A little more background on "Scone". He's a helluva sports fan, makes his money on baseball on the NFL draft. I disagree on literally every issue with him when it comes to the Red Sox (Exhibit A), but hey what fun would it be if everyone agreed?
In addition to sports, Scone is the mastermind behind the great Frank Ryan nickname of "Chef-R", which has since been shortened to simply "Chef". So without further ado, here is Mr. Fiascone's take on what the hell is going through Bill Belichick's mind right about now.
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| As far as the "Superfans" go, Scone is one of the few likable ones we've encountered. So tune in to what he has to say. |
The Patriots will most likely trade one of their first round picks, though this might be the year where enough value is at the end of the first round to the point where they could stay put. I think their most obvious needs are S, OLB, DL, CB, and WR. Then again, Bill Belichick could surprise us all again and build some depth on the O-line. The point is, you never know what BB is thinking, but here’s my best guess as to some potential Patriots based on need, projected draft slot, and previous drafting tendencies:
Harrison Smith – FS – Notre Dame
Smith is a guy who was originally projected as a second rounder, but with a very solid combine has worked himself into late first round consideration. He stands at about 6’2”, 215 lbs, which immediately brings size comparisons of a former Pats safety, Rodney Harrison. Smith is a major contributor in run support, and shows a mean streak making tackles near the line of scrimmage. He shows great pursuit and squares up to make solid tackles. He doesn’t hit stick people as much as Harrison, but he is a consistent tackler; something that was often times a glaring need for the Pats in 2011. In coverage, Smith is more quick than fast, making him more of a zone player than man-to-man. He does read the QB very well at the college level, which makes up for his lack of elite speed. Belichick might wait on him and see if he falls to round 2, but I don’t think he will. He would also be a great special teams contributor due to his plus tackling skills, high football IQ, and constant motor. And lets not forget the Charlie Weis-Bill Belichick connection. Weis recruited Smith to ND.
They could also target Alabama safety Mark Barron if he is available. Barron will be able to start right away, and is almost unanimously ranked the top safety available in the 2012 draft. He was the leader of a staunch Alabama defense, and was a top player in the highly competitive SEC. All these factors, however, lead me to believe he’ll be off the board before pick #27.
Shea McClellin – LB/DE – Boise State
McClellin says he models his game after Mike Vrabel, and his film, as Rasheed Wallace would say, “Don’t lie.” McClellin measures up at 6’3” 260lbs, which is fairly consistent with the height/weight combo Belichick usually looks for in his 3-4 OLBs. McClellin was all over the field at Boise St, playing inside and outside linebacker, D-end, and even D-tackle in some pass rushing situations. His film really shows off his nonstop motor and above average ability to seal off the edge. He will have to become a factor in the pass game in order to be an every down player in the NFL, but his versatility alone would make him a good role player. However, this begs the question of whether BB would use a first rounder on McClellin. BB usually looks for every down players early in the draft. McClellin only repped 19 on the bench press at the combine which calls his strength into question, however, last years 1st round pick Nate Solder only put up 21 reps and he looks like Solder’s on his way to protecting Brady’s blindside for the foreseeable future.
If he’s available USC DE Nick Perry is a guy who has plenty athleticism and talent, but would be a project to translate to 3-4 OLB.
Michael Brockers – DL – LSU
Brockers was the rock on LSU’s fantastic D-line last year. As such, he handled a good deal of double teams, a plus for any D-linemen in a Belichick scheme. He’s all of 6’5” 322, and plays with a lot of force and purpose behind that frame. He’s very adept a shedding blocks and making plays on the interior, and shows the capability to hold the edge on the outside. He is still raw, which can be looked at as a plus and a minus. On the one hand he has a tendency to play too high and is only an average pass rusher. On the other hand, imagine what he could do with a little Belichick coaching…
Could also take DL Jerel Worthy from Michigan State. Worthy is massive and strong, but has a tendency to take plays off here and there – wouldn’t fly with BB
Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama
I know what you’re thinking, another early round CB. I just have the feeling its gonna happen, and apparently you can never have too much depth (See: Moore, Sterling, and Molden, Antwuan) Leading off, there’s the obvious Saban-Belichick connection to be aware of, BB respects Saban’s opinion which could be important in Kirkpatrick’s case. Kirkpatrick is said to be a bit of a problem on and off the field, with motivation problems. Could the Patriot Way cure him of this? On talent alone, Kirk could be a top 15 pick. He’s tall and rangy, fast, and has great ball skills. He’s excellent at man-to-man and zone coverage. Only questions surround his motivation and thin frame.
Could also take CB Alfonzo Dennard from Illinois. Dennard is smaller than Kirkpatrick, and missed some time with injury, possibly pushing him to the high second round. He’s solid all around, yet lacks elite talent in any one aspect. Low bust-potential, but probably not a number one corner either. Plus vertical at combine eases some fears that his 5’10” frame might be a disadvantage. Also look out for N. Alabama (previously Florida) CB Janoris Jenkins
Quick Hits
-Keep an eye out for Wisconsin C Peter Konz as Dan Koppen insurance.
-I love Stanford TE Coby Fleener, who has Gronk’s size and Hernandez’s athleticism. Not a need whatsoever, but hell, its Belichick, can’t rule anything out…
-LB Luke Kuechly from Boston College will be a steal wherever he goes. He has the highest football IQ and instincts I’ve ever seen, and put up impressive strength/speed numbers at the combine to boot. Hard to think of a top-15 pick being a steal, but this kid has the credentials and measurables to be a top-5 pick, unfortunately top-10 teams often have more pressing needs than LB’s.
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