandems in the NFL.
Stovall – Stovall is the logical choice to become a Patriot because he was in the same offense last year under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. He actually said at the Combine that he’s familiar with some of the Patriots terminology already. Stovall would give the Patriots that big, possession-type receiver they haven’t had in a while. In general, rookie receivers rarely come into the NFL and make a big splash in their first year but Stovall’s familiarity with the Patriots system may give him a heads up when it comes to getting adjusted to the pro game. If he’s still on the board in Round 2, Stovall will definitely be a possibility for the Patriots.
Hass – If the Patriots wait until the middle rounds to address the receiver position, Hass would be a good choice. He’s smart enough to pick up the Patriots system quickly and contribute as a slot receiver as a rookie. Hass is the type of player who will earn Tom Brady’s trust quickly with his soft hands and ability to get open. He will be more effective in some systems than others at the pro level but the offense the Patriots run is taylor made for him.
Green – Green already has ties to the Patriots organization – Jarvis Green is his cousin. Skyler said at the Combine the Patriots were showing a lot of interest in him as a receiver and return man and that he would love to come up North and play with his cousin. New England has aggressively addressed their special teams this offseason but they’re still looking for an explosive kick returner. Even if they draft a receiver early on, expect the Patriots to give Green a look in the middle rounds because of what he brings to the table on special teams.
nerangers
Footballguy
from patriots.com
Reminder: Be sure to check out Patriots.com on both days of the draft. We will have a draft blog going Saturday and Sunday - commenting on which picks we like and which ones we don't. We will also be discussing what impact certain selections will have on the Patriots draft plans. Also, PFW in Progress will be on from 3-6 pm Eastern time on Saturday and 12-3 pm Eastern time on Sunday. Patriots.com will have to most extensive draft coverage around so make sure to drop by while you're enjoying the best day of the year
Reminder: Be sure to check out Patriots.com on both days of the draft. We will have a draft blog going Saturday and Sunday - commenting on which picks we like and which ones we don't. We will also be discussing what impact certain selections will have on the Patriots draft plans. Also, PFW in Progress will be on from 3-6 pm Eastern time on Saturday and 12-3 pm Eastern time on Sunday. Patriots.com will have to most extensive draft coverage around so make sure to drop by while you're enjoying the best day of the year
nerangers
Footballguy
Another Mock Draft to check out:
Writers' 2006 Mock Draft
Since we can't get into the draft rooms to see every team's board, we checked with those who have a strong knowledge of each NFL team, the writers assigned to cover them. Patriots Football Weekly polled beat reporters from every NFL city and compiled a 2006 mock draft with their opinions and comments. It was published in the extensive draft preview edition of PFW published on April 5th, and now you can see it right here on Patriots.com.
Writers' 2006 Mock Draft
Since we can't get into the draft rooms to see every team's board, we checked with those who have a strong knowledge of each NFL team, the writers assigned to cover them. Patriots Football Weekly polled beat reporters from every NFL city and compiled a 2006 mock draft with their opinions and comments. It was published in the extensive draft preview edition of PFW published on April 5th, and now you can see it right here on Patriots.com.
code
Footballguy
Saw highlights of this guy at the combine on the NFL Network and he looked fantastic...especially in the cross field reception test...straight line, great hands, solid catches away from the body...I haven't been hearing much about him, so I figured there must be something missing from his game...but in a small sample he looked great as a later round talent, posession receiver...
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team works out S. Franklin
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:18:39 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports Syracuse OL Steve Franklin worked out for the New England Patriots. He worked at both center and guard at Syracuse, but pro scouts seem to like him at center.
Eagles | Team interested in Stovall? (Eagles pick before the Pats in the Second Round)
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 18:42:34 -0700
Larry O'Rourke, of the Morning Call, reports Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Tom Heckert indicated Philadelphia area resident and Notre Dame WR Maurice Stovall is definitely of interest in the second round, where the Eagles have the draft's 45th overall pick. "He's a big kid, runs well for a guy his size," Heckert said. "The new offense (at Notre Dame) helped his draft position."
NFL | 20 NFL personnel men rank draft-eligible running backs
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 18:30:48 -0700
The Detroit Free Press reports 20 NFL personnel men ranked the running backs on a 1-to-5 basis for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They used a system where a first-place vote was worth five points, a second-place vote worth four points and so on. USC RB Reggie Bush came in first with 100 points. Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams finished in second with 61 points followed by LSU RB Joseph Addai in third with 38 points. In fourth place with 36 points was USC RB LenDale White and UCLA RB Maurice Drew placed fifth with four points.
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:18:39 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports Syracuse OL Steve Franklin worked out for the New England Patriots. He worked at both center and guard at Syracuse, but pro scouts seem to like him at center.
Eagles | Team interested in Stovall? (Eagles pick before the Pats in the Second Round)
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 18:42:34 -0700
Larry O'Rourke, of the Morning Call, reports Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Tom Heckert indicated Philadelphia area resident and Notre Dame WR Maurice Stovall is definitely of interest in the second round, where the Eagles have the draft's 45th overall pick. "He's a big kid, runs well for a guy his size," Heckert said. "The new offense (at Notre Dame) helped his draft position."
NFL | 20 NFL personnel men rank draft-eligible running backs
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 18:30:48 -0700
The Detroit Free Press reports 20 NFL personnel men ranked the running backs on a 1-to-5 basis for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. They used a system where a first-place vote was worth five points, a second-place vote worth four points and so on. USC RB Reggie Bush came in first with 100 points. Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams finished in second with 61 points followed by LSU RB Joseph Addai in third with 38 points. In fourth place with 36 points was USC RB LenDale White and UCLA RB Maurice Drew placed fifth with four points.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
are you kidding me?....guys from that area didnt have Mulroney rated in the top 5? Hey, ranger. I know this doesnt pertain to the Pats, but can you see if you can discover some 'down' talk on Mulroney in your spare time if you get the chance. I want to know what it is specifically about this kid that experts dont like. Havent seen enough of him. If you dont have time, no biggie.
Hey were getting close though. How about a round 1-3 Pats 'expert' draft prediction here from the faithful on WHAT positions the Pats will be picking up on? Names arent nessecary, position is more important and a little easier possibly to pinpoint, but dropping names wont hurt. we just may as well be shooting darts at a mosquito's butt though.
alright....
rd 1 RB D. Williams alt. choice. LB B. Carpenter
rd2 DB A. Youbouty OG M. Jean-Gilles
rd3 DT WR
Straighten me out, NE Ranger.
Hey were getting close though. How about a round 1-3 Pats 'expert' draft prediction here from the faithful on WHAT positions the Pats will be picking up on? Names arent nessecary, position is more important and a little easier possibly to pinpoint, but dropping names wont hurt. we just may as well be shooting darts at a mosquito's butt though.
alright....
rd 1 RB D. Williams alt. choice. LB B. Carpenter
rd2 DB A. Youbouty OG M. Jean-Gilles
rd3 DT WR
Straighten me out, NE Ranger.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Just curious what gives an indication that Youbouty will be around that late? There was speculation that he'd go to the Chiefs in the 1st. While I disagree there, I doubt he'd fall a full round further.What would you think of
1. Santonio Holmes
2. Gilles
3a. Terra Nande (Ravens pick)
3b. Bernard Pollard
Boston
Footballguy
I've been having a gut feeling the Pats are going to trade out of their #1 and end up with five first day picks (they currently have four). Obviously, this is the kiss of death because it's impossible to predict what the Pats will do. Yet, I might as well throw it out there. If they do it I see a first day ending something like this (guys aren't drafted in order):
ILB-Hoyt (NC State)
DT-Cofield (Nortwestern)
S-Bullocks (Nebraska)
RB-Drew (UCLA)
WR-Williams (Oregon)
While not a flashy draft this could really fill a lot of holes both short and long term and they'd still have a good amount of day 2 picks.
ILB-Hoyt (NC State)
DT-Cofield (Nortwestern)
S-Bullocks (Nebraska)
RB-Drew (UCLA)
WR-Williams (Oregon)
While not a flashy draft this could really fill a lot of holes both short and long term and they'd still have a good amount of day 2 picks.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
This was listed under his profile for weaknesses....didn't bode well.Weaknesses:
Doesn't have the size you would like to see in a feature back...Hands are questionable at best and he was not used much as a receiver in college...Isn't a physical runner and prefers to shy away from contact...Plays in a system that is conducive to running backs producing big numbers...Didn't carry the load until the '05 season after splitting time with Marion Barber III...Hails from a program known for great college runners who failed to make much of an impact in the pros.
Notes:
A prolific college running back who might not be quite the pro prospect his press clippings would lead you to believe...There is a lot to like about this guy, but when you factor in his size, receiving abilities and the system he plays in there are certainly some things that will concern you as well...Let the buyer beware.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Hmmmm can't predict the Pats...and I am not well versed in rookies!
1st round if they don't trade out (I have that feeling too): LB Carpenter or Ryans, CB/S Donte Whitner, long shot RB Williams
2nd round - Maurice Stovall
3rd round a - CB Danieal Manning
3rd round b - RB Maurice Drew
WR Maurice Stovall
Strengths:
Has tremendous size and knows how to use his large frame...Has great body control and can make the acrobatic catch...Leaper who will go up and get the ball at its highest point...Strong and physical...Willing blocker who does a tremendous job in that area...Not afraid to go over the middle...A bit of a long strider who is deceptively fast...Came through with a huge senior season under Charlie Weis.
Weaknesses:
Lacks elite speed / quickness and may have trouble separating from DB's at the next level...Didn't really emerge and play up to his potential until recently...Needs to keep his weight in check like he did as a senior...Will not do much in terms of yards after the catch...Will have concentration lapses...Doesn't seem to have natural hands and will drop some balls...Might only be a posession receiver.
Notes:
Could potentially bulk up and become a tight end or H-Back in the pros...With his size and ability this guy can be a terror to cover in the red zone...Intriguing prospect whose stock is on the rise thanks to a breakout season in 2005.
CB Danieal Manning
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a solid frame...An tremendous athlete...Has very good speed...A playmaker who has a knack for coming up big...Versatile and can play multiple positions...Has great instincts...Very physical and will support the run...Has outstanding ball skills...Always a threat to score...Also makes an impact on special teams as a kick blocker and return man...Was a prolific in Division II.
Weaknesses:
Did not play against a high level of competition and was a big fish in a small pond...Very raw and needs a lot of technique work...A bit of a 'tweener whose ultimate pro position is still undecided...Will have to adjust to an entirely new speed...Might not have the pure coverage skills to play corner in the pros.
Notes:
Could project to either corner or safety at the next level...Originally signed with Nebraska out of high school...Don't let his small school roots fool you because this guy is a great football player...One of the premier sleeper prospects in the draft.
RB Maurice Drew
Strengths:
A great athlete...Has good speed and is extremely quick...A terror to tackle in the open field...Might be short but has a compact and sturdy frame....Has quick feet and excellent body control...Can stop and change direction on a dime...Is very strong, especially in his lower body, and plays much bigger than he is...Has good balance and runs low to the ground...Has good hands and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield...Also a premier kick and punt returner...Extremely versatile.
Weaknesses:
Does not have the size you look for...Will not break many tackles...Durability might be a concern...Has never carried the load and his rushing totals are solid but not spectacular...Is not a great blocker...Will very likely have to make it in the pros as a situational player by earning his paycheck as a 3rd down back and return man.
Notes:
Played for coach Bob Ladouceur in the famed De La Salle high school program...A big play waiting to happen who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball...All-purpose player who in many ways is a very poor man's Reggie Bush...At best he could be the next Brian Westbrook and at worst the next Darren Sproles.
1st round if they don't trade out (I have that feeling too): LB Carpenter or Ryans, CB/S Donte Whitner, long shot RB Williams
2nd round - Maurice Stovall
3rd round a - CB Danieal Manning
3rd round b - RB Maurice Drew
WR Maurice Stovall
Strengths:
Has tremendous size and knows how to use his large frame...Has great body control and can make the acrobatic catch...Leaper who will go up and get the ball at its highest point...Strong and physical...Willing blocker who does a tremendous job in that area...Not afraid to go over the middle...A bit of a long strider who is deceptively fast...Came through with a huge senior season under Charlie Weis.
Weaknesses:
Lacks elite speed / quickness and may have trouble separating from DB's at the next level...Didn't really emerge and play up to his potential until recently...Needs to keep his weight in check like he did as a senior...Will not do much in terms of yards after the catch...Will have concentration lapses...Doesn't seem to have natural hands and will drop some balls...Might only be a posession receiver.
Notes:
Could potentially bulk up and become a tight end or H-Back in the pros...With his size and ability this guy can be a terror to cover in the red zone...Intriguing prospect whose stock is on the rise thanks to a breakout season in 2005.
CB Danieal Manning
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a solid frame...An tremendous athlete...Has very good speed...A playmaker who has a knack for coming up big...Versatile and can play multiple positions...Has great instincts...Very physical and will support the run...Has outstanding ball skills...Always a threat to score...Also makes an impact on special teams as a kick blocker and return man...Was a prolific in Division II.
Weaknesses:
Did not play against a high level of competition and was a big fish in a small pond...Very raw and needs a lot of technique work...A bit of a 'tweener whose ultimate pro position is still undecided...Will have to adjust to an entirely new speed...Might not have the pure coverage skills to play corner in the pros.
