Jerod Mayo analysis
ANALYSIS
In selecting Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo, the Patriots have infused their defense with a young, tough, athletic talent who projects to inside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.
At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds, Mayo left Tennessee after his junior season. He is considered a downhill player who plays with power.
In the Patriots' 3-4 alignment, the Patriots have flexibility to call on different combinations.
Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel are the top players at outside linebacker. Free-agent signee Victor Hobson also has experience there, while third-year player Pierre Woods will look to take the next step.
Tedy Bruschi is the top returning player inside, and Mayo will surely learn the ropes alongside him. The Patriots could also play Thomas inside. Hobson is also a candidate to get some work inside, and there is always the possibility of Junior Seau returning.
So Mayo will have some time to develop in the team's system. Right off the bat, he projects to the 45-man, game-day roster as a special teams contributor.
Here is a breakdown of the team's linebacker corps (players in italics play both spots):
Inside
Eric Alexander
Tedy Bruschi
Victor Hobson
Larry Izzo
Jerod Mayo
T.J. Slaughter
Adalius Thomas
Outside
Victor Hobson
Adalius Thomas
Mike Vrabel
Pierre Woods
Hello Mike,
Does Patriots has to spend allot of money at #10 pick?
Man do i hate the Jets
What is your persoanl analysis of this guy. I have only read good things besides some coverage issues, but I noticed he has the speed to keep up with most T.E.'s.(4.54, 40) I personally see this as a good pick at a discounted price when considering the trade-down. Also Pawan has a good question at the price we will pay???
Doesnt Mike Vrabel play on inside too, i know he's more better on the outside but he can play inside
Pawan,
Last year's #10 (Okoye / Texans) got a $18 million contract with nearly $13 million guaranteed - or to put it another way, somewhat more than double the amount than Brandon Meriweather received last year. Add 5% to 10% to that and you'll have your likely Mayo contract.
Hi Ian Grover. Vrabel can play inside in a pinch, but I don't think he played there at all last year, so I put him solely on the outside at this time.
--Mike
I think it is a great pick and may be an instance where need and the best player on the board at the time (except possibly for Brandon Albert) converged. The word that Coach used in his press conference was "intelligent"! That clinched it for me. The guessing game now is for which pick will be used on a tight end. I was hoping the kid from Notre Dame would sneak through but Seattle obviously liked what they saw. This also seems like a good second day draft for corners. The Pats always seem to do a good job during the later rounds.
All teams fear the Patriots even more than before LOOK OUT!
With no one except Merriweather on the team from last year's draft, wouldn't it make more sense to take the player you want at #8 then to pick up a 3rd round pick? 3rd round picks are typically mediocre players.
Hopefully well take the next step and win the superbowl this year.
Mayo is a good value pick. 140 tackles as an ILB in the SEC is a great sign. BB and SP pull off another coupe!
Three third round picks after a night to regroup is another indicator that both these guys really are the best in the business...
I expect depth picks (TE, OL) and trades for picks next year during today's draft day.
Just spent a few years watching Jerod Mayo play for Tennessee. He's the real thing- can read the play, close on the ball fast, and deliver one of those smashing kind of hits that makes everyone go nuts. I haven't seen any of his best highlights on the sports news shows covering the draft.
If he'd stuck around he would've been part of the big news in next year's draft.
I'll root for the Pats now.
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