Watch as we preview the defensive front seven with a film review of the top prospects by Evan Lazar with a focus on DL Mason Graham. Plus, we break down the latest mock drafts and NFL Draft rumors.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Like.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Welcome to an NFL draft.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Hosted by the writers of Patriots dot Com. From now
until you here the New England Patriots swage.
Speaker 4 (00:13):
The countdown is on.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Welcome to the Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Welcome everybody. This is Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light,
Easy to Drink, Easy to enjoy, Budlight, the official beer
sponsor of the New England Patriots, and it's getting exciting.
A little over three weeks left before the NFL Draft
this year, guys, we've been talking about all this stuff.
Today we're gonna be focusing on the front seven. Evan's
got a film breakdown, we got another mock draft from
Matisse and Chris, and here we're gonna be talking about
the latest news. So over the last week, guys, we've
(00:41):
had some breaking news, some different things happening. The Patriots
signed Stefon Diggs, they released Jawan Bentley, and a little
bit of news coming out of the owner's meetings where
I was down in Palm Beach, Florida. But I want
to start with Stefan Diggs, huge news. We talk all
the time about wide receiver being in need, Paul, It's
just it's been hanging over this team for a while now.
Stefan Diggs definitely feels the need, it feels like, but
(01:04):
he's coming off an injury. He's a little bit older,
not quite sure he's that guy, but he certainly makes
an impact. How do you think it impacts the Patriots
view of the draft and the wide receivers.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
Yeah, I don't know specifically about the draft, but it
is certainly a move that they needed to make, and
we all saw the gaping hole at the position. And
you know, Evan and I were here last week when
when Steph came in, and I think we were all
sort of impressed, just you know, the ease with which
he goes about his business. Great personality, oozes personality from
(01:34):
that podium when he spoke to us at his press conference.
I think we had, you know, some good stuff with
him behind the scenes and sort of getting acclimated to
New England. But I think specifically on the field, Mike,
they don't have, in my opinion, a one or a
two without Stefan Diggs. So you bring him in, you
sort of roll the dice a little bit about the health,
(01:55):
and that's certainly a big concern, But I think the
numbers are right. I don't think that they're necessarily boxed
into a you know, a cage here if it doesn't
work out. I think it makes a lot of sense,
and I think the wide receiver room is better today
than it was without them.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
Evan Paul talks about the wide receiver room. Yeah, and
how Stefan Diggs kind of fits in. If you were
to look at the draft, though, how do you see
it's shaping up with the kind of player that maybe
they might take. I don't think any of us are
thinking Travis Hunter. Maybe he could of course fit in well,
But let's say we get down in the second third,
mid round, what kind of guy would you be looking
for to complement this group and potentially raise their level.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Yeah, I think it's a great question. Something that I've
kind of racked my brain about a little bit is
is finding that complimentary outside receiver to Diggs. I think
Diggs is going to play more of that movable chess
piece type of role chain mover, you know, inside and
outside in terms of slot and outside usage. So you know,
who's the guy that can really play that exposition and
(02:54):
get down the field maybe a little bit. And this
draft it's hard, like there aren't a ton of guys
that perfectly fit that mold. You know, Travis Hunter is
his own thing. You know, he's obviously illegally you draft
him if you can. But Ted McMillan, I wouldn't say
is necessarily that vertical guy, you know, I think he's
still more of a first and second level receiver. Jaden
(03:16):
Higgins Paul not really that guy that's going to be
down the field, third, third level. So it is a
little bit when you try to find size and speed
in the same player in this draft class, there's not
a ton of that. You know, there's not a ton
of the you know, I know they don't grow on trees,
but there's not a DK metcalf right, which like feels
(03:38):
like the perfect compliment to somebody like Steph you know,
Nico Collins in Houston. Like I don't see that guy
in this draft, which is a little bit uh interesting
because I wonder where they got instead, you know, do
they go with another separator, you know, a Jalen Nowel,
Kyle Williams, Luther Burden, like a guy that is going
to play a lot in the slot, but speak is
(04:00):
if it's your separator and is a fast guy, maybe.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Yeah, So I'm gonna turn the page tis for you.
