February 22, 2012

Posts Comments


Pats Draft Scenarios: Testing, 1-2-3

April 8, 2011 By 1 Comment

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff

As someone who has pored over combine and pro-day results over the past month, it’s worth taking a closer look at the impact of those numbers.

Let’s say, for example, you want the Patriots to draft a player like Alabama’s Mark Ingram.

I give you a prolific SEC running back, 5-11, 219 pounds, who ran a 40 in the 4.5-second range and bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times.

Sounds great. Except I just described BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Compare results from Green-Ellis’ combine to those of Ingram. Green-Ellis is over an inch taller and four pounds heavier. They have similar 40 times and bench press results (Green-Ellis tallied four more reps). Green-Ellis has a quicker shuttle time; Ingram wins the 3-cone drill.

Yet Green-Ellis never got drafted. By contrast, Ingram should get picked in the first round.

You can do this with most young New England players.

Look at Miami receiver Leonard Hankerson’s numbers and compare them to the results of Taylor Price. Exact same 40 time (4.40). Off by one-hundredth of a second in the 10- and 20- yard dashes. Minimal differences in all other results.

Coming out of a weak passing school in the MAC, Price played one game for New England in 2010. We expect Hankerson to put in significant minutes right away, but it’s not because he’s faster or quicker.

When it comes to putting too much credence in testing, I declare myself as guilty as anyone. Last year, a 46-inch vertical leap compelled me to interview Kent State tight end Jameson Konz.

Measuring 6-2, 209 pounds and running a 4.40 40 were enough to get me chasing Northwestern State receiver Dudley Guice for an interview in 2009 (one of my favorites, by the way).

Testing will cause teams to draft athletic freak Justin Houston too high while overlooking tenacious defenders like Central Florida’s Bruce Miller or Boston College’s Mark Herzlich.

Watch any highlight reel of those players and tell me whom you’d want on your team.

(Miller and Herzlich, that’s who. What, you’re not paying attention?)

We’ll continue comparing and contrasting combine and pro day results to get some kind of feel for who’s coming to Foxboro. That’s what we do.

Just please keep that in mind when our sleeper picks end up playing for the UFL next season.

Email Chris Warner at [email protected]

 

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With: , , , ,

Pats Draft Scenarios: Please Don’t Take Offense

March 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff

Outside linebacker, defensive end and offensive lineman should sit at the top of New England’s draft list. But what about the rest of the offense?

Fellow PD writer Dan Snapp pointed out a recent comment on boston.com about Bill Belichick meeting Miami wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (I guess you could call that info a Snapp to attention. Ha ha! Right?). It got us thinking about how we’d feel drafting specialty positions with New England’s first three picks (17, 28, 33).

Below lie the various reactions we expect if the home team were to take the best player available instead of addressing their most pressing needs.

Alabama RB Mark Ingram

RUNNING BACK (aka the “All right, I can see that” pick) – Mark Ingram stands out as a clear first-rounder. We’re also big on Mikel Leshoure. People love Ryan Williams: that’s a polite way to say we don’t quite see it.

The last time New England won a Super Bowl, they had a big back in Corey Dillon (and the year before that, another bulky ball-carrier in Antowain Smith). That puts Ingram and Leshoure in the forefront for us.

Later round possibilities: Heavier guys like Delone Carter and Allen Bradford intrigue us. Carter (a bowling ball at 5-9, 222) rushed for over 1,000 yards at Syracuse, while forklift Bradford ran a 4.53-second 40 at 242 pounds. As a senior at USC he averaged over seven yards per carry.

WIDE RECEIVER (aka the “Well, that’s cool, I guess” pick) – If the Pats can get their hands on the likes of A. J. Green (consensus number one at the position) or Julio Jones, they have to consider it. However, the next three leave room for doubt.

Maryland’s Torrey Smith, Pittsburgh’s Jon Baldwin and Miami’s Hankerson could all produce at Gillette. Having Tom Brady at quarterback makes that seem obvious, though we shouldn’t forget the Chad Jackson Debacle. Smith (6-1, 204) has had a great spring, burning up the combine turf and showing good skills at his workouts. On the other hand, the freakish Baldwin (6-4, 228) has failed to show the speed or route discipline to make him a must-have selection.

Hankerson, though intriguing, begs the question: what are the Pats going to do with Taylor Price? Compare combine numbers between Hankerson and Price. The former is one inch taller; the latter leaps one inch higher. Their 40 times are both 4.40 seconds. Of course Hankerson’s experience at Miami outweighs Price’s at Ohio, but is he worth a top-33 pick?

Later round possibilities: We still like Edmund Gates and Cecil Shorts III – quick, athletic guys with special teams experience. In a deep receiver class, we can only mildly endorse a high pick.

TIGHT END (aka the “Punch me in the face so I feel something” pick) – Drafting Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez had one big benefit for Pats fans in that, for the first time in years, they spent the college football season not scouting tight ends. Kyle Rudolph of Notre Dame will change the dynamic of some lucky NFL team; however, having two 6-6, 260-pounders looks like too much.

D. J. Williams of Arkansas and Luke Stocker of Tennessee round out an unspectacular tight end class. (Here’s a funny, random fact: USC had a tight end named Jordan Cameron, while Cal had a defensive end named Cameron Jordan. Oh, that crazy Pac-10!)

Later round possibilities: We hear whispers about Virgil Green of Nevada, who’s got great athleticism (4.54 40, 42.5-inch vertical). We’d feel more comfortable with an H-back type like Ryan Taylor of North Carolina. He’s listed at fullback, but at 6-3, 250, he can take on the backfield blocker role where New England keeps platooning personnel.

QUARTERBACK (aka the “Hold me as I cry tears of rage” pick) – Some selections seem unnecessary but, much like Devin McCourty, defend themselves with a productive season. Blaine Gabbert of Missouri (who sounds like an Old West gold miner) should go to Carolina at number one overall. After that, Jake Locker and Cam Newton have the uppermost slots, though neither should make it to number 17.

A first-round QB to the Patriots? Shut your mouth. Shut it!

Later round possibilities: We like T. J. Yates, who put up record-setting numbers at North Carolina, and we remain intrigued by Josh Portis of California, Pennsylvania, who’s athletic, a prolific passer, and available late.

I know, I know: some of you believe Baldwin, Rudolph or (shudder) Locker would bring something special to Foxboro. If so, tell us in the comment section below.

Email Chris Warner at [email protected]

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pats Draft Scenarios: Day One

March 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

by Chris Warner, Patriots Daily Staff

We miss the good old days of the NFL draft weekend, spending Saturday and Sunday sitting on the couch, blogging, eating pizza and sipping diet Dr. Pepper.

(Sorry, ladies: I’m married.)

Over the next few days, we’ll be posting our thoughts on what New England might do on each draft day of the new, ratings-improved, three-day format beginning Thursday, April 28 with Round One. (Friday night will feature Rounds Two and Three; Saturday afternoon has Rounds Four through Seven – and no, I don’t know why I’m putting rounds in capital letters.)

Every year, it seems, Bill Belichick gets his team in prime position heading into draft weekend. And every year, it seems, he trades down to get his team in prime position for next year.

You’d think at this point that it wouldn’t be a surprise.

Due to such finagling of picks past, New England finds itself with two selections on Day One (17, 28). This gives them some serious bartering power. We’ll see if they use it.

SCENARIO ONE: The Big Kahuna

As mentioned in a previous PD piece, Coach Belichick could trade up for a top pick such as Robert Quinn of North Carolina. Despite some off-field issues (health questions and a suspension this fall), the pass-rusher helped himself during the NFL combine. His speed numbers (4.62-second 40) fit a running back, much less a 6-foot-4, 265-pound college defensive end.

Sure, there’s risk involved (What if he can’t stay healthy? What if he’s a jerk? What if he reads a headline that says “The Mighty Quinn” for the 7,000th time and loses it?). But for the past few years, New England’s defense has been like a drummer, bassist and piano player doing jazz: okay in general, but you need some sax.

Cal's Cameron Jordan

Sorry. It’s been a long winter.

Other looks: Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers, Cal DE Cameron Jordan and Alabama DT Marcell Dareus would each merit a trade up. All have the potential to start right away in New England’s defense.

If the Pats make a move for anyone other than a front seven defender, get me a throat lozenge because I’ll be screaming myself hoarse.

