Year: Senior Height: 5’10 Weight: 181 40 Time: 4.50 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 118th MDP: 95.0 (1 mocks) MFDP: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

Being the subject of the last full profile of our draft coverage makes Chris Davis of Florida State BSMW’s Mr. Irrelevant for 2006. He’s been pretty relevant to the Pats through; they met with him at the Senior Bowl, attended his pro day, worked him out privately, and invited him to Foxboro. What do they find so interesting? The profiles (few of which are available on-line) describe a small but effective receiver that has produced consistently. Quick, smooth route runner that gets open. Athletic and known for the spectacular catch. He is said to be a smart guy with a great feel for the game. Has returned punts. Problem is his slight build, which profilers think will get him pushed around. Though he has quickness and adequate speed, he’s not a deep threat. Sounds like a Patriots wide receiver (pre Frenzy 07) to me. The mocks barely register a blip on Davis, and the general feeling seems to be that he’ll be a second day player, where the Pats happen to have eight picks.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’3 Weight: 272 40 Time: 4.69 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 43rd MDP: 41.0 (4 mocks) Range: 35-56 MFDP: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

Crowder is described as a bull-rushing left end, a player that relies on lower body strength to collapse the pocket and anchor vs. the run. The profiles say he’s always around the ball. Seems to have a knack for putting his hands on it – he’s known for both knocking down passes and causing fumbles. Plays with good technique, discipline and shows some quickness. Crowder is said to be a smart kid and a hard worker off the field, and he’s nothing if not consistent – he started his last 47 games at Texas. Has good size and can get bigger. A starter as a pure freshman, and generally productive throughout his career. Had 10.5 sacks in 06. Like most everybody, he doesn’t have enough speed to suit the profilers. They’re concerned about his ability to burst in off the edge, and they also fret about his average athleticism. Has one pass rush move, apparently – run over/through them. There were concerns about his awareness in certain areas (like anticipating snap counts and the like), and a lot of complaints about spotty play against better competition. Still, in the end, the book on Crowder is a generally favorable one – everyone agrees he’s a solid player that is very likely to start and contribute in the NFL. The Patriots made Crowder one of their invites to Foxboro for a pre-draft visit. The mocks say he falls somewhere in that 35-65 slot that features so many players that seem to fit with the Pats. Whether the Patriots will stay put with picks 24 and 28, or trade back with one or both, remains the biggest question of the draft.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’0 Weight: 200 40 Time: 4.52 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 50th MDP: 48.0 (6 mocks) Range: 28-58 MFDP: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

The mocks see Jackson, a three year starter at Syracuse, as a solid second round pick in what is described as an average cornerback class. The profiles say he’s a smooth athlete with a tough, physical style. Can hammer the receivers at the line and turn and run with them in coverage. A real factor is run support and a sure tackler. Disciplined, in control type, good diagnostician. Top effort guy, outgoing leader. But unfortunately, we can’t leave it there. The fact seems to be that Jackson doesn’t possess the kind of elite speed of the top corners. The thought is that he may be better suited at safety, where he can better exploit his physical style and cover his lack of raw speed. Even more, he’s said to have led a fairly anonymous football life at Syracuse. Simply put, he doesn’t seem to make many big plays. In a 40 game career, he had five picks. But the profiles like his basic tools and makeup and think he’ll be an early contributor in the right system (a defense that leans to the zone). The Pats reportedly hit the Syracuse pro day to look at Jackson.

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Year: Senior Height: 5’10 Weight: 189 40 Time: 4.46 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 74th MDP: 59.0 (1 mock)

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

The Patriots worked out David and his brother Kenny, a running back, on the Auburn campus in March. The Irons come from a long-line of college and pro players – uncle Grant plays for the Raiders, where Grant’s dad Gerald once played linebacker. The profiles say David is a tough, aggressive corner with the speed, quickness and athleticism to run with receivers and compete for the ball. But the profilers say his lack of size hurts him, particularly in tight coverage and run support. Worse, he is said to lack instinct and awareness in diagnosing plays. Suffered serious knee injury in high school and had follow up surgery a couple of years later. His rehab forced him to the juco route, and he played only two seasons for the Tigers. But he started every game he played, and showed signs in 06 of full recovery from his knee woes. Even though one mock has him ascending to the second round, most see him going in the third round or later. Hopefully, the Pats would have addressed their secondary before then, but if they continue to add depth, Irons seemingly has the toughness and athleticism to be a consideration.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’0 Weight: 198 40 Time: 4.37 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 83rd MDP: 67.1 (3 mocks) Lo: 53 Hi: 78 MFDP: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