Notes:
Could project to either corner or safety at the next level...Originally signed with Nebraska out of high school...Don't let his small school roots fool you because this guy is a great football player...One of the premier sleeper prospects in the draft.
RB Maurice Drew
Strengths:
A great athlete...Has good speed and is extremely quick...A terror to tackle in the open field...Might be short but has a compact and sturdy frame....Has quick feet and excellent body control...Can stop and change direction on a dime...Is very strong, especially in his lower body, and plays much bigger than he is...Has good balance and runs low to the ground...Has good hands and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield...Also a premier kick and punt returner...Extremely versatile.
Weaknesses:
Does not have the size you look for...Will not break many tackles...Durability might be a concern...Has never carried the load and his rushing totals are solid but not spectacular...Is not a great blocker...Will very likely have to make it in the pros as a situational player by earning his paycheck as a 3rd down back and return man.
Notes:
Played for coach Bob Ladouceur in the famed De La Salle high school program...A big play waiting to happen who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball...All-purpose player who in many ways is a very poor man's Reggie Bush...At best he could be the next Brian Westbrook and at worst the next Darren Sproles.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Ohio State coach thinks Patriots could select a Buckeye
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:44:56 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel thinks the New England Patriots could select a number of his former players in the NFL Draft. Tressel said there was a parade of Patriots' coaches to meet with Ohio State players, "I think they like WR Santonio Holmes. I think they like OC Nick Mangold." Tressel also believes that LB Bobby Carpenter will be a good fit for the Patriots 3-4 defensive scheme.
Patriots | Lawson had pre-draft visit with team
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:32:05 -0700
During an interview with KFFL, North Carolina State DL/LB Manny Lawson said he had a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots.
Patriots | Team conducted pre-draft visit with McCann
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 06:33:47 -0700
Chuck Finder, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the New England Patriots conducted a pre-draft visit with West Virginia CB Dee McCann.
Patriots | Team works out S. Franklin
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:18:39 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports Syracuse OL Steve Franklin worked out for the New England Patriots. He worked at both center and guard at Syracuse, but pro scouts seem to like him at center.
More on Richard Marshall: Marshall is hoping to get picked off early
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 20:44:56 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel thinks the New England Patriots could select a number of his former players in the NFL Draft. Tressel said there was a parade of Patriots' coaches to meet with Ohio State players, "I think they like WR Santonio Holmes. I think they like OC Nick Mangold." Tressel also believes that LB Bobby Carpenter will be a good fit for the Patriots 3-4 defensive scheme.
Patriots | Lawson had pre-draft visit with team
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:32:05 -0700
During an interview with KFFL, North Carolina State DL/LB Manny Lawson said he had a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots.
Patriots | Team conducted pre-draft visit with McCann
Tue, 25 Apr 2006 06:33:47 -0700
Chuck Finder, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports the New England Patriots conducted a pre-draft visit with West Virginia CB Dee McCann.
Patriots | Team works out S. Franklin
Mon, 24 Apr 2006 22:18:39 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports Syracuse OL Steve Franklin worked out for the New England Patriots. He worked at both center and guard at Syracuse, but pro scouts seem to like him at center.
More on Richard Marshall: Marshall is hoping to get picked off early
Last edited by a moderator:
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
This is how I see the Pats draft and somehow I think I am alone in this thinking. Havent seen anyone else with this scenario:
1st Round Bobby Carpenter
2nd Round (Use one of the 3rd rounders to move up to near the top of the 2nd round) Richard Marshall
3rd Round Jarius Norwood or WR (Jason Avant, the Western Michigan kid or Demetrius Williams)
1st Round Bobby Carpenter
2nd Round (Use one of the 3rd rounders to move up to near the top of the 2nd round) Richard Marshall
3rd Round Jarius Norwood or WR (Jason Avant, the Western Michigan kid or Demetrius Williams)
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
I would like to see them trade up in the second round if Marshall was still there. Most mocks have six to seven CBs going in the first round. If he was not available, There are still a few WRs that might be worthy of the second round pick too. I read yesterday that the Pats might consider moving up to get Chad Jackson, but I think they would need to get into the 13 spot or higher to do that. The Ravens have pick 13 and I heard there are talks with them and the Jets about trading picks.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots.com Draft Board: Tight Ends Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
With Christian Fauria signing with the Redskins, the Patriots could be looking for his replacement in the draft. It's not likely they'll select a tight end early but with the position providing plenty of depth this year, the Patriots should be able to get a quality player in the later rounds.
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland – A physical freak who has the size and strength of a tight end and the speed of a receiver. Great leaping ability allows him to outfight defenders for the ball. Not a tremendous blocker but teams aren’t drafting him to block. Gets off the line quickly and is even a tough matchup for defensive backs down the field because of his speed. A top ten pick that has unlimited potential because of his amazing physical attributes.
2. Leonard Pope, Georgia – At 6-7, 250 pounds, a great athlete who is a difficult matchup for defenses because of his size and strength. The scary thing is he has the frame to get even bigger. Has soft hands and very good speed for his size. Is a very fluid receiver. Has trouble getting low on blocks sometimes because of his height. Runs good routes and is surprisingly quick out of his breaks for a player his size. Should be the second tight end selected.
3. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA – Probably the best receiving tight end in this draft after Davis. Unfortunately, he’s also probably the worst blocking tight end in this class. Is tough to stay with as a receiver because of his combination of size and speed. Has the ability to be great but doesn’t always play up to his potential. Has very good hands and made a lot of acrobatic catches in college. At 6-6, 255 pounds, is a matchup nightmare for defenses just like Davis and Pope. Would be a first round draft pick based on his receiving skills but his inability to block will probably drop him into Round 2.
4. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame – Strong, thick player who is a very good in-line blocker. Doesn’t have great speed but his route running really developed last year under Charlie Weis and he shows a knack for getting open. May have the best hands of any tight end in this draft. Has yet to realize his potential so he has a lot of upside. Won’t stretch the middle of the field like some of the other tight ends in this draft but his combination of blocking and receiving skills makes him one of the most complete tight ends in this class. A solid second-round pick with the potential to get better as a pro.
5. David Thomas, Texas – The most underrated prospect at the tight end position. Has all the tools to be a productive starting tight end in the NFL. Very good blocker who is physical at the point of attack. Runs the best routes of any tight end in the draft and has very soft hands. Makes a lot of tough catches in traffic and breaks a lot of tackles. Isn’t overly big but is a physical player. Outstanding pass-catching tight end who gets a lot of yards after the catch. Could be another Jason Witten where he’s drafted in the third or fourth round and ends up becoming a Pro Bowl player. Has all the physical tools and intangibles to succeed in the NFL and will be a steal for some team if he’s selected in the middle rounds of the draft.
6. Dominique Byrd, USC – Not a great blocker but excels as a receiver. Didn’t put up huge numbers in college but that had more to do with his talented supporting cast than his own ability. Had a great Senior Bowl week that really helped his draft stock. Not a big threat down the field but very effective in the short-intermediate area. Could be more productive in the NFL because he’ll be given more opportunities to make plays. Doesn’t have the upside of the five guys ranked ahead of him but should develop into a solid, reliable tight end in the NFL.
7. Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado – A consistent receiver who caught 12 touchdown passes in his last three years at Colorado. He runs very good routes and doesn’t drop many balls. Has good speed but has trouble separating from defenders at times. Smart player who knows how to play the position. Solid blocker but can still improve in that area once he gets to the NFL. Kind of similar to Christian Fauria but will probably be drafted in the first three or four rounds, which could be too high for the Patriots to select a tight end when they have more pressing needs to address first.
8. T.J. Williams, North Carolina State – Boy, with all these talented players, one would think the Wolfpack would have been more successful the past couple of seasons. An underrated prospect to keep an eye on. Is a strong player with the speed to get down the field. Made a lot of tough catches at N.C. State because his quarterbacks weren’t very accurate. A better receiver than a blocker but has the size to improve with the right coaching. Is a little raw and needs to work on his route running. Is an interesting player because he has the upside to be a solid NFL tight end.
9. Tim Day, Oregon – Wasn’t used a lot in Oregon’s spread offense so his numbers as a senior weren’t anything special. Not much of a block but similar to UCLA’s Lewis is that he’s a pure receiving tight end. Very good hands and will fight defenders for the ball. Injuries have been a concern in the past. That and his liability as a blocker has hurt his draft status. Decent speed and tough to bring down after the catch. Had issues with his attitude in college. A middle round selection who is a boom or bust player. Has ability but needs to put it all together.
10. Troy Bienemann, Washington State – An Andy Hart special. He loves this guy. A big target with good hands. Excels at catching the ball on the short-intermediate routes. Doesn’t have great speed but has a knack for getting open. Strong, physical blocker. Doesn’t have a lot of elusiveness and that prevents him from getting yards after the catch. Does his best work in a short area. An established long snapper, his versatility and toughness should make him a solid backup tight end. Looks like the kind of player the Patriots would be interested in if he’s available in the later rounds.
Overrated
Byrd – Byrd is a decent prospect but he’s living off his performance at the Senior Bowl. I think he could be a solid NFL tight end but I think he’s rated too high on a lot of people’s boards. He’s projected to be drafted in the second round but I see him more as a fourth round pick because I like some other tight ends over him. Byrd does some things well but I don’t think he has the upside some of the other players have in what is a very deep crop of tight ends this year.
Underrated
Thomas – It’s hard to imagine that Davis won’t end up being the best tight end to come out of this draft but after him, Thomas could be next in line. There really isn’t much this guy doesn’t do well. He’s an effective blocker and a very polished receiver. Thomas can come in and help a team as a rookie because of his intelligence and knack for getting open. Not only is Thomas ready to help an NFL team now, he also has the upside to be even better. Thomas will probably be the fifth or sixth tight end selected on draft day – and in my opinion – an absolute steal for the team that selects him.
Tim Massaquoi, Michigan – You don’t hear much about Massaquoi but I think he’s one of the better receiving tight ends in this draft. He runs well after the catch and has the speed to stretch defenses. He isn’t that big for a tight end and needs to get stronger at the next level but when you are talking about the sixth and seventh round of the draft, you’re looking for players with potential and Massaquoi has upside. He may never be a dominant blocker but Massaquoi has the physical skills to be a solid pass-catching tight end at the pro level.
Possible Patriots
Williams – The Patriots need to find a third tight end to replace Fauria but they probably won’t select one until the second day of the draft. Williams is a player who could be around in that fifth-sixth round area and is a player with upside. He’s a solid receiver and although he’s not a great blocker, he has the frame to be more physical with the right coaching. Williams would be a nice addition if the Patriots can land him on the second day of the draft.
Bienemann – He has the qualities to be a third tight end in the NFL. A decent receiver and strong blocker, Bienemann could step in and fill the void left by Fauria’s departure. He’s never going to be a great NFL tight end but Bienemann’s versatility and intangibles would make him a solid selection in the later rounds of the draft. His ability to long snap increases his value in the NFL.
With Christian Fauria signing with the Redskins, the Patriots could be looking for his replacement in the draft. It's not likely they'll select a tight end early but with the position providing plenty of depth this year, the Patriots should be able to get a quality player in the later rounds.
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland – A physical freak who has the size and strength of a tight end and the speed of a receiver. Great leaping ability allows him to outfight defenders for the ball. Not a tremendous blocker but teams aren’t drafting him to block. Gets off the line quickly and is even a tough matchup for defensive backs down the field because of his speed. A top ten pick that has unlimited potential because of his amazing physical attributes.
2. Leonard Pope, Georgia – At 6-7, 250 pounds, a great athlete who is a difficult matchup for defenses because of his size and strength. The scary thing is he has the frame to get even bigger. Has soft hands and very good speed for his size. Is a very fluid receiver. Has trouble getting low on blocks sometimes because of his height. Runs good routes and is surprisingly quick out of his breaks for a player his size. Should be the second tight end selected.
3. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA – Probably the best receiving tight end in this draft after Davis. Unfortunately, he’s also probably the worst blocking tight end in this class. Is tough to stay with as a receiver because of his combination of size and speed. Has the ability to be great but doesn’t always play up to his potential. Has very good hands and made a lot of acrobatic catches in college. At 6-6, 255 pounds, is a matchup nightmare for defenses just like Davis and Pope. Would be a first round draft pick based on his receiving skills but his inability to block will probably drop him into Round 2.
4. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame – Strong, thick player who is a very good in-line blocker. Doesn’t have great speed but his route running really developed last year under Charlie Weis and he shows a knack for getting open. May have the best hands of any tight end in this draft. Has yet to realize his potential so he has a lot of upside. Won’t stretch the middle of the field like some of the other tight ends in this draft but his combination of blocking and receiving skills makes him one of the most complete tight ends in this class. A solid second-round pick with the potential to get better as a pro.
5. David Thomas, Texas – The most underrated prospect at the tight end position. Has all the tools to be a productive starting tight end in the NFL. Very good blocker who is physical at the point of attack. Runs the best routes of any tight end in the draft and has very soft hands. Makes a lot of tough catches in traffic and breaks a lot of tackles. Isn’t overly big but is a physical player. Outstanding pass-catching tight end who gets a lot of yards after the catch. Could be another Jason Witten where he’s drafted in the third or fourth round and ends up becoming a Pro Bowl player. Has all the physical tools and intangibles to succeed in the NFL and will be a steal for some team if he’s selected in the middle rounds of the draft.
