Re: Patriots Sign another from the CFL ( Jason Vega) End-Linebacker
posted at 1/26/2013 5:12 PM EST
how about the next signing for BB from the CFL. Pat Watkins DB toronto Argonauts. the guy is 6'5" and runs a 4.44 40.
here is his draft analysis
Positives: Has a lanky frame with developing muscle tone, long limbs and room to add more bulk with no loss in quickness … Plays deep center field, showing the range and closing burst to make plays in front of him … Consistent wrap-up tackler who takes good angles in pursuit, doing a nice job of squaring his shoulders and extending his arms to wrap and secure … Won't blow up the ballcarrier on initial contact, but generates enough pop to take his opponent down … Quick to recognize and locate the ball when sifting through traffic … Has the foot speed and hip flexibility to easily redirect and shows steady acceleration in his pursuit … Backpedals with ease, maintaining body control and showing adequate flexibility … Attacks the ball with good urgency and can angle effectively to neutralize the cutback lanes … Catches the ball in his hands and away from his body and has a natural feel to look the ball in (possible receiver candidate) … Aggressive in run support and works hard to play through blocks … Not timid when taking on lead blockers at the line of scrimmage … Has the body control to make open-field tackles and is also effective stepping up to fill the rush alleys.
Negatives: Needs to add some additional strength to his frame (has adequate power, but not enough to easily shed vs. bigger blockers) … More comfortable playing center field in the zone than in man coverage, as his long stride sometimes allows receivers to gain separation on long routes … Because of his long limbs, he gets too high in his backpedal, but compensates with loose hips to turn and run on the ball … Has a business-like approach on the field and needs to show better aggression and become more vocal.
Teams looking for consistency in a free safety are well aware of Watkins' ability. He is a tall, rangy athlete with surprisingly good acceleration for a player with long limbs and a long stride. He is capable of maintaining leverage and does a good job of breaking down and reading plays. He makes all the checks and calls on the field and it is very rare to see him caught out of position.
Watkins lacks that search-and-destroy aggressive nature and will not explode behind his tackles, but he quietly and effectively goes about his job. Because he stands so tall in his backpedal, he struggles some mirroring receivers in man coverage, but has the loose hips to turn and run on the ball. He is more comfortable playing the deep third of the field. He has the range and acceleration to close and is alert to play-action.
Watkins takes good angles when attacking the outside running game. He has enough strength to take on the lead blocker in attempts to fill the inside rush lanes and runs the alley well. He has natural hands and good extension agility to adjust to the high pass. He times his leaps well to compete for the ball at its high point and does a good job using his arms when tackling to strip the receiver from the ball.
Watkins is taller than most free safeties, but has the range and ease of movement agility to compensate for not keeping his pads down. He has that natural feel for going up and attacking the ball. So much so, he might be able to see some reps as a receiver at the next level. He is a very good gunner on the punt coverage unit, which only adds more to his value. It will be no surprise if he is taken on the draft's first day.
Name:
Jason Vega
High: PFA/DEorLB
Low:tryouts
Combine Results
Pro Day Results
Combine Invite:
