2011 NFL Draft Big Board: 50 Potential New England Patriots Prospects, Version 2
With many players having worked out for the Patriots, some of their prospects may have come to light. We never know with Belichick, though, who is known for setting up smoke screens around draft time to get teams thinking he'll pick players other than the ones he wants to pick.
It's been nearly three weeks since my first big board, and we're now three weeks away from the 2011 NFL Draft. Now is as good of a time as any to do a second round-up of the top 50 prospects.
This is my second take on the New England Patriots top 50 prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft. For my first big board, click here.
Follow Erik Frenz on Twitter @e_frenz
I'm Not Saying, I'm Just Saying...
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Let me start with a little disclaimer.
"I do not claim to be an expert. I don’t have access to coaches film. This is all for fun. It can only be as accurate as the scouting reports and magazines I see." —Mike Dussault
Knowing what I know about how the Patriots draft—that they look for tough, physical guys with a high football IQ and little or no off-field concerns—this is how they rank.
Every team would love to have all the dirt on every player, but most teams look at the players they think will be available where they will draft—the players who fit their system, and some of the best players overall. So most teams enter the draft with about 50-75 prospects on their own board.
No further pretense. Let's get to the prospects.
Conspicuous by Their Absence
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Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson: His weight (280 pounds) makes it almost impossible to fit him into a 3-4 defense. There are also questions about his knee after reconstructive surgery, and questions about the legitimacy of his college career with only one productive season.
Nick Fairley, DT Auburn: Also seen as a one-year wonder. Fairley also has some questions about his character stemming from several on-field incidents of dirty play, and some questions about his work ethic.
Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA: After looking at his tape, he just doesn't play very strong or tough. He gets thrown around a bit at the point of attack, and doesn't set the edge with consistency. He's not a fit for what the Patriots do with their linebackers.
The Rest (Nos. 50-41)
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50. Andrew Jackson, OG/C Fresno State
49. John Moffitt, OG/C Wisconsin
48. Ahmad Black, S Florida
47. Craig Marshall, DE/OLB USF
46. Stefen Wisniewski, C Penn State
45. Cliff Matthews, OLB South Carolina
44. Jason Pinkston, OG/OT Pittsburgh
43. Tandon Doss, WR Indiana
42. Ben Ijalana, G Villanova
41. Curtis Brown, CB Texas
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40. Shane Vereen, RB California
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Height: 5'8 7/8"
Weight: 203 pounds
Vereen doesn't have elite quickness or speed, but he is a competitive player who has been durable and has great vision for his age.
Perhaps his best assets are his abilities in the passing game, adding 209 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. He's very versatile in this area, too, showing the requisite awareness in blitz protection. That versatility will make him a difficult weapon to defend in the NFL.
The biggest knock on him, obviously, is his size. The small running back will take a pounding in the NFL and could stand to bulk up a little bit so his body can absorb the bigger hits he'll be taking. Still, the difficulty in defending a guy like Vereen makes him a valuable asset to most NFL offenses.
39. Kenrick Ellis, DT Hampton
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Height: 6'4 7/8"
Weight: 346 pounds
He plays like an ideal fit in the 3-4 system, and has the long arms that help him hold his ground against multiple blockers. As his weight would suggest, he has an incredibly effective bull rush and can collapse the pocket as an interior pass rusher with consistency. There are a number of pass rush moves at his disposal, too.
He's a developmental prospect in terms of his overall awareness. He is fooled too easily on misdirection plays, and doesn't have the ability to make up lost ground when that happens. With his size, though, and the right tweaks to his overall technique, he could be a quick fit for the Patriots.
38. Quinton Carter, S Oklahoma
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Height: 6' 5/8"
Weight: 208 pounds
Carter is not only an incredible competitor, but an incredible athlete. He has a great build for his position, and doesn't give up anything in terms of speed or agility on the other end.
Most importantly, he knows how to "do his job" in zone coverage, and will rarely lose ground on a quicker slot receiver.
He plays very aggressive versus the run, but is sometimes just overpowered by bigger blockers.
Still, he could be a future starter at safety if the Patriots part ways with Brandon Meriweather in the near future.
