Patriots Draft Defensively

The Patriots selected 7 players in the 2012 NFL Draft. And 6 of them play on the defensive side of the ball. Two linemen, a linebacker, and three defensive backs. Although one of those DBs is essentially a pure special teamer.

We know about Jones and Hightower. The fanbase seems pleased with that. But I'm sure they'll find something to bitch and moan about once Training Camp starts.

In the 2nd round, the Patriots drafted Tavon Wilson. Which shocked the experts who projected Wilson to go in the 6th or 7th round, if at all. Certainly not with the 48th overall pick in the draft. He wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Wilson is strong and versatile. He's 6' 0" and 205 pounds. He started three years at Illinois and switched between safety and cornerback. He also plays special teams. The more you learn about him, the more he seems like the type of guy the Patriots want and need.

Last season, the Patriots' defensive backfield was a hodgepodge, to put it politely. The 8-15 yard curl in the flat was open on every down. The Pats' secondary focused on not allowing 40 yard TD passes, and didn't even bother to cover huge swaths of territory underneath that.

They need versatility. They need reliability. Wilson is not a shutdown corner. That type of guy would be great, but I don't know if that would be enough to solve the Patriots' problems. Huge holes in the zone would still be there.

Wilson seems like a smart player. One that's easy to coach. The Pats' DBs last season were not very savvy. The defense had to be simplified to suit their talents and their awareness.

This guy will find his way onto the field. He'll play special teams, obviously, and the Pats' DB depth chart presents an opportunity for any young player to work his way to a starting role.

In the 3rd round, the Patriots took Jake Bequette, a defensive end from Arkansas. The all SEC pass rusher recorded 10 sacks his senior season. He's 6' 5" 271 pounds and can play as an OLB or a DE.

He missed 3 games because of a hamstring issue. And the word is he's not that great as an edge rusher. But I'll take an All-SEC defensive end with the 90th overall pick. That's fine. He seems like he has tremendous upside. And even if he doesn't fully reach that level, his versatility will help him find a role on the team.

The Pats didn't pick again until the 6th round. They took Nate Ebner, who didn't play football in high school. He played rugby. And he walked on to the Ohio State football team and became a special teams specialist. He was drafted as a safety but only played three snaps at that position his senior year.

Ebner's true position is a special teams psycho. He claims to enjoy the "mayhem" of kickoff coverage most of all.

Rugby players are crazy.

In the 6th round, the odds are slim of drafting a guy who will make an impact in one of the 22 regular positions. So draft an insane rugby player and put him on special teams. You're much more likely to get a positive contribution from him than from a 6th round RB or offensive tackle.

And maybe if the Dolphins try to get clever with some sort of Wildcat 2.0 formation, or if the Jets use Tebow in the option, Ebner can use his rugby experience to counter that. Especially the option, which is very similar to rugby plays.

The Patriots drafted a project/accused criminal in the 7th round. Alfonzo Dennard has ridiculous talent, and was a shutdown corner in the Big Ten for Nebraska. But he ended his senior season with an ejection in the CapitalOne Bowl.

Then he had a disappointing combine.

Oh, and he was in jail as recently as last week for resisting being placed in custody and assaulting a police officer. The story is that he was being belligerent outside a bar, was asked twice by police to leave the area, and was later seen pushing and punching another person in the same area. Police tried to put him in custody, he resisted, more pushing and punching with the cops, and hence the arrest.

This is a first round talent taken in the 7th round. This guy might sound like a bit of a loser, but the Patriots can't lose on this pick.

I have no idea how well Belichick and the locker room leaders will do to help Dennard to get his act together. But if he doesn't, he won't get 3 chances like he did with the cops in Lincoln. He'll get 1.

In the entire NFL Draft, Dennard might have the biggest gap between his potential upside and his potential downside. He's talented enough to be in the Pro Bowl. He's also capable of winding up in prison. Belichick is probably thrilled with this pick. And so is whoever coaches football at the Correctional Institution in Walpole.

The Patriots took a receiver with their last pick. Jeremy Ebert out of Northwestern. He caught 75 passes his senior season, for 1,065 yards and 11 touchdowns. That's nothing to dismiss lightly. He might have trouble finding a roster spot considering how many people are vying for a spot on the WR list.

He's 5' 11" and 200 pounds, but this guy might just find his way on the roster in September.

I definitely give this pick two thumbs up (get it? because his name is Ebert). As I give to the whole draft. Exciting playmakers in the first round, a guy who seems like a reliable defensive back in the 2nd, an All-SEC pass rusher in the 3rd, then it got weird. A rugby player in the 6th, an alleged criminal in the 7th, then a guy with great numbers to end the 7th.

