Darius Butler analysis
ANALYSIS
The Patriots drafted UConn cornerback Darius Butler with the 41st overall selection, and in doing so, landed one of the best change-of-direction cover men. This seems like an excellent value (note: Butler was my pick in the first-round mock at 23).
Patriots coach Bill Belichick was present at UConn's Pro Day when Butler turned in an exceptional workout. His interest in Butler was talked about in the days leading up to the draft.
The Patriots are well stocked at cornerback in the short-term, with Ellis Hobbs, Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden and two rookies from last year's draft -- Terrance Wheatley (2nd round) and Jonathan Wilhite (4th round) -- atop the depth chart.
Hobbs and Bodden have contracts that expire after the 2009 season.
Belichick previously said that a team can never have enough cover-men in today's spread-the-field NFL. Butler adds to the short-term competition and provides a long-term option at a position that hasn't looked the same since Asante Samuel left town.
- Intelligence/character: Two-year team captain … First-team all-Big East in 2008 .… From a football family. His uncle, Gene Atkins, had a 10-year NFL career as a defensive back. His cousin is Ravens running back Willis McGahee … Has been getting tutelage from Deion Sanders … Was an option quarterback in high school in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. … Born March 18, 1986.
- Stopping the run: Don’t expect much. He’s doesn’t have the size to provide much assistance, and he could risk injury by flying into piles … Pro Football Weekly said he ‘‘hits like a marshmallow’’ (Perhaps what he’s been learning from Deion) … An inconsistent tackler.
- Defending the pass: With exceptional closing speed, he doesn’t get burned often … Ten career interceptions, but none as a senior … Ran back two of his INTs for touchdowns … In his last two seasons, no opposing receiver caught a TD pass against him … Sometimes looks like the receiver because he gets good reads … Won’t be physical at the line.
- Size/strength/durability: Started all 45 career games … Also took some snaps on offense, catching nine passes for a 13.7-yard average … Took over kickoff return duties in 2008 and averaged 23.5 yards on 20 runbacks … The first player in Big East history to score on a kickoff return, interception, reception, and rushing attempt in a career.
Sources: National Football League, Globe research, and draft analysts from Pro Football Weekly, Ourlads’, and The War Room.
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Nice. Three strong defensive picks at second round prices. Now we need a linebacker. I feel better after all of that trading.
I wish we took a LB in the first round. I would have loved Matthews and or Barwin.
I figured by now we would have picked up either an OLB or picks next year. I like Butler, Chung was a surprise there, but I knew BB liked him. Sad to say that probably means #37 will be long to someone besides Rodney next year.
So, who do we look at for OLB now?
in bill we trust
What a typical NE draft. Here is why they do well...they spend on proven players. Free agents or home grown from the 2nd or 3rd rounds If they take someone top 20, you can bet he's going to be productive...and is usually a fat guy. It is harder to go bust on fat guys. Now all the talk is about how the NFL needs to get with the player's association to redo the salary structure so the rookies don't get all the guaranteed money up front. Too much risk. Belichick figured it out years ago and just adjusted the draft day strategy.
Bet you money if the kid Pioli took at 3 was still there at 8...he would have moved up. He was the only guy worth the top 10 pick risk. Oherwise, it was all about the secondary this year.
You have a hole at ILB and traded one of your most productive and flexible guys(OLB's) and you take an average safety....What's worse is that you take a NT who you could have had in the 3rd round....All 3 guys could turn out to be nice pro's but you have your choice of Matthews, Barwin, Maualaga, Sintem and you pass on all 4?????I hope Banta-Cain can fill Vrabel's spot and Guyton can play ILB....
MM, You are totally entitled to your opinion. But we can listen to all the stuff they say on TV. Bill saw them live and talked to them. They got three very solid picks. Bill obviously didn't think those linebackers fit in with his system.
Here's my grade on this Patriots Draft...F-...Priority one was inside linebacker to replace Brewski & Priority two was outside linebacker to replace Vrabel. What do we get instead? Chicken sht, not chicken salad. Brilliant, BB, just Brillant. I think I'll root for the Jets or Miami this year. Even the Bills had a MUCH better draft.
Go root for the Jets or Miami. Nobody wants you rooting for the Pats Chuckles, you bandwagon "fan". What a loser.
Looks like a switch to the 4-3. Think about it.
Doesn't matter how productive Brace turns out to be, he was a reach that high in the second round. Chung seems like a reach as well but I'm fine with that pick if BB really likes the guy. Butler may compensate for Brace but you would think we'd be ok in the backfield by now
Right--Brace was a reach, why? What is your expertise?
Exactly.
A-/B+ draft so far.
HI haters! The Pats got a gem in Chung soon enough you guys will be creaming in your pants over him, so just relax! Butler going to be a steal @#41. And how could you go wrong with some more fat guys. Finally someone BIG enough to sub Vince out, cuts a few plays here so he could rush the passer on 3rd downs. He did express the desire last season. But, I must admit, I have not a clue on OT guy.
TerrEnce Wheatley*. No "A" in Terrence. Makes me think just how little of an impact he had last year. Spelling error aside, I'm ready to see the healthy DB's at work. I love the Chung pick.
Great pick, now we just need to teach him to not be like Deon and tackle. As far as Brace goes, all you great knowledgable people need to realize a lot of other teams were gunning for him in the 2nd round. Great pick!
why do peope worry about olb so much we still have peirre woods and some youngs guys ready to come in vince redd shawn crable bo rudd and there is always jason taylor so relax...i personally would rather see either peirre woods vince redd or shawn crable win that job and have some young blood out there im concerned with some young dlineman or some guards to round out this draft
Darius Butler will be a player who plays on both sides of the ball and special teams. He will play the extra defensive back in nickel or dime packages. He will play 4th or 5th wide receiver in those offensive packages. He will be able to run the reverse. He may be able to run the wildcat if the Pats elect to use that offense sometimes. He certainly can return kickoffs. These are the types of players that the Pats get. Versatile. I am happy with this pick. I have heard great things about Chung as well. I am a Portland Trailblazers fan and talk to folks in Oregon all the time about sports. The papers over there absolutely love him. Great job Bill and company.
The Pats released Hobbs and went with players in the late rounds. Don't be surprised if Billy Bells pulls a fast one this week and introduces us to a shocker (Peppers or Taylor) like they did around draft day like he did with Corey Dillion.
I would not be shocked....
Butler is a great pick, esp. where he was picked. You can see that BB has confidence in Butler since he turned around and traded Hobbs the next day.
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