Rumor coming out of the owner's meetings there that the
Patriots are getting offers for Joe Milton Now, I think
we look at things a little bit differently around here.
I don't know what the scuttle butt is out there,
but we all watched plenty of practices last summer with
Joe Milton, and we saw how we finished the season
as well. An impressive performance to be sure, But at
the same time, I'm not sure where all this talk
(04:24):
tise is coming from that you know, your first second round, Like,
I know how valuable quarterbacks are in the league right now,
But does it make sense for the Patriots to move
on from Joe Milton at this point if they're just
gonna let and I think realistically we're talking about a
Day three pick. That's what I think we all view
his realistic trade value right now. Does it make sense
to trade him for a Day three pick at this
(04:45):
point or does it make more sense for this team
with Drake May of course at the top of the
depth chart to keep him around and see maybe how
it looks next year.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yeah, I think it has to be a Day two pick. Otherwise,
if he's that good, well you know what I mean,
why would you move him if he's If he's that good.
That being said, if say Drake Mega's hurt, I can't
watch Josh Dops for a full year, I'm sorry, I'd
rather watch Joe Milton see what he has. But I mean,
if you can maybe get a high like a fourth rounder, maybe,
but I think you might be able to hold on
(05:12):
him for another year and maybe get some more for him.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
I agree with Tease. I think this value in a
quality backup quarterback. So if you are that high on
Joe Milton, you know, second year of a rookie deal,
I would hold on to him unless someone wants to
get silly and give you way more than your thinking
right now. But to me, it wouldn't even begin to
be a thought until you're talking about at least a
day two pick. And I'm with you, Mike, I'm not
(05:37):
sure that he's worth that yet. But you know, this
is a testament to the teams there, and there's but
a half dozen of them that are really desperately looking
for a quarterback, So I'm not going to rule it out.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Evan.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
You've said it before, you said, Joe Milton is just
an intriguing player, and you can see why he went
to a couple of different colleges. He looks like Cam
Newton out there. He's doing backflips, he's throwing the ball,
you know, through the lighthouse here. So let stadium, you know,
what do you kind of expect to see out of
Joe Milton the year? I mean, I know he's an
older player too, so it's maybe understandable that he might
want to try to get a chance somewhere where he's
(06:10):
not behind a drake Man. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
I think that would be the only reason why I
would move Joe Milton sooner than I want to is
if he has the belief that he should be competing
for a starting job and that causes some sort of friction.
I'm not saying that exists. I'm just saying hypothetically, if
that were to happen, I don't think any of us
want a mac Jones and Bailey's Appy situation.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Again, So that would be the only reason why I
would even entertain moving him, unless it was for some
you know, like Tison and Paul said something crazy, right,
you know, in terms of the offer, In terms of
Joe Milton the talent, I think what you just wonder
is if you put him into this draft against Jalen Milroe,
Will Howard, Riley Leonard, like all these other you know,
(06:53):
Tyler Show, Schuck, you know, Paul's guy. Like, if you
put him into all that group, Like, where does Joe
Milton fit? Because last year's draft was so quarterback heavy
that he got knocked all the way down to the
sixth round. But does he go in the third round
in this draft? Does he go in the fourth round
in this draft? But like you said, a lot of
programs Tennessee, Michigan, all these teams thought that Joe Milton
(07:16):
was a guy, like he was gonna be the next
big thing, and it just has never completely The consistency
has never been there for him. But I would like
the Patriots to hold on to him more as insurance
in case, you know, you have another high upside player
at that position. I think if it was one game,
you might go with Josh Dobbs, But if it was
half a season, you know, then maybe you would be
(07:37):
going with Joe Milton.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Do you think, what's the instant yes, like is a
fourth and instant yes like we're doing it.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Or I think a top one hundred pick. I would
do it for, you know, anything on day two, I
would feel like is probably catching in when his value
is the highest. But I think I would say no
to anything less than that.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
My last piece of our latest news a little bit
of a surprising release with Juwan Bentley, captain here, leader
of the defense tone setter. I think the Patriots really
missed him last year. I was a little bit surprised,
but probably not quite totally shocked when you saw the
kind of players that they're signing, you know, with Robert Splane,
seems like there's a real uh, I don't know what
(08:19):
the word. I'm struggling with the word to try to
find the premium put on speed. It feels like that's
what this defense philosophy is headed too. Yeah, a philosophy shift.