6. Dominique Byrd, USC – Not a great blocker but excels as a receiver. Didn’t put up huge numbers in college but that had more to do with his talented supporting cast than his own ability. Had a great Senior Bowl week that really helped his draft stock. Not a big threat down the field but very effective in the short-intermediate area. Could be more productive in the NFL because he’ll be given more opportunities to make plays. Doesn’t have the upside of the five guys ranked ahead of him but should develop into a solid, reliable tight end in the NFL.
7. Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado – A consistent receiver who caught 12 touchdown passes in his last three years at Colorado. He runs very good routes and doesn’t drop many balls. Has good speed but has trouble separating from defenders at times. Smart player who knows how to play the position. Solid blocker but can still improve in that area once he gets to the NFL. Kind of similar to Christian Fauria but will probably be drafted in the first three or four rounds, which could be too high for the Patriots to select a tight end when they have more pressing needs to address first.
8. T.J. Williams, North Carolina State – Boy, with all these talented players, one would think the Wolfpack would have been more successful the past couple of seasons. An underrated prospect to keep an eye on. Is a strong player with the speed to get down the field. Made a lot of tough catches at N.C. State because his quarterbacks weren’t very accurate. A better receiver than a blocker but has the size to improve with the right coaching. Is a little raw and needs to work on his route running. Is an interesting player because he has the upside to be a solid NFL tight end.
9. Tim Day, Oregon – Wasn’t used a lot in Oregon’s spread offense so his numbers as a senior weren’t anything special. Not much of a block but similar to UCLA’s Lewis is that he’s a pure receiving tight end. Very good hands and will fight defenders for the ball. Injuries have been a concern in the past. That and his liability as a blocker has hurt his draft status. Decent speed and tough to bring down after the catch. Had issues with his attitude in college. A middle round selection who is a boom or bust player. Has ability but needs to put it all together.
10. Troy Bienemann, Washington State – An Andy Hart special. He loves this guy. A big target with good hands. Excels at catching the ball on the short-intermediate routes. Doesn’t have great speed but has a knack for getting open. Strong, physical blocker. Doesn’t have a lot of elusiveness and that prevents him from getting yards after the catch. Does his best work in a short area. An established long snapper, his versatility and toughness should make him a solid backup tight end. Looks like the kind of player the Patriots would be interested in if he’s available in the later rounds.
Overrated
Byrd – Byrd is a decent prospect but he’s living off his performance at the Senior Bowl. I think he could be a solid NFL tight end but I think he’s rated too high on a lot of people’s boards. He’s projected to be drafted in the second round but I see him more as a fourth round pick because I like some other tight ends over him. Byrd does some things well but I don’t think he has the upside some of the other players have in what is a very deep crop of tight ends this year.
Underrated
Thomas – It’s hard to imagine that Davis won’t end up being the best tight end to come out of this draft but after him, Thomas could be next in line. There really isn’t much this guy doesn’t do well. He’s an effective blocker and a very polished receiver. Thomas can come in and help a team as a rookie because of his intelligence and knack for getting open. Not only is Thomas ready to help an NFL team now, he also has the upside to be even better. Thomas will probably be the fifth or sixth tight end selected on draft day – and in my opinion – an absolute steal for the team that selects him.
Tim Massaquoi, Michigan – You don’t hear much about Massaquoi but I think he’s one of the better receiving tight ends in this draft. He runs well after the catch and has the speed to stretch defenses. He isn’t that big for a tight end and needs to get stronger at the next level but when you are talking about the sixth and seventh round of the draft, you’re looking for players with potential and Massaquoi has upside. He may never be a dominant blocker but Massaquoi has the physical skills to be a solid pass-catching tight end at the pro level.
Possible Patriots
Williams – The Patriots need to find a third tight end to replace Fauria but they probably won’t select one until the second day of the draft. Williams is a player who could be around in that fifth-sixth round area and is a player with upside. He’s a solid receiver and although he’s not a great blocker, he has the frame to be more physical with the right coaching. Williams would be a nice addition if the Patriots can land him on the second day of the draft.
Bienemann – He has the qualities to be a third tight end in the NFL. A decent receiver and strong blocker, Bienemann could step in and fill the void left by Fauria’s departure. He’s never going to be a great NFL tight end but Bienemann’s versatility and intangibles would make him a solid selection in the later rounds of the draft. His ability to long snap increases his value in the NFL.
nerangers
Footballguy
Ask PFW: D-Day is almost upon us
It's almost here. Can you smell it? The only day of the year when college and pro football come together as one. Christmas Day for football fanatics. That's right, the NFL draft is this weekend and in this edition of Ask PFW we take a look at prospects that could become Patriots, update the status of Rodney Harrison and much more.
It's almost here. Can you smell it? The only day of the year when college and pro football come together as one. Christmas Day for football fanatics. That's right, the NFL draft is this weekend and in this edition of Ask PFW we take a look at prospects that could become Patriots, update the status of Rodney Harrison and much more.
nerangers
Footballguy
I would rather have Donald Driver!!!
Patriots | Talking trade with Green Bay
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 09:55:27 -0700
Michael Smith, of ESPN.com, reports the New England Patriots are talking with the Green Bay Packers about a trade for Packers WR Javon Walker, but conversations aren't as far along as they are with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.
Patriots | Talking trade with Green Bay
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 09:55:27 -0700
Michael Smith, of ESPN.com, reports the New England Patriots are talking with the Green Bay Packers about a trade for Packers WR Javon Walker, but conversations aren't as far along as they are with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots.com Draft Board: Defensive Backs Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
It seems like the Patriots are always looking for quality defensive backs and this year is no different. In a deep draft for corners and safeties, here is how we rank the defensive backs, including one player in particular the Patriots may be targeting early in the draft.
1. Michael Huff (S), Texas – By far the best defensive back in this draft. Has the total package. Can hit and play the run like a safety and cover like a corner. Has the speed and instincts to make him a future Pro Bowler at either position. Shouldn’t get out of the top ten.
2. Tye Hill (CB), Clemson – The best cover corner in the draft in my opinion. Isn’t the biggest guy (5-9, 190) but his ability to locate the ball in the air and make a play on it is the best of any corner in the draft. Has great leaping ability that helps him defend taller receivers. Extremely quick and that allows him to break on the ball well. Is a good blitzer and surprisingly physical against the run for his size. Could be the next great NFL cornerback and a player I think the Patriots are intrigued with.
3. Antonio Cromartie (CB), Florida State – Like Hill, does a good job of turning around and locating the ball in the air. Has the size (6-2, 215) that NFL teams like. Is always around the ball and made a lot of big plays in college. Is very fluid in coverage and has the speed to run with receivers down the field. Injury problems and lack of experience (He only started one game at Florida State) are a concern but his physical skills and upside should land him in the first round.
4. Donte Whitner (S), Ohio State – Very similar to Huff in many ways. Tremendous speed allows him to cover a lot of ground and he’s a very good blitzer from the safety position. Can be used in many different ways and made a lot of tackles in the backfield at Ohio State. Breaks on the ball like a corner but hits like a safety. A good all-around player whose draft stock is on the rise.
5. Jimmy Williams (CB), Virginia Tech – Very physical cornerback who can also play safety. Has a knack for blocking kicks. Some NFL teams talked to him about moving to safety but he wasn’t responsive to the idea. Poor attitude and interviews have pushed him down the draft board. Is a versatile player who can do a lot of different things on the football field but character concerns have some teams shying away from him. Still, a solid first round prospect.
6. Richard Marshall (CB), Fresno State – A tough corner who led Fresno State in tackles last year with 78. Also provides a lot of big plays. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns during his college career. Is very physical at the line of scrimmage and shows the ability to shut down bigger receivers. Big hitter who is very good in run support. His ability to return kicks enhances his value. Should be a late first/early second round selection.
7. Daniel Bullocks (S), Nebraska – Another complete safety who can come in and contribute as a rookie. Tough player who causes a lot of havoc when he’s lined up close to the line of scrimmage. A great blitzer who lives in the opponent’s backfield. Doesn’t have the coverage skills that Huff and Whitner posses but got a lot of interceptions on tipped balls, which means he’s always near the play. A physical player who is also an asset on special teams. Should be a steal for some team in the second or third round.
8. Johnathan Joseph (CB), South Carolina – May be the fastest player in the draft at any position. Blazing speed allows his to break on the ball and recover quickly if he gets beat off the line. Not as polished as some of the other corners in this draft but has tremendous upside because of his speed and quickness. Needs to be more physical at the line of scrimmage and against the run but an athletic player with a lot of ability. Some are projecting him to go in Round 1 but that would mean a team is drafting him on his potential.
9. Jason Allen (S), Tennessee – With all the talk about Jay Cutler being overrated, Allen is slipping through the cracks. He’s a good, versatile defensive back but in no way should he be selected in the top 20. He’s recovering from a hip injury and actually failed his physical with some teams. When healthy, he has the speed to cover a lot of ground and is a very good blitzer. Plays a little stiff at times and isn’t as good in coverage as some are saying. A good prospect but a little overrated.
10. Bernard Pollard (S), Purdue - At 6-2, 225 pounds, he has good size and unlike a Darnell Bing - who misses a lot of tackles - Pollard is a big hitter who also tackles very well. When he hits someone, they go backwards. Pollard also excels at blocking punts. He doesn’t get a lot of publicity but after breaking him down on tape, Pollard appears to be the kind of safety that would interest the Patriots. He could be a possibility in the third or fourth round.
Possible Patriots
Hill – Quite simply: Hill is my choice to be the Patriots first round draft pick. They will probably need to trade up to get him but with his cover skills, he’s well worth it. For all the people that think there are no more shutdown corners in the NFL, I think Champ Bailey and DeAngelo Hall would disagree. Hill has the skills to be that kind of player.
Marshall – The former Bulldog is a tough corner who also displays excellent coverage skills. He’s a guy the Patriots have reportedly liked since the Combine. If Hill is off the board and they still decide to go corner, Marshall could be the pick.
Bullocks – Safeties tend to slip in the draft so if the Patriots can nab a quality player like Bullocks in the third round, that would be one heck of a selection. Bullocks is a physical, big-play safety similar to the guy who would be mentoring him: Rodney Harrison.
Pollard – He’s been moving up the charts recently and has a lot of the qualities the Patriots like in a player. An aggressive safety who can also contribute on special teams, Pollard could be an option if the team doesn’t address its defensive backfield early in the draft.
It seems like the Patriots are always looking for quality defensive backs and this year is no different. In a deep draft for corners and safeties, here is how we rank the defensive backs, including one player in particular the Patriots may be targeting early in the draft.
1. Michael Huff (S), Texas – By far the best defensive back in this draft. Has the total package. Can hit and play the run like a safety and cover like a corner. Has the speed and instincts to make him a future Pro Bowler at either position. Shouldn’t get out of the top ten.
2. Tye Hill (CB), Clemson – The best cover corner in the draft in my opinion. Isn’t the biggest guy (5-9, 190) but his ability to locate the ball in the air and make a play on it is the best of any corner in the draft. Has great leaping ability that helps him defend taller receivers. Extremely quick and that allows him to break on the ball well. Is a good blitzer and surprisingly physical against the run for his size. Could be the next great NFL cornerback and a player I think the Patriots are intrigued with.
3. Antonio Cromartie (CB), Florida State – Like Hill, does a good job of turning around and locating the ball in the air. Has the size (6-2, 215) that NFL teams like. Is always around the ball and made a lot of big plays in college. Is very fluid in coverage and has the speed to run with receivers down the field. Injury problems and lack of experience (He only started one game at Florida State) are a concern but his physical skills and upside should land him in the first round.
4. Donte Whitner (S), Ohio State – Very similar to Huff in many ways. Tremendous speed allows him to cover a lot of ground and he’s a very good blitzer from the safety position. Can be used in many different ways and made a lot of tackles in the backfield at Ohio State. Breaks on the ball like a corner but hits like a safety. A good all-around player whose draft stock is on the rise.
5. Jimmy Williams (CB), Virginia Tech – Very physical cornerback who can also play safety. Has a knack for blocking kicks. Some NFL teams talked to him about moving to safety but he wasn’t responsive to the idea. Poor attitude and interviews have pushed him down the draft board. Is a versatile player who can do a lot of different things on the football field but character concerns have some teams shying away from him. Still, a solid first round prospect.
6. Richard Marshall (CB), Fresno State – A tough corner who led Fresno State in tackles last year with 78. Also provides a lot of big plays. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns during his college career. Is very physical at the line of scrimmage and shows the ability to shut down bigger receivers. Big hitter who is very good in run support. His ability to return kicks enhances his value. Should be a late first/early second round selection.
7. Daniel Bullocks (S), Nebraska – Another complete safety who can come in and contribute as a rookie. Tough player who causes a lot of havoc when he’s lined up close to the line of scrimmage. A great blitzer who lives in the opponent’s backfield. Doesn’t have the coverage skills that Huff and Whitner posses but got a lot of interceptions on tipped balls, which means he’s always near the play. A physical player who is also an asset on special teams. Should be a steal for some team in the second or third round.
8. Johnathan Joseph (CB), South Carolina – May be the fastest player in the draft at any position. Blazing speed allows his to break on the ball and recover quickly if he gets beat off the line. Not as polished as some of the other corners in this draft but has tremendous upside because of his speed and quickness. Needs to be more physical at the line of scrimmage and against the run but an athletic player with a lot of ability. Some are projecting him to go in Round 1 but that would mean a team is drafting him on his potential.