The Patriots have talked to a ton of first day wide receivers, including Allison, who will visit Foxboro before the draft. Allison appears to be a quick, exceptional athlete with a lot of natural receiving tools, particularly hands and body control. He is said to have the explosiveness and vision to be a downfield threat, as well as a dangerous runner after the catch. Blocks well. Used as runner and passer on gadget plays. Though he has good height, the profiles fret about his lack of strength and bulk. Apparently still raw as a receiver, he is slow to read coverages. The profiles all questioned how quickly he can come up to speed as a pro. Though a senior, has only two years of D1 experience after transferring from junior college. His attitude and effort are in question; has a reputation for taking plays off when the ball isn’t coming his way. The mocks place Allison squarely in the third round. Even after loading up on receivers in free agency, New England isn’t set there over the long term. This year’s draft class is considered a good one, which means the Pats probably have better options than Allison, even in the third round.

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Year: Senior Height: 5’11 Weight: 197 40 Time: 4.44 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 40th MDP: 39.2 (5 mocks) Lo: 26 Hi: 57 MFDP: 41 (Vikings, 2 mocks)

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

The Patriots have spent a good bit of their time this spring looking at wide receivers, including this former Trojan, who has risen up draft boards into second round territory. The profiles say Smith is an experienced, productive route runner with polished technique and solid pass catching skills. Quick getting off the line and into his routes. Smooth in and out of breaks. Can adjust to and snatch bad throws, and has a nose for the first down marker. Smart, aware player. But he lacks the pure speed to be a vertical threat. Not elusive when running after catch. Not particularly big and may have durability issues as a result. The profiles say Smith is not seen as a true #1 receiver in the NFL but as more of a complimentary type. His intelligence and blue collar work ethic get high marks, but a 2005 fight with a teammate may raise a red flag for some. Perhaps that’s one of the things the Pats wanted to talk about when they scheduled Smith for a pre-draft visit in April. The Pats clearly want to address their receiver position in this draft, with so few vets signed to agreeable long-term deals. Despite good timed speed, Smith may not have the burst of the elite prospects, but in the words of one profiler, he’s game ready and able to contribute right away. If the Pats insist on throwing even more resources towards this position group, I’d prefer they get the surest thing possible. I’d rather have a Smith than some burner that may never put it together. Once again, the real trick for New England may be in getting some picks to be players in the second round, where some of the best values in this draft seem to reside.

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Year: Junior Height: 5’11 Weight: 230 40 Time: 4.40 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/15/07) – Rank: 48th MDP: 46.0 (1 mock) Lo: 46 Hi: 46 MFDP: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/15/07)

Henry is an early-entry that has rallied this spring to become a possible first day factor in some circles. The former track athlete with big-back size has strung together a series of impressive workouts after a spotty college career. Henry was usually 3rd on the depth chart for the Wildcats before becoming the starter in 06. He played himself out of the job and was eventually suspended, before returning to roll up nearly 400 yards over the final four games. The profiles say he has the kind of bulk, power and quickness to be an effective inside runner with track (relays, 100) straight line speed. Has a little straight arm and can run through tackles. But he’s as inexperienced as they come. Started six games total in three years and carried it fewer than 300 times in his career. As a result, he’s not the savviest player. The profiles seem to indicate a lack of vision and patience as a ballcarrier. Is said to run too straight-up at times (leads to highlight reel kill shots) and is neither a competent route runner nor blocker at this point. Of concern is his maturity. It is said that he needs quite a bit of prodding from the coaches. One profiler suggested Henry “has a lot of growing up to do” both on and off the field. Seems very much like a hit or miss player. The mocks barely recognize him, but draft maven Tony Pauline recently predicted that late riser Henry could even sneak into the first round. The Patriots have been paying close attention of late; they worked out Henry in Arizona and he will visit Foxboro this month. The Pats seem to need another back to run alongside Laurence Maroney, who broke down in his first year. Henry might be able to provide an inside threat in that role, but does he have the maturity, drive and football instincts to contribute to a contending team? I suppose they will let us know in a couple of weeks.

