NFL Draft 2011: Analysis of the New England Patriots' Private Workouts, Part 3
The 2011 NFL Draft is just over four weeks away, and this is truly an exciting time of year to be a New England Patriots fan. The news feeds have been thoroughly overloaded with news of private workouts being held by the Pats.
This past week brought us a lot of news on that front, and my third installment of this series is more player-packed than either of the previous two.
And for anyone hoping the Patriots will take players to help their pass rush, there are a total of six defensive ends and outside linebackers on this list.
There's a lot to go over, so let's not waste any more time.
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Jeff Van Camp—QB, Florida Atlantic
1 of 19
Height: 6'5 1/4"
Weight: 218 pounds
Van Camp possesses nearly a perfect build for the quarterback position.That's about all he has that's NFL ready, though. He avoids taking a hit at all costs, and is far too easily flustered when the pressure is coming.
He has a great deal of work to do in terms of his accuracy and decision making.
If drafted, it would be tough for Van Camp to make the roster unless he really did something to dazzle Belichick and/or some scouts in his interviews.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3 or undrafted free agency
Ricky Stanzi—QB, Iowa
2 of 19
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 223 pounds
Like most college quarterbacks, Ricky Stanzi has all the physical tools to succeed at the next level. It's his fundamentals and decision-making that need some work.
He has some work to do in terms of his accuracy, too, but that's what makes him a late-round prospect. In fact, he would be a solid third-string quarterback if the Patriots feel they're in the market for one.
To draft one as high as they'd need to draft Stanzi, though, may make it a low-value decision.
Where the Patriots could get him: 4th or 5th round
Lester Jean—WR, Florida Atlantic
3 of 19
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215 pounds
When it comes to making catches over the middle, Jean could improve. His concentration breaks at times and makes him susceptible to drops.
When it comes to stretching the field, tracking down the deep throw and taking the top off a defense, Jean is at his best in those situations. He thrives in one-on-one match-ups where he can use his big frame and make the catch over his head and away from his body. He has decent acceleration, but only ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the Combine.
He's a very raw prospect, but that athleticism will make him a commodity. Whether his poor route-running and one-dimensional style of play disqualify him from the Patriots board remains to be seen.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3 or undrafted free agency
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Jeremy Ross—WR, California
4 of 19
Height: 5'11 7/8"
Weight: 209 pounds
California always seems to produce undersized but physically gifted receivers. Ross falls into both categories, running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day while also posting a vertical leap of 39 inches.
He got by on speed in college, and did most of his damage in the return game. He will need to polish his route-running if he's going to be a success in the NFL.
With proper coaching, he would provide the Patriots that field-stretching threat they need.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3 or undrafted free agency
Robert Housler—TE, Florida Atlantic
5 of 19
Height: 6'5 3/8"
Weight: 248 pounds
Rob Housler has added some weight, but still isn't as big as some teams would like for their tight ends to be. He has the ball skills, speed and overall football skills that scouts and coaches want.
He's very much in the same mold as Aaron Hernandez, in that he could play the H-back position comfortably but it remains to be seen how he transitions as a prototypical tight end. What he adds as a pass-catcher, though, can't be denied. He can stretch the middle of the field vertically, and makes the tough catches over the middle, too.
Still, in terms of adding a new dimension to the Patriots' offense, Housler's not a good direction to look in.
Where the Patriots could get him: 4th or 5th round
Brandon Fusco—C, Slippery Rock
6 of 19
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 306 pounds
Although still a raw prospect in terms of his fundamentals, Fusco has a great build and an even better attitude for the NFL. He won several awards for being one of the nation's top DII offensive linemen. Obviously, that's DII, and this is the NFL, so there's a big transition to be made.
He's not a very explosive individual, though, only posting 22 reps in the 225-pound bench press. This leads me to believe he could be manhandled at the point of attack by bigger defensive linemen, which he would be facing a lot of in the AFC East where every team runs a 3-4 front.
Where the Patriots could get him: 5th round
William Rackley—OG, Lehigh
7 of 19
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 303 pounds
The Patriots love targeting mid- and late-round offensive linemen. They feel it gives them a good value, because their offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is so good at what he does.
Rackley isn't even one of the more raw prospects that the Patriots have scouted. He already has sound technique in both pass protection and in the running game. He is, however, a little less gifted physically speaking. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, but he's not the type of mauler a team typically wants their interior linemen to be.