9. Jason Allen (S), Tennessee – With all the talk about Jay Cutler being overrated, Allen is slipping through the cracks. He’s a good, versatile defensive back but in no way should he be selected in the top 20. He’s recovering from a hip injury and actually failed his physical with some teams. When healthy, he has the speed to cover a lot of ground and is a very good blitzer. Plays a little stiff at times and isn’t as good in coverage as some are saying. A good prospect but a little overrated.
10. Bernard Pollard (S), Purdue - At 6-2, 225 pounds, he has good size and unlike a Darnell Bing - who misses a lot of tackles - Pollard is a big hitter who also tackles very well. When he hits someone, they go backwards. Pollard also excels at blocking punts. He doesn’t get a lot of publicity but after breaking him down on tape, Pollard appears to be the kind of safety that would interest the Patriots. He could be a possibility in the third or fourth round.
Possible Patriots
Hill – Quite simply: Hill is my choice to be the Patriots first round draft pick. They will probably need to trade up to get him but with his cover skills, he’s well worth it. For all the people that think there are no more shutdown corners in the NFL, I think Champ Bailey and DeAngelo Hall would disagree. Hill has the skills to be that kind of player.
Marshall – The former Bulldog is a tough corner who also displays excellent coverage skills. He’s a guy the Patriots have reportedly liked since the Combine. If Hill is off the board and they still decide to go corner, Marshall could be the pick.
Bullocks – Safeties tend to slip in the draft so if the Patriots can nab a quality player like Bullocks in the third round, that would be one heck of a selection. Bullocks is a physical, big-play safety similar to the guy who would be mentoring him: Rodney Harrison.
Pollard – He’s been moving up the charts recently and has a lot of the qualities the Patriots like in a player. An aggressive safety who can also contribute on special teams, Pollard could be an option if the team doesn’t address its defensive backfield early in the draft.
nerangers
Footballguy
Draft Day Sleepers Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
Everyone knows about Reggie Bush and Vince Young but great teams are built by how well they draft in the middle-to-late rounds. The Patriots are a perfect example of that. They drafted the NFL's best quarterback in Round 6. Today we look at some of the draft's sleepers and point out a few prospects the Patriots may be interested in come draft day.
Quarterbacks
Kellen Clemens, Oregon – Clemens was my sleeper after I left the Combine because I thought he was the best quarterback there but now his draft stock is sky rocketing to the point where he may be selected as high as the second round. Clemens has a strong arm and is extremely accurate throwing the football. He has all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks to come out of this draft.
Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo – He’s a winner and a leader. Gradkowski doesn’t have amazing physical skills but he’s intelligent, accurate and has those intangibles that you just can’t measure. He throws well on the run and hits receivers in stride. Reminded Andy Hart and myself of Tom Brady in college. He doesn’t wow you but he has those extra qualities you love your quarterback to have.
Ingle Martin, Furman - Started his career at Florida before transferring to Furman. Martin really impressed at the Combine where he showed he had a strong arm and was very accurate in all the drills. Tested out as having the best velocity of any quarterback at the Combine, yet throws a catchable ball. Martin has good poise in the pocket and can make plays out of nothing. He’s a very intriguing late-round prospect.
Tavaris Jackson, Alabama State – An athletic quarterback with a very strong arm. Transferred from Arkansas, so he was a Division I talent playing at Alabama State. He moves around well in the pocket and throws the ball with accuracy on the run. Jackson can be inconsistent at times and needs to work on his decision-making but for a mid-round selection, he has a lot of upside. Andy Hart calls him the steal of the draft.
Running Backs
Andre Hall, South Florida – Probably one of the most overlooked players in this draft. Hall is a patient runner who lets his blocks develop. He’s listed at 208 pounds but Hall is very effective between the tackles and in short yardage situations. Hall is an explosive runner once he gets into the open field and very hard to bring down because he runs with a low center of gravity. Didn’t get a lot of national coverage but put up 2,731 yards and 27 total touchdowns against some pretty good defenses in his two seasons at South Florida. His running style reminds me a lot of Emmitt Smith. If he turns out to be half as good as Emmitt was, some team will have a draft day steal on their hands.
P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech – A downhill runner with good vision, Daniels has the skills to be a late-round steal. Daniels is very physical and breaks a lot of tackles once he gets through the hole. He doesn’t have great speed and wasn’t known for breaking long runs in college but he plays a lot quicker than he’s given credit for. Daniels runs low to the ground and is very effective in finding the cutback lanes. He’s the kind of back the Broncos could draft in the sixth round and turn into a Pro Bowler. Daniels could end up being a much better back in the NFL than he was in college because of his physical running style and strong work ethic.
Receivers
Demetrius Williams, Oregon - In a weak year for receivers, Williams could end up being the best player to come out of this class. He’s big, physical, goes across the middle, makes the tough catch and has the speed to run by defenders. Williams knows how to use his size to shield himself from defensive backs and he makes a lot of tough catches in tight coverage. If Williams last until the third round, that would be a steal in my book. May not be the best fit for the Patriots system but Williams has the potential to be a star for some team.
Todd Watkins, BYU – Watkins is a tall receiver who is a big-time deep threat. Scored 15 touchdowns in two seasons at BYU, despite the team’s inconsistent play at the quarterback position. He has very good hands and a knack of making tough catches look easy. Watkins readjusts well to the ball and made a lot of acrobatic catches in college. Needs work on his route running and with his slim build he doesn’t break a lot of tackles. At the very least, Watkins will be a dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
Hank Baskett, New Mexico – Baskett is a big, physical receiver who goes after the ball aggressively. He knows how to overpower smaller defenders and uses his big frame to his advantage. Baskett has great leaping ability, which makes him a tough matchup in the red zone. He doesn’t have blazing speed or acceleration, so he’s best suited to be a possession receiver in the NFL. Baskett is a very good blocker in the running game and while he doesn’t posses great measurables, he has the intangibles on the field that teams look for. He’ll never be a dominant NFL receiver but could have a very productive career as a David Givens-type of player.
Tight Ends
Tim Massaquoi, Michigan - You don’t hear much about Massaquoi but I think he’s one of the better receiving tight ends in this draft. He runs well after the catch and has the speed to stretch defenses. He isn’t that big for a tight end and needs to get stronger at the next level but when you are talking about the sixth and seventh round of the draft, you’re looking for players with potential and Massaquoi has upside. He’ll never be a dominant blocker but Massaquoi has the physical skills to be a solid pass-catching tight end at the pro level.
Troy Bienemann, Washington State – Bienemann is a big target with good hands who excels at catching the ball on the short-to-intermediate routes. He doesn’t have great speed but has a knack for getting open. Bienemann is a strong, physical blocker who does his best work in a short area. Versatility and toughness should make him a solid backup tight end and he’s also an established long snapper. Looks like the kind of player the Patriots would be interested in if he’s available in the later rounds. Andy Hart loves this guy and thinks he’s the most underrated tight end in the draft.
Offensive Linemen
Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg – A big lineman with a huge wingspan. His long arms allow him to fight off defenders. Evans is versatile: he can play either guard or tackle in the NFL. Absolutely dominated at the small college level and is a punishing run blocker. He’ll probably play guard in the NFL because he’s a Larry Allen-type mauler inside. Evans is raw and needs work on his technique but he’s one of those small school players who could end up dominating in the pros.
Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern – A local product who is a smart player and got better every year he was at Northeastern. Plays with a mean streak and has the attitude and athleticism a lineman needs to dominate. Gibbons is a better run blocker than he is a pass blocker right now but if a team can get a hold of him and improve his footwork, Gibbons could be a late round/undrafted free agent find. He’s the kind of player who has enough skill that a team like the Patriots can mold in two or three years to be a solid starting offensive linemen like they did with Tom Ashworth and Stephen Neal. Paul Perillo – our local Northeastern expert who hasn’t missed a Huskies game in any sport since the Taft administration- gave Gibbons this glowing endorsement, “I don’t know, he plays on the offensive line. I don’t know how to evaluate linemen.” Luckily for Patriots fans, Bill Belichick and Dante Scarnecchia are the ones who will be evaluating Gibbons, not Paul.
Defensive Linemen
Brent Hawkins, Illinois State – Looking for the possible steal of the draft who is also a perfect fit for the Patriots system? If so, Hawkins could be your man. Hawkins began his college career at Purdue before transferring to Illinois State where he was a two-year starter. He dominated at the Division I-AA level, recording 17 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss as a senior. Hawkins has one of the quickest first steps of any player in this draft and that’s something you just can’t teach. He’s so quick off the ball that he looks like he’s offsides most of the time. He played defensive end in college but at 245 pounds, Hawkins projects as a 3-4 edge rusher in the NFL. He was the Defensive MVP of the Hula Bowl and with his athletic ability Hawkins has as much upside of any defensive player in this draft. Hawkins isn’t only athletic but he shows good instincts on the field and is also better in coverage than most people would think.
Hawkins is a little raw and did play against a lower level of competition than some of the other 3-4 tweeners in this draft. He has a good swim move but sometimes when he doesn’t beat his man to the outside bigger linemen can overpower him. Overall though, Hawkins has very few holes in his game when it comes to rushing the quarterback.
Hawkins won’t fit into every scheme but he has the freakish skills to be an impact player in the right system and that system is the one the Patriots run. Give Belichick a guy with Hawkins’ raw physical tools and ability to rush the passer and you could be looking at a Pro Bowler two or three years down the road. He has that much upside. There hasn’t been much buzz about Hawkins but if he lands in New England on draft day, Patriots fans may look back years from know and laugh at where the team selected one of the most dominant 3-4 pass rushers in the NFL. I’m telling you, this guy has that kind of potential if he goes to the right team.
Mark Anderson, Alabama – Anderson really shined at the Senior Bowl. He finished off a great week in Mobile by beating D’Brickashaw Ferguson for a sack during the game. With a lot of the DE/OLB tweeners expected to go high in this draft, Anderson is sort of flying under the radar. Projected to go somewhere in the late first day-early second day area, Anderson’s pass rushing skills are as good as some of the player who will be selected ahead of him. He’s extremely quick off the ball and also shows a nice inside move. Anderson has good instincts and can beat offensive linemen in a variety of ways. He’s only 254 pounds, so there are some concerns about him holding up against the run but he did a pretty good job in that area at Alabama despite his size. Anderson has the ability to play outside in the 3-4 defense, so he’s a possibility for the Patriots if they don’t go linebacker early in the draft.
Chris Gocong, Cal Poly - Gocong finished his college career with an NCAA record 42 sacks. He averaged nearly two sacks per game during his senior season. Gocong started at nose guard in 2003, despite only weighing 235 pounds. He switched over to defensive end in 2004. The move proved to be a wise one as Gocong led the nation with 17.5 sacks and ranked second in tackles for losses with 22. Last year as a senior, Gocong won the Buck Buchanan Award (Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year) while leading the nation with 31 stops behind the line of scrimmage and setting a Division I-AA record with 23.5 sacks. At 263 pounds, he lacks the size to play defensive end on a consistent basis in the NFL. His speed and quickness make him a better fit in a 3-4 scheme as a pass rushing outside linebacker at the pro level. Gocong is a player that definitely fits the Patriots scheme and someone they could be targeting in the middle rounds.
Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford – A perfect fit for the Patriots as a backup to Vince Wilfork. Oshinowo has experience playing nose tackle in the 3-4 defense at Stanford and is very stout against the run. He’s a smart player and that allows him to recognize plays and get to the ball carrier despite his lack of quickness. Oshinowo isn’t a great inside pass rusher but neither is Wilfork. In a 3-4 defense, nose tackles need to take on blocks and stuff the run and that’s exactly what Oshinowo excels at. He isn’t as highly regarded because he lacks some of the physical skills teams crave. The Patriots, however, look for players who fit their system and Oshinowo is one of those players.
Montavious Stanley, Louisville – Stanley is an underrated prospect at defensive tackle, probably because Elvis Dumervil overshadowed him at Louisville. While Dumervil got all the sacks, Stanley was a big reason why. He is such a force inside that most teams had to double-team him and that allowed Dumervil to beat one-on-one blocking. Stanley is a powerful run defender who does a really good job at shedding blocks. He tore his pectoral muscle late last season but he appears to be fully recovered. Watching him on tape, he makes a lot of plays in the backfield, especially against the run. At 321 pounds, Stanley has the size and playing style to play nose tackle in the NFL. For a middle-late round pick, Stanley offers a lot of upside and could turn into a really good pro player.
Linebackers
Oliver Hoyte, North Carolina State - The best middle linebacker prospect in this draft according to PFW. Hoyte is the most physical player at his position and was extremely productive in college. This guy is so good, I keep thinking I’m missing something on him but so far, I can’t figure out what that may be. He played all over the place for North Carolina State because of his versatility but his physical style of play, instincts and toughness project him inside at the pro level. Hoyte has all the traits and intangibles the Patriots like and defensive coordinator Dean Pees is already impressed with his knowledge of the game. He could be another middle-to-late round steal for Belichick and Scott Pioli.
