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2011 NFL Draft: The Ultimate New England Patriots Draft Big Board
Tony SantorsaApr 12, 2011
The 2011 NFL draft is almost here—it's just two weeks away.
As we inch closer and closer, we can start to picture how the way the draft is going to go. We all have our favorite prospects that we want our beloved team to pick along with our "sleeper" picks and our "bust" picks.
Every team in the NFL has a draft big board—a board ranking every single prospect in their own opinion. Each team's front office factors in the team's needs, the player's value, potential, and talent.
One of the more complex, and rather interesting draft boards would likely be Bill Belichick's, the head coach of the New England Patriots.
If I were Belichick, this is how my big board would go—ranking the top 50 prospects.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
Nos. 50-36
1 of 36
50. Kendall Hunter, Running Back, Oklahoma State
49. Danny Watkins, Offensive Linemen, Baylor
48. Titus Young, Wide Receiver, Boise State
47. Brandon Burton, Cornerback, Utah
46. Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame
45. Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Maryland
44. Marvin Austin, Defensive Linemen, North Carolina
43. Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
42. Marcus Cannon, Offensive Linemen, TCU
41. Clint Boling, Offensive Linemen, Georgia
40. Stephen Wisniewski, Center, Penn State
39. Corey Liguet, Defensive Linemen, Illinois
38. Martez Wilson, Linebacker, Illinois
37. Jonathan Baldwin, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh
36. Stephen Pea, Defensive Tackle, Oregon State
35. Leonard Hankerson, Wide Receiver, Miami
2 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Pros
- Great size, making him a large target
- Nice speed to go along with his height
- Crafty and solid route runner
- Above average deep threat
Cons
- Loses concentration
- Straight line runner—has trouble maintaining speed while changing direction
34. Ryan Williams, Running Back, Virginia Tech
3 of 36
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Pros
- Well balanced runner
- Lowers shoulder rather than absorbing hit
- Very good field vision
- Explosive runner with great break away speed
- Does not hesitate in the backfield—hits the hole hard
Cons
- Lacks experience—only played two seasons at Virginia Tech
- Speed isn't elite
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33. Phil Taylor, Nose Tackle, Baylor
4 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 340 lbs.
Pros
- Massive size and presence
- Anchors defensive line
- Requires multiple blockers
- Can play in 3-4 and 4-3 defenses
Cons
- Doesn't always use low leverage
- Lazy—poor work ethic
32. Mikel Leshoure, Running Back, Illinois
5 of 36
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Pros
- NFL-ready size
- Possesses "game speed"
- Quality receiver coming out of the backfield
- Explosive—great acceleration
Cons
- Hesitates before hitting the hole
31. Brooks Reed, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End, Arizona
6 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Pros
- Great football instincts—has a real nose for the ball
- Always making a tackle
- Solid tackler
- Plays with great leverage
Cons
- Needs to add more muscle
- Poor pass coverage skills
- Easily blocked
30. Aaron Williams, Cornerback, Texas
7 of 36
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Pros
- Play-maker—great ball skills
- Does a good job at reading the quarterback's eyes
- Comes up on the run very quickly
- Solid man-to-man coverage skills
Cons
- Isn't the fastest defensive back—4.52 forty-yard dash time
- Needs to bulk up to match-up against physical receivers
29. Allen Bailey, Defensive Linemen, Miami
8 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Pros
- Explosive at the snap of the ball
- Great athlete
- Does a good job at shedding blocks and making plays afterwards
Cons
- Lacks pass rushing moves
- Does not have one defined position
28. Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami
9 of 36
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Pros
- Elite speed (4.43 40-yard dash time)
- Great closing speed on the ball / receiver
- Solid run support
Cons
- Lacks height
- Needs to improve tackling skills
27. Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
10 of 36
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Pros
- Perfect NFL size
- Three year starter in the SEC
- Great at blitz pick-ups
- Plays with nice balance and leverage
Cons
- May not be an NFL left tackle
26. Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA
11 of 36
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Pros
- Play-maker—10 interceptions in 2009
- Leader
- High football IQ
- Best fits as a free safety
Cons
- Lacks strength—lanky body frame
- Has trouble shedding blocks
25. Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue
12 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Pros
- Hard worker
- Good fit as a 3-4 OLB
- Quality run stopper
- Great pass rusher
Cons
- Plays too high
- Must gain more strength
24. Cameron Heyward, Defensive End, Ohio State
13 of 36
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 290 lbs.
Pros
- Ideal size to be a 3-4 defensive end
- Sheds blocks very well
- Great nose for the ball
Cons
- "Disappears" during games
- Needs to learn more pass rush moves
23. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
14 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 26\85 lbs.
Pros
- Never gives up on plays—relentless player
- Fits well as a 3-4 defensive end
- Very aggressive
- Plays with a mean streak
Cons
- Character issues
- Struggles against the run
22. Nate Solder, Offensive Tackle, Colorado
15 of 36
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 325 lbs.
Pros
- Athletic—former tight end
- Very large frame
- Solid run and pass blocker
Cons
- Arm length is short for his height
- Developmental project—not NFL ready
21. Justin Houston, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
16 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Pros
- Amazing athlete
- Plays with a high motor
- Great pressuring coming off of the edge
Cons
- Needs more experience in pass coverage
- Raw talent—needs to develop
20. Mike Pouncey, Offensive Linemen, Florida
17 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 lbs.