It's always tough to gauge the success of a draft before any of these players even get numbers assigned to them, let alone take the field, let alone play a game. But I think the Patriots have drastically improved the potential quality of their defense. And if just one or two of these guys work out, the Patriots' defensive unit will be much better in 2012.

-The Captain

Draft Grades

New England Patriots: B
Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 21 DE Chandler Jones Syracuse
(1) 25 LB Dont'a Hightower Alabama
(2) 48 S Tavon Wilson Illinois
(3) 90 DE Jake Bequette Arkansas
(6) 197 CB Nate Ebner Ohio State
(7) 224 CB Alfonzo Dennard Nebraska
(7) 235 WR Jeremy Ebert Northwestern
I would have given the Patriots an A if they didn't reach on Tavon Wilson and trade that last 2nd round pick. Wilson seems like an absolute special teamer for life. However, I love the Chandler Jones pick, it may take some time and he may not be THE GUY immediately, but he can be a monster later. The only thing I ponder is whether the Patriots would have been better off taking Courtney Upshaw who can play immediately and be as impactful THIS year. I love the Dont'a Hightower pick, he's a mean motherfucker, he's somewhat versatile, I'm intrigued by how the Patriots are going to use him. I also love the Alfonzo Dennard pick, I see no risk in taking a potential top 2 talent in the 7th round, could be a steal here and potentially way more impactful than Wilson who they took in the 2nd.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 24 G David DeCastro Stanford
(2) 56 T Mike Adams Ohio State
(3) 86 LB Sean Spence Miami (FL)
(4) 109 NT Alameda Ta'amu Washington
(5) 159 RB Chris Rainey Florida
(7) 231 WR Toney Clemons Colorado
(7) 240 TE David Paulson Oregon
(7) 246 CB Terrence Frederick Texas A&M
(7) 248 T Kelvin Beachum Southern Methodist
I have never been so excited to see my team select offensive line players. David Decastro was supposed to be selected mid first so for him to fall to them in the late 1st is a steal. he is already getting Alan Faneca comparisons, always a good thing. Mike Adams was another steal here, who could have been a 1st round player if he didn't get caught smoking pot, he convinced the Steelers he's not an asshole and he will be a good soldier from now on. The Steelers line is finally coming together with Pouncy, DeCastro and Adams. Sean Spence is your token Dick LeBeau guy, will be a fast rushing LB and Alameda Ta'amu will be the heir apparent for Casey Hampton. Ta'amu isn't the best pass rusher but he is perfect for a 3-4, he's fat and will clog up the middle. Chris Rainey will be an explosive option in every facet in their offensive game.

Philadelphia Eagles: A

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 12 DT Fletcher Cox Mississippi State
(2) 46 LB Mychal Kendricks California
(2) 59 DE Vinny Curry Marshall
(3) 88 QB Nick Foles Arizona
(4) 123 CB Brandon Boykin Georgia
(5) 153 T Dennis Kelly Purdue
(6) 194 WR Marvin McNutt Iowa
(6) 200 G Brandon Washington Miami (FL)
(7) 229 RB Bryce Brown Kansas State

Fletcher Cox is a god damn monster. The Eagles were atrocious with their stopping the rush, so what did they do? Got Flethcer Cox at DT than Mychael Kendricks at ILB and then Vinny Curry at DE. These are 3 guys who can be groomed into that defensive line and be a huge factor. I also love Nick Foles, I like his crazy hair, and I like his arm. It's not a bad thing to add a QB with fragile Vick back there.

Baltimore Ravens: B

Round Pick Position Player College
(2) 35 LB Courtney Upshaw Alabama
(2) 60 T Kelechi Osemele Iowa State
(3) 84 RB Bernard Pierce Temple
(4) 98 G Gino Gradkowski Delaware
(4) 130 S Christian Thompson South Carolina State
(5) 169 CB Asa Jackson Cal Poly
(6) 198 WR Tommy Streeter Miami (FL)
(7) 236 DE Deangelo Tyson Georgia

I loved their first 3 picks. They traded out of the 1st round and still ended up with Courtney Upshaw, it's ridiculous. How do teams allow this to happen? Upshaw is a huge talent and a mean defensive player and the Ravens find a replacement for Jarrett Johnson right off the bat. Osemele is a starter on the line and Bennard Pierce is a great "in case" player if/when Ray Rice goes down.

Green Bay Packers: A

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 28 DE Nick Perry USC
(2) 51 DT Jerel Worthy Michigan State
(2) 62 CB Casey Hayward Vanderbilt
(4) 132 DT Mike Daniels Iowa
(4) 133 S Jeron McMillian Maine
(5) 163 LB Terrell Manning North Carolina State
(7) 241 T Andrew Datko Florida State
(7) 243 QB B.J. Coleman Chattanooga

Love everything they did here. The Packers were horrendous on defense, so they drafted mostly defensive players. Nick Perry can be a monster and adds versatility, Jerel Worthy was a 1st round talent and Casey Hayward is going to be able to be huge in that nickle formation. They just got a whole lot better on the pass rush and now will not be a defense composed of 3 people (Matthews, Raji and Woodson).