Dale Robinson, Arizona State - The best way to describe Robinson is he’s a bad dude with one heck of a mean streak. Watching Robinson, he not only tackles people, he punishes them. Sometimes he tackles a little high but he’s a vicious hitter and the kind of physical player who would fit in well as a 3-4 middle linebacker. Robinson makes plays all over the field and really excels against the run. He makes a lot of tackles in the backfield but he needs some work in coverage. He wasn’t asked to do that much in college, however, so it may be an area he’ll improve in at the next level. Another positive with Robinson is he played both inside and outside linebacker at Arizona State. While he has the speed to play outside, his bruising style of play probably makes him a better fit inside in the NFL. Robinson is a player with a nasty streak who has fun dishing out punishment on the football field so if the Patriots do draft him, they should put his locker right next to Rodney Harrison because the two of them play with a similar attitude.
Anthony Schlegel, Ohio State - The former Buckeye was overshadowed by his more publicized teammates in college but he’s a very good player in his own right. He won’t chase runners down from 50 yards away but he has a good burst in the 10-20 yard range. That’s really the most important thing for linebackers playing in the 3-4 system. Schlegel gets overlooked but he was very productive for a great Ohio State defense. He won’t wow you with his athleticism but he’s a highly intelligent and productive player. Schlegel looks like a Ted Johnson clone when you watch him on tape and he could flourish as a run-stuffing middle linebacker in the Patriots system.
Clint Ingram, Oklahoma – Ingram is an underrated prospect who has good instincts and finishes off his tackles well. He made a lot of big plays for the Sooners and is a very fluid linebacker in coverage. Ingram has good size at 245 pounds and can play both inside and outside. He doesn’t have great 40 times but he plays fast when he’s on the football field. Ingram is the type of player that may not wow you with his measurables but put a helmet on him and he makes plays all over the field. While not highly regarded, Ingram’s ability to drop back in coverage and stuff the run could make him a good fit in New England.
Defensive Backs
Anthony Smith, Syracuse – Smith could be the most underrated safety in this draft. He doesn’t have great size (5-11, 190) but he makes up for it on the field with his physical style of play. Smith made a number of big plays and had six interceptions last year for a terrible Syracuse team. He shows very good instincts on the field and breaks on the bell well. Smith isn’t only effective in coverage but he’s a solid blitzer who also doesn’t mind coming up and supporting the run. He’s the kind of player who would fit in well with the Patriots because they can do a lot of different things with him and Smith plays with intensity on every snap.
Bernard Pollard, Purdue - At 6-2, 225 pounds, Pollard has good size and unlike Darnell Bing - who misses a lot of tackles - Pollard is a big hitter who also wraps up very well. When he hits someone, they go backwards. Pollard really attacks the line of scrimmage against the run and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. He showed great closing speed on tape and while he struggled in man coverage, his overall coverage skills weren’t horrible. Pollard also excels at blocking punts. He doesn’t get a lot of publicity but after breaking him down on tape, Pollard appears to be the kind of safety that would interest the Patriots. He could be a possibility in the third or fourth round because of his versatility and physical style of play.
Derrick Martin, Wyoming – If the Patriots don’t draft a cornerback early, I think Martin would be an excellent selection in the middle rounds. He’s a player who can come in and play in the slot as a rookie and contribute on special teams. Martin is very athletic and has the speed to break on the ball and run with receivers down the field. He plays well against bigger receivers and has the ball skills to make a lot of big plays. Martin has the instincts to look up for the ball at the right time and make a play on it, something that’s very hard to teach. He plays with good technique and showed the ability to blitz off the corner at Wyoming. Martin is a good tackler and physical against the run, despite weighing only 190 pounds. He’s a little raw but with good coaching and hard work, Martin has enough physical ability to become a starting cornerback in the NFL in the near future. He would be an excellent middle-round pick for the Patriots.
Everyone knows about Reggie Bush and Vince Young but great teams are built by how well they draft in the middle-to-late rounds. The Patriots are a perfect example of that. They drafted the NFL's best quarterback in Round 6. Today we look at some of the draft's sleepers and point out a few prospects the Patriots may be interested in come draft day.
Quarterbacks
Kellen Clemens, Oregon – Clemens was my sleeper after I left the Combine because I thought he was the best quarterback there but now his draft stock is sky rocketing to the point where he may be selected as high as the second round. Clemens has a strong arm and is extremely accurate throwing the football. He has all the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks to come out of this draft.
Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo – He’s a winner and a leader. Gradkowski doesn’t have amazing physical skills but he’s intelligent, accurate and has those intangibles that you just can’t measure. He throws well on the run and hits receivers in stride. Reminded Andy Hart and myself of Tom Brady in college. He doesn’t wow you but he has those extra qualities you love your quarterback to have.
Ingle Martin, Furman - Started his career at Florida before transferring to Furman. Martin really impressed at the Combine where he showed he had a strong arm and was very accurate in all the drills. Tested out as having the best velocity of any quarterback at the Combine, yet throws a catchable ball. Martin has good poise in the pocket and can make plays out of nothing. He’s a very intriguing late-round prospect.
Tavaris Jackson, Alabama State – An athletic quarterback with a very strong arm. Transferred from Arkansas, so he was a Division I talent playing at Alabama State. He moves around well in the pocket and throws the ball with accuracy on the run. Jackson can be inconsistent at times and needs to work on his decision-making but for a mid-round selection, he has a lot of upside. Andy Hart calls him the steal of the draft.
Running Backs
Andre Hall, South Florida – Probably one of the most overlooked players in this draft. Hall is a patient runner who lets his blocks develop. He’s listed at 208 pounds but Hall is very effective between the tackles and in short yardage situations. Hall is an explosive runner once he gets into the open field and very hard to bring down because he runs with a low center of gravity. Didn’t get a lot of national coverage but put up 2,731 yards and 27 total touchdowns against some pretty good defenses in his two seasons at South Florida. His running style reminds me a lot of Emmitt Smith. If he turns out to be half as good as Emmitt was, some team will have a draft day steal on their hands.
P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech – A downhill runner with good vision, Daniels has the skills to be a late-round steal. Daniels is very physical and breaks a lot of tackles once he gets through the hole. He doesn’t have great speed and wasn’t known for breaking long runs in college but he plays a lot quicker than he’s given credit for. Daniels runs low to the ground and is very effective in finding the cutback lanes. He’s the kind of back the Broncos could draft in the sixth round and turn into a Pro Bowler. Daniels could end up being a much better back in the NFL than he was in college because of his physical running style and strong work ethic.
Receivers
Demetrius Williams, Oregon - In a weak year for receivers, Williams could end up being the best player to come out of this class. He’s big, physical, goes across the middle, makes the tough catch and has the speed to run by defenders. Williams knows how to use his size to shield himself from defensive backs and he makes a lot of tough catches in tight coverage. If Williams last until the third round, that would be a steal in my book. May not be the best fit for the Patriots system but Williams has the potential to be a star for some team.
Todd Watkins, BYU – Watkins is a tall receiver who is a big-time deep threat. Scored 15 touchdowns in two seasons at BYU, despite the team’s inconsistent play at the quarterback position. He has very good hands and a knack of making tough catches look easy. Watkins readjusts well to the ball and made a lot of acrobatic catches in college. Needs work on his route running and with his slim build he doesn’t break a lot of tackles. At the very least, Watkins will be a dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
Hank Baskett, New Mexico – Baskett is a big, physical receiver who goes after the ball aggressively. He knows how to overpower smaller defenders and uses his big frame to his advantage. Baskett has great leaping ability, which makes him a tough matchup in the red zone. He doesn’t have blazing speed or acceleration, so he’s best suited to be a possession receiver in the NFL. Baskett is a very good blocker in the running game and while he doesn’t posses great measurables, he has the intangibles on the field that teams look for. He’ll never be a dominant NFL receiver but could have a very productive career as a David Givens-type of player.
Tight Ends
Tim Massaquoi, Michigan - You don’t hear much about Massaquoi but I think he’s one of the better receiving tight ends in this draft. He runs well after the catch and has the speed to stretch defenses. He isn’t that big for a tight end and needs to get stronger at the next level but when you are talking about the sixth and seventh round of the draft, you’re looking for players with potential and Massaquoi has upside. He’ll never be a dominant blocker but Massaquoi has the physical skills to be a solid pass-catching tight end at the pro level.
Troy Bienemann, Washington State – Bienemann is a big target with good hands who excels at catching the ball on the short-to-intermediate routes. He doesn’t have great speed but has a knack for getting open. Bienemann is a strong, physical blocker who does his best work in a short area. Versatility and toughness should make him a solid backup tight end and he’s also an established long snapper. Looks like the kind of player the Patriots would be interested in if he’s available in the later rounds. Andy Hart loves this guy and thinks he’s the most underrated tight end in the draft.
Offensive Linemen
Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg – A big lineman with a huge wingspan. His long arms allow him to fight off defenders. Evans is versatile: he can play either guard or tackle in the NFL. Absolutely dominated at the small college level and is a punishing run blocker. He’ll probably play guard in the NFL because he’s a Larry Allen-type mauler inside. Evans is raw and needs work on his technique but he’s one of those small school players who could end up dominating in the pros.
Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern – A local product who is a smart player and got better every year he was at Northeastern. Plays with a mean streak and has the attitude and athleticism a lineman needs to dominate. Gibbons is a better run blocker than he is a pass blocker right now but if a team can get a hold of him and improve his footwork, Gibbons could be a late round/undrafted free agent find. He’s the kind of player who has enough skill that a team like the Patriots can mold in two or three years to be a solid starting offensive linemen like they did with Tom Ashworth and Stephen Neal. Paul Perillo – our local Northeastern expert who hasn’t missed a Huskies game in any sport since the Taft administration- gave Gibbons this glowing endorsement, “I don’t know, he plays on the offensive line. I don’t know how to evaluate linemen.” Luckily for Patriots fans, Bill Belichick and Dante Scarnecchia are the ones who will be evaluating Gibbons, not Paul.
Defensive Linemen
Brent Hawkins, Illinois State – Looking for the possible steal of the draft who is also a perfect fit for the Patriots system? If so, Hawkins could be your man. Hawkins began his college career at Purdue before transferring to Illinois State where he was a two-year starter. He dominated at the Division I-AA level, recording 17 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss as a senior. Hawkins has one of the quickest first steps of any player in this draft and that’s something you just can’t teach. He’s so quick off the ball that he looks like he’s offsides most of the time. He played defensive end in college but at 245 pounds, Hawkins projects as a 3-4 edge rusher in the NFL. He was the Defensive MVP of the Hula Bowl and with his athletic ability Hawkins has as much upside of any defensive player in this draft. Hawkins isn’t only athletic but he shows good instincts on the field and is also better in coverage than most people would think.
Hawkins is a little raw and did play against a lower level of competition than some of the other 3-4 tweeners in this draft. He has a good swim move but sometimes when he doesn’t beat his man to the outside bigger linemen can overpower him. Overall though, Hawkins has very few holes in his game when it comes to rushing the quarterback.
Hawkins won’t fit into every scheme but he has the freakish skills to be an impact player in the right system and that system is the one the Patriots run. Give Belichick a guy with Hawkins’ raw physical tools and ability to rush the passer and you could be looking at a Pro Bowler two or three years down the road. He has that much upside. There hasn’t been much buzz about Hawkins but if he lands in New England on draft day, Patriots fans may look back years from know and laugh at where the team selected one of the most dominant 3-4 pass rushers in the NFL. I’m telling you, this guy has that kind of potential if he goes to the right team.
Mark Anderson, Alabama – Anderson really shined at the Senior Bowl. He finished off a great week in Mobile by beating D’Brickashaw Ferguson for a sack during the game. With a lot of the DE/OLB tweeners expected to go high in this draft, Anderson is sort of flying under the radar. Projected to go somewhere in the late first day-early second day area, Anderson’s pass rushing skills are as good as some of the player who will be selected ahead of him. He’s extremely quick off the ball and also shows a nice inside move. Anderson has good instincts and can beat offensive linemen in a variety of ways. He’s only 254 pounds, so there are some concerns about him holding up against the run but he did a pretty good job in that area at Alabama despite his size. Anderson has the ability to play outside in the 3-4 defense, so he’s a possibility for the Patriots if they don’t go linebacker early in the draft.
Chris Gocong, Cal Poly - Gocong finished his college career with an NCAA record 42 sacks. He averaged nearly two sacks per game during his senior season. Gocong started at nose guard in 2003, despite only weighing 235 pounds. He switched over to defensive end in 2004. The move proved to be a wise one as Gocong led the nation with 17.5 sacks and ranked second in tackles for losses with 22. Last year as a senior, Gocong won the Buck Buchanan Award (Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year) while leading the nation with 31 stops behind the line of scrimmage and setting a Division I-AA record with 23.5 sacks. At 263 pounds, he lacks the size to play defensive end on a consistent basis in the NFL. His speed and quickness make him a better fit in a 3-4 scheme as a pass rushing outside linebacker at the pro level. Gocong is a player that definitely fits the Patriots scheme and someone they could be targeting in the middle rounds.
Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford – A perfect fit for the Patriots as a backup to Vince Wilfork. Oshinowo has experience playing nose tackle in the 3-4 defense at Stanford and is very stout against the run. He’s a smart player and that allows him to recognize plays and get to the ball carrier despite his lack of quickness. Oshinowo isn’t a great inside pass rusher but neither is Wilfork. In a 3-4 defense, nose tackles need to take on blocks and stuff the run and that’s exactly what Oshinowo excels at. He isn’t as highly regarded because he lacks some of the physical skills teams crave. The Patriots, however, look for players who fit their system and Oshinowo is one of those players.