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Year: Junior Height: 5’10 Weight: 174 40 Time: 4.51 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/1/07) – Rank: None

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/1/07)

The diminutive Smith comes out after a huge junior season, where he was named 2nd team All-American for the championship Gators after following coach Urban Meyer from Utah. He is seen by the profilers as a smart player with a knack for diagnosing plays and taking calculated risks. A natural playmaker with adequate speed and athleticism to play at the next level. The profiles say he’s aggressive and willing to mix it up, but he has neither the bulk nor strength to be very effective at it. Gets run over in close quarters. Some profilers feel that given his size limitations, he’s overrated based on his production (sounds sort of like “all he does is catch touchdowns”). They say he’ll be a package defender only, though in his college career, he managed to start 32 of the 35 games he suited up for (for two different universities, no less). Naturally, the Patriots were a big presence at Florida’s pro day, and Bill Belichick later worked out Smith privately. The mocks don’t think Smith will be a day one factor, though some profilers think he could slip into the third round. His headiness, production and the Gator Connection may bring him into play for New England on day two, when the Pats have eight picks.

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Year: Junior Height: 5’10 Weight: 192 40 Time: 4.36 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/1/07) – Rank: 53rd Mock Median: 47.0 (4 mocks) Lo: 42 Hi: 52 Most Frequent: 52 (Rams, 2 mocks)

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/1/07)

The profiles say Wright is a natural athlete with very good speed and acceleration, allowing him to stay with receivers and close on the ball. But it’s also thought that he’s not a very disciplined player, which causes him to get beat in coverage and get sloppy with his tackling. Described as kind of thin, and is not considered a physical player at all. Durability is a concern. Not a very long track record, either, having played just two seasons. The big issue here seems to be character – first, he played just nine games at UNLV after transferring (and sitting out a year) from USC. He left that program under suspicion for date rape, which wasn’t helped by the stash of Ecstacy that was later discovered in his apartment. Nice. So why are we even talking about this guy? Because the Pats invited Wright in for one of their pre-draft visits, that’s why. I love the position, I love the speed, but unless Wright blew the Pats away with his maturity and poise, I’m going to guess they could probably name a few prospects they like better. The mocks see Wright as a second round player, but would you be surprised to see a player with these sorts of questions still sitting there on Sunday?

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Year: Senior Height: 5’9 Weight: 189 40 Time: 4.35 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/1/07) – Rank: 84th Mock Median: 61.1 (3 mocks) Lo: 49 Hi: 86 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/1/07)

Here’s the first of the many cool things about Josh Wilson: this picture. Of all the draft profiles we’ve done since February, this is by far the best picture we’ve had. It’s just bloody great. The second coolest thing about Wilson is that his dad was the late, great Tim Wilson, the Houston fullback that blocked Earl Campbell into the Hall of Fame. Third is that, according to the profiles, this Wilson can fly with the best of them. Fast enough to cover man to man and heady enough to play in zone. Has the acceleration to close quickly. Smart and experienced four-year player. Could also play free safety. For a small guy, Wilson throws his weight around to decent effect, apparently. He has some special teams potential, particularly as a returner. Obviously, his size is going to be a concern. Receivers may push him around in close quarters. He might be inclined to give too large a cushion in coverage, so he’s may be better in zone than man. The profiles say he’s not been a real playmaker in the secondary, and his sometimes-shaky hands may plague him there, as well as on returns. But here’s the thing. The profiles agree that he’s steadily improved each season, which I take to mean he responds to coaching. The profilers say if he continues to refine his techniques, he can become a solid NFL starter. He adds the special teams element, and he’s viewed as a solid character guy who thrives in big game situations. He plays – and pretty well – a position of perpetual need and is in possession of the one thing you can’t teach. The things you can teach, he seems to learn. The mocks see him as a potential late second rounder, or perhaps a third. The Patriots were linked first with Wilson at the Senior Bowl, and recently the team arranged a Foxboro visit for the Terps corner. This is exactly the kind of player I expect the Patriots to draft.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’3 Weight: 254 40 Time: 4.72 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/6/07) – Rank: 97th Mock Median: 81.0 (1 mocks) Lo: 81 Hi: 81 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/6/07)

Bradley doesn’t much register on our mock mash up, which may mean he’s a third rounder at the earliest. It sounds like he can do a little bit of everything. Has played rush end, and both outside and inside linebacker. The profilers say he has the size and strength to hold up against the run, yet is athletic enough to drop back in coverage. Can be a factor as a blitzer or an edge rusher. Has the coveted ‘good motor’ and could be a special teams gunner. Smart player with solid character and work ethic. Like a lot of big guys, he’s not flexible, agile or athletic enough for the profilers. More troubling is a history of knee woes in both high school and college. He missed more than half the 05 season with an ACL tear, though he rebounded pain-free in 06. One profile even suggested he was quicker after the surgery than before. The Patriots met with Bradley at the Senior Bowl, and again at a private workout in March. Hey, the guy was a versatile, consistent producer and three year starter, and he could perhaps fill a few different roles for New England. If he checks out medically, he could be around when (if) the Pats pick at 91.

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