Patriots, ILBs & the draft

I really hope Maualaga falls to us, that would be ridiculous.

Brinkley is very intriguing with his size/athleticism but I have heard his intelligence questioned by a few draft sites (was also a JUCO transfer which makes sense)...maybe it won't matter two much as he is probably a two-down thumper anyways. Another guy that I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on in middle rounds are Antonio Appleby from Virginia...he played inside in a 3-4, has added some weight (6'4, 250) and ran a 4.65-4.68 40 at his pro day. He may not be physical enough to play next to Mayo but if we miss out on Maualuga and he is there in the 4th/5th could be worth a look.

One name I've seen bandied about (and I'm not draft expert by any stretch. Don't watch college football. Don't follow it. Haven't seen film. Only know what I read) is James Laurenitis. People seem to think he's nothing spectacular, but could be a solid pro for years and years, and could come in and contribute immediately. Now we can't have superstars at every position, but if that guy was sitting there at 34 (I've read that 23 is too high for him) or 47....why not? A safe pick is a good pick, and a young, smart, somewhat athletic guy who can come in and be a solid presence is nothing but smart. Also, with Mayo there for coverage and athleticism, doesn't it make sense to put someone next to him who can play well, albeit at a lower level?

I could be completely wrong, and I've read that Laurenitis doesn't really have much upside beyond what he would be able to do from day 1 (not much room for improvement)...but like I said, you can't have superstars everywhere. A nice safe pick in the 2nd round is smart considering how many flame out entirely.

Rob, I think Lauranitis has sort of been pegged as 4-3 mlb from what I have read. He is at his best when he can run around and make plays without having to take on or shed too many blocks.

Jared, I only brought it up because I read it on Ask PFW (which, I know, is merely one source and because I'm not in a position to evaluate their statements [no knowledge of these guys in the draft], I just take it at face value), but what you said makes sense. Again, I'll just take it at face value :)

First things first. Bruschi has to go. He has been a below average player for years now and the last two years you could make an arguement that he is amongst the worst starting ILB's in the league. Drafting the kid from USC (Maualaga) would be huge. They may have to jump up a few spots to get him but it would be worth it.

First things first. Bruschi has to go. He has been a below average player for years now and the last two years you could make an arguement that he is amongst the worst starting ILB's in the league. Drafting the kid from USC (Maualaga) would be huge. They may have to jump up a few spots to get him but it would be worth it.

Laurinaitis should absolutely be in consideration. He is probably a reach at 23 but we have no idea how he is graded out by Bill and company. The two primary player comparisons given for Laurinaitis are Bruschi and Brian Urlacher and those guys are both pretty good linebackers. Laurinaitis is underrated due to lack of upside. I think the concerns about him being in a 4-3 vs a 3-4 are overstated and he is probably a better fit in a 3-4 in my opinion because he would have to be the run stuffer by default in most 4-3 and take on more blocks, whereas he can play the 3-4 ILB flow to the ball role we've seen Ray Lewis play so effectively, with Mayo doing the dirty work.

I think a true run stopping ILB like Ted Johnson will be idea for the pats. Guyton to me, is more of a 3rd backer. If we can find one in this draft to pair with mayo, we'll be good for years.

Mikelax,

I'm not as high on Bruschi as our starting MLB as many...but to say that he's one of the worst in the league? Come on. While I have little doubt that he would finish dead last in a 40-yard dash of starting MLBs in the league (or close to it), that doesn't mean he can't still play. He tied for 33rd in the league in tackles (among ILBs and MLBs), but considering he has a superstar playing next to him now, that's expected. He won't put up the same kind of numbers anymore. That's ok. Would I prefer that they replace him with someone better? Sure, but I'd prefer they replace EVERYONE with someone better. Why wouldn't you want every position on the team, regardless of how good a guy is, to be BETTER? Cut Tedy some slack. He's at least the best option they have or are going to have for the first few games of the season, and he'll be invaluable to help whoever they get to replace him learn the ropes.

First I wanna start this off by saying Rey will not be drafted by the Pats. Lets get that out of the way. Mike this guy is a two down backer and I highly doubt Bill will want a guy who is going to be a two down player at ILB and draft that kid in the first. Sorry no next please.

Now onto Tedy. I love me some Bruschi and I loved the way he played but you see im using past tense. He has lost so much and the fact that Guyton is getting more snaps worries me alot.