37. Rodney Hudson, OG/C Florida State
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Height: 6'2 3/8"
Weight: 299 pounds
The Patriots need to start thinking about age and talent on the interior of the offensive line. Hudson may be a little undersized, but his versatility would make him an asset inside, with the ability to move around and do different things.
What Belichick might love most about Hudson is his field awareness. He quickly recognizes blitzes and line stunts, and is able to diagnose the play and whether he should stick to his assignment or help out his teammate.
36. Martez Wilson, ILB Illinois
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 250 pounds
The last time the Patriots drafted a linebacker this versatile was when they took Jerod Mayo with the 10th overall pick in 2008. He could play just about any position in the Patriots' linebacking corps.
He doesn't play very stout against the run, but his athleticism makes him a potential pass-rushing linebacker on passing downs. If he can contribute in that regard, the Patriots need to think hard about drafting him.
Ultimately, it won't just be his physical and athletic abilities, but also his mental ability to play all those positions in the Patriots' defense. If he can display the requisite football IQ, he would definitely be a player worth taking.
35. Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
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Height: 6'0 7/8"
Weight: 204 pounds
The scouting report on Smith looks so strikingly similar to that of Darius Heyward-Bey that one would think they weren't just on the same team, but that they might have been the same player.
Blazing speed. Great size. Lackluster route-running.
But if he can hone his immense athleticism into the necessary skills to succeed as a wide recever at the next level, he could be the next big thing. He has consistently shown the ability to get behind a defense and make a play when asked to track the ball down.
34. Leonard Hankerson, WR Miami
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Height: 6'1"
Weight: 209 pounds
The Patriots' current core of receivers features just two names that exceed the six-foot tall mark. Those two are Brandon Tate and Taylor Price. Price remains somewhat of a wild card—as does Tate but, this being Tate's third year in the system, he should make big improvements.
Still, if the Patriots want to get back that big, physical presence they lack at receiver, Hankerson would be a good guy to get. His passion for the game is sure to strike a harmonious chord with Bill Belichick.
33. Jabaal Sheard, OLB Pittsburgh
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260 pounds
Sheard's height and weight are like flashing beacons of light that beckon 3-4 defenses to look his way. That's a good size to put up against an offensive tackle.
He also shows the on-field awareness in quickly diagnosing plays. Of course, Belichick would learn much more about that in an interview with Sheard than we'll ever know from watching him on tape.
But I think NFL.com says it best of Sheard, when they say, "Powerful bull rusher that has a vast repertoire of counter moves and uses his long arms to bat down passes. Strong kid that delivers a powerful punch, sheds effectively and quickly locates the ball. High motor player that makes plays on the backside. Very productive."
That right there tells me he's worth at least a mid-round consideration.
32. Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
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Height: 6'1 1/4"
Weight: 303 pounds
Although he's not a traditional 3-4 defensive linemen just yet, he has the athleticism to play the position well. He put up an NFL Scouting Combine record with 49 bench press reps of 225 pounds. That's a beast right there.
He holds his ground well against the run, and he can even make an impact as a pass rusher. His punishing attitude would be welcome on the Patriots' defensive front.
31. Mikel LeShoure, RB Illinois
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Height: 6'0"
Weight: 230 pounds
What a beast this guy would be in the backfield with Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. If LeShoure is able to beat down those defensive backs and linebackers, it will really open things up for the speedy Woodhead to hit some home runs as he usually does.
In that regard, this guy carries shades of Brandon Jacobs.
On the other hand, he gets caught tap-dancing in the backfield and being indecisive at times. He also tends to run into his offensive line.
In that regard, this guy carries shades of Laurence Maroney.
I think you get the hint.
30. Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 321 pounds
He has sound technique in both pass protection and in the running game. He's very light on his feet, and does well against agile pass rushers.
Upon further review, the main problems with Sherrod are his lack of toughness and strength. He's somewhat susceptible to the bull rush, which may not bode so well for him in the AFC East—the only division in the NFL where every defense is a 3-4.
29. Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
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Height: 6'6"
Weight: 259 pounds
I don't want to hear anyone say that Rudolph can be ruled out of the Patriots' draft class. Conventional wisdom would certainly say so, as the Patriots used a second and fourth-round pick on tight ends last year, both of whom contributed to the offense.