SCENARIO TWO: The Blue Chippers

With the depth in this draft at outside linebacker and defensive end, the Patriots should improve themselves by the end of round one.

At outside linebacker, we like Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue, Adrian Clayborn of Iowa and Justin Houston of Georgia. All can get after the QB, and all showed the quickness necessary to drop back into coverage. While Missouri’s Aldon Smith had an impressive combine, the sophomore’s lack of experience scares me off.

Defensive ends include Wisconsin’s J. J. Watt and Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward. When healthy, Heyward has changed games. Of course, “when healthy” is the Mephistopheles of introductory clauses, promising great things but always leading you astray.

Other looks: New England needs help on the offensive line. The one athlete who really pops out is tackle Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin. Watching him take on Clayborn in this highlight reel shows his agility and strength. He makes a top-ranked pass rusher look about as relevant as a tailor at a nudist colony. Mike Pouncey out of Florida could help the O-line as well.

So, Mr. Belichick, no specialists. No receiver (A. J. Green of Georgia), no running backs (Mikel Leshoure of Illinois, Mark Ingram of Alabama). Plenty of guys to look at on Days Two and Three.

Deal? Deal.

SCENARIO THREE: The Contributors (aka The Fans’ Nightmare)

Hey, it could happen. Maybe the coach will be too busy to consult PD on draft day and he’ll fail to heed our advice. In that case, he’ll trade down and get some less flashy players who will help the team – just not as much as we’d hoped.

Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson of Temple, cornerback Jimmy Smith of Colorado and linebacker Martez Wilson of Illinois all fit that description for me. Each seems able to get onto the field and help the team out; none seems like an immediate game-changer in New England.

Coming up: Day Two possibilities, including wide receivers and running backs.

Email Chris Warner at [email protected]

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Will The 2011 Draft Yield For Patriots?

January 27, 2011 By 1 Comment

By Bruce Allen, Patriots Daily Staff

Ugh.

I can’t believe we’re already focused on the draft. The Senior Bowl is this week, and we’ve already been getting reports of various prospects and whether they might be good fits for the Patriots.

Many of us hoped that the Patriots might still have a game to play at this point, but that’s not the case. So we’re stuck pondering the future. An unknown future, what with the labor uncertainty in the NFL, which makes things seem even more bleak.

Looking ahead, what needs will the Patriots look to fill come April? My best guess is that they will focus on both sides of the line, looking to get more victories at the line of scrimmage. I also think they might look at the running back position – Ian Rapoport at the Boston Herald (a former Alabama beat writer) has been beating the drum for ‘Tide running back Mark Ingram since the start of the season.

One thing we do know. The Patriots will come out of this draft with an impact player.

There has been criticism of the Patriots drafts among the local media, especially in the period between ’06 to ’08. But there is one point that is indisputable.

In every single season of the Bill Belichick era, save one – 2002 when they drafted Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch – the Patriots have drafted at least one player who went on to play in the Pro Bowl or be named 1st or 2nd team NFL All Pro.

Check it out:

2010 – Devin McCourty, Pro Bowl, 2nd team All Pro
2009 – Sebastian Vollmer – 2nd team All Pro
2008 – Jerod Mayo, Pro Bowl, NFL All Pro
2007 – Brandon Meriweather, 2-time Pro Bowl
2006 – Stephen Gostkowski – Pro Bowl, NFL All Pro
2005 – Logan Mankins, 3-time Pro Bowl, All Pro
2005 – Matt Cassel – Pro Bowl
2004 – Vince Wilfork – 3-time Pro Bowl, NFL All Pro
2003 – Ty Warren (NFL All Pro 2007)
2003 – Asante Samuel 4-time Pro Bowl
2001 – Richard Seymour 6-time Pro Bowl,NFL All Pro
2001 – Matt Light -  3-time Pro Bowl
2000 – Tom Brady, 6-time Pro Bowl, NFL All Pro

Now, you might quibble with some of the selections (ahem, Brandon Meriweather) but he has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice, it counts for something. (For the record, I hope they find a way to move on from him this offseason.) You might scoff at a kicker being on the list, but Stephen Gostkowski more than filled the shoes of the great Adam Vinatieri, and his leg on kickoffs is a huge weapon to have. But overall, every single season the Patriots are adding an impact player through the draft.