And you know, nothing against Jewan Bentley. I do think
the team released him with an injury designation, so probably
part of his recovery as well. Uh, but how do
you see that impacting their draft needs? Paul, do you
think they're gonna continue? Maybe did make a couple signings
(08:39):
there at the linebacker position, so they do have some
players there, but it's still a big loss. Captain leader,
big part.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Of your deal, you know, on the field, maybe you
are looking for another one of those types of linebackers.
And you know, we've talked a lot about the potential
for a philosophy shift, like Kevin said, just you know,
the smaller, quicker, more athletic guys that might go sideline
to sideline. But you know, Evan and I talked on
some earlier this week on PU just about maybe more
(09:06):
of a culture kind of thing and Vrabel searching for
his versions of Juwan Bentley. And I don't think anybody
would have anything negative to say about Juwan Bentley, the character,
the captain just elite, elite leadership, right, But I think
Mike Rabel might be looking to say, okay, those guys,
And I think he used the comment out with you guys.
(09:27):
You know, Captain's not like a four year term or anything.
It's every year, it changes. It's not like a contract
that you signed. So I think Mike is looking for
his guys to sort of fill those roles. And I
don't think it's a coincidence that it's Bentley, it's Wide,
it's Jonathan Jones, it's David Andrews. A bunch of guys
that have been around here for a while and have
been leaders and they're no longer here.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
What do you feel about that this class for off
the ball linebackers.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
I think it's a great class. But I think what's
interesting about it just coming through some of these linebackers
is do they not want a thumber at all? They
don't want anybody that is going to, you know, take
up space and take on blocks, and even if it's
just to play a goal line and short yardage and
you know, run downs and things like that. Just for
(10:12):
so many years we've had that type of player here
and maybe it's not a full time role in Mike
Rabels defense, but I just find it hard to believe
that there's no spot on the team for somebody that
can take on a guard right like that. It has
to be someone's got to be able to do that.
And when I look at this linebacker class, I think
a lot of the names that people gravitate towards, you know,
outside of the Jalen Walkers and the Ghat Campbell's at
(10:35):
the top of the draft. Are you know the Chris
Paul Juniors, the Barrett Carter's Schweschinger from UCLA, Demetrius Knight.
Demetrius Knight, all these guys played two twenty five, two thirty,
you know, great speed, great coverage ability in some cases,
I think Knight's probably the best downhill player out of
the group. But Chris Paul Junior is an exceptional coverage player,
(10:58):
Jeffrey Bossa from Oregon except coverage player. But how many
of that type of player are you going to have
on one roster? So that's what I wonder. I kind
of like scratching my head a little bit about it,
Like you gotta have somebody right that on, you know,
a fourth and goal for the game like that, it
can come downhill and take somebody out and you know,
and get the ball on the ground. So I do
(11:18):
wonder where they find that in a draft like this.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
T secual ask you about leadership, because we've seen now
Juwan Bentley departed, We've seen Jonathan Jones depart, Tetrick Wise,
David Andrews, number of captains. Feels like they're hitting the
reset button a little bit on the leadership with this team.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Yeah, I mean, it certainly is the end of an era.
I mean, I think it's just Cardona left at this point.
We're just crazy to think about. But somebody has to
step up. I think Milton Williams would be a good option.
