NFL Draft 2011: Analysis of the New England Patriots' Private Workouts
It's tough following the New England Patriots around this time of year. Bill Belichick scouts draft prospects seemingly just as much for his own benefit as he does as a smokescreen to the other teams.
That's the thing about Belichick: All year round, he's always doing everything in his power to maintain a competitive advantage over his opponents in every single way possible.
These diversions make it difficult to scout potential prospects for the Patriots, as we never know fact from fiction. All we are left to do is analyze every single prospect as a potential Patriot.
Information for this article was gathered from WEEI.com and NEPatriotsDraft.com.
Check out Erik Frenz's football curator page at myspace.com/football. Follow Erik on Twitter at @e_frenz.
Andy Dalton—QB, TCU
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Ah, the token late-round prospect.
It seems as though every year, we're talking about a new sixth or seventh round quarterback coming in to fill the shadow of Tom Brady.
Much like Brady once was, Dalton is rough around the edges. His fundamentals are sound, though, and he is adept at taking what the defense gives him.
The questions about the spread system and how he'd transition to the NFL can fall to the wayside, as he'd have Brady to learn from and wouldn't be asked to start right away (if at all...or ever).
Where the Patriots could get him: 3/74
Taylor Potts—QB, Texas Tech
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Will the stigma of the Texas Tech quarterback fall upon Taylor Potts? No one knows the answer to that yet, but the hoodie was willing to at least look under the hood.
As with Dalton, there would be a big transition for the college product who spent most of his time operating in the shotgun, but it's not as though he'd be asked to start anytime soon.
If he has the right football IQ, though, Belichick might make the move.
When the Patriots could get him: Seventh round or undrafted free agency
Ryan Williams—RB, Virginia Tech
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You can't blame Williams for wanting to leave college early. He was part of a two-back system that, although very effective, didn't promise to lift his draft stock much if at all for 2012.
That being said, let's hope he's ready to possibly be part of a three- or four-man rotation in Foxboro.
Presently, the Patriots lack a balanced back who has both power and finesse. The Patriots current stable of running backs are known for their quickness more than their speed, and Williams could add some of that, as well.
Where the Patriots could get him: 2/33 or 60
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Kendall Hunter—RB, Oklahoma State
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Those of you who don't want the Patriots to use their first-round pick on Mark Ingram—myself included—should like the mid-round prospect Kendall Hunter.
He's a bit undersized at 5'7" and 199 pounds, but he's faster and quicker than most running backs and can make guys miss in the open field. For such a small guy, he's got a lot of punch, getting out of arm tackles with frequency.
But he fits in with the Patriots for much better reasons. According to Scouts, Inc. his intangibles match right up with the Patriot way.
"Quiet and reserved. Has overachieved both in the weight room and classroom. Active in community service."
When the Patriots could get him: 3/74 or 92, or fourth round
Chris Matthews—WR, Kentucky
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After the playoff loss to the Jets, the cries from many New England sports fans rang the same tone: "They need a FIELD STRETCHAAAH!"
Well, fans, Chris Matthews is not that guy. What he is, however, is what the Patriots really need—a big, physical receiver who has the ability to beat press coverage on the outside.
At 6'5" and 219 pounds, he's certainly got the frame for it. Now all he needs to learn are some techniques.
You can read more of my thoughts on Matthews by clicking the link here.
Where the Patriots could get him: 3/90 or fourth round
Torrey Smith—WR, Maryland
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It's pretty easy to be very high on Torrey Smith right now, especially after his impressive workouts at the combine.
Are we looking at a more talented version of Darius Heyward-Bey? He reeled in 67 passes for 1,075 yards and 12 touchdowns last season with Maryland.
What's probably got Belichick looking his way is his ability to contribute on special teams as well as in the passing game. He's what Patriots fans may call a "FIELD STRETCHAAAH!"
Where the Patriots can get him: 2/33 or 60
Andre Holmes—WR, Hillsdale
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Although he doesn't have elite top-end speed, his 4.51 40-yard dash will certainly turn some heads, especially when paired with his 6'4", 220-pound frame.
Holmes may be little more than a late-round prospect, but as mentioned by Greg Knopping of Pats Pulpit, the Patriots could be targeting a bigger receiver to compliment their current tandem of "smurfs." If the Patriots could get an outside complement to that group in a late round, Patriots fans should have no reason to be disappointed.