How does this compare to other teams?

Just looking at the Patriots main AFC rivals, only Pittsburgh has a similar track record. They don’t have a Pro Bowler from their 2010 or 2009 drafts yet, but in every other season except 2002, they’ve drafted an eventual Pro Bowl player.

Indianapolis did well for a while, but they’ve stumbled in recent years. Look at 2001 through 2004: Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders. Then look at the last few years.

San Diego doesn’t.

Baltimore doesn’t.

The Jets don’t, though they’ve been surprisingly good in the draft.

The bottom line is that while the Patriots have stumbled badly in the draft some years, they’re certainly not alone in this regard. However, every year, somewhere along the line, they’re going to draft a player who will make an impact for them. Another thing to keep in mind is that because the team is generally very good year in and year out, there are going to be limited opportunities and roster spots for rookies, especially in a year like 2007.

Finding players who can play each year is a big part of the reason they’ve remained among the top teams in the league for so long.

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With:

College Scout – QB and RB Review

December 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
By Greg Doyle, Patriots Daily Staff
As the Bowl season gets under way, lets take a look back at our rankings back in September of quarterbacks and running backs who could be in the 2011 draft. Some guys, like Case Keenum, would have fallen off a lot. In his case, its due to injuries. Others lived up to the hype and in some cases have moved way up the draft charts. We’ll also take a look at some players at both positions who have moved into the top 10 and up in the draft.

Quarterbacks:

Washington QB Jake Locker

September College Scout Rankings:
1.) Jake Locker, Washington
2.) Christian Ponder, Florida State
3.) Andrew Luck, Stanford
4.) Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
5.) Case Keenum, Houston
6.) John Brantley, Florida
7.) Greg McElroy Alabama
8.) Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
9.) Jerrod Johnson, Texas A+M
10.) Adam Weber, Minnesota

Analysis: Locker had a decent, but not great, year and Luck has clearly surpassed him and is the number one quarterback in the draft if he comes out. You can watch highlights of Locker and see how he athletic he is in this video clip. Mallett probably surpassed him as well with an excellent year. Locker is a good athlete but may have slipped down to the bottom of the first round or even second round. Luck, the son of former NFL quarterback and current West Virginia Athletic Director Oliver Luck, could go number one overall if he comes out, though if Carolina has the pick perhaps they stick with Jimmy Clausen and look elsewhere. You can get a look at Andrew Luck highlights here. Ponder had a good season and at times looks terrific. He can be a bit inconsistent. It seems unlikely Pryor comes out. Keenum got hurt with a torn ACL and only played in 3 games. He tried to get another year of eligibility but was denied. His draft stock has been hurt, but he would be good late value for an NFL team willing to wait while he rehabs his knee. McElroy is a winner who will make a nice third round pick to develop for some team. Johnson got benched late in the year and Texas A+M got hot afterwards. Reportedly he took it well and is a team player with good character. He also is a top-flight athlete so is still draftable late.

If we had to do the list again, Rick Stanzi from Iowa would probably creep into the list and is certainly draftable. He’s smart, only threw 4 INTs all year and there is a tie to the Patriots as Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is a close friend of Bill Belichick and former assistant to him. Delaware QB Pat Devlin will likely be a mid-round choice and has lots of potential. He was originally at Penn State before transferring to Delaware. You can watch some highlights of Devlin in this video link. TCU quarterback Andy Dalton is a winner with limited skills, but smarts and could make a good NFL backup. Of course Cam Newton from Auburn has to be mentioned. The Heisman Trophy winner could come out with all the controversy that swirled around him. And we do know being paid to be football would please his family. He has tremendous skills. The running, size, arm and strength are all top notch. But he could use another year of experience. If he comes out, his talent will get him drafted high.

Running Backs:

September College Scout Rankings:
1.) Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
2.) Mark Ingram, Alabama
3.) Evan Royster, Penn State
4.) DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
5.) Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech
6.) Brandon Saine, Ohio State
7.) John Clay, Wisconsin
8.) Roy Helu, Nebraska
9.) Derrick Locke, Kentucky
10.) Noel Devine, West Virginia

Analysis: Thomas is not the top runner according to many, though in the top 5 in most opinions. I like him because his size-speed combo translates to the NFL, along with his excellent power. But there is some bust potential there as he disappears at times. I chalk that up more to playing for a middling team. You can see some excellent highlights of Thomas in this clip. Ingram had an up and down year and started out injured. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner remains a great prospect, but is perhaps towards the back end of the first round now. Some have Murray as the top back in the draft and he is perhaps the most well-rounded. He’s a good player. Saine had a very disappointing year and didn’t even get the majority of snaps for OSU. He’s a late round project despite great talent. Something is missing. Many like Devine more than me and while he is electrifying, I see him as a third down back and perhaps not even as good a one as Locke.

Others who’ve slipped into the conversation are Mario Fannin who is a big, talented back from Auburn who had limited playing time as the Tigers used a younger, top recruit as their main back. Fannin has played some receiver and is good in the passing game, but also has great power and running skills as a back. Kendall Hunter from Oklahoma State is a bit undersized, but has good speed and elusiveness. You can see some sweet highlights of Hunter here.

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

College Scout – Running Backs

September 11, 2010 By 1 Comment

By Greg Doyle, Patriots Daily Staff

This week we’ll look at the running backs who could be among the best in next year’s NFL draft. Running back is a position the Patriots will have to pay very close attention to next offseason. With two first round and second round picks, the position is likely to look a lot different next year. Of the six backs with the team currently (5 on the regular roster, 1 on the practice squad) only 1 do the Patriots control the rights of for next season an that is BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The rest will be free agents. At their ages, its probably unlikely Fred Taylor or Sammy Morris will be back. A lot can change over the course of a season, but right now it looks like Laurence Maroney is out of favor with the team. Kevin Faulk is seemingly ageless, but his contract is up and who knows how much longer he’ll play. You would assume if he remains effective this year and wants to continue, the Patriots will again have a one year contract waiting for him for next year, but at some point very soon they need to replace his skills as well. So lets take a look at who’ll be out there at this critical position for the Patriots next offseason.

Daniel Thomas of Kansas State

1.) Daniel Thomas (#8) Kansas State: While its close, to me Thomas is the better pro prospect than Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Not that they’re not both great, they are. But Thomas has a rare combination of size, power and speed that is just a bit beyond that of Ingram. A former JUCO quarterback who Kansas State converted to running back, Thomas was the Big 12 Newcomer of the year last season. Alls he did was run for 1,265 yards and catch passes for 257 more. A big, powerful, bruising back in the mold of Steven Jackson, Thomas stands 6’2″ and checks in at 229 lbs. Given their needs at the position, the Patriots will undoubtedly take a long, hard look at Thomas with one of their first round picks in 2011. A great game to check Thomas out would be the nationally televised Thursday night game on ESPN at 7:30 PM EST on October 7th vs. Nebraska.

2.) Mark Ingram (#22), Alabama: Ingram is last year’s Heisman trophy winner who has struggled early this season with injuries. He recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee and sat out last week’s opening win against San Jose State. He is questionable today against Penn State. Ingram is a fast, shifty back with good power. He seems to squeeze out yards after contact every time. He isn’t quite as fast or powerful as Thomas, but may be more elusive and natural in his running style. He is the son of former New York Giants wide receiver Mark Ingram who played on the Giants teams Bill Belichick coached with in the 1980′s. Of course he is also playing for Nick Saban who has a close friendship with Belichick as well. He is a sure fire 1st round pick and will also surely interest the Patriots. Check him out on October 2nd when he should be healthy versus Florida at home. The game will be shown on CBS at 8:00 PM EST.

3.) Evan Royster (#22), Penn State: Royster is another back with 1st round potential. A tall 6’1″ and 213, Royster relies more on speed, shiftyness and elusiveness in his game then power. He is excellent receiving passes out of the backfield. A homerun threat, Royster blossomed into a 1st team All-Big 10 player last year. He is not a great short yardage back, but is improving. Perhaps some slight bulking up to the 220s could improve his game in the NFL. Watch him do his thing on October 9 versus Illinois at Noon on either ESPN or ESPN2.

