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Patriots Draft Recap

April 26th 2010 15:41
Patriots disappointed a lot of people with their first round pick.. but I have been researching this kid, and he is a player. The Pats were very high on this kid, obviously because they actually used a first round pick on him. Well at least after trading down twice, but none the less.

First Round

Devin McCourtey - Cornerback - Rutgers (WEEI likes him)
Prior to the 2009 campaign, the weak-side cornerback worked in tandem with his twin brother Jason. Devin's sensational senior season gained the attention of NFL scouts.. Since taking over starting chores as a sophomore, the defensive back has more than lived up to the challenge of shutting down his main pass coverage assignments. Always known for his punt and kick coverage ability, he recently added a new wrinkle to his game, proving to be one of the more electrifying kickoff returners in the nation (27.91 yards per KR).

Against his main pass coverage assignments, McCourty has held those receivers to only 42 receptions for 386 yards on 158 passes targeted into his area, meaning that quarterbacks have completed just 26.58 percent of those tosses and their intended targets were limited to 9.19 yards per pass completion and 2.44 yards per attempt. While developing his shutdown cornerback skills, McCourty is not only a top-notch coverage defender, but has also excelled inside the box. He made 91 of his 236 tackles in run support (38.56 percent) and has proven to be a drive-killer, as he registered an incredible 94 third-down stops and 33 more on fourth-down action (38.60 percent of his plays made resulted in killing the opposition's series).
In addition, McCourty recorded 23 tackles for the punt coverage unit and 27 more for the kickoff coverage squad. He has also blocked six punts and one field goal, as six of those blocks set up Rutgers scoring drives. Four more turnovers generated by the defensive back (three interceptions, one fumble recovery) have also led to Scarlet Knights touchdown drives. He also took over kickoff return duties as a senior, averaging 25.43 yards on 14 returns that included a 98-yard touchdown, third-longest in school annals.

The McCourty twins registered at Rutgers in 2004, with Devin spending that season on the scout team. In 2006, he played behind Ron Girault at strong safety, as the 180-pound defensive back placed 10th on the team and led the Scarlet Knights reserves with 38 tackles (23 solos). He recovered a fumble, broke up three passes and intercepted two others, returning his first career pass theft 38 yards for a touchdown. He also collected 15 tackles on the special teams coverage units, including eleven for the kickoff squad.

McCourty took over weak-side cornerback duties in 2007, with his brother, Jason, starting at the other cornerback slot. Devin finished sixth on the team with a career-high 63 tackles (40 solos), recovering two fumbles while causing another.

He blocked three kicks that Rutgers recovered, leading to three scoring drives. He delivered 10 special teams tackles and had two more interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, as he earned Big East academic honors for the second consecutive season.

McCourty ranked fifth on the team with 57 tackles (37 solos), as he recovered a pair of fumbles, broke up seven passes and picked off another, as two of his forced turnovers set up Rutgers scoring drives. He also registered thirteen hits on special teams, while limiting opposing receivers to an average of 3.61 yards per pass attempt.

The senior defensive standout led the Scarlet Knights during the regular season with 78 tackles (48 solos). He finished with a total of 80 tackles and also made 9.5 stops for loss, broke up 10 passes and intercepted another while blocking three punts.

Second Round is where the Pat's make up for it to the fans.

Rob Gronkowski - Tight End - Arizona

Gronkowski became the Wildcats most dangerous weapon during his short time at Arizona. In just 22 games at Arizona, he shattered all of the schools receiving records for tight ends, including career, season and game marks. Combining elite size with superior athleticism, Gronkowski gave defensive coordinators across the Pac-10 Conference headaches with the mismatches he creates.

In two seasons at Arizona, Gronkowski registered more receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches than any other tight end in school history. His 75 receptions and 1,197 yards surpassed previous career records held by Mark Keel (59, 857, 1981-82), and his total of sixteen touchdown catches broke the old all-time mark of six scoring grabs formerly held by both Keel and Mike Metzler (1994-96).

Before a back injury that required surgery forced him to miss the entire 2009 season, Gronkowski was regarded as one of the nations biggest receiving threats at his position. With soft hands and outstanding size, he has the ability to take the ball away from any defender attempting to cover him. He has impressive body control and balance that make him just as dangerous after the catch, as he can routinely break through tackles. One of Gronkowski's best assets is his ability to use his long stride and surprising speed to turn short passes into long gains during his time at UA. He has shown significant improvement as a route runner since his freshman year and has the ability to get by a slower defender regularly. That was evident in 2008, as 24 of his 47 receptions (51.06%) went for gains of at least ten yards, including twelve receptions that gained 20 yards or more (25.53%). He has shown sig When looking for big-play ability at the tight end position, Gronkowski's eye-popping numbers can't be ignored. Of his sixteen career touchdown catches, eight have been for 20 yards or longer, including five for 30 yards or longer, and two for 50 yards or longer. Those numbers have seen professional scouts compare him to his idol, Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons.