Spallane like some of the new guys, they're labels, guys,
proved us why he brought you in and be a
new voice on the defense. So sucks. See Bentley go,
I don't think. I think it was a shifting culture,
but not personality wise like Paul said. But somebody's gonna
(11:55):
step up there.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
Well, especially in the front seven. And we've got this
is the Front seven episodes, So check out Evan breaking
down some of his favorite prospects the defensive front seven
in this year's draft.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
What's up, everybody, It's Evan Lazarre. Welcome back into the
Patriots Draft Countdown film room. Today. We're going to talk
about the cornerbacks, not necessarily a major position to need
for the Patriots after free agency, but you all know
why we're talking about the cornerbacks. It's this guy right here, right,
Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner. We're going to get
to him in a second, but I do want to
talk about some of the other guys in this class
(12:28):
that I really like. Will Johnson's the other blue chip prospect,
if you will, out of Michigan. Really good National Championship season,
some injuries last year. Jiehati Bearn two from Texas, one
of my favorite players in this class. But let's talk
about that number one guy right there, Travis Hunter. We
know he plays both ways. You can see him down
here at the bottom of the screen against the Toorah
(12:48):
McMillan from Arizona, and he's just going to run the
route for Teed McMillan here in press coverage, and you
see how smooth he is off the line of scrimmage,
his change of direction, his ability and those ball skills
to get his and in there. That is how he
can play Manton Man at a high level. Up here
at the top of the screen, though, we're gonna play
a bail technique, so he's just gonna drop off the
(13:08):
line here into a cover three or a quarters zone
and watch the ball skills, watch the explosiveness in the
jump to knock that pass away on the vertical route.
And then the last one here is the highlight of
his season. I would say probably one of the best
interceptions you'll ever see in college football. So he's going
to play the flat in cover two. Now, the safety
is deep safety deep right here, and as we roll
(13:31):
this play, he's just going to midpoint the deep receiver
and the underneath receiver. If we can pause it right here,
you can see him just kind of eyeing the quarterback
right now in the backfield right where is he going
to throw this football and watch this break on the ball.
I mean, that's just silly. That's just ridiculous. Explosiveness, clicking
clothes interception there by Travis Hunter. That's why everybody is
(13:53):
just going crazy about him as a cornerback prospect. Ball skills,
ballhowking traits, explosiveness, manton man, coverage, rigibility, great feel for
zone coverage. He's just got it all at that position.
A couple of other guys here to just talk about,
maybe closer to Day two, I think mid first round
for Jahati barn who is just an absolute dog. I mean,
(14:13):
this guy plays the nickel. Reminds me a lot of
Brian Branch in Detroit. Just scrappy, willing to put his
face in there and get his nose dirty in the
run game. Really good cover corner as well if you
want to play him in the side and as a
Ray Thomas from Florida State right here at the bottom
of the screen. The Patriots are going to target a
middle round cornerback. I think Thomas is going to be
on their board. Long, strappy man, coverage corner that can
(14:37):
do everything the Patriots are going to ask their cornerbacks
to do. So those are the cornerbacks. Obviously, Travis Hunter
is the big one there at the top, but a
couple of other names to watch for in the top
ten as well, and Will Johnson and Jahati Barry. That's
your cornerback breakdown on this episode of Patriots Draft Countdown.
I'm Evan Lazar.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
What's up, guys. We're back for a mock draft tracker
segment on the Patriot Draft Countdown podcasts resent by Bud
Light when he's bounding here at Chris Cassidy, guys, so
Field Yates ESPN. Let's get into it quick. Has the
Patriots taking Travis Hunter first, and he's a trade with
the Buffalo Bills where he sends the Patriots send thirty
eight and seventy seven for thirty and one oh nine,
(15:18):
which is a fourth round pick and the Patriots pick
up offensive tackle. Josh Connolly from Oregon thoughts on that.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
You know, I mean the idea Travis Hunter great, yeah,
love it right. Josh Connery also has potential to be
a true starter in this NFL. Yep, he was great
over at Organ, you know, just true tackle. He's big body,
just kind of in the names to arm and Membo.
Also in the names of Will Campbell. Obviously, those are
(15:46):
the two top tier draft picks in that first round
where Connorley does fall into that kind of Josh Simmons also,
you know, like that sort of area of the draft,
so you know, it's it's really appealing. I do think
there's a trade in scenario, if you want my honest opinion.