Montavious Stanley, Louisville – Stanley is an underrated prospect at defensive tackle, probably because Elvis Dumervil overshadowed him at Louisville. While Dumervil got all the sacks, Stanley was a big reason why. He is such a force inside that most teams had to double-team him and that allowed Dumervil to beat one-on-one blocking. Stanley is a powerful run defender who does a really good job at shedding blocks. He tore his pectoral muscle late last season but he appears to be fully recovered. Watching him on tape, he makes a lot of plays in the backfield, especially against the run. At 321 pounds, Stanley has the size and playing style to play nose tackle in the NFL. For a middle-late round pick, Stanley offers a lot of upside and could turn into a really good pro player.
Linebackers
Oliver Hoyte, North Carolina State - The best middle linebacker prospect in this draft according to PFW. Hoyte is the most physical player at his position and was extremely productive in college. This guy is so good, I keep thinking I’m missing something on him but so far, I can’t figure out what that may be. He played all over the place for North Carolina State because of his versatility but his physical style of play, instincts and toughness project him inside at the pro level. Hoyte has all the traits and intangibles the Patriots like and defensive coordinator Dean Pees is already impressed with his knowledge of the game. He could be another middle-to-late round steal for Belichick and Scott Pioli.
Dale Robinson, Arizona State - The best way to describe Robinson is he’s a bad dude with one heck of a mean streak. Watching Robinson, he not only tackles people, he punishes them. Sometimes he tackles a little high but he’s a vicious hitter and the kind of physical player who would fit in well as a 3-4 middle linebacker. Robinson makes plays all over the field and really excels against the run. He makes a lot of tackles in the backfield but he needs some work in coverage. He wasn’t asked to do that much in college, however, so it may be an area he’ll improve in at the next level. Another positive with Robinson is he played both inside and outside linebacker at Arizona State. While he has the speed to play outside, his bruising style of play probably makes him a better fit inside in the NFL. Robinson is a player with a nasty streak who has fun dishing out punishment on the football field so if the Patriots do draft him, they should put his locker right next to Rodney Harrison because the two of them play with a similar attitude.
Anthony Schlegel, Ohio State - The former Buckeye was overshadowed by his more publicized teammates in college but he’s a very good player in his own right. He won’t chase runners down from 50 yards away but he has a good burst in the 10-20 yard range. That’s really the most important thing for linebackers playing in the 3-4 system. Schlegel gets overlooked but he was very productive for a great Ohio State defense. He won’t wow you with his athleticism but he’s a highly intelligent and productive player. Schlegel looks like a Ted Johnson clone when you watch him on tape and he could flourish as a run-stuffing middle linebacker in the Patriots system.
Clint Ingram, Oklahoma – Ingram is an underrated prospect who has good instincts and finishes off his tackles well. He made a lot of big plays for the Sooners and is a very fluid linebacker in coverage. Ingram has good size at 245 pounds and can play both inside and outside. He doesn’t have great 40 times but he plays fast when he’s on the football field. Ingram is the type of player that may not wow you with his measurables but put a helmet on him and he makes plays all over the field. While not highly regarded, Ingram’s ability to drop back in coverage and stuff the run could make him a good fit in New England.
Defensive Backs
Anthony Smith, Syracuse – Smith could be the most underrated safety in this draft. He doesn’t have great size (5-11, 190) but he makes up for it on the field with his physical style of play. Smith made a number of big plays and had six interceptions last year for a terrible Syracuse team. He shows very good instincts on the field and breaks on the bell well. Smith isn’t only effective in coverage but he’s a solid blitzer who also doesn’t mind coming up and supporting the run. He’s the kind of player who would fit in well with the Patriots because they can do a lot of different things with him and Smith plays with intensity on every snap.
Bernard Pollard, Purdue - At 6-2, 225 pounds, Pollard has good size and unlike Darnell Bing - who misses a lot of tackles - Pollard is a big hitter who also wraps up very well. When he hits someone, they go backwards. Pollard really attacks the line of scrimmage against the run and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. He showed great closing speed on tape and while he struggled in man coverage, his overall coverage skills weren’t horrible. Pollard also excels at blocking punts. He doesn’t get a lot of publicity but after breaking him down on tape, Pollard appears to be the kind of safety that would interest the Patriots. He could be a possibility in the third or fourth round because of his versatility and physical style of play.
Derrick Martin, Wyoming – If the Patriots don’t draft a cornerback early, I think Martin would be an excellent selection in the middle rounds. He’s a player who can come in and play in the slot as a rookie and contribute on special teams. Martin is very athletic and has the speed to break on the ball and run with receivers down the field. He plays well against bigger receivers and has the ball skills to make a lot of big plays. Martin has the instincts to look up for the ball at the right time and make a play on it, something that’s very hard to teach. He plays with good technique and showed the ability to blitz off the corner at Wyoming. Martin is a good tackler and physical against the run, despite weighing only 190 pounds. He’s a little raw but with good coaching and hard work, Martin has enough physical ability to become a starting cornerback in the NFL in the near future. He would be an excellent middle-round pick for the Patriots.
code
Footballguy
Draft talk on WEEI today...not sure who it is that they have one speaking about it, but he said the people in Foxboro are "very aware of Hass' talents"...his 40 time appears to be hurting his status, but he holds all kinds of college records and would be a great possession receiver...
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team visiting with J. Walker
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 14:30:02 -0700
ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the New England Patriots are visiting with Green Bay Packers WR Javon Walker.
Broncos | Team tries to hold on to J. Walker, but he leaves for New England
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 18:21:14 -0700
Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Green Bay Packers WR Javon Walker visited with the Denver Broncos Friday, April 28. The team tried to keep in town, but he left to visit the New England Patriots as planned. New England and Philadelphia Eagles trainers will administer physicals to Walker in the Boston area. Walker's medical reports already checked out in other cities he visited.
Packers | Not looking good for Walker trade
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:09:46 -0700
ESPN.com's John Clayton reports it does not appear the Green Bay Packers will be trading WR Javon Walker before the NFL Draft. The Packers won't settle for just a second-round pick. The New Orleans Saints showed some interest in Walker but don't except a trade there. The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are in the background but the price might be tough to meet.
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 14:30:02 -0700
ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the New England Patriots are visiting with Green Bay Packers WR Javon Walker.
Broncos | Team tries to hold on to J. Walker, but he leaves for New England
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 18:21:14 -0700
Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports Green Bay Packers WR Javon Walker visited with the Denver Broncos Friday, April 28. The team tried to keep in town, but he left to visit the New England Patriots as planned. New England and Philadelphia Eagles trainers will administer physicals to Walker in the Boston area. Walker's medical reports already checked out in other cities he visited.
Packers | Not looking good for Walker trade
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:09:46 -0700
ESPN.com's John Clayton reports it does not appear the Green Bay Packers will be trading WR Javon Walker before the NFL Draft. The Packers won't settle for just a second-round pick. The New Orleans Saints showed some interest in Walker but don't except a trade there. The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are in the background but the price might be tough to meet.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
I have Wimberly being drafted at 12 and Lawson at 16. There is so much talent dropping to the Patriots at 21, I don't see the need for them having to move up. I would rather see them move up in the second round and get a few of the LBs that are dropping out of the first round.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
I agree with your premise but see the Pats moving up in the 2nd round for Richard Marshall with them taking a LB (either Carpenter or Lawson) in the 1st.
It would complete a very good day, IMO, if they could then send a 3rd to NO for Stallworth.
It would complete a very good day, IMO, if they could then send a 3rd to NO for Stallworth.
nerangers
Footballguy
So are we all giving up on my dream of having Deangelo Williams?
I don't think they can move up far enough to get Marshall...I have seen a few mocks having him going in the first round or very early in the second.I would like to see Williams in the first, and and LB in the second, and would love to see Stallworth for a third rounder if he can stay healthy.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
The only Mocks that I have seen with Marshall in the 1st was to the Pats and I thought they were just overplaying the Fresno State connection. The Pats have a pretty early 3rd so I was hoping they could get from 53 to 40 in the 2nd round.
nerangers
Footballguy
I still like Cornerback Danieal Manning in a later round. I can't remember if he visited with the Patriots or not though.
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a solid frame...An tremendous athlete...Has very good speed...A playmaker who has a knack for coming up big...Versatile and can play multiple positions...Has great instincts...Very physical and will support the run...Has outstanding ball skills...Always a threat to score...Also makes an impact on special teams as a kick blocker and return man...Was a prolific in Division II.
Notes:
Could project to either corner or safety at the next level...Originally signed with Nebraska out of high school...Don't let his small school roots fool you because this guy is a great football player...One of the premier sleeper prospects in the draft.
We should probably start a Patriot War Room thread tomorrow.
I hope to be home from my Son's T-Ball game before the draft starts.
Last edited by a moderator:
Boston
Footballguy
4/28/06
Patriots seven-round mock draft Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
We are a day away from the draft and while the Patriots plans are unkown, here is our best guess at how their draft may unfold.
ProShop
05 AFC East Division Champs Tee-Gray
Other Products 3pc Mesh Golf Club Headcovers Richard Seymour Away Equipment Replica Jersey 3X Champs Golf Towel-6 Ball Set Armstrong S/S Tee-Navy
1. Tye Hill – Hill is the best cover corner in the draft and I have a hunch the Patriots may be enamored with him. New England has a lot of good corners on their roster but no one with the ball skills that Hill possesses. I think Hill has a chance to be the next great NFL cornerback and if Bill Belichick agrees with me, don’t be surprised if the Patriots trade up to get him. I doubt Hill will be on the board if the Patriots stay at 21. In that scenario, I like New England to take Ohio State’s Bobby Carpenter. If the Patriots trade down in Round 1, the curveball pick everyone is looking for could be Carpenter’s college teammate; center Nick Mangold. I know both the Eagles and Cowboys like Carpenter as well. One last possibility is the Patriots stay at 21 and both Hill and Carpenter are off the board. If that happens, don’t be surprised to hear the name “LenDale White” called. White has been sliding recently because of his perceived poor work ethic but on the field he’s a top ten pick. If Belichick and Scott Pioli think all the negatives about White are overblown, he would be the best value pick here and the Patriots are known for selecting the best football player available.
2. Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame – The Patriots need help at receiver and get the unusual luxury of acquiring a player who is familiar with their system because Charlie Weis at Notre Dame uses a lot of the same terminology. Stovall should be able to come in and produce as a rookie. He has good size and deceptive speed. Plus, he had to make a lot of acrobatic catches last year playing with the slightly overrated Brady Quinn. In New England, he’ll be able to rack up more yards after the catch because their Brady will hit him on the run and not make him reach back or dive for the ball every other play. Another possibility here could be Virginia Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp. I’m not sure if Tapp can make the transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker or not. Sometimes the shorter, stocky players struggle with that transition. However, if the Patriots think he can make the move, they will be getting a player in Tapp who has a high motor, never takes a play off and has a large repertoire of pass rushing moves. Tapp was one of the most impressive college players I saw on film, I’m just not sure if he’s a good fit for the Patriots defense. If the team thinks he is, he would be a great selection here.
3A. Gerris Wilkinson, MLB Georgia Tech – Probably the most physically gifted middle linebacker in this draft. A playmaker who is always around the football, Wilkinson has the speed and quickness to be a very good player at the next level. Wilkinson does a great job in coverage and takes on blockers well at the point of attack. I think he would have a chance to play some as a rookie and that would allow the Patriots to move Mike Vrabel back to the outside from time to time. Getting a player with Wilkinson’s ability and versatility would give the Patriots a lot of options on defense.
3B. Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi State – One of the most underrated players in the draft, Norwood can come in as a rookie and take some of the pressure off Corey Dillon until he eventually replaces him as the feature back. He has great vision as a runner and the speed to be a home run hitter out of the backfield. Norwood can also contribute as a kick returner.
4A. Babatunde Oshinowo, DT Stanford – A big, run-stuffing tackle who played nose tackle at Stanford in their 3-4 defense. Oshinowo is a perfect fit for the Patriots defensive scheme and would provide insurance if Vince Wilfork goes down. He can also play along side Wilfork when the Patriots switch to the 4-3. An excellent value pick if Oshinowo lasts this long.
4B. Fred Matua, G USC – An underrated prospect who plays with a mean streak. Matua is a mauler who excels at run blocking and would provide quality depth for the Patriots at the guard position. Matua will start his career as a backup but could come in and start if Logan Mankins or Stephen Neal gets injured.
5. Oliver Hoyte, MLB North Carolina State – PFW’s top rated middle linebacker should go someplace in the fifth or sixth round area. If the Patriots can get Hoyte here, they will have a steal on their hands. A smart, physical player, Hoyte is a guy defensive coordinator Dean Pees really liked when he interviewed him. Hoyte hits like a ton of bricks and at the very least would be a solid special teams contributor as a rookie.
6A. Mike Hass, WR Oregon State – Hass is a smart receiver who can pick up the Patriots system quickly and contribute as a slot receiver in his first year. He’s the type of player who will earn Tom Brady’s trust quickly with his soft hands and ability to get open. Hass isn’t going to wow you when you look at him but he’s one of those guys that understands how to play the game of football and is very comfortable on the field. The offense the Patriots run is taylor made for him. I think Hass will slip in the draft because he doesn’t have great measurables and if he does, he would be another good value pick here.