And not to mention that if anyone was watching the draft when this kid got selected in the second round, he was pumped. This dude ran out with the Patriots helmet in one hand and the Pats hat on his head. He practically attacked the Commissioner Goodell. This kid is a player and there is nothing that I like to see more than a kid get amped over his future in the NFL. Congrats kid, make us proud!

Jermaine Cunningham - Outside Linebacker/Defensive End - Florida

The three-year starter joined Carlos Dunlap in forming one of the best pass rushing tandems in the Southeastern Conference. It was fitting that both teammates would end their careers ranked tied for tenth in school history with 19.5 quarterback sacks. When Cunningham was inserted into the starting lineup as a sophomore, his pursuit skills helped limit the opposition to just 103.31 rushing yards per game. With 10 more pounds of bulk added to his frame, the junior defensive end helped the Gators defense improve to fourth in the country, allowing just 285.29 total yards per game in 2008. Florida continued its rise with Cunningham leading the way, as the defense finished fourth in the major college ranks in 2009, giving up just 252.27 yards through their 14-game schedule.

Despite measuring in at just 229 pounds, Cunningham took over the demanding right defensive end position for the Gators in 2007. He was outweighed by at least seventy pounds vs. the opposing left offensive tackle, but still managed to rank second on the team and 14th in the Southeastern Conference with six sacks.

Cunningham finished third on the squad with twelve stops for loss and registered 64 tackles (34 solos). He also deflected three passes and picked off another when asked to cover in the short area aerial game.

As a junior, Cunningham started 13 games at right end. He registered 52 tackles (23 solos), ranking second on the squad and ninth in the conference with six sacks. His ten tackles behind the line of scrimmage also placed second on a squad that allowed only 105.43 rushing yards per game.

All four of Cunningham's pressures in 2008 led to turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble), as he also caused four fumbles. In pass coverage, three of his four pass break-ups came on third-down attempts. Cunningham started 12 games in 2009, earning All-SEC second-team honors. Cunningham compiled 34 tackles (21 solos), his lowest totals as a starter. But, he finished second on the team in sacks (seven) for the third straight year, as that total ranked tied for fourth in the SEC. He led the Gators with twelve stops behind the line of scrimmage, fifth-best in the league. He totaled six pressures, three coming on third-down snaps and caused two fumbles while recovering another.


Brandon Spikes - Inside Linebacker - Florida

A physical run stuffer, Spikes has been the leader of the Gators defense since he replaced Brandon Siler at middle linebacker during his sophomore season. Though he was used more often in run situations, Spikes turned four of his six career interceptions into touchdowns, the second-best total in SEC history. Since the 1996 NCAA season, he is one of only three linebackers in the nation to have four interceptions returned for touchdowns.

Spikes has solid football bloodlines, as his cousin, Takeo Spikes, is a 13-year NFL veteran, having played linebacker for Cincinnati (1998-2002), Buffalo (2003-06), Philadelphia (2007) and San Francisco (2008-present) after an All-American career at Auburn. Still, Brandon patterns his style of play after Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, honoring his idol by wearing Butkus jersey number during his playing days with the Chicago Bears (no. 51).

Spikes has a knack for avoiding blockers, especially when taking an inside gap to the quarterback. His disruptive style of play has resulted in 31.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his career. All four of his fumble recoveries led to Florida scoring drives. Five of his eight pressures resulted in interceptions. Spikes registered tackles in bunches. In his past 38 games, he posted double-digit tackle outputs in 11 contests. He is the sixth player in school history to lead the team in tackles in consecutive seasons (131 in 2007; 93 in 2008).

Round 3 addressed the much needed WR position. Found a gem in the latter part of the third round. Look for this kid to be an impact player.

Taylor Price - Wide Receiver - Ohio

A vastly underrated talent with exceptional athletic ability, Price has toiled for a team that never established itself as a passing attack, yet professional scouts hold him in high esteem. The flanker has shown that he is perfectly capable of coming up with the big play, when needed.

The 2009 Bobcats ranked just 106th in the nation in total offense (310.14 ypg), and 82nd in passing (198.14 ypg), but Price has still managed to generate 28.26% of the teams aerial yards. He is a strong, physical runner with excellent field vision and a team-first work ethic, evident by his impressive figures executing the reverse and also possesses a powerful arm for the option pass, making him an inviting prospect for NFL teams utilizing the Wildcat formation.

One of only two Mid-American Conference players to receive Fred Biletnikoff Award consideration (given to the nations top receiver), Price has also entered his name to the schools record books. His fourteen touchdown catches rank second in school history and his three scoring grabs vs. Akron in 2008 tied the Bobcats game-record. He also holds the school alltime record with 149 receptions, as his 51 catches in 2008 was the fourth-best season total in Ohio University annals. That season total was aided by his school game-record fourteen grabs vs. Wyoming.

