Pass rush analysis
ANALYSIS
Bill Belichick said something in his press conference today that caught my attention.
He was answering a question on how third cornerbacks have essentially become 12th starters because of more offenses playing with three and four receivers. It's something that I've heard Belichick -- and other coaches -- mention over the last few years.
But it was another part of Belichick's answer that I thought contained a hidden gem of sorts.
He was explaining how the Patriots, like other teams, had re-graded certain positions on their draft board -- such as the third corner, third receiver, third-down running back, or a second- and third-down pass rusher -- with close to a starter-like value.
The second- and third-down pass rusher was the part that stood out to me.
I then thought of third-round draft choice Shawn Crable.
When the Patriots selected Crable with the 78th overall pick, it was a challenge to project where he fit into the team's base 3-4 alignment. He played outside linebacker in Michigan's 4-3 alignment, which would usually mean he'd be at inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.
But at 6-foot-5, 243 pounds, Crable is probably too tall to play inside linebacker and doesn't appear to be a prototypical take-on player at that spot. At the same time, he also doesn't appear to be an every-down on-the-line player, meaning he wouldn't be a fit at outside linebacker in the 3-4.
After listening to Belichick today, I'm going to watch Crable closely in the next few practices. Crable seems like he might fit the profile of the second- and third-down pass rusher who now carries more value on the team's draft board.
Mike Reiss's new nickname should be The Rosetta Stone
Mike, we're going to have to start calling you the guru of the press conference. Nice observation!
Why isn't he a capable every down player at OLB? Seems like an athlete to me.
Mike man always working hard. I think Crable could actually turn into a every down type rusher. Hes fast and def has the build for the spot but his lower body frame is very skinny. If I was a linemen or TE I would be going for his weak spot each and every time.
I think Crable will be that 3rd down situational guy. You have Adalius/Vrabel/Crabel rushing on third down along with Warren and Seymour that would def help mask the secondary a bit.
Shawn Crable may lack a true position, at this point, but wherever he lined up in college for Michigan he was a playmaker. He is a great athlete, with excellent speed for his size. Made lots of tackles for loss and I believe he holds the Michigan record in that category. He played OLB, DE, and sometimes DT his last yr in college. I think his versatility will make him a solid Patriot. I do agree w/you Mike that Crable projects best as a pass rushing OLB, particularly in a 3-4 like the Pats especially early on in his career. But his coverage skills are underrated and his experience at DE in college could lead the Pats to use him as a DE on 3rd down. I believe Crable has the potential to be an Adalius Thomas type player and I also believe he can play full time OLB. So I agree early on he will probably be a rush specialist but I think long term we are potentially looking at a full time player here with lots of versatility.
Hi Mike, Great insight re: Crable. I trust & value your observations more than any other reporter covering the Pats. You are the MAN. Keep up the great work. See you at Sunday a.m. practice. God Bless.
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