New York Giants: B

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 32 RB David Wilson Virginia Tech
(2) 63 WR Rueben Randle LSU
(3) 94 CB Jayron Hosley Virginia Tech
(4) 127 TE Adrien Robinson Cincinnati
(4) 131 T Brandon Mosley Auburn
(6) 201 T Matt McCants UAB
(7) 239 DT Markus Kuhn North Carolina State

They didn't need much, but they still got some excellent talent. I would have preferred Lamar Miller over David Wilson but whatever they needed RB help. But the pick I love is Rueben Randle. Randle is a big receiver who was not talked a lot about in the SEC because shitstain Jefferson was throwing him the ball at SEC. Randle can be a big time replacement for Mario Manningham and will be another tool for Eli to throw to.

New Orleans Saints: C

Round Pick Position Player College
(3) 90 DT Akiem Hicks Regina, Can.
(4) 122 WR Nick Toon Wisconsin
(5) 162 S Corey White Samford
(6) 179 G Andrew Tiller Syracuse
(7) 234 T Marcel Jones Nebraska

Akeim Hicks was at LSU before moving to Canada and has some upside, and Toon sounds awfully like Marques Colston.

New York Jets: B

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 16 DE Quinton Coples North Carolina
(2) 43 WR Stephen Hill Georgia Tech
(3) 77 LB Demario Davis Arkansas State
(6) 187 S Josh Bush Wake Forest
(6) 202 RB Terrance Ganaway Baylor
(6) 203 G Robert Griffin Baylor
(7) 242 S Antonio Allen South Carolina
(7) 244 WR Jordan White Western Michigan

I love the Coples pick and I love the Hill pick. Quinton Coples is a hell of a talent, there are reports that he took some games off at UNC, but this kid can be a huge talent for Rex Ryans defense. And Stephen Hill can replace Plaxico Burress as that tall receiver, it also doesn't hurt that he runs a 4.3 40. I know he only had 40-something catches at Georgia Tech his WHOLE career, but they ran an option offense, so you can't really hold that against him.

Cleveland Browns: A

Round Pick Position Player College
(1) 3 RB Trent Richardson Alabama
(1) 22 QB Brandon Weeden Oklahoma State
(2) 37 T Mitchell Schwartz California
(3) 87 DT John Hughes Cincinnati
(4) 100 WR Travis Benjamin Miami (FL)
(4) 120 LB James-Michael Johnson Nevada
(5) 160 G Ryan Miller Colorado
(6) 204 LB Emmanuel Acho Texas
(6) 205 DT Billy Winn Boise State
(7) 245 CB Trevin Wade Arizona
(7) 247 TE Brad Smelley Alabama

I absolutely love what the Browns did this draft, they got the next Adrian Peterson, and they got the 3rd best QB in Brandon Weeded late in the 1st. Brandon Weeden is 28, but is a much better option than Colt McCoy. You got a starting tackle in Schwartz (plus a funny name) and travis benjamin is a decent WR.

That's all I care to write on this, if you have any more questions, ask.

Patriots Shock Everyone By Doing Exactly What Fans Wanted

Yesterday I wrote a lengthy preemptive explanation of how the Patriots draft. I was expecting the fans of New England to be pissed today, as they usually are the day after the Patriots' activities in the first round.

Instead, the fans are happy. I'm happy. And I think that the Mayan end-of-the-world prophecy is happy too.

When Roger Goodell announced that the Patriots had made a move up in the draft, he might as well have been opening the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse.

The Pats sent their 27th overall pick, along with their 3rd round pick (93rd overall) to the Bengals for the 21st pick. And they selected DE Chandler Jones from Syracuse.

Jones is a big man (6' 5" and 265 pounds) that has a big frame he can grow into. He only played 7 games of his junior year due to a knee injury in the middle of the season. But he totaled 4.5 sacks, 38 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. Which he returned for 32 yards.

He's an edge rusher. And if he lives up to his potential, the combination of him and Vince Wilfork could present opposing offensive lines with serious problems.

Minutes later, as the First Round zoomed by, the Patriots did it again. They made a deal with Denver, sending their 31st overall pick, along with their 4th rounder (126th overall) in exchange for the 25th pick.

With that, they drafted Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

Hightower is another large man. 6' 2" and 265. He can do just about everything that a linebacker could do. He can play in all defensive situations. That's something that Bill Belichick covets. And so does Nick Saban. Belichick loves drafting Saban coached players.