(16:07):
At this rate, I would say there's probably more of
a trade in scenario for the Patriots if they.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Have to go tackle to go back into the first right, Okay.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
There's more of a trade in scenario if they have
to go tackle with that fourth overall pick. If they
do that, I think there's more of a trade scenario
to come back in. If they don't, if they get
the Travis Hunter, I don't know if there's that much
of a possibility for them to trade back in. Maybe
there is, but you might be able to stick it
out until the second round, you know, to kind of
(16:35):
see things through with Arianta Ersieri over there as well.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Okay, so Chris, before we get into some more of
the offensive lineman, obviously we discuss Travis Hunter, which field
Yates has, but then there's Abdol Carter. But it kind
of seems what you know, me, I love Abdul Carter.
That's my option one A on our one B for me.
It kind of seems like the Browns might be passed
on the Corvette Giants too. So it like last time
(16:59):
we talked, it kind of seemed like Travis Hunter and
Abdol Carter on the board, but now it's kind of
turned into that they might not be there.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
No, no, and partially because the Giants just signed Russell
Wilson one year. James, yeah, Jamis as well. That quarterback
rooms full of the Browns. They're looking to talk to
the kirk Cousins a little bit. You know, Kirk and
needs a home and he's a good quarterback. Browns had
that luxury you've taken if they want to, So if
that kind of happens, that leaves the door open for
(17:25):
both of them to take Travis Hunter and Abdil Carter.
So a lot of things could kind of transpire in
those top three picks.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Okay, Chris, so before we get into the rest of
offensive lineman, our friend Mike Dessau is getting a little
slandered for the gente pick and his knock. But that
being said, if Hunter and Carter aren't there, do you
do you go o line or maybe gent d like,
I don't know what are you thinking?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
You kind of have this back and forth battle with it. Yeah,
you know what I mean, because obviously the old lineman
is very appealing. That is what you need most. I
think that's what the fan base wants the most. If
those two aren't available, you got to get the t
get a guy to really strengthen your offensive line. That
being said, this mindset of the first four picks of
this draft has been find the guy best available, and
(18:09):
Agin GenZ has to be up there as one of
the best available players on this draft. So you know,
you gotta walk that tightrope a little bit. You know,
you gotta take risks at the same time, if you
want to trade back, maybe there's a chance there and
he's available, so I just don't I don't see him
going further than ten.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Yeah, no, Chris, I agree. So then let's get into
some other mocks. We had Chris Deprasso and Lance's Airline
taking Will Campbell, but then we had Eric at at
home from NFL Network or NFL dot Com was arm
on Membo. Yeah, so between those two, I think I'm
taking Campbell. I don't really buy into the arm length stuff.
You know, if you could play, you can play Membo.
(18:45):
Guy's a house and he's a right tackle, but you
can move him over. I think if it's between the two,
you take Campbell. But it seems like Membo is picking
up some tracks.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
I think Campbell is definitely that guy to take. I mean,
he also just tested thirty three inches, Now what.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Are the tests?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
So so you know, there's kind of that question is
no longer a question because it was pro day. But
I think Campbell is just your pure offics of line
and regardless of size, regardless of how you rare, it
doesn't matter. He can block and that's all you really
need to do. And he has been like we said beginning,
(19:20):
I think it was an episode before he was consentsus
one one at the start of the drum, like the
draft conversations. Obviously, when Abdulan Travis took over, that's when
they kind of became one and two best players. But
Campbell's still a dominant player, no doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
So all right, and so Campbell over, Membo. I know
you had some other players who wanted to mention for line.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Yeah, I mean, I just want to keep an eye
on Calvin Banks. Of course, out of Texas kind of
fell a little bit because it was excuse me, the
combine kind of fell down a little bit. Also, Josh
Simmons suffered in the injury.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Thanks falling down. We're talking about trading get one there.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
He could be right, So you know, I think I
think those are important to talk about. But there's also
been a little bit of scuttle butt. Good word there
you go, but a little bit scull But Patriots taking
a tight end. I mean they have Hunter Henry getting older,
Austin Hooper getting older, Tyler Warren if there's a trade
down scenario possibility. You know, he was awesome at Penn State,
(20:19):
kind of a kind of a dual threat tight end.
He could run the football, He's great, great pass catcher,
solid blocker, probably needs to work on a little bit more,
but overall just the best tight end this draft class.