Pros
- Very versatile—can play center or guard
- Strong at the point of attack
- Great balance
Cons
- Needs to use his hands more
19. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
18 of 36
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Pros
- NFL quarterback size
- 40 career starts at Washington
- Great pocket presence, good on his feet
- Can make NFL throws
Cons
- At times, very inaccurate
- Tends to force the ball
18. Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive End, Temple
19 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 315 lbs.
Pros
- Very athletic for size and weight
- Fits well as a 3-4 defensive end
- Phenomenal bull rush move
Cons
- Plays with high leverage
- Only played at Temple— quality of talent is low
17. Gabe Carimi, Offensive Linemen, Wisconsin
20 of 36
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 315 lbs.
Pros
- Ideal size for an NFL offensive linemen
- Great strength
- Very smart—high football IQ
- Outstanding run block and average pass blocker
Cons
- At times, plays too high
- Not an NFL left tackle quite yet
16. Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
21 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Pros
- Well-rounded outside linebacker
- Fits well in the 3-4
- Strong tackler—especially in space
- Play-maker
- Great against the run and pass
Cons
- Needs to develop more pass rush moves
15. Aldon Smith, Defensive End, Missouri
22 of 36
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Pros
- Amazing natural talent—phenomenal athlete
- Plays with a hight motor—never gives up
- Fits well as a 3-4 pass rusher
- Still has a lot of potential
Cons
- Raw talent—needs to develop more
- Lacks elite strength
14. Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
23 of 36
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 307 lbs.
Pros
- Perfect athlete to play left tackle in the NFL
- Great footwork against speed rushers
- Still possesses a lot of potential
- Incredible agility for his position
Cons
- Still needs to develop
- Lanky frame—needs to add bulk
13. Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
24 of 36
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 310 lbs.
Pros
- Impressed New England Patriots' scouts at Boston College pro day
- Quality athletic and muscular frame
- Quick nimble feet—great footwork
- Natural knee bender
Cons
- Plays with high leverage
- Misses blocks in space
12. J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin
25 of 36
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 290 lbs.
Pros
- Perfect fit in New England's 3-4 defense as a defensive end
- Ideal body frame
- Great speed coming off the edge
- Natural Leader
- High football IQ
Cons
- Does not contain against the run very well
11. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
26 of 36
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Pros
- Great receiver out of the backfield
- Stud running back
- Excellent field vision
- Lowers shoulder well
- Explosive—great acceleration
- NFL-ready
Cons
- Recent knee injuries
- Does not have elite speed
10. Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
27 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 270 lbs.
Pros
- Incredible first step off of the ball
- Very explosive—great first initial hit
- Phenomenal athlete
- Requires a double-team at all times
Cons
- Slow at changing directions
- Does not play with low leverage
- Chronic knee injuries
9. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
28 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Pros
- Elite speed
- Great at jump balls
- Tall and physical receiver
- Played in pro-style offense
Cons
- Inconsistent hands
8. Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California
29 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 285 lbs.
Pros
- Reminds me off former Patriot Willie McGinest—can play "elephant position"
- Great speed and quickness coming off of the ball
- Has experience with 3-4 defense
- Ideal 3-4 defensive end
- Natural leader
- High football IQ
Cons
- Arrested for DUI in 2008
7. Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
30 of 36
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Pros
- Great height for a corner back
- Very physical at the snap of the ball
- Decent blitzer
Cons
- Does not recover well
6. Nick Fairley, Defensive Linemen, Auburn
31 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Amazingly fast for his size
- Quick burst at the snap of the ball
- Can apply pressure against the pass and run
Cons
- Potentially a "one-year wonder"
5. Marcell Dareus, Defensive End, Alabama
32 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 305 lbs.
Pros
- Very quick and athletic for his position
- Elite pass rusher
- Great against the run
- Can over power blockers
- Requires double-teams
Cons
- Lacks experience
- Endurance is an issue
4. Robert Quinn, Outside Linebacker / Defensive End, North Carolina
33 of 36
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265 lbs.
Pros
- Elite speed for his size (4.5 forty-yard dash)
- Versatile enough to play defensive end or outside linebacker in New England's 3-4 defense
- Great tackler
- Plays with a high motor—relentless pass rusher
Cons
- Missed entire 2010 season due to an NCAA suspension
3. Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
34 of 36
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 245 lbs.
Pros
- Possesses intangibles to be an elite NFL linebacker
- Amazing pass rusher
- Play-maker
- Matches up well against running backs and tight ends in coverage
- Perfect fit in the 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker
Cons
- Needs to bulk up—lacks muscle and size
- Has trouble shedding blockers
2. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Alabama
35 of 36
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Pros
- Elite size
- Has potential to be an NFL superstar
- Has great body control in jump balls
- Top of the tier speed
- Never drops a pass
- Makes at least one or two circus catches a game
Cons
- Below average blocker
- Needs to add strength
1. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
36 of 36
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Pros
- Freakish athlete—great speed and strength combination
- Great ball skills—ball hawk
- Great awareness and field vision
- Understands defensive schemes
- Has the ability to become an elite defensive back
- Very physical
- Great tackler
Cons
- Tends to be overly aggressive
- Needs to improve run support
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