With Hightower's flexibility, he'll find a place in the Pats' LB corps. Which was already kind of good, if a little bit dull. Mayo is solid. Spikes showed some sparks last season.

The Pats like to mix up defensive formations, especially up front. Hightower's versatility enhances the Pats' ability to do that.

I'm not a huge fan of trading up. But the Patriots didn't give up much to move ahead. As Belichick noted in his post-draft press conference, they didn't give up any of their 2nd round picks to do so.

And I think these two particular players struck them as good fits. They didn't just get a pass rusher and a linebacker, they got two guys that they feel will excel in Foxborough.

So enjoy it, Pats fans. The Patriots did what you wanted.

Draft Recap Day 1

PICK TEAM PLAYER POS
1 Colts Andrew Luck QB
2 Redskins Robert Griffin III QB
3 Browns Trent Richardson RB
4 Vikings Matt Kalil OT
5 Jaguars Justin Blackmon WR
6 Cowboys Morris Claiborne CB
7 Buccaneers Mark Barron SS
8 Dolphins Ryan Tannehill QB
9 Panthers Luke Kuechly ILB
10 Bills Stephon Gilmore CB
11 Chiefs Dontari Poe DT
12 Eagles Fletcher Cox DT
13 Cardinals Michael Floyd WR
14 Rams Michael Brockers DT
15 Seahawks Bruce Irvin DE
16 Jets Quinton Coples DE
17 Bengals Dre Kirkpatrick CB
18 Chargers Melvin Ingram DE
19 Bears Shea McClellin DE
20 Titans Kendall Wright WR
21 Patriots Chandler Jones DE
22 Browns Brandon Weeden QB
23 Lions Riley Reiff OT
24 Steelers David DeCastro G
25 Patriots Dont'a Hightower ILB
26 Texans Whitney Mercilus DE
27 Bengals Kevin Zeitler G
28 Packers Nick Perry DE
29 Vikings Harrison Smith FS
30 49ers A.J. Jenkins WR
31 Buccaneers Doug Martin RB
32 Giants David Wilson RB


Winners;
Patriots: Chandler Jones DE and Dont'a Hightower ILB. I may hate the Patriots but I love this draft. The funny thing about this is that when our own Captain of Bill Belichick Jr wrote this longwinded post about how he figured out how the Patriots drafted and that all us normal people are too stupid to figure out. The Patriots did exactly the opposite of the formula he created, the Patriots traded up TWICE to get to positions of NEED. I'm not the biggest Jones fan but I do like what he brings with his potential pass rush upside. Dont'a Hightower is my boy from Alabama and he is one nasty motherfucker, that being said, I don't know where he will fit in the Patriots system (I thought Courtney Upshaw may have been a better fit to be honest) but with the Patriots being awful on the defensive end, I don't see him hurting them. Drafting a Nick Saban player is always a good gamble.

Cleveland: Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden. They got two players that will help them immediately. People shy away from having a RB be a dominant force of your offense, but I think Richardson has Adrian Peterson upside. And With Brandon Weeden (who I liked better than Tannehill) they will have a solid QB for at least 5-6 years. Weeden may be 28, but he can hurl the ball. People are hating on the Browns, but I like their go for it attitude.

Vikings; Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith, they traded back a lot, and they still got what they wanted in Kalil and a good safety in Smith. I loved what they did here and it will be huge later.

Losers;
Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Irvin OLB, There were so many other options available and they chose someone they could have got in the 2nd round. I hated this pick and it seems they panic'd after watching Luke Kuechly going 9.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Missed out on Claiborn and Richardson. I'm not saying that Mark Barron and Doug Martin were bad picks, but they missed out on the best defensive player and best non qb offensive player.

DP's Mock Draft 1

1. Indianapolis Colts; Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Andrew Luck is your prototype for QB, Big, Decent arm, looks the part, probably could have been the number 1 pick LAST year. He is in for a long year with the Colts only having Reggie Wayne back.

2. Washington Redskins; Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
I have said it from day 1, I like Griffin's upside A LOT more than Andrew Luck. He has Mike Vick speed, and a better arm and I will argue better accuracy than Luck. He's shorter 6'2 and thin, so that is his only knock. Much like faster QB's he wants to stay in the pocket and throw.

3. Minnesota Vikings; Matt Kalil, OL, USC
I wanted to pick a sexier guy like Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackmon, but Kalil is the best tackle in a draft that doesn't have that many. They have to figure out a way to open holes for AP and protect Christian Ponders blindside. Kalil will be a pro bowler for years.

4. Cleveland Browns; Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The Browns have a 1 CB in Joe Haden, but with all offenses going crazy with passing you can never have enough cornerbacks. Haden and Claiborne would give the Browns an unbelievable young tandem at CB for the next decade.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
The Bucs are stoked that Richardson fell into their laps. Richardson has Adrian Peterson like talent and is amazing with both catching and running. With most teams going to a duel runningback offense, the Bucs won't need to do that with Trent.

