2011 NFL Draft: New England Patriots' Outside Linebacker Prospects

The New England Patriots are one of the most unpredictable teams come draft time, and the 2011 NFL Draft figures to be no different for Bill Belichick and his team.

I already reflected on my internal conflict over whether the Patriots need to put emphasis on a pure pass rusher out of the sub package or go after an every-down outside linebacker who can do it all.

One thing is for certain: No matter how Patriots fans feel, Belichick is going to do what he thinks is best for the football team.

So where will I put the emphasis for the Patriots in this one? The pass rush potency will be the most important criterion, but we want a player who can make an impact on every down over those who just contribute on passing downs as edge rushers.

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Robert Quinn, North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Thaddeus Lewis #9 of the Duke Blue Devils is sacked by Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Quinn's not an ideal prospect as a defensive end in the 4-3, simply because he just doesn't have the size to go up against the much larger breed of offensive tackles he'll meet at the next level. He has problems anchoring against the run when teams run right at him, but according to ESPN's Steve Muench, he "has the upper body strength and plays with enough leverage to set the edge if moved to outside linebacker in a three-man front."

His speed and explosion are unmatched among the outside linebacker prospects in this year's draft. Those tools will go a long way in helping him to beat those bigger NFL tackles, who could have their way with Quinn if they get their hands on him. He has trouble fighting back when he's in a "phone booth" situation, but can certainly be coached on his technique.

So his potential makes him a great prospect, no doubt.

He did, however, accept improper benefits from North Carolina and was declared permanently ineligible. It remains to be seen how much this impacts his draft status, but he is still projected as a first-round pick.

Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

It's uncertain whether Kerrigan would translate into an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. When asked about his strengths as a player, Kerrigan responded, “I’m a hand in the ground guy, so I feel like that’s what suits me best, I’m not as comfortable from the stand-up linebacker position...I’m just a little more comfortable with my hand in the ground do I can fire off the ball better."

There's one thing we know for sure about Ryan Kerrigan: He can rush the passer, having tallied 12.5 sacks this year. He had 33.5 total on his college career. He disrupts plays in the backfield frequently, too, doing so 26 times in his senior year.

He had an up-and-down week at the Senior Bowl. He had some trouble getting off blocks at times, when an offensive lineman got his hands on him, which we know is key in the Patriots' 3-4 system. He also looked a little awkward in space when he lined up at outside linebacker. He's an athletic guy, though, and is a coachable talent.

Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma University

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Defensive end Jeremy Beal #44 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates with the Big 12 Championship Trophy after the Sooners beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 23-20 at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by

As a starter, Beal racked up 27 sacks in three seasons. Add 53.5 tackles for loss in those three seasons, and it's clear that Beal is the disruptive force in the backfield that the Patriots have lacked for some time.

He's not as tall as Belichick likes his outside linebackers, but at 6'3" and 263 pounds, he has enough size to translate to the next level.

He had a disappointing Senior Bowl in the one-on-one drills, but made some impact plays in the game itself. With his size and talent, though, he is a very coachable talent for the Patriots defense.

Scouts Inc's instincts/recognition piece on him has Belichick prospect written all over it: "Football intelligence and overall awareness are above-average. Quickly finds the ball at the snap. Disciplined when having backside responsibility and does a nice job of closing down cutback lanes. Can sniff out screens and re-direct to get involved in play. Has the awareness to go for strip when attempting tackle."

So it's clear that he can play on just about every down, though he has some improvements to make against the run.

His quick diagnosis of plays, pass-rushing ability and high motor make him a great prospect for the Patriots.

Justin Houston, Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Houston has one thing that many "hybrid" prospects don't have: experience as a 3-4 outside linebacker. With most, the questions are aplenty over whether they can not only rush the passer from an upright stance, but also set the edge against the run, not to mention the questions about dropping into coverage.

Not with Houston. He can do it all, and has been doing it in college.

His speed gives him a boatload of potential, but could use to develop some extra moves to realize that potential. He's so explosive, though, that his burst has allowed him to get around offensive tackles off the snap without much trouble. He gets his hands up when he doesn't reach the quarterback, and gets his hands moving toward the quarterback's arm for a strip when he does get there.

His discipline and versatility would be welcome additions to the Patriots front seven.

Aldon Smith, Missouri

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks is sacked by Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Smith is regarded as one of the best pure pass-rushers in the draft. Playing defensive end for Mizzou, he has racked up 17 sacks in his two seasons. His active hands allow him to shed blocks before offensive linemen can even get their hands on him.

He has, however, been considered somewhat of a liability against the run. He doesn't set the edge very well, and may have some trouble doing so against much larger offensive tackles at the next level. Despite that drawback, he may translate better than we think. He has the requisite quickness and powerful punch that should allow him to slip through blockers much like one Clay Matthews.

His abilities as a pass rusher and his potential in translating to outside linebacker make him an intriguing prospect for the Patriots with their 28th or 33rd picks. It all comes back to the age-old question of whether that athletic ability and potential translates into real success and production.