dwmyers
01-30-2011, 10:32 AM
Well written article with some angles on players you might not see elsewhere.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2011/01/30/finding_patriot_material_in_this_senior_circuit/
Excerpts:
Left offensive tackle
Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State (6-5 1/2, 312): Was a bit inconsistent during the week but the skills are there, along with 35-inch arms. Had some memorable battles against Texas A&M speed rusher Von Miller and was not outclassed.
~~~~~
Right offensive tackle
Anthony Costanzo, Boston College (6-7, 305): Had his struggles when moved to guard, but was very consistent at tackle and probably could play either side in the NFL. Scouts remarked on his improved footwork since the Eagles’ season concluded.
Honorable mention: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6-7, 315). Excelled in the run game, as most Badgers linemen do. Also looked uncomfortable at guard. Wisconsin linemen usually don’t get appreciably better in the pros. They’re solid from the start.
Honorable mention: Nate Solder, Colorado (6-8 1/2, 314). Bends well for a tall player and has solid tools. Needs to add strength.
~~~~~
Nose tackle
Phil Taylor, Baylor (6-3 1/2, 337): Showed the ability to stand up against double teams and also to split them to apply pressure on the quarterback. Type of guy who could spell Vince Wilfork but also rush the quarterback in sub packages.
~~~~~
Outside linebacker
Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-2 1/2, 237): Wouldn’t appear to be a fit for a team such as New England that prefers bigger outside linebackers, but he’s an unbelievable athlete and pass rusher who was also good at dropping into coverage. Can carry more weight effectively, and the success of a Clay Matthews shows there’s a place for a player like Miller in any 3-4.
Cameron Jordan, Cal (6-4, 287): Had a terrific week and showed off great athleticism and versatility that will endear him to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams. Several scouts mentioned Adalius Thomas as a comparison. Has a great attitude and would make a top-notch 3-4 outside linebacker who can rush, hold the point, and cover.
Honorable mention: Brooks Reed, Arizona (6-2 1/2, 257). Was an end in college but looked natural standing up. Very solid at the point and showed a good burst in pass rush.
Honorable mention: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue (6-4, 255). Jury is still out on whether he can make the transition to standing up. Also had trouble disengaging from blocks.
~~~~~
Logan Mankins can send talk radio atwitter with the remarks he made last week that he doesn’t believe he’ll receive a contract extension from the Patriots and that he doesn’t want the franchise tag, but the fact is, what Mankins thinks or says really doesn’t matter. The Patriots hold all the cards. And considering that no one knows what the new collective bargaining agreement will look like, it would foolish for the Patriots to rush into a deal. They’re certainly not going to let a 28-year-old guard in his prime just walk away. In all likelihood, they will place the franchise tag on him.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2011/01/30/finding_patriot_material_in_this_senior_circuit/
Excerpts:
Left offensive tackle
Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State (6-5 1/2, 312): Was a bit inconsistent during the week but the skills are there, along with 35-inch arms. Had some memorable battles against Texas A&M speed rusher Von Miller and was not outclassed.
~~~~~
Right offensive tackle
Anthony Costanzo, Boston College (6-7, 305): Had his struggles when moved to guard, but was very consistent at tackle and probably could play either side in the NFL. Scouts remarked on his improved footwork since the Eagles’ season concluded.
Honorable mention: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6-7, 315). Excelled in the run game, as most Badgers linemen do. Also looked uncomfortable at guard. Wisconsin linemen usually don’t get appreciably better in the pros. They’re solid from the start.
Honorable mention: Nate Solder, Colorado (6-8 1/2, 314). Bends well for a tall player and has solid tools. Needs to add strength.
~~~~~
Nose tackle
Phil Taylor, Baylor (6-3 1/2, 337): Showed the ability to stand up against double teams and also to split them to apply pressure on the quarterback. Type of guy who could spell Vince Wilfork but also rush the quarterback in sub packages.
~~~~~
Outside linebacker
Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-2 1/2, 237): Wouldn’t appear to be a fit for a team such as New England that prefers bigger outside linebackers, but he’s an unbelievable athlete and pass rusher who was also good at dropping into coverage. Can carry more weight effectively, and the success of a Clay Matthews shows there’s a place for a player like Miller in any 3-4.
Cameron Jordan, Cal (6-4, 287): Had a terrific week and showed off great athleticism and versatility that will endear him to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams. Several scouts mentioned Adalius Thomas as a comparison. Has a great attitude and would make a top-notch 3-4 outside linebacker who can rush, hold the point, and cover.
Honorable mention: Brooks Reed, Arizona (6-2 1/2, 257). Was an end in college but looked natural standing up. Very solid at the point and showed a good burst in pass rush.
Honorable mention: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue (6-4, 255). Jury is still out on whether he can make the transition to standing up. Also had trouble disengaging from blocks.
~~~~~
Logan Mankins can send talk radio atwitter with the remarks he made last week that he doesn’t believe he’ll receive a contract extension from the Patriots and that he doesn’t want the franchise tag, but the fact is, what Mankins thinks or says really doesn’t matter. The Patriots hold all the cards. And considering that no one knows what the new collective bargaining agreement will look like, it would foolish for the Patriots to rush into a deal. They’re certainly not going to let a 28-year-old guard in his prime just walk away. In all likelihood, they will place the franchise tag on him.