6. St. Louis Rams; Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
What a great fit. Sam Bradford needs some weapons around him and they get the best play making WR in the draft in Blackmon. He's 6'1 and about 210, but is explosive. He has good hands and is a strong route runner.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars; Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Jaguars have plenty of holes and tons of options here which makes me think they will trade down. However, Coples is the only "Elite" pass rushing option here. People question his work ethic, but I'm sure he will be fine. They could reach for Stephon Gilmore or Michael Floyd here.

8. Miami Dolphins; Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Has anyone jumped as high and fast as Tannehill? This makes perfect sense as he will be reunited with former coach Mike Sherman. Personally, I like Brandon Weeden more than Tannehill, but he's 28. A lot of risk here with Ryan as he was only a QB for a limited amount of time.

9. Carolina Panthers; Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
This is more of a want than need pick. The smart pick here would be the DT Fletcher Cox, but I want to see more of Cam Newton and his awesomeness. Floyd is a good WR and there is a big drop off from him and Alshon Jeffries.

10. Buffalo Bills; Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
This makes an annoying ball hawking defensive backfield into a more annoying ball hawking defensive backfield. The Bills have done a great job building that defense.

11. Kansas City Chiefs; Fletcher Cox, DT, Auburn
Cox is the best defensive player on the board, and will be a big player in KC for that front 7. Could also pick up an offensive guard.

12. Seattle Seahawks; Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
The Seahawks need to add some pass rushers but if Kuechly makes it this far he will be a perfect fit after losing David Hawthorne in free agency.

13. Arizona Cardinals; Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Levi Brown is awful and they have a giant hole at the T spot. Reiff is a great fit.

14. Dallas Cowboys; Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
mark Barron makes too much sense here, but the recent rumor is that Jerry loves Poe, and whatever Jerry wants, Jerry gets.

15. Philadelphia Eagles; Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
With the Eagles playing a defense in wide 9 that often allows huge running lanes, it would be wise of them to get a big DT. Brockers fits that, he is big, athletic and long.

16. New York Jets; Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Ingram is a great fit for the Jets, he has a lot of potential for pass rushing and Rex will fall in love with him. He can play both DE/OLB so that flexibility in an attacking defense is huge.

17. Cincinnati Bengals; Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
He could have gone as early as 7 here. So grabbing him helps the loss of Jonathan Joseph (which was probably a lot bigger than the Bengals anticipated). Gilmore is a good cover CB and will be a staple for the Bengals for years.

18. San Diego Chargers; Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Upshaw would give them a very good linebacker to occasionally rush the passer.

19. Chicago Bears; Nick Perry, DE, USC
They were hoping that Coples was around, but he isn't, so they have to settle for the next best thing.

20. Tennessee Titans; Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
The Titans entered the off-season with a big need at center. They were unable to fill it because they were busy chasing Peyton Manning. Konz is the best in the draft and makes sense here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals; Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
The Bengals signed BenJarvis Green Ellis, but they need another back because I don't believe Benny is all that good. Doug Martin will be a great complimentary back.

22. Cleveland Browns (via Atl); Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Cleveland would be so happy to come out of the 1st round with Claiborne and now Wright. There have been questions on Kendall recently as he showed up to camp out of shape, however, he will be fine and they need to give Colt McCoy some weapons.

23. Detroit Lions; Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
PROTECT MATT STAFFORD! That should really be the only goal.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers; Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Perfect fit with James Farrior not being around anymore, he is mean, he is rugged and he would be a perfect Pittsburgh Steeler. I know they need help with the OL, but this team needs to fill up their defense.

25. Denver Broncos; Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
A Smart move would be getting a defensive player, but with Peyton Manning in town they want to have fun with him. Georgia Tech only produces Tall, Fast, WRs and they did it again with Hill here, who will be a hell of a tandem with former Yellow Jacket Demerius Thomas.

26. Houston Texans; Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
Since they missed out on Hill, they get the same player in Randle. Randle didn't get much publicity due to being in a shitty offense at LSU, but is really good.

27. New England Patriots; Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
You would think he would be a perfect fit here for the Patriots. He's a DB, he's really good, and he should be a playmaker. If the Patriots can look past the off field incidents, which they often do, they will have a steal here.

28. Green Bay Packers; Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois
Mercilus can play DE and OLB and give the Packers someone to rush the pass opposite Clay Matthews. The Packers need some defensive help in that atrocious defense.

29. Baltimore Ravens; Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Jones’ brother Arthur is a DT on the Ravens and Jones plays the physical type of game the Ravens love.