Small school prospects always have the question mark of whether they can translate to the NFL, where everyone was the big dog on their campus.
One thing he has going for him is that he was a team captain at Lehigh, a trait the Patriots put a lot of stock in last year when they drafted at least five captains.
Where the Patriots could get him: 3/74 or 92
Chris Hairston—OT, Clemson
8 of 19
Height: 6'6 1/8"
Weight: 325 pounds
That is one mountain of man. And he can move a bit better than one would expect from a man of his size. Still, he's a bit more susceptible to speed rushers with quickness than bull rushers with strength, as he can match up toe-to-toe with some strong guys and win.
He plays with a purpose, though one would like to see a little more piss-and-vinegar in him.
He's a better run blocker than a pass blocker, so he might not be an ideal fit for the Patriots offensive line, but he has a lot of potential that can be molded into a good fit with time.
Overall, he has a high ceiling if he is coached well. He would make a great student in the Dante Scarnecchia school of protection.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3
Marvin Austin—DT, North Carolina
9 of 19
Height: 6'1 5/8"
Weight: 309 pounds
His athleticism is through the roof, and he even showed up on my explosion ratio radar, but his production number doesn't quite speak to a first-round talent. His ceiling is through the roof, but his questionable work ethic and inconsistent motor could cause him to flame out.
When he's giving his all, though, watch out. He's a force to be reckoned with both as a pass rusher and in run defense. He could work on his technique as a pass rusher, but he has boulder-like strength and good quickness to boot.
All this makes me think that although he could be a great steal in the early-third round, he won't make it nearly that far. Several teams will be anxious to add his explosion to the middle of their defense and immediately improve their run defense.
Where the Patriots could get him: 2/60
Muhammad Wilkerson—DL, Temple
10 of 19
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 pounds
He may not have experience in the 3-4, but 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.
As it is, he'll be a great addition to the Patriots' interior pass rush, but he will also be able to use his big frame to soak up blockers and open things up for the linebackers.
The Patriots would have a great developmental prospect and a future three-down starter on their defensive line with the selection of Wilkerson.
Where the Patriots could get him: 1/28 or 2/33
Cameron Jordan—DE, California
11 of 19
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 287 pounds
Patriots fans across New England must be excited at the fact that Jordan has worked out for the team. NESN.com's Jeff Howe gave a gushing review of Jordan and how well he fits the Patriots system.
In that regard, Jordan might rank in the top five in this draft class. He won't add a lot to the pass rush on his own, which might have some casual fans rolling their eyes. He would add to the team pass rush, however, by drawing double-teams and opening things up for the outside linebackers. He has great gap discipline and knows what the Patriots want to do.
In terms of safe bets and value picks, Cameron Jordan might be exactly where need meets opportunity.
Where the Patriots could get him: 1/17
Brooks Reed—DE/OLB, Arizona
12 of 19
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 263 pounds
As always, there are plenty of "hybrid" pass rush prospects in this draft. Typically speaking, Patriots fans shouldn't get their hopes too high for the Patriots to draft any of them, because until last year, the Patriots had never drafted one in the second or first round. Drafting Florida DE/OLB Jermaine Cunningham could signal a changing of the guard.
Reed is one of the more talented hybrids in this class, too, in that he can both rush the passer and set the edge effectively. Although he has a solid repertoire of effective pass rush moves, he hasn't shown a lot in terms of dropping into coverage.
One other knock on him is that he seems to get by on his effort. Belichick will love how hard he works, but effort alone won't do it on Sundays.
Where the Patriots could get him: 1/28 or 2/33
Rick Elmore—DE/OLB, Arizona
13 of 19
Height: 6'4 1/2"
Weight: 255 pounds
Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore both played the same position and project out similarly in the NFL, although Reed is a much higher-rated prospect than Elmore.
In terms of his character, Elmore's a great fit for the Patriots. He's a hard worker who buys into the team concept. In terms of hybrid prospects that fit the Patriots scheme, though, it's a tough call.
NE Patriots Draft's James Christenson assesses Elmore as a little too tight in the hips for the outside linebacker position in the 3-4. Not only does he have trouble taking a quick path to the quarterback, looping around offensive tackles more frequently than cutting inside, but he doesn't have that all-important experience dropping into coverage.