6B. Brent Hawkins, OLB/DE Illinois State– In my opinion, the most underrated defensive player in this draft. He has arguably the quickest initial burst off the ball of any pass rusher in this class. Hawkins played at the Division I-AA level after transferring from Purdue, so he’s a little raw but the Patriots have the luxury of having him learn the system from quality veterans before he becomes a starter. Hawkins has the physical ability and instincts that can’t be taught and if Belichick gets a hold of him, he has the potential to be a future Pro Bowler down the line.
6C. P.J. Daniels, RB Georgia Tech – A physical, straight-ahead runner similar to Dillon. Daniels doesn’t have great speed but he’s a tough guy to bring down and always seems to get positive yards. Has a chance to emerge as a feature back in the right system. Daniels is an underrated player with upside and would be great value at this point in the draft.
7. Troy Bienemann, TE Washington State – Bienemann is a versatile tight end who can also long snap if the team needs him. He’s a decent receiver and a good blocker who can fill the void left by Christian Fauria as the Patriots third tight end. New England could also go kicker with this pick as well.
Overview
While I have no clue which players the Patriots will actually select on draft day, I would be very happy if their draft played out similar to this. I tried to project players who I think fit the Patriots system at spots were they represent value for the team.
Hill is the best cover corner in the draft and will help solidify the Patriots secondary for years. As well as the defense played at the end of last year, their secondary still struggled at times. Tye Hill has the speed and ball skills that will remind New England fans of another Ty. Randall Gay is an okay player but guys like him and Eric Warfield won’t prevent the Patriots from drafting a game-changing cornerback if they think one is available. This is just a gut feeling but watching Hill on tape, he looks like a player Belichick would covet.
The Patriots need linebackers in order for them to run the 3-4 defense effectively and with Willie McGinest gone and their starters getting older, I think they will start to replenish the position in a linebacker-rich draft. Wilkinson is a perfect fit for the Patriots. He’s big, athletic and can both stuff the run and rush the passer. Physically, he’s a beast who makes plays all over the field. Wilkinson also has the versatility to play inside or outside, something Belichick loves in his linebackers. He should be able to get on the field as a rookie. Hoyte is a smart, physical linebacker who can be groomed as a future starter. He too has the versatility to play both inside and outside. Hoyte picks up things quickly and is a punishing tackler. Wilkinson and Hoyte could become a lethal combination in the middle of the Patriots defense for years to come. Hawkins is a little raw but he’s one of the most physically gifted pass rushers in this draft. He could eventually be a terror on the outside once his overall game is developed. If the draft went this way, the Patriots would go into next year with three players at linebacker who have tremendous upside.
Receiver is a position the Patriots need to address but none of the receivers in this draft really thrill me. I still think New England may make a move for a veteran, possibly Donte’ Stallworth. By adding Stovall – a talented receiver who is familiar with the Patriots system – and one more veteran, the Patriots will be set at that position heading into the season. Hass is another guy who is smart enough to come in and produce as a rookie. He would be an excellent replacement for Troy Brown once he retires because the two have similar playing styles. Hass would be a great value pick if he slides to the sixth round. Rarely do first-year receivers take the NFL by storm but in Stovall and Hass, the Patriots would have two players who could get on the field and provide even more reliable targets for Brady.
With Dillon getting up there in age, I think the Patriots could select two running backs in this draft. They may still go with one in the first round but if they don’t, Norwood would be an excellent consolation prize. His speed, vision and ability to run inside makes Norwood a complete back that could take over for Dillon in a year or two. He also has experience returning kicks. Daniels is an interesting late-round pick because he’s a physical pounder who does most of his work between the tackles. He won’t dazzle you with his speed but he almost always gets positive yards and is hard to bring down. Daniels could be a late-round steal for the Patriots.
The Patriots probably weren’t all that excited about the offensive line prospects this year, that’s why they selected two of them with their first three selections last year. However, guard is the one position that needs depth and with all the talent at USC, Matua gets overlooked. He’s a powerful run blocker with surprisingly quick feet. He would add some nice depth at the position and could eventually become a starter.
One area that needs to be addressed in the draft is finding a backup nose tackle. If something were to happen to Wilfork, the Patriots would be in trouble because there is very little behind him. Oshinowo is a big run-stuffer who played nose tackle at Stanford. He’s a smart player who is a perfect fit for the Patriots defensive system.
I expect the Patriots to select a tight end at some point (they always do) and Bienemann is a player with versatility. He doesn’t really do a lot of things great but he’s a decent receiver and good blocker. Bienemann also has the ability to long snap, which increases his value.
I didn’t select a kicker and the reason why is because I don’t expect the Patriots to keep all 11 picks. If they do, I think there’s a chance they could draft a kicker in the later rounds but if they end up with something like eight selections, they will probably go the undrafted free agent route. Either way, expect New England to bring in two young kickers to compete with Martin Gramatica.
So, is this how the Patriots draft will unfold? Absolutely not. I would actually be happy if I hit two out of the 11 picks. However, if the Patriots draft some of these players or those similar to the ones I selected, I think they will walk away with a successful draft and have a team not just good enough to compete next year, but well into the future.
Patriots seven-round mock draft Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
We are a day away from the draft and while the Patriots plans are unkown, here is our best guess at how their draft may unfold.
ProShop
05 AFC East Division Champs Tee-Gray
Other Products 3pc Mesh Golf Club Headcovers Richard Seymour Away Equipment Replica Jersey 3X Champs Golf Towel-6 Ball Set Armstrong S/S Tee-Navy
1. Tye Hill – Hill is the best cover corner in the draft and I have a hunch the Patriots may be enamored with him. New England has a lot of good corners on their roster but no one with the ball skills that Hill possesses. I think Hill has a chance to be the next great NFL cornerback and if Bill Belichick agrees with me, don’t be surprised if the Patriots trade up to get him. I doubt Hill will be on the board if the Patriots stay at 21. In that scenario, I like New England to take Ohio State’s Bobby Carpenter. If the Patriots trade down in Round 1, the curveball pick everyone is looking for could be Carpenter’s college teammate; center Nick Mangold. I know both the Eagles and Cowboys like Carpenter as well. One last possibility is the Patriots stay at 21 and both Hill and Carpenter are off the board. If that happens, don’t be surprised to hear the name “LenDale White” called. White has been sliding recently because of his perceived poor work ethic but on the field he’s a top ten pick. If Belichick and Scott Pioli think all the negatives about White are overblown, he would be the best value pick here and the Patriots are known for selecting the best football player available.
2. Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame – The Patriots need help at receiver and get the unusual luxury of acquiring a player who is familiar with their system because Charlie Weis at Notre Dame uses a lot of the same terminology. Stovall should be able to come in and produce as a rookie. He has good size and deceptive speed. Plus, he had to make a lot of acrobatic catches last year playing with the slightly overrated Brady Quinn. In New England, he’ll be able to rack up more yards after the catch because their Brady will hit him on the run and not make him reach back or dive for the ball every other play. Another possibility here could be Virginia Tech defensive end Darryl Tapp. I’m not sure if Tapp can make the transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker or not. Sometimes the shorter, stocky players struggle with that transition. However, if the Patriots think he can make the move, they will be getting a player in Tapp who has a high motor, never takes a play off and has a large repertoire of pass rushing moves. Tapp was one of the most impressive college players I saw on film, I’m just not sure if he’s a good fit for the Patriots defense. If the team thinks he is, he would be a great selection here.
3A. Gerris Wilkinson, MLB Georgia Tech – Probably the most physically gifted middle linebacker in this draft. A playmaker who is always around the football, Wilkinson has the speed and quickness to be a very good player at the next level. Wilkinson does a great job in coverage and takes on blockers well at the point of attack. I think he would have a chance to play some as a rookie and that would allow the Patriots to move Mike Vrabel back to the outside from time to time. Getting a player with Wilkinson’s ability and versatility would give the Patriots a lot of options on defense.
3B. Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi State – One of the most underrated players in the draft, Norwood can come in as a rookie and take some of the pressure off Corey Dillon until he eventually replaces him as the feature back. He has great vision as a runner and the speed to be a home run hitter out of the backfield. Norwood can also contribute as a kick returner.
4A. Babatunde Oshinowo, DT Stanford – A big, run-stuffing tackle who played nose tackle at Stanford in their 3-4 defense. Oshinowo is a perfect fit for the Patriots defensive scheme and would provide insurance if Vince Wilfork goes down. He can also play along side Wilfork when the Patriots switch to the 4-3. An excellent value pick if Oshinowo lasts this long.
4B. Fred Matua, G USC – An underrated prospect who plays with a mean streak. Matua is a mauler who excels at run blocking and would provide quality depth for the Patriots at the guard position. Matua will start his career as a backup but could come in and start if Logan Mankins or Stephen Neal gets injured.
5. Oliver Hoyte, MLB North Carolina State – PFW’s top rated middle linebacker should go someplace in the fifth or sixth round area. If the Patriots can get Hoyte here, they will have a steal on their hands. A smart, physical player, Hoyte is a guy defensive coordinator Dean Pees really liked when he interviewed him. Hoyte hits like a ton of bricks and at the very least would be a solid special teams contributor as a rookie.
6A. Mike Hass, WR Oregon State – Hass is a smart receiver who can pick up the Patriots system quickly and contribute as a slot receiver in his first year. He’s the type of player who will earn Tom Brady’s trust quickly with his soft hands and ability to get open. Hass isn’t going to wow you when you look at him but he’s one of those guys that understands how to play the game of football and is very comfortable on the field. The offense the Patriots run is taylor made for him. I think Hass will slip in the draft because he doesn’t have great measurables and if he does, he would be another good value pick here.
6B. Brent Hawkins, OLB/DE Illinois State– In my opinion, the most underrated defensive player in this draft. He has arguably the quickest initial burst off the ball of any pass rusher in this class. Hawkins played at the Division I-AA level after transferring from Purdue, so he’s a little raw but the Patriots have the luxury of having him learn the system from quality veterans before he becomes a starter. Hawkins has the physical ability and instincts that can’t be taught and if Belichick gets a hold of him, he has the potential to be a future Pro Bowler down the line.
6C. P.J. Daniels, RB Georgia Tech – A physical, straight-ahead runner similar to Dillon. Daniels doesn’t have great speed but he’s a tough guy to bring down and always seems to get positive yards. Has a chance to emerge as a feature back in the right system. Daniels is an underrated player with upside and would be great value at this point in the draft.
7. Troy Bienemann, TE Washington State – Bienemann is a versatile tight end who can also long snap if the team needs him. He’s a decent receiver and a good blocker who can fill the void left by Christian Fauria as the Patriots third tight end. New England could also go kicker with this pick as well.
Overview
While I have no clue which players the Patriots will actually select on draft day, I would be very happy if their draft played out similar to this. I tried to project players who I think fit the Patriots system at spots were they represent value for the team.
Hill is the best cover corner in the draft and will help solidify the Patriots secondary for years. As well as the defense played at the end of last year, their secondary still struggled at times. Tye Hill has the speed and ball skills that will remind New England fans of another Ty. Randall Gay is an okay player but guys like him and Eric Warfield won’t prevent the Patriots from drafting a game-changing cornerback if they think one is available. This is just a gut feeling but watching Hill on tape, he looks like a player Belichick would covet.
The Patriots need linebackers in order for them to run the 3-4 defense effectively and with Willie McGinest gone and their starters getting older, I think they will start to replenish the position in a linebacker-rich draft. Wilkinson is a perfect fit for the Patriots. He’s big, athletic and can both stuff the run and rush the passer. Physically, he’s a beast who makes plays all over the field. Wilkinson also has the versatility to play inside or outside, something Belichick loves in his linebackers. He should be able to get on the field as a rookie. Hoyte is a smart, physical linebacker who can be groomed as a future starter. He too has the versatility to play both inside and outside. Hoyte picks up things quickly and is a punishing tackler. Wilkinson and Hoyte could become a lethal combination in the middle of the Patriots defense for years to come. Hawkins is a little raw but he’s one of the most physically gifted pass rushers in this draft. He could eventually be a terror on the outside once his overall game is developed. If the draft went this way, the Patriots would go into next year with three players at linebacker who have tremendous upside.
Receiver is a position the Patriots need to address but none of the receivers in this draft really thrill me. I still think New England may make a move for a veteran, possibly Donte’ Stallworth. By adding Stovall – a talented receiver who is familiar with the Patriots system – and one more veteran, the Patriots will be set at that position heading into the season. Hass is another guy who is smart enough to come in and produce as a rookie. He would be an excellent replacement for Troy Brown once he retires because the two have similar playing styles. Hass would be a great value pick if he slides to the sixth round. Rarely do first-year receivers take the NFL by storm but in Stovall and Hass, the Patriots would have two players who could get on the field and provide even more reliable targets for Brady.
With Dillon getting up there in age, I think the Patriots could select two running backs in this draft. They may still go with one in the first round but if they don’t, Norwood would be an excellent consolation prize. His speed, vision and ability to run inside makes Norwood a complete back that could take over for Dillon in a year or two. He also has experience returning kicks. Daniels is an interesting late-round pick because he’s a physical pounder who does most of his work between the tackles. He won’t dazzle you with his speed but he almost always gets positive yards and is hard to bring down. Daniels could be a late-round steal for the Patriots.
The Patriots probably weren’t all that excited about the offensive line prospects this year, that’s why they selected two of them with their first three selections last year. However, guard is the one position that needs depth and with all the talent at USC, Matua gets overlooked. He’s a powerful run blocker with surprisingly quick feet. He would add some nice depth at the position and could eventually become a starter.