30. San Francisco 49ers; Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State
If Konz is off the board then the next offensive guard that would make sense for the 49ers is Silatolu. They need to find a way to open up the running lanes for Gore, Walker and Jacobs.

31. New England Patriots; Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
I will bet anything they trade down with this pick, but if they take McClellin here they get a pass rusher off the corner. He has that motor word surrounding him.

32. New York Giants; Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Getting Eli another weapon is never a bad thing.

BMack's NFL Mock Draft

DP did his mock draft a little while back, and I have been putting mine off because... Well I don't really have an excuse other than it's damn time consuming. Anyways, here is what I see happening tonight.

(Note- I don't factor in probable trades)

1. Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
No shock here. We have known this pick for awhile. I believe it is the "safe pick", as RG III I think has the higher ceiling, but more unknowns. Luck is a proven winner. He took a horrible Stanford program and turned it around. He'll have to do it again with the Colts.

2. Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Gave up a king's ransom to get him so it better work out. Has the highest ceiling in the draft, and really could be worth it. The Redskins have been looking for a franchise QB forever, this could finally be the guy they can turn to.

3. Vikings - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Best cornerback in the draft for a team that let 5th most passing yards in the league. Reports say they are really trying to trade out of this pick, but if they stick I think Claiborne is the right one.

4. Browns - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Browns have to be pissed they aren't getting a top QB out of this draft. Since they don't have anyone that can throw you might as well have one of the best RBs in the league. Richardson is that guy.

5. Buccaneers - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Josh Freeman took a huge step back last year. What better way to get his confidence back then giving up the best WR in the draft?

6. Rams - Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Rams are so pissed right now that Blackmon went off the board. After punching the wall several times they decide that keeping Bradford healthy is their #1 priority.

7. Jaguars - Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
DP was 100% correct. Best pass rusher in the game, and I think one of the few options here for the Jaguars that I wouldn't consider a reach.

8. Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins are going to do this and it's such a mistake. Sure he has upside, but you are drafting pure upside with the #8 pick in the draft. That's silly. I think Matt Moore is better then this kid.

9. Panthers - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
Offense seems to be the strength now it's time to rebuild that defense, so Cam Newton doesn't have to score 50 points a game. Always good to anchor the middle and build out. Fletcher is a strong and fast DT that can get pressure on the QB.

10. Bills - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
It's a passing league. The Bills have a good start with Johnson, but it doesn't hurt to add to that.

11. Chiefs - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
True DT weighing in at almost 250 pounds. Chiefs drafted Dorsey last year maybe this guy can get him more space.

12. Seahawks - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Seahawks need a pass rusher, and Ingram is the best on the board. He is the "pure rusher" the Seahawks need. Had 10 sacks last year.

13. Cardinals - Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
OL has been a problem for years, it is time to fix that and this is as good of a start as any.

14. Cowboys - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Fill a need and thrilled he actually fell to them.

15. Eagles - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Eagles were so weak up the middle last year it was a joke. It's time to get off the sexy position and finally gets a guy who can play in the trenches.

16. Jets - Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Jets need help at DE and Jones is a great fit. He can rush the passer, but also has very long arms that could help against quick throws from things like Brady-to-Welker.

17. Bengals - Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Bengals actually had a pretty decent defense last year, and Gimore would be a steal.

18. Chargers - Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Maybe I just hate BC, but fuck it he drops. Spikes is really old, and Kuechly and Butler could be good for a long time.

19. Bears - Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
They need a DE and they get a DE.

20. Titans - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Replacement for Finnegan and actually has a decent shot at being an upgrade. Would've love for this guy to fall to the Patriots, but I can't justify it.

21. Bengals - David DeCastro, G, Stanford
They have a passing game that is heading in the right direction, now it is time to protect it.

22. Browns - Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
Got Richardson early in the draft, now it is time to giving him some running room.

23. Lions - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
For the love of God please protect Stafford.

24. Seelers - Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
The Steelers get their next LB that will probably turn out to be a Hall of Famer. Some things never change.

25. Broncos - Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
I have seen some boards that don't have this kid going in the first round and I don't get it. He is a steal right here and will be very good for a long time.

26. Texans - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
You never know how much Johnson is going to play, but if he is healthy and they add this kid to the mix they could be very dangerous.

27. Patriots - Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Can play DE and OLB, seems like a perfect fit, but the Patriots will probably do something weird like trade the pick or select another TE.

28. Packers - Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise St.
Packers were one of the worst pass rushing teams last year and McClellin is said to be the best fit.

29. Ravens - Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
Would've liked to get a DE or LB, but another hole is the middle of their offensive line.

30. 49ers - Jeff Allen, OT/G, Illinois
They have the talent to throw and run, but you can do either if they don't have holes and time to do so. All is a nice fit and has flexibility.

31. Patriots - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Dude is crazy, but maybe the Patriots can figure that out. He might be a top 10 guys if he can get his head on straight.