But Belichick is far from a conventional coach.
Mike Mayock said himself, "This guy is Rob Gronkowski." Not only in terms of his size, though; he's just as well-rounded as both a blocker and a pass-catcher as Gronkowski. Adding Rudolph would make the offense both unpredictable and dynamic out of their two tight-end sets. How many teams can say they have that option?
28. Brandon Harris, CB Miami
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Height: 5'11"
Weight: 191 pounds
The New England Patriots don't look for big, physical cornerbacks. Their fleet is all under six-feet tall. Even Devin McCourty, their first-round pick from last year, is just 5'11".
What matters most to New England is the player's versatility in coverage, playing on both sides of the field, and disguising. Harris can do all that and so much more. He isn't afraid to get scrappy in run defense either, and he's effective in doing so.
Harris would be a great fit for the Patriots in the slot, which happens to be where they need the most help.
27. Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
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Height: 5'9"
Weight: 212 pounds
ESPN's Scouts, Inc. calls Williams a great competitor who has the athleticism to contribute in the NFL, and the speed to make an impact. He has the shifty quickness to get into open space, and the speed to take it for a big gain.
A very well-rounded running back like Ryan Williams will certainly find himself useful in the Patriots' backfield. Where he could improve, according to NFL.com, is on third down. He must also improve in ball security, having fumbled five times in 2009. He only fumbled once in 2010, though, but was plagued by injury and off the field for a good part of the year.
26. Danny Watkins, OG/OT Baylor
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Height: 6'3"
Weight: 310 pounds
The big knock on Danny Watkins is his age. Of course, it's a huge disadvantage to spend a first-round pick on a guy who is already 27-years-old. But look at it this way: Logan Mankins has been with the team seven years, and he may be gone this year anyway.
Watkins' versatility makes him a great utility player on the offensive line, and his mean streak makes him a prime candidate for the interior of the Patriots' offensive line.
He has very limited experience with football, only having played for three years. Still, he exhibits sound technique and would be a prime candidate for Dante Scarnecchia to mold into a star.
25. Allen Bailey, DE Miami
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 288 pounds
Judging by the number of times the Patriots have visited with and worked out Bailey, one might think the Pats were ready to spend the first overall pick on him (if they owned it).
Not so fast, my friend. Call it Belichick doing his due diligence on a player who he has some doubts about. Those visits were likely to get a feel for Bailey's football IQ, and testing what level of versatility Bailey can offer the Patriots' defense.
He played different spots on Miami's 4-3 defensive line all through college and, although he's not a prototype 3-4 lineman, he can add a lot in sub packages.
24. Rahim Moore, S UCLA
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Height: 6'0"
Weight: 202 pounds
We all know how much the Patriots love their ball hawks in the secondary, and Moore has proven to be just that by picking off 14 passes in his college career, including 10 last year.
The one thing that jumps off the page is that he was voted a team captain as a junior. The Patriots took at least five such players in last year's draft. They feel that level of respect from one's peers says a lot about that person.
He is this year's best cover safety, and has great recovery speed in that regard. He's not very big, and will never be much of an impact in the running game. He may not be a true three-down safety in the NFL.
23. Justin Houston, DE Georgia
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Height: 6'2 7/8"
Weight: 270 pounds
As a pass rusher, there's little question that Justin Houston can immediately improve just about any defense. He projects more as a 4-3 defensive end, even though he played outside linebacker in a 3-4 last year.
Scouts across the web have commented that they would like to see more effort out of Houston against the run. Any lack of effort probably won't strike a positive note with Belichick.
Still, Houston is the safest pick of the outside linebackers in terms of his transition to a 3-4. Without a true veteran presence at outside linebacker, the Patriots need to get someone who already understands his responsibilities on that front.
22. Nate Solder, OT Colorado
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Height: 6'8"
Weight: 319 pounds
Like many other offensive tackle prospects in this draft, Nate Solder has great feet but needs to get stronger and have more consistent technique. That's where the strength and conditioning coaches, as well as Dante Scarnecchia, come into play.
He got worked on a bit at the Senior Bowl, but he needs to continue to develop his game against pass rushers with a larger arsenal of moves at their disposal. If he works on his technique against skilled pass rushers, he could be a long-term starter at either tackle spot.
21. Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College
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Height: 6'7"
Weight: 311 pounds
Castonzo could be a great fit for the Patriots' style of offense. In NFL.com's scouting report on Castonzo, they say he, "would be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme or on a club that loves the screen game." We all know how much the Patriots love their screens.
The problem I have with Castonzo is that he isn't a very powerful guy, even at his size. NFL.com goes on to say Castonzo, "will probably never be a favorable matchup when facing bigger, more powerful NFL defensive linemen." In the AFC East, where every team runs a 3-4 defense, he'll be facing those bigger, more powerful defensive linemen at least six times a year, in some of the most important games of the season.
20. Clint Boling, OG/C Georgia
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 308 pounds
Boling may not be the most polished prospect on the line in this draft, but he has the right mentality to make an impact early. Plus, he played against top competition in the SEC playing in Georgia his entire career.
He's versatile, playing on both the inside and outside of the line. He's also durable, having never missed a game to injury. These traits seem to have the words "Patriots prospect" written all over them. Most of all, he's a tough competitor who doesn't back down from a challenge, and takes pride in getting under his opponent's skin.
19. Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 295 pounds
In addition to his strong bloodline (his father is fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward) Cameron Heyward is a talented lineman who can get after the quarterback. He played in different spots on a four-man front in Ohio, but could play end in a three-man front and kick inside on passing downs.
He has even drawn the "oh-no-you-didn't" comparison to Richard Seymour on occasion.
The asset that will probably serve him best is his ability to soak up blocks in the running game. This will allow the linebackers behind him to make the plays, as is the M.O. of the 3-4 defense. He's not as explosive as some would like to see but, again, that isn't as big of a deal in 3-4 defensive ends as in 4-3 ends.
18. Mike Pouncey, OG/C Florida
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 303 pounds
The comparisons between Maurkice Pouncey and his twin brother Mike should be kept to their relationship as twins. It's easy to say that Mike should be drafted high after the success Maurkice saw in his first year with the Steelers.
He's not, however, the same guy. He doesn't have the same toughness, the same violent edge as his brother. One thing he does share, however, is the awareness. He makes the right calls in protection, which will earn him a lot of points with Bill Belichick in their one-on-one sessions.
17. Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
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Height: 6'7"
Weight: 314 pounds
Carimi plays with attitude—something I think is important to the Patriots on the offensive line. Right now, Logan Mankins is really the only enforcer they have down there. If he walks away in free agency, they have no one down there to bring that piss and vinegar.
He will need to get stronger, but his attitude would go a long way in helping him transition to the NFL level. NFL.com says of Carimi, "His non-stop motor, coupled with his ideal size, make him a terror in the running game and he has enough athleticism to hold his own in pass protection."
16. Aaron Williams, CB Texas
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Height: 5'11 7/8"
Weight: 204 pounds
Cornerback may not be one of the biggest needs for the Patriots, but Williams would solidify the nickel package in the secondary with his physical style of play and his ability to make plays in the running game.
He's an above average cover guy with good ball skills, even if he can get caught guessing too much. Honing his discipline would be the first step to building this prospect into a future starter on the outside.
15. Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
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Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 pounds
I've gone on (at length) with my thoughts on Mark Ingram and the Patriots drafting a running back in the first round. What with the success the Pats had in 2010 using two overlooked/underrated backs, it would seem they understand the value a back like that can give them.
There is, however, a point at which the value Ingram would add is better than that of a player at another position.
Ingram was very productive at Alabama, winning the Heisman in 2009 and rushing for 3,261 yards and 42 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He's a "football player" in the purest sense, with good character, no injury concerns, and that all-important Belichick connection with head coach Nick Saban.
14. Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 263 pounds
Let's just come right out and say it: It's damn near impossible to find a "perfect" fit at outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 system. Nearly all of the prospects have their faults, even in this year's top-heavy draft class of pass rushers. Count Kerrigan among them.
Kerrigan reminds me a lot of Clay Matthews as a prospect coming out of college. He's got a lot of talent as a pass rusher and can really set the edge well, but the question is whether he can drop into coverage. Although there's no film of him doing so, he looked pretty good in coverage drills at the combine. Still, the tape don't lie.