One area that needs to be addressed in the draft is finding a backup nose tackle. If something were to happen to Wilfork, the Patriots would be in trouble because there is very little behind him. Oshinowo is a big run-stuffer who played nose tackle at Stanford. He’s a smart player who is a perfect fit for the Patriots defensive system.
I expect the Patriots to select a tight end at some point (they always do) and Bienemann is a player with versatility. He doesn’t really do a lot of things great but he’s a decent receiver and good blocker. Bienemann also has the ability to long snap, which increases his value.
I didn’t select a kicker and the reason why is because I don’t expect the Patriots to keep all 11 picks. If they do, I think there’s a chance they could draft a kicker in the later rounds but if they end up with something like eight selections, they will probably go the undrafted free agent route. Either way, expect New England to bring in two young kickers to compete with Martin Gramatica.
So, is this how the Patriots draft will unfold? Absolutely not. I would actually be happy if I hit two out of the 11 picks. However, if the Patriots draft some of these players or those similar to the ones I selected, I think they will walk away with a successful draft and have a team not just good enough to compete next year, but well into the future.
nerangers
Footballguy
Walker pursuit
The Patriots are exploring the possibility of acquiring receiver Javon Walker, who would like to be traded by the Green Bay Packers.
According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Walker was in Denver on Friday. The Broncos are also exploring the possibility of acquiring Walker.
Walker previously visited with the Saints. The Green Pay Press Gazette report quoted agent Fletcher Smith as saying he was unsure if the Packers would allow Walker to visit with New England.
“The Packers are leading the charge on that,” Smith told the Press Gazette. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with New England.”
Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reported that Walker is now on his way to New England, and will also be checked out by Philadelphia Eagles doctors. The Packers are allowing Walker to meet with interested clubs as part of the process of potentially striking a trade.
Walker, a first-round choice in 2002 (20th overall), suffered a torn ACL last September and missed 15 games. He was a Pro Bowler in 2004, and has 157 career catches for 2,444 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The Patriots are exploring the possibility of acquiring receiver Javon Walker, who would like to be traded by the Green Bay Packers.
According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Walker was in Denver on Friday. The Broncos are also exploring the possibility of acquiring Walker.
Walker previously visited with the Saints. The Green Pay Press Gazette report quoted agent Fletcher Smith as saying he was unsure if the Packers would allow Walker to visit with New England.
“The Packers are leading the charge on that,” Smith told the Press Gazette. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with New England.”
Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reported that Walker is now on his way to New England, and will also be checked out by Philadelphia Eagles doctors. The Packers are allowing Walker to meet with interested clubs as part of the process of potentially striking a trade.
Walker, a first-round choice in 2002 (20th overall), suffered a torn ACL last September and missed 15 games. He was a Pro Bowler in 2004, and has 157 career catches for 2,444 yards and 22 touchdowns.
nerangers
Footballguy
Pats analysis (boston.com)
Leading up to the NFL Draft, I’m sticking with my prediction that either cornerback Tye Hill (Clemson) or safety Donte Whitner (Ohio State) will be the Patriots’ first-round draft choice.
Assuming the Patriots are drafting somewhere in the neighborhood of No. 21, my feeling is that both of these players offer the value the team would be seeking.
As for surprises, the feeling here is that the only shockers would be if the Patriots chose a quarterback, pure guard, fullback or kicker in the first round.
Depending on how the draft unfolds, any other position is in play, with the following rationale:
Running back: Need a back for the future with Corey Dillon (31), Kevin Faulk (30) and Patrick Pass (28) all getting longer in the tooth.
Wide receiver: Looking for a No. 2 receiver opposite Deion Branch.
Tight end: Daniel Graham’s contract expires after 2006, and the only other player on the roster is Benjamin Watson.
Offensive tackle: Can never have enough players at the position, and Matt Light is coming off a broken leg.
Center: Dan Koppen’s contract is up after 2006 and he’s coming off shoulder surgery.
Defensive line: Developing players at this position is a Patriots speciality.
Inside linebacker: One of the team's top needs if Mike Vrabel moves to the outside.
Outside linebacker: In a deep linebacker draft, a chance to stock for the future.
Cornerback: Asante Samuel’s contract is up after 2006 and corners generally offer high value.
Safety: Rodney Harrison’s recovery from knee surgery creates some uncertainty at the position.
Much will depend on how things unfold in front of the Patriots. But if Hill or Whitner are there, those players would be the pick.
NERangers Note: I was thinking about Whitner as well as a Patriot when I was doing my Mock...he sounds like the type of player the Pats would love.
Additonal Note: In six drafts under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli, the Patriots haven't selected a receiver in the first round.
Boston Herald: Pats quartet feels a draft -- Job security is no breeze
At least four Patriots should watch tomorrow’s draft closely, because they may be looking at their replacements.
It’s a fact of life for anyone who makes a living in the NFL, but particularly for a quartet of Pats who didn’t meet expectations in 2005 and now have no guarantees for playing time in 2006. Blame injury, inexperience or underachievement, but their struggles created needs. (Asante Samuel, Monty Beisel, Bethel Johnson, Corey Dillon )
Leading up to the NFL Draft, I’m sticking with my prediction that either cornerback Tye Hill (Clemson) or safety Donte Whitner (Ohio State) will be the Patriots’ first-round draft choice.
Assuming the Patriots are drafting somewhere in the neighborhood of No. 21, my feeling is that both of these players offer the value the team would be seeking.
As for surprises, the feeling here is that the only shockers would be if the Patriots chose a quarterback, pure guard, fullback or kicker in the first round.
Depending on how the draft unfolds, any other position is in play, with the following rationale:
Running back: Need a back for the future with Corey Dillon (31), Kevin Faulk (30) and Patrick Pass (28) all getting longer in the tooth.
Wide receiver: Looking for a No. 2 receiver opposite Deion Branch.
Tight end: Daniel Graham’s contract expires after 2006, and the only other player on the roster is Benjamin Watson.
Offensive tackle: Can never have enough players at the position, and Matt Light is coming off a broken leg.
Center: Dan Koppen’s contract is up after 2006 and he’s coming off shoulder surgery.
Defensive line: Developing players at this position is a Patriots speciality.
Inside linebacker: One of the team's top needs if Mike Vrabel moves to the outside.
Outside linebacker: In a deep linebacker draft, a chance to stock for the future.
Cornerback: Asante Samuel’s contract is up after 2006 and corners generally offer high value.
Safety: Rodney Harrison’s recovery from knee surgery creates some uncertainty at the position.
Much will depend on how things unfold in front of the Patriots. But if Hill or Whitner are there, those players would be the pick.
NERangers Note: I was thinking about Whitner as well as a Patriot when I was doing my Mock...he sounds like the type of player the Pats would love.
Additonal Note: In six drafts under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli, the Patriots haven't selected a receiver in the first round.
Boston Herald: Pats quartet feels a draft -- Job security is no breeze
At least four Patriots should watch tomorrow’s draft closely, because they may be looking at their replacements.
It’s a fact of life for anyone who makes a living in the NFL, but particularly for a quartet of Pats who didn’t meet expectations in 2005 and now have no guarantees for playing time in 2006. Blame injury, inexperience or underachievement, but their struggles created needs. (Asante Samuel, Monty Beisel, Bethel Johnson, Corey Dillon )
Last edited by a moderator:
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Boston, youve stepped your game up at the right time. Nice coverage here. You and the 'ranger' have flat out gotten it done as well as many of the other loyalists leading up here to the draft, and I have very much enjoyed the coverage. Look forward to some rock solid commentary once the picks are official.
Boston
Footballguy
With the Pats anything is possible so I try to keep all the options open. You can never, ever go wrong drafting defense and if they do I'll be fired up. Adding defensive talent to a BB coached team is never a bad thing. Yet, even though I'm a defense first guy I want D'angelo Williams. I just think adding a RB of his caliber to Dillon, Pass and Faulk will give the Pats a weapon they currently don't have and secure the position for the long term as well. It would give the O a totally different look. IMO they need an offensive player that can be explosive and hit the long ball. Right now they just don't have that threat.
nerangers
Footballguy
Pats on clock: ‘Nobody drafts better’
The Patriots own the 21st pick in the first round and have needs at linebacker, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. They could select a tweener defensive end/outside linebacker like North Carolina State’s Manny Lawson or Florida State’s Kamerion Wimbley
They could trade up for the top defensive back in the draft, Texas’ Michael Huff, or stay put and gamble on a project like Florida State’s Antonio Cromartie, a gifted corner who missed last season following reconstructive knee surgery.
If they go the running back route, some names on their radar screen could include Memphis’ D’Angelo Williams, Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney, LSU’s Joseph Addai and UCLA’s Maurice Drew.
Given the spotty record of wideouts taken in the top couple of rounds, the Pats will likely shy away from the position in the early going and try to fill the need with a sleeper like Michigan’s Jason Avant or Oregon State’s Mike Hass. If they do decide to go for a wideout in the first round, Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes seems the most likely choice.
The Patriots own the 21st pick in the first round and have needs at linebacker, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. They could select a tweener defensive end/outside linebacker like North Carolina State’s Manny Lawson or Florida State’s Kamerion Wimbley
They could trade up for the top defensive back in the draft, Texas’ Michael Huff, or stay put and gamble on a project like Florida State’s Antonio Cromartie, a gifted corner who missed last season following reconstructive knee surgery.
If they go the running back route, some names on their radar screen could include Memphis’ D’Angelo Williams, Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney, LSU’s Joseph Addai and UCLA’s Maurice Drew.
Given the spotty record of wideouts taken in the top couple of rounds, the Pats will likely shy away from the position in the early going and try to fill the need with a sleeper like Michigan’s Jason Avant or Oregon State’s Mike Hass. If they do decide to go for a wideout in the first round, Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes seems the most likely choice.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team showing interest in R. Doughty
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:16:41 -0700
Samuel G. Mustari, of the Greeley Tribune, reports Northern Colorado S Reed Doughty said the New England Patriots are one of the teams showing the most interest in him heading into the NFL Draft. "I really think my best shot at being drafted will come on the second day," Doughty said. "The first day is for the first couple of rounds, and I don't expect to be drafted that high."
Patriots | Hartigan works out for team
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 21:13:29 -0700
Kevin McNamara, of the Providence Journal, reports Brown RB Nick Hartigan worked out for the New England Patriots. He played running back at Brown, but the majority of the NFL sees him as a fullback.
Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:16:41 -0700
Samuel G. Mustari, of the Greeley Tribune, reports Northern Colorado S Reed Doughty said the New England Patriots are one of the teams showing the most interest in him heading into the NFL Draft. "I really think my best shot at being drafted will come on the second day," Doughty said. "The first day is for the first couple of rounds, and I don't expect to be drafted that high."
Patriots | Hartigan works out for team
Fri, 28 Apr 2006 21:13:29 -0700
Kevin McNamara, of the Providence Journal, reports Brown RB Nick Hartigan worked out for the New England Patriots. He played running back at Brown, but the majority of the NFL sees him as a fullback.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Rangers-
Whats the word up there with regard to Javon Walker or is there any yet? How do you see that situation shaking down?
Whats the word up there with regard to Javon Walker or is there any yet? How do you see that situation shaking down?
nerangers
Footballguy
I checked all of the sites this morning and there was no mention of anything....hoping Boston comes online and posts something. Being in PA, I never get the local scoop unless I call one of my friends in MA. Personally I think the price tag might be too high. I heard the Eagles are up there checking him out as well. I am wondering if the Saints might acquire him...read they might be in the hunt now as well. I think the Pats would be willing to give up a third rounder for a WR. It all depends if GB wants to unload him.Have to head off to coach my Son's T-ball game...glad it will be done by draft time!
- was hoping to read Boston's post before leaving....
Last edited by a moderator:
Boston
Footballguy
Nothing's changed since yesterday. The Pats are interested as are other teams and Green Bay is trying to get the best deal possible. I read the Pats have a good relationship with Walker's agent who is also the agent for Rosie Colvin. Whether that matters or not remains to be seen.I checked all of the sites this morning and there was no mention of anything....hoping Boston comes online and posts something. Being in PA, I never get the local scoop unless I call one of my friends in MA. Personally I think the price tag might be too high. I heard the Eagles are up there checking him out as well. I am wondering if the Saints might acquire him...read they might be in the hunt now as well. I think the Pats would be willing to give up a third rounder for a WR. It all depends if GB wants to unload him.Have to head off to coach my Son's T-ball game...glad it will be done by draft time!
Exile
Footballguy
Somone posted in this thread that Sirius radio is reporting Walker will be a Patriot and the deal is being finalized this morning!!/cross fingersNothing's changed since yesterday. The Pats are interested as are other teams and Green Bay is trying to get the best deal possible. I read the Pats have a good relationship with Walker's agent who is also the agent for Rosie Colvin. Whether that matters or not remains to be seen.I checked all of the sites this morning and there was no mention of anything....hoping Boston comes online and posts something. Being in PA, I never get the local scoop unless I call one of my friends in MA. Personally I think the price tag might be too high. I heard the Eagles are up there checking him out as well. I am wondering if the Saints might acquire him...read they might be in the hunt now as well. I think the Pats would be willing to give up a third rounder for a WR. It all depends if GB wants to unload him.Have to head off to coach my Son's T-ball game...glad it will be done by draft time!