Where the Patriots could get him: 3/92 or 4th round
D'Aundre Reed—DE/OLB, Arizona
14 of 19
Height: 6'3 7/8"
Weight: 261 pounds
Three hybrid prospects? From the same school? Talk about doing your diligence, Belichick is really turning all the furniture over in Arizona.
D'Aundre Reed isn't the pass rush presence that either Elmore or Brooks Reed are, but he's a bit more well-rounded in terms of setting the edge in run defense. Just like the other two, though, he doesn't have a great deal of experience dropping into coverage. That doesn't mean he can't, it just means he hasn't. He has, however, shown some tight hips when playing in space.
One player on the Patriots roster he bears a lot of resemblance to is Jermaine Cunningham. Not the best pass rusher, but a guy who can set the edge consistently and can occasionally get some pressure on the quarterback. That gives me the feeling the Patriots won't pull the trigger on Reed.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3
Eli Joseph—DE, Temple
15 of 19
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 243 pounds
Just looking at his dimensions, it's easy to see that Joseph isn't a prototypical 3-4 linebacker in any sense. He would project as an ILB in a 4-3, with neither the size to play SLB nor the speed to play WLB. In that sense, the Patriots are already set on the inside with Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes the duo of the future.
If nothing else, his ability to, "improve each season due to hard work on and off the field" as written by ESPN's Scouts, Inc. will make him a favorite of Belichick's. He's a solid run defender, with quick feet and good balance to stay at home against quicker backs. He's still a bit raw on third downs, but has the physical tools to contribute in this area.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3 or undrafted free agency
Mike Muhammad—ILB, California
16 of 19
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 239 pounds
Much like Joseph, it appears Mohamed isn't much of a fit for the Patriots' 3-4 system from the looks of his measurables. This leads Pats Propaganda's Mike Dussault to believe that the Patriots are looking to get more athletic in the linebacking corps.
Unfortunately, Mohamed isn't very athletic. According to Scouts, Inc. he knows where he needs to be in coverage, but still struggles due to his marginal athleticism. His football intelligence comes in handy against the run, allowing him to get into position quickly to compensate for his lack of closing burst.
Despite all that, he made plays throughout college. With 283 tackles, seven sacks, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles in the past three years, the proof's in the pudding.
A poor fit, and a player who's not at a position of need, have me thinking Mohamed won't be wearing Patriots blue next fall.
Where the Patriots could get him: Day 3
Michael Lockley—ILB, Florida Atlantic
17 of 19
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 237 pounds
This is the third prospect that the Patriots are scouting that doesn't look like a fit physically speaking, and also who plays a position where the Patriots appear set (at least to the naked eye).
Lockley is a physical specimen, though, and posted a 70.8 explosion number at the Florida Atlantic Pro Day, along with a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. That's not elite speed, but there's no denying that Lockley could bring a physical presence to the Patriots linebacking corps.
Still, the biggest question for every defensive prospect is how they contribute to the pass defense, specifically in the sub package. As athletic as he is, he didn't log a single interception or a pass defended in his collegiate career.
When the Patriots could get him: Day 3 or undrafted free agency
Prince Amukamara—CB, Nebraska
18 of 19
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 206 pounds
The Patriots have improved their secondary over the past few years by adding Leigh Bodden and Devin McCourty, but the work is far from done. Belichick knows as well as anyone that you can never have too many cornerbacks. Still, the Patriots don't really need one badly enough to warrant trading up for one.
He can do it all, but like anyone, he has his strong suit. A physical corner, Amukamara is at his best in man coverage when he's allowed to press the receiver. He's no slouch in zone, either. Still, it's unclear as to whether he can disguise frequently enough to fit the Patriots system.
Not only was he named a First Team All-American, he was also named to the 2010 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team. It's clear from his Huskers.com profile that Amukamara is the type of leader that teams love to select in the first round.
Where the Patriots could get him: trade up into the top 10/15
Buster Skrine—CB, UT-Chattanooga
19 of 19
Height: 5'9 1/2"
Weight: 186 pounds
For a small school prospect to get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine proves that there must be at least some level of interest in him among NFL scouts. After running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds, that interest is probably perked a bit.
With his smallish frame, he may have a tough time playing in the nickel where he'll have to give consistent run support—something he's not very solid at. He also lacks the smoothness in his hips to make quick changes in direction, a key trait when assessing potential slot cornerbacks.
He's a raw football player, but a physical specimen nonetheless. Perhaps he could be the latest project for Matt Patricia.
Where the Patriots could get him: 5th or 6th round
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