In 2009, Price arrived at fall camp with an impressive 20 additional pounds of muscle on his frame. He again led the squad with a career-high 56 receptions for 784 yards (14.00 avg) and five scores during his final season. He also rushed 11 times, picking up 103 yards (9.4 avg) in the process to guide the team to a berth in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

Fourth Round

Aaron Hernandez - Tight End - Florida

Hernandez was awarded the John Mackey Award. The Mackey Award is given annually to the premier tight end in college football. In 2009, the nations leading receiver at this position became the first player in the history of the prestigious Southeastern Conference to receive this honor. With his combination of size, speed and receiving ability, many expect this talented junior to continue to be an elite performer at the next level.

After being ranked the top tight end in the prep ranks by Scout.com coming out of the prep ranks, coupled by his recent national honor bestowed on the best tight end in college, Hernandez pedigree has certainly shined throughout his playing career.

Hernandez was the first tight end to ever receive the 2009 Walter Camp Connecticut Player of the Year Award (2009) and the first tight end to receiver Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year honors (2006-07). He is just the third tight end in Gators annals to ever lead the team in receiving, as his 68 catches for 850 yards in 2009 broke the old school tight end season-record of 55 receptions by Kirk Kirkpatrick in 1990.

Hernandez started 27-of-40 games at Florida, catching 111 passes for 1,382 yards (12.45 ypc) and twelve touchdowns, as he also recovered an on-side kickoff for a 1-yard loss. His 111 receptions set the school career-record for tight ends. His 68 catches in 2009 broke the Florida tight end season-record of 55 grabs by Kirk Kirkpatrick in 1990 and his 850 aerial yards in 2009 topped Kirkpatricks previous UF tight end annual mark of 770 yards in 1990. The only other tight end to lead Florida in receptions for a season outside of Hernandez and Kirkpatrick was Ben Troupe in 2003 (39 catches), but Troupe shared that lead with receiver Kelvin Kight that campaign. In his final collegiate game, Hernandez nine receptions vs. Cincinnati in the 2010 Sugar Bowl was the most catches by a Gators tight end in a game. Became the first Southeastern Conference tight end to catch nine passes in a game (vs. Alabama 12/05/09) since James Whalen of Kentucky in 1999. His 68 catches in 2009 were the most by an SEC tight end since Whalen’s 1990 total of 90.

And now for the Patriots firm place in every years draft... the latter rounds 5-7.

Round 5

Zoltan Mesko - Punter - Michigan

This kid can kick. Big kid at 6-5 and 231 pounds. At Michigan he was a four-year letterman and starter at punter. Mesko, a four-time Academic All-Big Ten Conference (2006-07-08-09). Zoltan Mesko became the first special teams player in school history elected team captain at Michigan. Finished out 5 years at Michigan with a Major in Business. The only way that I could ever rant and rave about a punter is when he runs his ass down the field and tries to make a tackle. Zoltan is a big boy, I would be amped if he would continue his tackling ways in New England. All I know is that this kid from Romania is huge and can kick the shit outta the football.

Round 6

Theodore Larsen - Offensive Lineman - NC State

After three seasons trying to crack the starting lineup as a defensive tackle, Larsen seems to have found a home on the other side of the ball. Taking his experience of playing on the defensive line to the opposite side, the Wolfpack saw a rapid development, as he developed into one of the elite, and certainly one of the most physical centers in the collegiate ranks. Thrust into the starting lineup at a position he never played, Larsen had to rely heavily on his power and instincts during his junior season. Even though he allowed four quarterback sacks that campaign he took his baptism under fire as a learning experience. By the end of the year, he was the recipient of the teams Jim Ritcher Award, given annually to States Outstanding Offensive Lineman.

Round 7

Thomas Welch - Offensive Lineman - Vanderbuilt

Brandon Deaderick - Defensive End - Alabama

Kade Weston - Defensive Tackle - Georgia

Zac Robinson - Quarterback - Oklahoma State
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Pats waiting to pounce?

April 14th 2010 22:00
fat bastard

Alright we all know that the jets are out there spending money like its going out of style. first of all if anyone is a bigger fatter jackass than Rex Ryan than i'd like to see him. second of all fuck the jets.

Have you guys heard about the Jets season ticket holder, Carl Mayer, who is suing the Patriots because of the alleged spy gate. He is suing for over 100 million dollars. 184 to be exact. Is this guy some kind of retard? He is suing for damages to all the season ticket holders. He is claiming that by taping the Jets signals blah blah that the Pats have denied the Jets season ticket holders of an honest game. I don't even know what to think about this. This is the type of dude who would buy a hot coffee from D& and then sue them for burning his mouth. I don't even want to elaborate on this dumb bastard.