ILB is a need but this draft sadly is not filled with good ILB prospects. I would have to say Brinkley fits the mold the best. If he was 100% this year he would be without a doubt a first round guy. He has the size and strength to play.

I love Bruschi like the rest of Patriot Nation but I think even he realizes this has to be his last year. I do think his leadership will be needed this year, however, so I don't think he's in jeopardy this year.

I think his replacement will come from the college DE ranks as did Bruschi. I wonder if Ayers from Tenn can play inside. Seems like he's being projected as a 2nd/3rd rounder in most recent mocks I've seema nd I wonder if his weaknesses at DE might make him a good fit inside for us. From what I've seen, he seems to be stout against run and able to blow up guards.

Mike, Two players not on the list are: Scott McKillop of Penn State and Cody Brown of UConn. Mckillop has decent size at 6'1" and 244 and can both tackle and cover. He's a gritty player. Cody Brown is a DE listed to convert to OLB, but I believe he is a possibility for ILB. He is not oversize at 6'2" and 245, could add weight, and takes on blockers without hesitation. Laurinaitis should also be on the list. He would have been a top 15 player last year, but the draft seems to like fresh faces, will be a real value if he makes it to the second round.

Joe, McKillop played at Pitt but I do like everything I have read about him and his production the last two years was ridiculous....not a guy you want to bet against making it with his intangibles. Despite ridiculous production people are predictably knocking him down because his 40 is a tenth of a second slower then the ideal.

Regarding Lauranitis in the 3-4, I think he could certainly play in it. However you ideally want a thumper and a quick, athletic inside backer...Mayo is better suited for the athletic/roamer/coverage inside guy and will thrive with a guy who can take on blockers...not sure that is Lauranitis's strong suit. I think his instincts are good enough to be the playmaker inside backer but probably not want the Pats need. I think Maualga would be perfect to play alongside Mayo. If he needs to come out on third and long, that is typical anyways as you have pass rush specialists and extra d-backs in those situations anyways that you substitute in, plus Mayo should be on the field in those situations and someone has to come off the field.

I am from Ohio and have seen Lauranitis a lot and everyone here hasn't. That being said, he is a lot better player than what people think, Butkus award winner and a solid linebacker. I think he would be a great fit for NE, but their concerns aree at OLB. Lauranitis is not flashy and that is what people look for, flash and not substance. He will be in the NFL a lot longer than the other LB's drafted this year and will have a better career. Reminds me of Chris Speilman, solid and played a long time. Look at the player as a player, quit looking for a flashy guy who talks too much, usually the player is better and lasts longer.

Mike Reiss,
I am sorry I wrote about Jason Williams under OLB's because that is what everyone lists him as but in our 3-4 he would play next to Mayo. I love the thought of Rey maualuga in a Pats uniform but he will not make it to #23. Also, I really like Jason Williams from W.illinois-he runs a 4.42 forty and look at his college stats he gets sacks, interceptions and forced fumbles. I am also very high on Guyton and I think Williams is a Rich man's Guyton. If all goes well then start all three Guyton, Williams and Mayo. They are all fast and save one of the linebacking posistion for a bigger player.

Mike,
I am from Mass, but I know a ton about Laureneitis and I think he is a fabulous player. If he came out last year he would have been drafted before Mayo. However, the media has me fooled with this 23 is to high for him. I like my boy Jason Williams better. Also, look for a couple guys that could play next to mayo and succeed and they will come from picks 100 or later (steals)
1.) Nick Reed- Oregon-blitzes like an animal. college End too small for Nfl people see him like Bruschi who was a sack machine end converted to inside in the 3-4. 2.) David Veikune- Hawaii he is 6-2 257 and another college end but projected as a middle linebacker in the 3-4 system. He is not real fast but strong and a wild motor just like Bruschi too. Lastly, everyone remember you do not have to weigh 270 pounds to be a 3-4 linebacker , if you look at Baltimore or Pitt, there linebackers are a little bigger than 4-3 LB's but not that much. Couple more MLB'ers that would fit our system Brit Miller -Illinois, Stanley Arnoux -Wake Forrest and two of my favorites Andrew Schantz- Portland State and Cyrus Mulitalo-Sacremento State and they will all go in the last round or FA's.
2.