So who knows, you know, anything could really happen in.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
This So Chris, we like that, you know, the sexy
picks are up front, but you know, the work gets
done with the front seven and the edge. And that's
what you're going to with our next section where we
have a discussion on the front seven and the edge position.
So guys, let's get to that.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
It's a big day here today as we're breaking down
the front seven. Y'all know me, I love me some
defensive football and this is the key position for me.
Patriots were really active during free agency, guys. I just
want to run down real quick. Some of the moves
that they made really kind of remade their defensive front seven.
I'd say Harold Landry, Clayn, Chase on on the on
the edges, Kairis Tonga Williams the big one.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Note Williams of course in the middle.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Signing Robert Splane, Jack Gibbons at the linebacker level. So
a number of signings, some uncertainty with Christian Barmore, and
I think we got to start with the edge position,
not only because Abdul Carter is up there and as
you know, probably one of the two best players in
this draft, but also I still think that that's in need.
Even with the veterans Chase On and Landry Paul, I
feel like we need a young third rotational guy in there,
(21:35):
and this seems like the perfect year to go try
to get one of those guys.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
It's a stack class.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
Now.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
You always talk about yourself in terms of being the
defensive guy, and I always date myself by saying, this
is how.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
Bill used to do it.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
In the old days. They always had some veteran guys
and then they would find a way to get a
younger guy, younger talented guy to sort of apprentice underneath them.
That's why if you had an opportunity, it doesn't look
like it's gonna happen. But if you had an opportunity
to get Abdul Carter, that would be an absolute home run.
But there are still some other options here. And I know,
you know, Evan and Chris, you know were frothing at
(22:07):
the mouth with all these different names. I gravitate to
the Georgia guys. I love the idea of getting a
young edge guy to pair with Landry and Chase on
and sort of not necessarily be counted on to come in,
you know, sight unseen right away and be a double
digit sack guy. He can sort of learn and pick
his spots and be a part time player at first.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Evan lay it on me, abdul Carter, just just give
it to me. This guy he's special, He's electric, he's
instant pass rush. I don't know if he'll fall to
the Patriots, but if he did, it would make a
lot of sense.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Yeah, you said he's electric. I mean he's a dynamic player.
When you turn on the film his play speed, He's
moving at a different pace a lot of the time
than other people on the field. His pass rush, I
would say, is mostly speed. You know he's gonna win
with ghost rush to handswipe, a little bit of a
dip rip, you know, things like that crossover move inside,
really good on stunts, really good on the interior of
(23:00):
the offensive line, which is what I really like about him.
If you want to stand him up over the guard
over the center and have him brush from a two
point stance from in line on third down, he can
do that. He can play a little bit off the ball,
did that early on in his career at Penn State
and spy quarterbacks if you want him to do that.
So it's pretty much anything that you want him to
do from a pass rush front seven standpoint, Abdul Carter
(23:23):
can do. And I think the two comparisons you hear
about the most with him or Von Miller at Michael Parsons.
You know, he tends to gravitate more towards the Von
Miller komp himself. That's what he said at the combine.
But number eleven at Penn State with the cutoff Jersey,
it's easy to see Michael Parsons there as well.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Big time Chris, what do you think?
Speaker 1 (23:41):
Yeah, I mean I think atis and I've talked about
on previous podcasts like Abdull Carter is just so so
appealing and if he falls to that sort of spot
for the Patriots, like, I don't know how you pass
up on that. You know, you need a guy to
bolster that line, that defensive line, defensive front. You know,
they have the divisions of Landry and Chase On. They
(24:02):
have Keon Wydo to account play a edge role. They
have Afferny Jennings. But I think they really still need
that young talent to really bolster them. I think that's important.
And I think there's a lot of other guys in
Day two and Day three as well who have a
lot of promise.
Speaker 4 (24:17):
Well, let's get into it. I mean, we can't spend
as much time on everybody as we just did on
Abdul Carter. So I'm gonna fire a few guys. Paul,
you mentioned the Georgia guys and I've been talking about
and I'm gonna keep Mikel Williams in this group. I
might save Jalen Walker for the linebackers. That's just personal preference.
