New England Patriots 2011 NFL Draft Prospects: Prospects at Defensive End
As the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers get ready for Super Bowl XLV, the New England Patriots are among 30 other teams scouting talent at the Senior Bowl.
The Patriots are already prepared, though, with six picks in the first three rounds.
Over the past week, we've gotten a chance to see some of the better college prospects work out in practice for the 2011 Senior Bowl. These one-on-one matchups are often seen as a chance for players to boost their draft stock, as Brandon Graham did last year.
It's hard to project what Bill Belichick will do with his draft picks, but many mockers seem to agree that the Patriots need to address a hole at defensive end. With two picks in the first round and a lot of talented 3-4 defensive ends to choose from, it's worth a look into who the Patriots could possibly take.
Here are some guys who could fit right in.
Note: This is a series of articles in which I highlight the available picks at some positions of need for the New England Patriots.
Cameron Jordan, Cal State
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Cameron Jordan has climbed up the boards with his performance at the Senior Bowl. He has stood out in one-on-one drills, albeit against some lesser competition.
He is considered one of the many top-end 3-4 defensive ends available to the Patriots in the first round of the 2011 draft. He's not a speed threat off the edge, but he packs a mean punch of quickness and knows how to use it to his advantage.
According to his draft profile on ESPN.com, Jordan would fit well with a defense that likes to use multiple fronts. The Patriots love their base 3-4 front, but they came out in sub packages quite frequently in 2010.
JJ Watt, Wisconsin
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JJ Watt has been mentioned as a fit for the Patriots, because he is well-rounded. The Patriots lacked a truly well-rounded end all last year, with guys who could play their role well in pass or run defense, but were generally less active in the other roles.
He could use to add a little to his frame if he's going to play 3-4 defensive end in the NFL, where he'll be going up against much bigger offensive tackles and guards.
Still, with 21 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in 2010, his individual ability speaks for itself.
He fits a big need for the Patriots, but if the Patriots don't think he fits what they're trying to do defensively, there will be plenty of other 3-4 defensive ends to choose from. This draft is full of them, even at the top.
Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
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I had to put at least one guy you've never heard of on this list. Belichick always seems to go after the guys no one would think of.
Wilkerson is another defensive end like Watt that can do it all in run and pass defense. He has good hands to shed blockers and can rush well from the inside. He anchors well against double-teams, making him a great fit for the 3-4 defense.
The only concern with Wilkerson would be that he was made to look much better than he really is by the lack of elite competition that he faced at Temple.
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Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
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At 6'3" and 285 pounds, Clayborn could use to add a little to his frame, and even though his height isn't exactly what the Patriots would like from their 3-4 defensive ends, the low man wins in football. If he can get low on those tackles and guards and close those gaps, he'll be a great fit in New England.
But what Clayborn adds to a defense goes beyond measurables, and even beyond x's and o's. The intangibles he brings to a defense, with his high-energy style of play and non-stop motor, are invaluable, especially to a young defense.
His versatility will definitely serve him well with Belichick. He can line up as the 5-technique end in a 3-4 scheme and can line up inside on heavy passing downs, making him a viable option in sub packages, which the Patriots were in often in 2010.
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