Showing posts with label New England Patriots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New England Patriots. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2014
2014 NFL Draft Grades: AFC East
Ever since 2001, teams in the AFC East, for the most part, have been looking up at the New England Patriots. As long as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are with the patriots, everyone will be trying to catch up. Buffalo made the first big trade of the draft, and are pretty much going all in this year when they traded nest year's 1st Round pick along with an additional pick to move up and get Sammy Watkins. Along with their additional picks and offseason moves, Buffalo looks to make their move to the top of the AFC East.
Buffalo: B+ Best Pick: Sammy Watkins Late Round Sleeper: Cyril Richardson
Watkins is the playmaker the Bills desired and they made the big move to get him. Now last years first rounder, quarterback E.J. Manuel, has the big play weapon that can light the fire under the Bills offense. But the selection of tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and late round sleeper Cyril Richardson will give Manuel the protection he needs and open up running lanes for Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown. If Seantrel henderson can play up to his potential then the Bills will have a powerful o-line for years to come. Preston Brown is a tough inside linebacker who will help plug up the middle and stop the run.
Miami: B Best Pick: Jarvis Landry Late Round Sleeper: Jordan Tripp
Miami needed to rebuild their offensive line and may have reached to select Ja'wuan James at #19, but he is a solid right tackle that the the Dolphins can build around. Billy Turner is a mauler of an offensive lineman but is also a small school talent who will need to work his way into the line. Landry is a sure handed receiver that could become a go-to target for Ryan Tannehill. Tripp is an FCS star who will play like a BCS playmaker on defense.
New England: B- Best Pick: Jimmy Garoppolo Late Round Sleeper: Bryan Stork
The Patriots picked Dominique Easley in Round 1, and if the injury plagued defensive tackle can hold up physically then this pick will be a steal. But 2 ACL injuries in college makes one wonder if hen can withstand the rigors of the NFL trenches. Garoppolo is the latest heir apparent to Tom Brady, and now he may be the one who eventually replaces the future Hall of Famer. But the Patriots put a lot of draft pick eggs in one basket by selecting Stork, Cameron Fleming, and Jon Halapio to shore up the defensive line.
New York Jets: B+ Best Pick: Jace Amaro Late Round Sleeper: Jeremiah George
The Jets picked hard hitting safety Calvin Pryor in Round 1, and he looks to be the defensive enforcer in the middle of the field that Rex Ryan is looking for. Amaro gives Geno Smith a big target down the middle, and he should be targeted in play action with the free agent addition of Chris Johnson. Dexter McDougle should get plenty of action at corner now that he is healthy after a shoulder injury cost him most of last season. George can be a sleeper pick as an outside edge rusher in Ryan's 3-4 defense.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
TMG DraftZone 2013 NFL Draft Grades: AFC East
The New England Patriots continued their dominance of the AFC East, and as long as Bill Belichick is calling the shots and Tom Brady is calling the plays, things don't look to change any time soon. The Patriots also continued their tradition of trading down in the draft, while Buffalo, Miami and the Jets were making moves to catch up. Free agency was very good for the Dolphins, and they made the biggest splash in the draft to trade up to #3 and select Dion Jordan third overall. The Jets made their big move before the draft by trading Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay for the 13th overall pick, and the Bills made their move by trading down from #8 to #16 with the Rams. On a side note, I'd like to pat myself on the back just a bit by being one of the first mock drafters to have Tavon Austin going eighth in the draft. Playmakers are at a premium, and Austin was a player the Bills could use. So could the Rams, and they wanted him more and made the move up to get him. Buffalo then made the shocking move of the entire draft by selecting E.J. Manuel at #16 with the pick they got from St. Louis. Many see Manuel as needing work and seasoning, but with the Bills quarterback situation, he could very well be Day 1 starter for Buffalo. So here is the TMG DraftZone grades for the AFC East, with key selections and sleeper picks for each team:
Buffalo: B E.J. Manuel (QB)/Robert Woods (WR) Marquise Goodwin (WR)
The Bills immediate future is tied to Manuel, who has all the physical gifts to star in the NFL, his game is going to need some time to adjust, and the future of Manuel is tied to Woods. I don't put as much stock in workouts as game film, but just watch Woods catching balls from Matt Barkley at the USC Pro Day. He caught everything. Manuel and Woods could very well be the QB/WR combo to build around. Goodwin can find his place in the league because you can coach a player to play the game, but you can't coach them to be fast. As in what one analyst called him at the Senior Bowl practice as Spaceballs fast, because Goodwin has Ludicrous Speed. Players with that kind of speed can always make an inpact.