32. Giants - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Everyone seems to have them taking a TE, so what the hell I'll agree.

Patriots Draft Preview

In this century, the Patriots are the most successful Boston sports team. Yet their moves are also the most heavily critiqued. Perhaps because those moves are the least understood by their fans.

That's not a knock on Pats fans. The football salary cap is the most complex in of all sports. Football rosters are also more than twice the size of the other sports. The pursuit of the best talent at the best price in the NFL is more complicated than buying and selling options on the Taiwanese bond market.

I have no idea who the Patriots will draft tonight. I have no idea what position he'll play. I don't know if the Patriots will make any trades with their picks. But I do know that the Patriots' Draft Day isn't random. There is a system in place, a strategy. There is a certain approach to the Draft that is distinctively Patriot-like.

There's an assessment of value, risk, and payoff. The Pats' War Room is more like the Chicago Board of Trade or New York Stock Exchange than a gathering of football minds.

As an outsider, I've tried to understand how and why the Patriots draft the way they do. And these are the rules/guidelines/strategies that I see:

TRADING FOR A BETTER PICK IS USUALLY A WORSE RISK:

Fans lament that the Patriots don't trade up and draft superior talent. There's a good reason they don't, and it isn't just to hoard picks for the future. There's a risk involved with every pick. In the NFL Draft, you're only selecting talent. With each player, there's a significant chance that they won't work out in the NFL. There's no way to predict how a player will react to the independence, to the money, to the competition, to being a big fish in a big pond.

If you trade up in the Draft, you are going to acquire superior talent. Which means the potential payoff is higher. But you're also risking more. Since you used other picks to move up, you're paying a higher price. Unnecessarily so. It's like betting more on a roulette wheel. You'll win more if you win, but lose more if you lose.

If the pick doesn't work, you'll also have inferior remaining picks to make up for the shortcoming. So not only do you risk more when you trade-up, you have weaker insurance to recover if the pick doesn't work out.

And typically to move up in the draft, you have to overpay. Look at what the Redskins paid to draft RG3. Even if RG3 turns out to be a superstar, the price was still ridiculous. And too much of a risk. RG3 might work out in Washington, but it's still a bad move. Bad moves sometimes work out. Good moves sometimes don't.

FUTURE PICKS ARE WORTH THE SAME AS PICKS NOW:
Speaking of the RG3 trade...

You see these kinds of deals all the time. Team A sends future picks to get Team B's superior picks in the current draft. And what you also see is the Patriots emerging from each draft with a load of future picks in their pocket.

Some teams seem to think that a 2013 pick is less valuable than a 2012 pick. And it isn't. They're worth the same. You can draft the same caliber of player and retain their talent for the same amount of time.

We're all fans and we all want our team to improve as much as possible right now on Draft Day. And every team has some area that it really needs to improve. But the need to improve will be just as pressing next April. The value of a pick now is the same as a pick next year. The Patriots take advantage of teams that are desperate to improve right now and are willing to sell future picks for a low cost.

Let's say I offered you a Hawaii vacation for $1,000. Does it matter if you take the vacation now or a year from now? Not really, not in the long run. And now let's say I offered you the same vacation package for $1,000 if you go now, or $800 if you go next year. Which would you take?

TWO PICKS ARE BETTER THAN ONE (AND NOT BECAUSE TWO PLAYERS ARE BETTER THAN ONE, THEY USUALLY AREN'T):
Two good picks are better than one great pick because of risk. As I mentioned earlier, each player drafted might not work out in the NFL. There's unpredictability. A way to manage that risk is to make more picks.

The Patriots love to increase their number of picks. And it's not because they want more players. It's because they want to have a better chance of getting players that will produce in the NFL.

Let's say I have $1,000 to gamble on NFL games. I could put it all on one game. But something crazy could happen, like an injury or a missed field goal. I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket. It's safer to bet $200 on 5 games. A crazy thing might still happen, but one or even two crazy things won't mess up my entire day of betting.

That's kind of what the Patriots do with their vast pool of draft picks. They know that each player has a chance of failure. So they'd rather spread that chance of failure around instead of hoping one guy works out. It's a safer, smarter way to invest.

And that's what these picks are: investments.

DON'T DRAFT BASED ON POSITION:

This is a classic gripe of Patriots fans. The Pats don't draft based on their needs or wants at certain positions.

The Patriots draft the best talent available when they pick.

If you have the 30th pick, and you need a linebacker, and there's one available. Why not pick him? If he's worth a 30th overall pick then fine. But if he's worth the 40th pick then it's a bad move to take him.

