Sebastian Vollmer swings into action
Rookie Sebastian Vollmer, left, blocks Le Kevin Smith. (AP)
FOXBOROUGH -- Through seven training camp practices, one story that catches the eye is the progress of rookie offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer.
When the Patriots selected Vollmer with a second-round draft choice (58th overall), I wrote that it was likely Vollmer would learn behind the scenes in 2009 before possibly emerging in 2010.
Vollmer is threatening to accelerate that projected timeline, as I'd now look at him as a strong option to be the team's No. 3 tackle this year -- backing up the left and right side. He's played both spots in training camp.
Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly asked Bill Belichick about Vollmer today, and Belichick's answer seemed notable:
"Sebastian is a very flexible player. He played mostly left tackle in Houston, and then when he went to the All-Star games, he played right tackle. We worked him on both sides," Belichick answered.
"From a talent standpoint, it's rare that you have guys who are big enough and physical enough to play on the right side, that are then athletic enough and can handle some of the pass rushers that are over there on the left side. That eliminates a lot of players, guys who are either one or the other based on their physical assets. Then you have another group of players who might conceptually be able to play both, but maybe their mentality or comfort level of playing one or the other eliminates [them].
"To have a true swing tackle, that's a tough position to find. ... Sebastian seems very good at that to this point. As we go on and keep adding more stuff, we'll see how it goes."
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....how about a few reps at OLB? (kidding...mostly)
That brings up a question that I have Mike how has Nick Kaczur looked so far if its possible to gauge him so far.
I thought that the long term scenario could play out as he sits on the bench learns under Dante for a year and then overtakes Kaczurs spot. It seems still that is going to happen hes a smart guy and hes a monster (size wise). I honestly think the long term scenario which is a year of sitting is his best case scenario.
The fans were complaining when Voillmer was selected in the second round., much like they did when Mankins was selected out of the blue. There were strong interest from the Cowboys in taking Vollmer. He was even invited to Jerry Jones' ranch before the draft and would have been gone if the Pats did not do their due diligence.. If Vollmer works out like Mankins, it will be a tribute to the scouting department.
Hi Dorian. I think Kaczur has been steady through 7 practices.
--Mike
Hi Mike,
How are the backup QB's Looking so far (O'Connell, Guitterez and Hoyer)?
Many of the draft-nik gurus said the Pats made a huge reach to take him in the second round. Looks like the Pats knew what they were doing. I seriously doubt the team will re-sign all of the guys come up for contracts soon. This guy will be starting next year and may see a lot of playing time this year if Kaczur or Light get nicked. This could also spell the end of the road for Ryan O'Callahan.
Remembering that this guy started off as a tight end in college might be our answer to missing Vrabel lining up as an eligible receiver in the red zone. 6'8" and 314 lbs. makes a formidable target in the end zone.
Grabbing him was a pretty nice under-the-radar move. After they picked up Chung, Brace and Butler it was a bit of a shock for me to see him picked (mainly because I had never heard of him). I find it easy to pinpoint the holes on a team, however it is really tough to figure out who the right guys are to fill them.
I'm still sort of in awe over this year's draft. Each time I look back at it, it seems so masterfully executed. It seems like so much talent was nabbed for the present while the team's future was also invested in.
I am so psyched for preseason!
Bravo, Brother Jon! # 8 >
"Grabbing him was a pretty nice under-the-radar move. After they picked up Chung, Brace and Butler it was a bit of a shock for me to see him picked (mainly because I had never heard of him). I find it easy to pinpoint the holes on a team, however it is really tough to figure out who the right guys are to fill them.
I'm still sort of in awe over this year's draft. Each time I look back at it, it seems so masterfully executed. It seems like so much talent was nabbed for the present while the team's future was also invested in.
I am so psyched for preseason!"
Perfect! I laughed my ASS off at those "experts" who thought they knew better than Coach Bill! I, too, was shocked...But not even for a split second was I worried! I would've had to've been out'f my mind to be worried, with Coach Bill's drafting record!
I couldnt believe the so called draft experts had this guy rated as a low round pick or non-drafted free agent. The footage I saw of him looked very impressive and I would nto be suprised if he ends up as the starting right tackle this year. Nick Kaczur sucks.
* I don't know why the Globe doesn't simply install some Bleeping Software ~ by which I mean: Software that Bleeps! ~ instead of having some poor soul go through these posts MANUALLY, which exposes us to the annoyance of an enormous Time Lag, while exposing that poor soul to drudgery...But whoever you are: Thank you! The posts've been FLYING out, this afternoon!
I hope for the best from this big Craut but take it easy guys he hasn't played a down yet!
If you look at Volmer's measurables VS the tackles invited to the combine; Volmer projects to being the #3 tackle available in this draft.
This guy is a surprise. Nobody really knew him and according to the "experts"?, this guy wasn't even in top 10 in offensive lineman. NOT only BB gets credit for this pick, the scouts did an outstanding job too, which they never get the credit
even as a Steelers, and I am happy with my draft, the Pats had the best draft....
Is there ANYBODY more useless than chumps who squeal "Take it easy; he hasn't played a down, yet."???
NO.
KIDDING.
WOW. What a RICH contribution to the discussion!
Is it all right with you if we get excited about the guy's POTENTIAL???
CHRIST.
* Once again, Steelers Fan: Thanks for your remarkably unbiased Value Add! And yes: I AM serious!
Steelers Fan is probably the best poster on any message board with regards to an unbiased opinion and knowing his stuff.
Maybe, but he's still a Steelers fan...
No one's perfect ;)
#15 Fanatical Fairy
I did not realize you were the posting editor and screener -- you moron. I guess that is also why M. Reiss and BB are always quick to point out this exact same point when players are being cannonized before they have ever even made the final 53 cut and suited up in a game.
Heh! No need to clench your panties, JP PilloBiter!! I was just expressing my gratitude for your taking the time out of your fascinating life to enlighten us that Volmer "hasn't played a down yet!" WOW. What refreshing INSIGHT! How DO you come up with such GRIPPING analysis??? ;)
HEY, everybody! What the hell are you doing, speculating about the guy's possible future for??? Shut your PIE Holes!!!
Don't you know you're only supposed to make predictions about what he's going to do AFTER he's done it???
;p
Fanatical Fairy,
You poor depressed misanthropic sociopath. You must be in deep depression and really dislike yourself if you have nothing to offer but to criticize others. And two posts in response -- WOW -- i hope you got it all out champ. There are some good anti-depression drugs for sociopaths like yourself. We all really need to be more positive with you in case something like this pushes you over the edge. I really feel sorry for you and don't want to push you over the edge so i wont say anything more negative to you,okay sport. Seriously -- i am told the anti-depression drugs really work.
Who you callin' "misanthropic"??? :p
Seriously, man: Don't you know when somebody's pointing and laughing at you? :o)
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