Miami: B+ Jamar Taylor (CB) Jelani Jenkins (LB)
The Dolphins made the bold move to move up and get their next Jason Taylor by selecting Dion Jordan at #3 overall, and they did it by not breaking the bank and only giving Oakland the #12 and #42 picks. Miami then got the cornerback that many looked for them to take at #12 in Round 2 by picking Jamar Taylor, who was seen as a late riser to the bottom of Round 1. Dallas Thomas could be the eventual replacement to Jake Long at right tackle. Jenkins needs to add some strength and bulk up just a bit, but he is a smart player who, if Jordan is Jason Taylor, Jenkins could be Zach Thomas.
New England B- Jamie Collins (LB) Logan Ryan (CB)
The proudest person coming out of the draft has to be the defensive coordinator at Rutgers, as just about all of his players now play for the Patriots. Ryan could have an immediate impact depending on what kind of punishment the league gives to Alfonzo Dennard, and Jamie Collins was overlooked by many just because he played on a team that went winless in 2012 at Southern Mississippi. But the previous year, they were conference champions and Collins is a talent that Belichick can mold into a solid pro.
NY Jets: C+ Sheldon Richardson (DT) Oday Aboushi (OT)
The Jets filled re-occupied Revis Island with Dee Milliner, the top rated cornerback in the draft. The pick of Richardson had many scratcing their heads, with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples already in place, but you can never have too many athletic defensive lineman who can get after the quarterback, and Richardson might be able to work his way into the starting rotation. The Jets only made their quarterback situation murkier by taking Geno Smith in Round 2, but now that Tim Tebow is out of the picture, Smith could also eventually become the starter. But the Jets did not address their need to get playmakers on offense, but Aboushi and Brian Winters can help solidify the offensive line.
Monday, May 2, 2011
AFC East Draft Grades: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are coming off of yet another AFC East title following a 14-2 regular season. But disappointment hit the Patriots once again after getting knocked out of the playoffs by division rival New York Jets at home. Bu New England went into the draft with three of the first 33 picks, and they were looking to reload. Their first selection at #17 was Nate Solder, the athletic 6'8 tackle from Colorado, who will team up with fellow man mountain Sebastian Vollmer to protect the edges for Tom Brady for years to come. New England traded their second pick in Round 1, and continued their philosophy of accumulating picks in later rounds.
New England got a cornerback at the top of Round 2 in Ras-I Dowling to pair up with last year's number one pick Devin McCourtey. Then the Patriots went for running back with a second round and third round pick in Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, respectively. But their second pick in Round 3 was the attention getter. Ryan Mallett was sitting there, and New England snared the strong armed quarterback. He will be groomed to be Tom Brady's replacement, or he will be the next Matt Cassel and be shipped out to a team in need of a quarterback who is willing to pay a high price.
New England didn't address their needs of rushing the passer or wide receiver. But it is futile to argue about the picks Bill Belichick makes. He makes them work out in the long run.
A late round sleeper pick for the Patriots looks to be Marcus Cannon, the mammoth guard from TCU selected in the fifth round. Cannon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and will undergo chemotherapy treatments. He may sit out 2011 while he recuperates, but if he can come back either this year or next with a clean bill of health he could be a fixture at guard for a long time.
Draft Grade: B+
New England got a cornerback at the top of Round 2 in Ras-I Dowling to pair up with last year's number one pick Devin McCourtey. Then the Patriots went for running back with a second round and third round pick in Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, respectively. But their second pick in Round 3 was the attention getter. Ryan Mallett was sitting there, and New England snared the strong armed quarterback. He will be groomed to be Tom Brady's replacement, or he will be the next Matt Cassel and be shipped out to a team in need of a quarterback who is willing to pay a high price.
New England didn't address their needs of rushing the passer or wide receiver. But it is futile to argue about the picks Bill Belichick makes. He makes them work out in the long run.
A late round sleeper pick for the Patriots looks to be Marcus Cannon, the mammoth guard from TCU selected in the fifth round. Cannon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and will undergo chemotherapy treatments. He may sit out 2011 while he recuperates, but if he can come back either this year or next with a clean bill of health he could be a fixture at guard for a long time.
Draft Grade: B+
Friday, April 29, 2011
Day 2 In The Books
Day 2 of the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books, and winners and losers are starting to surface among the teams. Some have been doing this for a long time. Some are getting better. Some have me scratching my head.
The New England Patriots always seem to own the draft. They have been accumulating top picks the last few years, and 2011 is no different. Even looking to next year, the Patriots have already picked up an additional first and second round pick. But for 2011, they have selected a left tackle in Nate Solder to pair with Sebastian Vollmer that could be called, with acknowledgements to Tom Clancy's Hunt For Red October, Thor's Twins. Both are 6'8, young and very athletic. Tom Brady is going to be well protected for a long time, and they even got his future replacement in Ryan Mallett, who fell all the way to Round 3. New England picked up a pair of running backs to fill a need in Round 2, but the pick who could turn out to be the most valuable might be Ras-I Dowling, a cornerback from Virginia. He has ideal size and speed to play corner in the NFL, but has battled injuries in college and could use some seasoning in the pros. But if he develops, New England will have a pair of top flight corners in Dowling and Devin McCourtey for years to come.