Why reach? Why use the 30th pick to take someone who is worth a 40th pick? Picks are like money. And players are like groceries. It's like spending $10 on a head of lettuce just because you need a salad to complete a meal. Just go without the salad and buy more pork because it's on sale. You won't go hungry. You'll just have a different looking meal that's stronger in another area.

Besides, drafting based on what you need tends to be a bad idea anyway, even if the price is right. There is a significant chance that the player drafted won't work out. So you spend that pick to get someone, he doesn't work out, and you're in exactly the same situation only you've lost that pick.

If you really need help at a position, it's better to sign and trade for players who have NFL experience. It's much easier to predict how well they will fill that need.

You'll end every draft with needs. You'll start every season with needs. You should try to fill them. But if you overspend picks and cap space to fill that need, you'll just create needs at other positions. And you'll have fewer resources to try to address those needs.

The Patriots need a CB, for instance. If they acquired Asante Samuel and his hefty contract, they'd address their need at CB but create a need somewhere else because of all the cap money Samuel would consume.

You don't help yourself, you hurt yourself.

We're all fans, and we're all excited to see the Patriots improve themselves. We get giddy at the idea of some star linebacker wearing a Patriots jersey. But the guys running the Pats' Draft aren't fans. This is their business. And they treat it like a business.

Fans like to point out anecdotal evidence of picks not working out. I know 98.5's Felger and Mazz were heavily criticizing the Patriots' Draft strategy yesterday. I think it makes sense. I think it works out. It builds consistency. The Patriots don't draft amazingly well, but they always find themselves rich with picks. Which allows them to stay competitive year after year.

And for this year's Draft, the only thing I can predict is that Pats fans will be upset after tonight.

-The Captain

NFL Draft Love Hate

The NFL Draft is tonight and although we haven't done much coverage of it this year, I just want it on the record who I love and who I hate.

Who I love:
RGIII- This isn't a knock on Andrew Luck by any means, I jut think the future is brighter with Griffin III.
Trent Richardson- I predict he will slip a little bit with the focus coming away from RBs, but he is Adrian Peterson/ Emmett Smith good.
Mark Barron- He is going to be the next great safety in the NFL
Dont'a Hightower- Next awesome ILB, mean, high motor, perfect for that roll.
Kendell Wright- He will be better than Michael Floyd, underrated, great route runner
Janoris Jenkins- Super talented and is going to slip because he is a shithead, but has a chance to be Morris Claiborn good
Brandon Weeden- 28 but I think he's a plug and play QB who will be better than Tannehill
Alshon Jeffrey- overlooked because he came to camp overweight, but has a chance to be a big play maker.
Lamar Miller- If Trent Richardson wasn't in this draft he would be my favorite RB
Kirk Cousins- Winner, won't mess up, will be better than QBs now like Colt McCoy, Christian Ponder, Tim Tebow
Nick Foles- Has more upside than Cousins, could be a steal.
Rueben Randle- Can be as good as Michael Floyd, could be a WR steal

Who I Hate:
Ryan Tannehill- I want to root for him but if Matt Barkley and Landry Jones was in this draft, we wouldn't hear of Tannehill's name.
Michael Floyd- Fast, 2 inches taller than Justin Blackmon, but I don't like him for some reason
Melvin Ingram- I really don't think he's that good, I haven't been impressed with him as a DE
Doug Martin- I like Lamar Miller better who will be likely picked after Martin
Lamichael James- Too small to succeed in the NFL as an effective back
Stephen Hill- I want to like him, but I could see him being a bust as him as his skills only take him so far (Darius Heyward Bey type)

Falcons Trade For Asante Samuel (UPDATED)

Adam Schefter is reporting, that Falcons-Eagles trade is nearly complete. According to various reports, it sounds like the Eagles would receive a sixth-round pick in exchange for Samuel.

We reported a couple days ago that Asante was on the block, and we all knew he would be dealt fast. It is pretty surprising that the Eagles are only getting a 6th round pick for him, but this trade is more about getting him off the books as he is due $21.5 million over the next 2 years.

Like usual I am kind of dissapointed the Patriots didn't make a run at him, especially if it really only would've cost them a 6th round pick. Samuel is still only 31, so maybe they could've worked out a deal to restucture and extend his contract another year. I know he is a poor tackler, and gambles too much, but he can be such a difference maker and to me seemed like he would've fit in nicely back with the Patriots.

For the Falcons this is a nice pickup. They now have Samuel, Grimes and Dunta Robinson, which should workout to be a very good defensive backfield.

***UPDATE***

"The Atlanta Falcons acquired Philadelphia Eagles Pro-Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel for a late-round pick, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday. As part of the deal, Samuel restructured his contract, agreeing to a three-year, $18.5 million contract with the Falcons (ESPN)."

That works out to $6.17 million a year. I said that if I was to grab this guy I would've done the same thing. Great job by the Falcons.