Shawn Crable analysis
ANALYSIS
[UPDATE: Corrects previous post that Crable played primarily defensive end at Michigan. He was a strongside linebacker in the team's 4-3.]
The Patriots' linebacker corps received an infusion of youth, athleticism and power with first-round pick Jerod Mayo. The addition of Michigan DE/OLB Shawn Crable in the third round adds a bit more in that regard.
While Mayo projects to inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defense, Crable (6-5, 245) should be playing outside linebacker.
Crable has the size the Patriots are looking for in that position, as outside linebackers must grapple with tackles and tight ends. Crable has 34.5 inch arms, which will help with that assignment. He will also figure into the special teams mix, and could play in sub packages as a rusher.
The Patriots like to have options at linebacker, and Crable gives them more flexibility. Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Woods and Victor Hobson are the top four players on the depth chart at outside linebacker.
If the team elects to play Thomas inside, it would alter the picture a bit.
Crable, who also fits the profile of big, fast, physical players the team likes on special teams, will look to crack that group.
Crable started 12 games at Linebacker for Michigan this past year. He has Jason Taylor type athleticism and a similar frame. He was also a special teams player.
He'll be active on game day for special teams and can be groomed into that 3-4 linebacker role.
can you say Tully Banta Cain? Hopefully Jonathan Goff is their next pick
I think this solidifies Adalius inside, which I'm happy about. We won't have to worry about downfield coverage in the middle with Adalius and Mayo in the middle. Also, although there's been speculation that Hobson could play ILB, I really don't see any evidence of it. He's been used almost exclusively at OLB, and wasn't terrible from the spot.
So I think the picture looks like this:
ILB: Adalius, Bruschi, Mayo, Alexander*
OLB: Vrable, Hobson, Crable, Woods*
*Alexander & Woods are locks because of their special teams ability
Crable played for the Massillon Tigers and was outstanding! He's a great pick for the Pats!
what did the pats get for their 1st 3rd round pick in the trade with sandiego?
im looking for the same info what did the pats get for thier 1st 3rd rnd pick
who ever said sumthn about jonathon goff is a fool...i trust coach b far more than sum clown talkn about jhon goff over shawn crable...peace out latahhhhhhhhh yeeh
Here are the trade details -- ted and ross restes. In return, they get a 2009 second-round pick and the Chargers' 2008 fifth-round pick (160th overall).
--Mike
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
ask reiss
Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbagbrowse this blog
by categoryINside Boston.com