The New Orleans Saints for two elite players in Round 1, selecting Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. But the third round brought two more impact players in Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick. Wilson may be a bit raw, but he is a talented, gifted linebacker and Patrick looks to be a solid cover corner who also plays the run very well. The Saints got an infusion of talent at the running back position, where they had injuries all of 2010, and in all three facets of the defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals had an excellent draft in 2010, and this year has gotten off to a good start. A.J. Green was a near unanimous choice as the best offensive player in the draft, and with Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco Johnson most likely not returning he fills a glaring need. Carson Palmer doesn't look to be returning either, and the Bengals picked up Andy Dalton with the third pick of Round 2. Many draftniks had Dalton moving up into the first round, and Cincinnati was able to select him without having to trade up and relinquishing any of their other picks. Jay Gruden is going to install the West Coast system, and they will need a mobile, accurate quarterback to run the offense. Dalton is that, and he is a leader and a winner. Even if Palmer returns to Cincy, I can see Dalton taking over the starting spot during the season. Then the Bengals addressed the defensive side by taking Dontay Moch in Round 3. Moch is a disruptive force, who spends a lot of time in the opponents backfield. The Bengals could use Moch as a backup to Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga on the outside, and could line the three of them up together with Rodderick Muckleroy in some 3-4 schemes.
The Detroit Lions got perhaps the biggest steal of the draft when Nick Fairley fell all the way to #13, then they got two more solid picks in Round 2. Titus Young is the speed receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson, and Mikel Leshoure is the between the tackles workhorse to compliment Jahvid Best. The Lions need to keep Matthew Stafford healthy, and if they can address that need in Day 3 they will easily be one of the biggest winners of the draft.
The Houston Texans needed help on defense. A lot of help. And they got it and then some. J.J. Watt is the ideal 3-4 end, and in Round 2 they got an outside linebacker in Brooks Reed who can rush the passer. But one of the biggest steals of the draft has to be Brandon Harris going to Houston in Round 3. He may lack the ideal size, but Harris has speed and plays more physical than his stature might indicate. Harris was a popular late first round selection of many mock drafts, and I had him going #32 to Green Bay. He can pair up with Kareem Jackson to solidify the Texans pass coverage.
Then there is the Minnesota Vikings. They went into the draft needing a quarterback. And they got one. A lot higher than everyone thought Christian Ponder would be taken in the draft. Ponder is a good fit for the Vikings West Coast offense, but he may have to play right away unless Minnesota can acquire a veteran to hold the fort until he is ready. They also need to shore up the middle of the defensive line, add a receiver with Sidney Rice being a free agent and Percy Harvin with migraine issues, and the secondary needs help as well. So with their second round pick, the Vikings select...Kyle Rudolph. While Rudolph has the skills to be a top tight end in the NFL, and the Vikings could use some youth at the position, Minnesota could have also drafted Rahim Moore, Marcus Gilchrist, Marvin Austin, or Greg Little. I believe that any of these players may make a more immediate impact with the Vikings. But if you look at the players Minnesota could have had, Nick Fairley and Ryan Mallett were available and if they Vikings had picked those two, I don't see anyone looking at their draft and wondering what they were doing.
Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft is tomorrow. What surprises await teams, players and fans alike? We shall see.
The New England Patriots always seem to own the draft. They have been accumulating top picks the last few years, and 2011 is no different. Even looking to next year, the Patriots have already picked up an additional first and second round pick. But for 2011, they have selected a left tackle in Nate Solder to pair with Sebastian Vollmer that could be called, with acknowledgements to Tom Clancy's Hunt For Red October, Thor's Twins. Both are 6'8, young and very athletic. Tom Brady is going to be well protected for a long time, and they even got his future replacement in Ryan Mallett, who fell all the way to Round 3. New England picked up a pair of running backs to fill a need in Round 2, but the pick who could turn out to be the most valuable might be Ras-I Dowling, a cornerback from Virginia. He has ideal size and speed to play corner in the NFL, but has battled injuries in college and could use some seasoning in the pros. But if he develops, New England will have a pair of top flight corners in Dowling and Devin McCourtey for years to come.
The New Orleans Saints for two elite players in Round 1, selecting Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. But the third round brought two more impact players in Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick. Wilson may be a bit raw, but he is a talented, gifted linebacker and Patrick looks to be a solid cover corner who also plays the run very well. The Saints got an infusion of talent at the running back position, where they had injuries all of 2010, and in all three facets of the defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals had an excellent draft in 2010, and this year has gotten off to a good start. A.J. Green was a near unanimous choice as the best offensive player in the draft, and with Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco Johnson most likely not returning he fills a glaring need. Carson Palmer doesn't look to be returning either, and the Bengals picked up Andy Dalton with the third pick of Round 2. Many draftniks had Dalton moving up into the first round, and Cincinnati was able to select him without having to trade up and relinquishing any of their other picks. Jay Gruden is going to install the West Coast system, and they will need a mobile, accurate quarterback to run the offense. Dalton is that, and he is a leader and a winner. Even if Palmer returns to Cincy, I can see Dalton taking over the starting spot during the season. Then the Bengals addressed the defensive side by taking Dontay Moch in Round 3. Moch is a disruptive force, who spends a lot of time in the opponents backfield. The Bengals could use Moch as a backup to Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga on the outside, and could line the three of them up together with Rodderick Muckleroy in some 3-4 schemes.
The Detroit Lions got perhaps the biggest steal of the draft when Nick Fairley fell all the way to #13, then they got two more solid picks in Round 2. Titus Young is the speed receiver to compliment Calvin Johnson, and Mikel Leshoure is the between the tackles workhorse to compliment Jahvid Best. The Lions need to keep Matthew Stafford healthy, and if they can address that need in Day 3 they will easily be one of the biggest winners of the draft.
The Houston Texans needed help on defense. A lot of help. And they got it and then some. J.J. Watt is the ideal 3-4 end, and in Round 2 they got an outside linebacker in Brooks Reed who can rush the passer. But one of the biggest steals of the draft has to be Brandon Harris going to Houston in Round 3. He may lack the ideal size, but Harris has speed and plays more physical than his stature might indicate. Harris was a popular late first round selection of many mock drafts, and I had him going #32 to Green Bay. He can pair up with Kareem Jackson to solidify the Texans pass coverage.
Then there is the Minnesota Vikings. They went into the draft needing a quarterback. And they got one. A lot higher than everyone thought Christian Ponder would be taken in the draft. Ponder is a good fit for the Vikings West Coast offense, but he may have to play right away unless Minnesota can acquire a veteran to hold the fort until he is ready. They also need to shore up the middle of the defensive line, add a receiver with Sidney Rice being a free agent and Percy Harvin with migraine issues, and the secondary needs help as well. So with their second round pick, the Vikings select...Kyle Rudolph. While Rudolph has the skills to be a top tight end in the NFL, and the Vikings could use some youth at the position, Minnesota could have also drafted Rahim Moore, Marcus Gilchrist, Marvin Austin, or Greg Little. I believe that any of these players may make a more immediate impact with the Vikings. But if you look at the players Minnesota could have had, Nick Fairley and Ryan Mallett were available and if they Vikings had picked those two, I don't see anyone looking at their draft and wondering what they were doing.
Day 3 of the 2011 NFL Draft is tomorrow. What surprises await teams, players and fans alike? We shall see.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Draft Grades: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are becoming the favorite every year to make the most trades and wind up with the most draft picks. 2010 is no different. The Patriots wound up with 13 draft picks, and with an aging team they may be looking for an infusion of youth to help get them back on top.
Devin McCourtey should step into the secondary and help shore up the pass defense with solid man to man cover skills. He also provides depth in the return game. Second round selection Rob Gronkowski was considered the best blocking tight end in the draft, and he is also a solid pass catcher. Many believe the Patriots will be returning to a more physical attack on offense, and Gronkowski will help open holes in the blocking game and provide Tom Brady with a big target over the middle.
New England then tapped the University of Florida for 3 of of their next 4 picks, taking linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, as well as tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cunningham should play on the outside, and Spikes will man the middle. Many were surprised that Hernandez fell to the 4th round, but he revelation that he failed at least one drug test in college explains why he fell as far as he did.
A sleeper pick looks to be punter Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots are looking for a new punter, and Mesko has the big leg to pin opponents back deep in their own territory.
Draft Grade: A-
Devin McCourtey should step into the secondary and help shore up the pass defense with solid man to man cover skills. He also provides depth in the return game. Second round selection Rob Gronkowski was considered the best blocking tight end in the draft, and he is also a solid pass catcher. Many believe the Patriots will be returning to a more physical attack on offense, and Gronkowski will help open holes in the blocking game and provide Tom Brady with a big target over the middle.
New England then tapped the University of Florida for 3 of of their next 4 picks, taking linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, as well as tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cunningham should play on the outside, and Spikes will man the middle. Many were surprised that Hernandez fell to the 4th round, but he revelation that he failed at least one drug test in college explains why he fell as far as he did.
A sleeper pick looks to be punter Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots are looking for a new punter, and Mesko has the big leg to pin opponents back deep in their own territory.
Draft Grade: A-
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