Mayo jersey presentation

He sounds like a funny, personable kid. Too bad we won't get to hear from for the next couple of years.

Jerod should request #55 -> Cinco de Mayo - Especially if Seau is done.

Maybe not in words Joan but hopefully his on-field play will do his talking for him and we'll hear him loud and clear.

51 became available when Slaughter was released the other day and I think he will be issued that #. 91, 95 and 98 are also available.

Holy Crap. How short is that guy? Please tell me the Krafts are standing on something.

Agreed Nikos, 51 woud be a great number,Dick Butkus

Chill out, Mayo is 6'1 and that is fine for an inside linebacker. Its outside guys that you want to be both taller and heavier. I guess people will complain about anything.

umm he's 6'1, which makes sense when he's standing next to Kraft if you look at the picture again..... Not sure why that seems small. This is football remeber not basketball.

He's almost exactly the same size TB was coming out of Arizona...any more complaints?

Hey Lollipop Guild, Pay no attention to those men behind the Mayo

for belichek to draft a lb #1, I wouldn't be surprised if he got #12!

you are all missing his best skill.."I can't wait to get my playbook and start learning".. He is a smart, hungry kid who wants to be a player

i mean hes not huge but hes fast, smart and a great addition to the pats D. mayo is only 6' 1/4" but hes 241lbs. cant wait to see him beast some ppl.

How long until the Jets are penalized for "holding the Mayo"...copyright bill simmons

This kid looks like a badass and yet seems intelligent.

bobbyj23... every rookie says that.

He seems like a really nice guy - and a Pats type of player - and I wish him the best. But, uh, take a look at him. He's way too small to play inside linebacker in the NFL. Look, I'm not trying to be negative but he'll be giving up between 50-60lbs to offensive linemen. I mean, Adalius outweighs him by about 30lbs. And if memory serves correctly, he's also lighter than Colvin. So, for whatever it's worth, and while I hope (pray) he has a Hall of Fame career with the Pats, I feel he's destined (in my humble opinion) for spot duty in sub-packages and special teams. Not sure that's what you want with your first round pick, taken tenth overall....

RWF.... He is the same size at Teddy B., not much smaller than MIke V.. He can also put on another 10 pounds before the season starts. Remember weight lifting programs in the NFL are much more involved than at the college level.

RFW you are a bone head he is Bruschi size go back to watching tennis played with fuzzy balls

you're right RWF, belichick probably checked him out and said "this guys tiny, he could never play backer in the NFL, ill take him!"

Let me tell you something; I can tell if a guy is good enough for the NFL just by the way he stands next to the owners. Come on people, don't be stupid. Beautiful day outside, the other 2 sports teams in Boston won and there's still whining. Good grief.

His height is a non issue. "Too small to play inside linebacker in the NFL" is just nonsense. Teddy Bruschi and Zack Thomas both had to fight that sterotype coming out of college and they've had fine careers.If he can play, he can play regardless of his height. Plus 6' 1" isn't even considered short by NFL standards so enough of that talk.

RWF - please don't be offended but I will side with the decision that a coach and team that has had unprecedented success over the past 5+ years has made. I love you "couch experts" with your insight... do you honestly believe that the Pat's would "waste" a first round draft pick????

go back to wathing the game and telling your wife about the bad plays the team makes...at least she has to listen to you.. well not really I guess.

Ummm RWF, exactly how big do you think Bruschi is....cuz they are about the same size and Bruschi has obviously been able to handle inside linebacker over the years. Colvin and Adalius are outside linebackers normally. I don't think Bill would draft someone in the first round if they were to small.

...hey "dudes", let us see what'sUp...in December/08...hope he makes
the team.
HandyHenry, ME

Makes the team? The guys going to be making about 13 million guaranteed and was 10th overall in the draft. I would be shocked if he wasent starting by week 8. Also on the whole number thing, i hope he gets number 51 because i hate when the Pats give young linebackers numbers in the 40's. I would'nt buy a Mayo jersey with the number 46 on it.