13. Brooks Reed, DE Arizona
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Height: 6'3"
Weight: 263 pounds
Tedy Bruschi has already given the Arizona DE/OLB hybrid the stamp of approval. That could have as much to do with the two sharing an alma mater as with Reed's pass rush potency. But something tells me Bruschi feels just as strongly as I do that Reed could add a new dimension to the Patriots' defense.
There are conflicting reports in regards to whether the Patriots have met with Reed privately. There are also concerns that he's something of a "workout warrior". He does have a variety of pass rush moves, though. He even has the strength to set the edge against the run, and to disengage from blockers to make the play in space.
Regardless, Belichick is very diligent and will find a way to crack the code.
12. Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
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Height: 6'0"
Weight: 206 pounds
Huh? From No. 2 all the way down to 12? In just three weeks?
Well, just two days after my first big board was posted, Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly wrote this gem about Peterson. One NFL decision maker told him on the condition of anonymity, "Peterson plays like a low-test guy, but [if] he’s in ‘cat’ [man-to-man] coverage in the NFL, it’s not as big of an issue as it will be for offensive guys."
A long-time evaluator also told Nawrocki, “[Peterson's] strong suit is that he can run and press. He won’t play for the Patriots, where he’s disguising coverage after coverage, but I still think he can be a No. 1 shutdown corner.”
I don't disagree that he could be a shutdown corner in the NFL, but not in New England's system. The Patriots rely on their ability to disguise in coverage, and if Peterson can't do that, he may not be a fit for the defense.
11. Tyron Smith, OT USC
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 307 pounds
I commented in the previous big board that Smith didn't have ideal size. That was when he weighed 290 pounds. Now, at 307, with the athleticism to block speed rushers off the edge and the strength to hold his own as a run-blocker, it would appear Smith is now the ideal prospect at tackle.
Not so fast, my friends. With four simple but meaningful words, NFL.com caused Smith's Patriots-specific stock to plummet: "Football IQ is lacking."
The Patriots brought him to their facilities for one of their 30 pre-draft "official visits" in a move that was likely used to gauge that football IQ. The intrigue is there on behalf of the Patriots—the question now is whether that translates into the Patriots selecting him.
10. Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
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Height: 6'3"
Weight: 243 pounds
In terms of his size, Von Miller isn't exactly a perfect fit for the Patriots defense. He'll be asked to go up against much larger offensive tackles in the NFL, and might get engulfed by guys who outweigh him by nearly 100 pounds.
That was the case at the Senior Bowl.
However, with 83 plays (32.5 sacks, 50.5 tackles for loss) behind the line of scrimmage in his collegiate career, he averaged 1.77 per game. That many games with that kind of production also suggests he's not a one-year wonder like some.
9. Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260 pounds
Although a raw prospect, the potential is there for Aldon Smith to transition to the 3-4 defense. He has said himself, though, that "The more I learn about the 3-4, the more I like it." That shows just how raw he really is. The big question is whether he can handle the mental demands of outside linebacker in a 3-4 along with the physical demands.
The Patriots have already held a private workout with Aldon, so the interest is there. It now becomes a question of whether he's done enough for New England to pull the trigger.
8. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 pounds
Wilkerson has moved up a whole five spots since the previous version of my big board. In terms of his measureables, not many are a better fit in the three-man front of the Patriots' scheme. As if the above weren't enough, his 35-inch arms will surely keep blockers at bay and allow for the linebackers to make plays behind him.
Not only does he draw double-teams, but he can beat them consistently. Of course, the double-teams he'll face in the NFL will be more chock-full of talent than the ones he faced at Temple, but the talent and athleticism are both there.
7. Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
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Height: 6'0"
Weight: 206 pounds
When the Patriots held a private workout with Prince Amukamara, it only proved the point that they will take whoever it is that gives them the best value whenever it is they decide to pick.
He may not get a lot of interceptions—five total, all in 2009—but that is more a result of teams not throwing to his side of the field. He's such a good cover corner that receivers are barely open when he's on them.
The Patriots had problems in the secondary last year and, though getting Leigh Bodden back will help, Belichick knows better than anyone that cornerbacks are like pitchers—you can never have too many.
6. Julio Jones, WR Alabama
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Height: 6'2 3/4"
Weight: 220 pounds
People try to nitpick Julio's game, but one thing that can't be denied is that he has the toughness and competitive nature necessary to make the transition to the NFL.
He participated in the combine on a foot with a stress fracture.
There's no doubt that he would bring back the big play "field stretcher" element that the Patriots lost when they traded Randy Moss. If that weren't enough, his talents after the catch have "Patriots" written all over them, and he's a threat to take it to the house anytime the ball's in his hands.
5. Cameron Jordan, DE California
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 287 pounds
Cameron Jordan has a football pedigree; his father was Steve Jordan, tight-end for the Vikings.
Not only does Jordan have the bloodline, he also has experience in a 3-4 scheme at California. He doesn't bring a lot to the table in terms of his ability to rush the passer, but 3-4 defensive ends are hardly asked to do that. Their job is more gap control, and Jordan has that part down.
NFL.com's player profile says Jordan, "has good strength at the point of attack, plays with sound positioning, locates the ball carrier, gets off blocks and uses his good quickness and agility against the run." He may not be the prototypical 3-4 defensive end in terms of his size, but if that profile is accurate, I can't think of many who would be a better fit than Jordan.
He could also contribute to the sub package pass defense, kicking inside to collapse the middle of the pocket on those key third downs.
4. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina
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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 265 pounds
As a defensive-end outside-linebacker hybrid, the Patriots will like that he has some experience dropping into coverage—and, of course, all that pass rush potency. There's little question that Quinn's best asset is his explosion. He has the burst to get around the edge consistently, but could really improve by widening his array of pass rush moves.
He's not really strong enough to hold up at the point of attack when teams run directly at him, but could add some bulk to his frame without losing too much athleticism. What he lacks in strength to set the edge, he makes up for in athleticism to get off the block and make the play in space.
While some teams might shy away due to his brain tumor, it seems to have humbled him and only strengthened his character. "The tumor really made me appreciate just the little things in life," Quinn told CBS Sports. "Don't take anything for granted. Live life to the fullest."
3. A.J. Green, WR Georgia
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Height: 6'3 5/8"
Weight: 211 pounds
The tallest receiver on the Patriots' roster is Brandon Tate, who stands at a dwarfish 6'1" compared to A.J. Green's enormous frame. From that much, it's clear what Green would add to the Patriots' receiving corps.
He's a big-play threat every time the ball is thrown his way. Tom Brady would love having a great deep ball option in Green, who caught 23 touchdowns in his collegiate career.
Not only that, Green is as selfless a receiver as you'll find. Not only is he willing to make the tough catches over the middle, but he also provides support as a run blocker. Those two qualities make him a perfect fit for the Patriots' locker room and offense.
2. J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
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Height: 6'5 3/8"
Weight: 290 pounds
NFL.com pegs Watt correctly when they say, "A hard-working, intelligent, relentless player." In fact, that's probably the characteristic I love most about Watt. He's got such a high motor and plays an inspirational style of football that gets the guys around him motivated. That intelligence will certainly serve him well when the Patriots sit him down for an interview, if that occurs.
In terms of his production ratio and explosion number, he's the creme of the crop in this draft class. He's a big, athletic guy who can be molded into the three-down starter at defensive end that the Patriots have lacked since the Richard Seymour trade.
Even though 3-4 defensive ends may not be asked to rush the passer, J.J. Watt knows how to get after the quarterback. He is a scheme-versatile defensive lineman who could offer the Patriots flexibility in their base 3-4 and sub packages.
1. Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
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Height: 6'3"
Weight: 319 pounds
This spot remains unchanged from my previous big board. There's little to no hope for the Patriots to land him, as they'd have to trade into the top three to pick him up.
Having played in the 3-4 in Alabama under Belichick's good buddy, Nick Saban, there's little doubt that Dareus would fit in with the Patriots. He's a little big for a 3-4 defensive end, but he could always trim up a bit.
For a guy his size, he can get after the quarterback well. He uses a variety of pass rush moves, and can also collapse the pocket with his shear strength.
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