Where the Patriots could get him: fifth or sixth round
Cecil Shorts—WR, Mount Union
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In terms of his speed, Cecil Shorts wouldn't add much that the Patriots don't already have. He won't be a consistent threat that needs to be respected over the top, and according to Scouts, Inc. he could struggle early against more physical corners—just like the Patriots did against the Jets in the playoffs.
But Shorts has the strong character that the Patriots always look for in their draftees. He was a team captain and has football in his blood, as his father was a coach.
His football intelligence is also high, and that could be what has landed him on the Patriots' radar. If he can pick up the system quickly, he could make up for some of those deficiencies in his game.
Where the Patriots could get him: fifth or sixth round
Virgil Green—TE, Nevada
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Scouts were wowed by Green's performance at the combine, and why shouldn't they be? He's not a big tight end (although no one is in comparison to Rob Gronkowski), but with a 4.54 40-yard dash and 42.5" vertical leap, Green proved he can be a weapon in the deep passing game.
He's got all the character traits that Belichick loves in his players, the enthusiasm for good coaching and the hard work in the offseason.
The Patriots may be set at tight end with Gronkowski, Alge Crumpler and Aaron Hernandez, but Belichick wouldn't think twice about picking up Green if he felt it was of good value to the football team.
Where the Patriots could get him: fourth or fifth round
Mike Person—OL, Montana State
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NFL.com says of Person, "Person is prospect from the FCS ranks with the intangibles, work-ethic and football smarts to become a backup offensive lineman. However, lacks the foot quickness and body control necessary to start or protect the blind side. While he did not allow a sack during his senior year and shows the ability to thwart the bull rush, should have problems dealing with speed rushers."
In those respects, he'd be a great back-up at right guard. He wouldn't face many speed rushers on the inside against a division that features entirely 3-4 defenses. His "ability to thwart the bull rush" would come in mighty handy.
He has the intangibles, work ethic and football intelligence. Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia has done this before, and it has worked out beautifully.
Where the Patriots could get him: seventh round or undrafted free agency
Corbin Bryant—DE, Northwestern
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The 300-pound Bryant has experience as a defensive end in a 3-4 at Northwestern, and more than likely could kick inside on passing downs if need be.
His production ratio wasn't that great, at just .69, but it's better than some first-round prospects—Phil Taylor's was just .58.
Most importantly, though, he's a leader. WEEI.com's Christopher Price wrote, "Bryant, who didn’t start playing football until his senior year in high school, was a co-captain for the Wildcats in 2010 where he was an honorable mention All-Big 10 selection."
Where the Patriots can get him: fifth or sixth round
Allen Bailey—DE, Miami
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Bailey will need to prove in the interview and film room that he is capable of grasping the Patriots scheme.
He played mostly in a 4-3 at Miami and doesn't have the ideal size for a 3-4 defensive end. He's very athletic, though, and has flashed the ability to push the pocket even when double-teamed. He makes plays in traffic, but it's yet unknown whether he can hold his ground consistently on a three-man front.
Regardless, Mike Dussault makes a good point that it's not worth it to try and find "the next Richard Seymour" because each player is his own individual and brings his own things to the table. The versatility he showed on that four-man front to rush from both outside and inside could make him a valuable addition to the Patriots' sub package.
Where the Patriots could get him: 2/60
Cortez Allen—CB, Citadel
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The Patriots love their ball hawks in the secondary, and Allen is certainly one of those. He had five interceptions and two touchdowns during his three years at the Citadel.
The 6'1", 197-pound Allen played both corner and safety over the course of his collegiate career. He may not be "the future" at safety that many would hope for, but if he's a project that Belichick thinks Matt Patricia can accomplish, he's worth a flier.
Where the Patriots could get him: fourth or fifth round
Johnny Patrick—CB, Louisville
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Patrick, however, may have been given the proverbial kiss of death by Scouts, Inc. who said he, "does not have a great work ethic off the field (film study, weight room, etc.)."
Athletically gifted "specimens" are a dime a dozen, but it's the hard-working football guys that Belichick loves.
Still, Patrick could add a lot in his ability to cover quick slot receivers. In that respect, though, he may pose a bit of a liability in run support.
Here's more of my opinion on Johnny Patrick.
Where the Patriots could get him: 2/60 or 3/74
More to Come
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There's plenty of time between now and the 2011 NFL Draft, which is just over five weeks away. As we wait impatiently, check back with me frequently, as I will continue to be the hand that feeds you my opinions on all of the prospects as their names come up.
What are your thoughts on these guys? Are there any names listed that you have your heart set on, or any names not listed that you think should be? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading!
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