This guy is officially listed at 6'11/2" which is not only the same size as Tedy Bruschi but also two inches taller than Zack Thomas who was nasty in his day as an inside linebacker. This guy has tremendous speed as well. He'll be fine and he is desparately needed on the inside with Bruschi and Seau getting older. Get your facts straight!!

Jakob,

Not True... Some of them do not even show up and talk through their agents.

Jacob,

Some of them don't even show up and they talk through their agents. I didn't see him mention money or contract once.

an old friend from the air force had his kids in the same high school in virginia,he is also a avid pats fan.he said mayo is an awesome guy and a great pick for the team

Jacob & Bobbyj23, I am always suprised by the interview skills of #1's against all other round picks. They are almost coached too well like many ambitious kids coming out of college - they really want to get the job but you have no idea whether they are serious about doing the work. Mayo strikes me as differed though. He really did not slip at all in any areas of background check from his coaches to his answers - they are all very consistent.
For those of you worried about his height he is absolutely going to be weak linebacker on the inside. He needs to be a smarter and instinctive player, like Bruschi, because he is slightly farther away from the line and needs to see more of what is going on.
If he is in fact serious about wanted to get to work with some of the best in the business, I don't see Bruschi stepping down, but he will seriously upgrade our defense on first and second down.

an old friend from the air force had his kids in the same high school in virginia,he is also a avid pats fan.he said mayo is an awesome guy and a great pick for the team

Posted by jim rourke May 1, 08 09:21 PMReply | Report this post

Thanks Jim. That is good inside info. Half these complainers here I'm sure were saying "get Pedroia out of the lineup" for the Sox at the begging of the year last year. Go Pats!

The trend towards big Ted Johnson (or dare I say, Levon Kirkland?) type linebackers is dying. As much of a beast TJ was for the team, he was out of his element on passing downs. I felt one of the biggest deficiencies of the defense last year was linebacker coverage -- especially in the middle after Colvin went down and Adalius had to move outside. And in today's pass-oriented NFL, you don't want slow guys handling your downfield coverage. Especially in the 3-4, where the ILBs are often responsible for TEs when the OLB blitzes or is covering the flat.

Agree -- size in a middle linebacker is overrated. Gary Brackett went undrafted because he was 5'11". Now? Captain of the Colts' defense (and terrific in coverage, even against big TEs.) Lofa Tatupu? 6'0". Zack Thomas? 5'11". Yes, Mayo will probably play weak side. Yes, the Pats could possibly be vulnerable against two TE sets. Yes, he may have to play a little further back to see plays unfolding. But if he's as good as advertised, his speed and savvy will more than make up for his height.

OK, that went well.

But, tennis? Please! Can't we all just get along??!?!?!

And, no, my wife doesn't listen to me, either - just like the rest of you guys....

Pigskin rules!

:)

Yeah, I got another complaint for ya. What is up with the font on the nameplate? That 'Y' looks like the holy grail. Those look like the letters from Temple Solomon Schecter.

You guys are idiots. Jerod Mayo was the best LB in the draft, can play any LB position, ran a 4.5 at 240 lbs, which no LB on your entire roster can do, and lives and breathes football. He will start day one, and be a staple in your organization for the next 5 years at least.

If size is so important at MLB, then explain the careers of Zach Thomas (5'10" 230), Mike Singeltary and Derrick Brooks too name a few. Everyone relax, this kid is gooing to be a stud

He's the same size as Ray Lewis, arguably the best ILB to ever play.
Mayo is a world class kid and a kickazz player. Do some research
or watch some film before talking stupid...

Is Mr Kraft mad at his son?? Usually he is right next to him whenever the cameras are on them..........Perhaps some unhappy blood in the family??

I'm pumped up for 3rd rounder Shawn Crable OLB. 6'5"!!! 245 pounds!!! How was he a 3rd round pick, stupid, bad conduct, or can't cover?

All of you guys bad mouthin jerod saw what was up right? Who was the defensive rookie of the year again? oh yeah thats right jerod was...he will end all you haters talkin trash...and thats coming from someone who started on the same defense he did at kecoughtan...haters suck