4.) DeMarco Murray (#7), Oklahoma: Murray split carries last season with Chris Brown and ran for 705 yards. An excellent receiver, he also caught 41 passes for an additional 522 yards. He has nearly 2,500 yards rushing for his career. This year he should be a bit more of a featured back. Whether he is or not, there is much to like about his game. His pass catching skills translate excellently into the NFL. He is reportedly very tough and a leader on the Oklahoma team. He handles blitz pickup well and he runs with a combination of power and speed when carrying the ball. He has a chance to be a 1st round pick as well and perhaps the most well-rounded back (so far) in the draft. Watch him on September 18th when Air Force visits at 3:30 PM EST on Fox Sports Net.

5.) Anthony Allen (#18), Georgia Tech: Allen is stepping into a starting role this season taking over for the departed Jonathan Dwyer who was a 6th round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers himself. Allen is very similar in his game to Dwyer, checking in at 239 lbs. He may not be quite as powerful as the bruising Dwyer, but could be a bit faster and more elusive. He did get the chance to carry the ball 64 times last year and averaged an amazing 9.7 yards per carry for a total of 618 yards and 6 touchdowns. His pass catching is untested. The Georgia Tech option-oriented offense makes transition to an NFL offense difficult, but in Allen’s case he is a transfer there. He previously played at Louisville for two seasons (rushing for a total of 1,102 yards) who ran a more pro-oriented offense. So he does have some experience with it moreso than Dwyer did. It was thought that hurt Dwyer’s draft standing but shouldn’t be as much of an issue with Allen. Watch him do his thing as a feature back on November 4th when the Yellow Jackets travel to Virginia Tech on a Thursday night ESPN game at 7:30 PM EST.

6.) Brandon Saine (#3), Ohio State: Saine was a highly regarded running back who has had a slightly disappointing career at Ohio State. Still, he began to put things together finally last season running for 739 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also showed some pass catching ability. This year he’s looking to continue his progress and become one of the nation’s elite backs. He got off to a great start in week 1. He stands 6’1″ and 219 lbs. and has great speed as well. He hasn’t shown great elusiveness yet, but he is improving. Watch him today on ESPN at 3:40 PM EST when Miami (FLA) visits.

7.) John Clay (#32), Wisconsin: Another Big 10 back, Clay is typical Wisconsin. Big, powerful, bruising and not that elusive. Clay is only a junior and unlikely to come out after this season, but did run for 1,500 yards plus last year as a sophomore. He needs to work on his pass catching and pass receiving. He is powerful at 248 lbs. and will be drafted, how high depends on how much he can diversify his game by being more than just a power back. Watch him on October 9th which is Wisconsin’s homecoming game versus Minnesota. It’ll be on either ESPN or ESPN2 at Noon.

8.) Roy Helu (#10), Nebraska: A good, solid back Helu does nothing spectacularly. He produces, has good size, shows elusiveness and okay speed. Like many college backs, he could work on his pass catching but its decent. What he hasn’t done so far is dominate. He’ll undoubtedly get a chance in the NFL, how highly regarded he is while getting that chance depends on if he can go from a good to great runner this season. He can’t be 2nd team All-Big 12 again as a Senior and expect to be drafted high. He must dominate. Check him out on September 18th at Washington on either ABC or ESPN at 3:30 PM EST.

9.) Derrick Locke (#20), Kentucky: Locke is a very, very fast back who also is among the nation’s best kick returners. He is a bit small at 5’9″ 191 lbs. and may translate into a 3rd down back. He does have excellent hands. Very elusive, he is also a leader on the Kentucky team. While the Patriots are looking for running backs next year, including a possible need to replace third down back Kevin Faulk, Locke may deserve consideration. See him play versus September 25th at Florida, network and time to be determined.

10.) Noel Devine (#7), West Virginia: Devine is another small back who translates into a 3rd down NFL back. He has good hands, breakaway, burner speed and could possibly translate to a top-notch kick returner. What he isn’t is a NFL feature back, nor is he as explosive as last year’s similar back Dexter McCluster, who went in the 2nd round. He is probably a second day pick in the 4th or 5th round who could turn out to be a useful role player. He does truly have sprinter-type speed. He’ll play on a Friday night at Connecticut on October 29th at 8:00 PM on ESPN2.

Filed Under: The Draft Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,