This complaint has been thrown out of court repeatedly but this bastard won't drop it. Can't this guy just be happy that his beloved AFC bottom feeders are out spending a dick load of money to try to improve this team. Let me just say this, their defense will be stellar, but Marky Sanchez is going to have a big sophomore slump. He was throwing like 5 passes a game, and still throwing 2 picks. And if they hope to put some more weight on his shoulders can we say most picks in NFL history? well maybe thats wishful thinking, but I am a Jet hater, always will be, and the more bullshit they start pulling out of their asses the more and more i hate them.
Brandon Marshall

And how about the Dolphins? Making a big splash by trading for Brandon Marshall. He is a big question mark off the field, but this guy is an absolute stud on the field. I mean he just got a fat check so who knows how his intensity will be, but if he is anything like he was in the last 3 years when he had consecutive 100 reception seasons, the fins might have made the biggest pick up of the off season.

AND finally, our New England Patriots. I am pretty optimistic at this point. We certainly have some obvious needs, but we haven't decided to address any of them, yet. We have 7 picks coming up in the draft, and 4 of them are in the first 2 rounds. So the likes of us trading away at least 2 of them are pretty good. I would really like to see a big time linebacker picked up in free agency, and a good slot receiver. And in the draft I'm expecting to see either a linebacker or a defensive end in the first round, and a tight end with one of their later 2nd round picks.

The AFC East will be one of the best divisions in football along with the NFC East. Only if the lowly Buffalo Bills could pick up their game. Well maybe we wouldn't want that because we're already gonna have our hands full with the much improved Jets and the Dolphins, who I am expecting to have their QB Henne put up big numbers. My predictions will be that the Pats win the division, and the Jets and Fins grab the wild cards. Yup 3 AFC East teams, all in.
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Jared Odrick

The NFL.com's mock draft has the Patriots selecting Jared Odrick. A strong defensive line man with the versatility that the Belichick crew looks for in young players. He can play in the stance or stand up and play and play the end pass rusher in the 3-4.

The Patriots have to keep this spot. We've been notorious for trading down in the draft for more picks. But this year we have 12 picks and a younger defense is a must. We signed Wilfork to a big contract which I feel is our biggest move of this offseason so far.

The Pats have 3 second round picks. Which I can say with about 100% assurance that they will trade away at least 1 of those picks. Well I'd be inclined to say they're going to trade at least 2 of those picks away but I'm no Mel Kiper. A second round pick is a great bartering tool. And I'd imagine one of these picks will be traded for either... Another slot guy to play along side of Moss and Edleman. Or another ILB. Jerod Mayo has been injured in both of his first 2 years and another young body to help him stuff the run on the inside is a necessity.

Sackett mentioned that it is an uncapped year, so taking a chance with a reach player isn't out of the question for the Patriots. But dishing out the cash isn't the Patriots style. But we can all hope Craft dips those T-Rex arms into those pockets and makes a big off season splash. A player such as Brandon Marshall would be an enormous pick up. (your not crazy Sackett) The Pats have no problem taking a temperamental player. Examples Moss and Merriweather. But I am going to say this is a little bit of wishful thinking. Other notable free agent wide receivers are Miles Austin, Braylon Edwards, Kevin Walter, Steve Breaston, Antonio Bryant, Terrell Owens, Derrick Mason and Vincent Jackson. I know that Jackson and Edwards will be looking for big contracts. But picking up a guy like Steve Breaston or Antonio Bryant would be a great compliment to Randy Moss. Both are big and fast and will keep the safeties in the middle of the field, rather than shading over to Randy's side.

My top 4 major needs to be addressed for the Pats are first, a defensive line man, which I am almost positive the Pats will address with their 22nd pick. The next is an inside line backer. We love to mix and match linebackers, but stability is what the Pats really need. Tully Banta Cain was a pleasant surprise last year, but vets like Adalius, Burgess and Jerod need to play healthy and to their potential. They have many uncertainties and players who lack experience in the linebacker position. Players like Pierre Woods and and Eric Alexander. Maybe address this with another young backer early in the 2nd round. I would also like to see the Pats pick up a veteran line backer. Some notable free agent ILB's are Carlos Dansby, Kirk Morrison, Gary Brackett, Barrett Rudd, DeMeco Ryans, Larry Foote, and Jeremiah Trotter. Nabbing one of these free agents would definitely sure up the middle and would help tutor Jerod into an elite backer.

As addressed earlier the 3rd need is wide out. And finally I am a firm believer in suring up the offensive line. We could use a strong blocking TE. A guy who can get that crack down block and release into the slot. We don't need a deep threat TE or someone who is like a Dallas Clark, even tho having Dallas would be kick ass, but someone who is sure handed and can be Tom's check down guy.
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