If you guys feel differently, please you know, discuss. But
Mikel Williams what's been appealing to me? And I know
he's kind of all.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Over the place, but just twenty years.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Old, he's got all the tools. He's still raw. It's
more of a projection. But to me he seems like
maybe not quite the electric, stand up kind of guy
off the edge Abdul Carter was, but he's a legit
hand down. If you want to stand him up a
little bit, you can. I keep using the William McGinnis
comp just a versatile guy you can stick on the
edge and he could probably do anything. He's a favorite
of mine. Nick Gorton's another favorite of mine, and Shamar Stewart.
(24:59):
I just throw those those three guys at you right now.
I know there are a couple others, Mike Green being one,
but those are three guys that all kind of stand
out to me. Play hard, play with an excellent effort,
and I think that you know, and certainly Stuart and
s Gorton are really good testers as well.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
Yeah, and I think there's a difference between a four
to three end and an edge guts we're to figure
And I think that's where you you know, what you
were talking about. I think, you know, I think s Gorton,
I think is more of a four to three end
than say, like Jalen Walker, who is if he's going
to play on the line, it's going to be strictly
as a stand up edge guy. So I agree with you,
those aren't necessarily the same. I like a lot of
the names you threw out there.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Ef.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
I'm gonna let you go because I know that you
break down these guys in a lot more detail than
than I do. So yeah, I'm not going to waste
anybody's time.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
I would just say with Mikel Williams, you're really projecting
him into a larger pass rushing role than what he
did at Georgia. I think the thing that's appealing with
him though at Georgia is that he did a lot
of the dirty work on that defensive line. You see
him take on blocks, slipping the gaps, you know, push
runners out, you know, make them bounce runs out the edge.
Like He'll do a lot of that kind of stuff
(26:02):
that isn't going to show up in the box score,
you know, playing that four eye shade inside the tackle.
But if you move him outside the tackle, does he
have more pass rush production? And he has flashes of that,
especially in that game against Texas and Calvin Banks, where
he can do those types of things. I think once
you get down that line, know, after the Mikel Williams
and the Shamar Stewarts, you start to get into this
(26:24):
just really good deep class of edge rushers that is
basically just goes all the way till rounds. I would
say five and six. I have twelve guys in the
first two rounds right now at the edge position, So
I think we can go rapid fire at some point here.
But I'll let Chris give.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Yeah, I mean you hit it. I mean this class
is so deep at the EDG Rudger position and one
of them James Spears Junior at Tennessee. He relies heavily
on his speed.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
But boise fast.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Yeah, gets off that edge real quick. Another guy, Mike Green,
I mean he's had a really great standout performance at
the Senior Bowl on mobile, which great to see a
lot of power, a lot of strength.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
You know.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Another guy spent four years at Florida, just spent this
past year ole Miss Princely Uma, melan Um and melan
Another guy, Uh, he had a really solid four years
at Florida, but really stuck out this year. I don't
miss so I really like him.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
For him, you we'll have a special guest spot on.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Exactly exactly And uh, my last guy is JTW.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
You're blasting that out.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Yeah, I can figure it out from last episode.
Speaker 5 (27:34):
Better stick with the easier names.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
No, that's all right, that's all right.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
But you know j T.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
Another guy just really had a great season this year,
twelve and a half sacks at Ohio State. Uh yeah,
just won a national championship. And you know it's been
in mentality, So he's.
Speaker 4 (27:46):
Another one, maybe more of the fourth three and two
other fourth three ends I'd mentioned. It's just Davian Jones, uh,
you know, top four three N and Jack Sawyer os
U guy, I mean Ohio State. You know, my my
brabele might gravitate towards those guys. Give me a few
rapid fire edges before we move on to.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
The Yeah, the Ohio State guys are definitely worth talking about,
just because of the Rabel connection there, and Jack Sawyer
just screams rable to me. Just the intangibles and the
leadership and the big plays in big moments down the
stretch there for the Buckeyes. I do think we should
mention Donovan Azaraku from BC just because he's a local
kid and I think he's gonna probably go top twenty,
(28:20):
top twenty five, So maybe outside of the Patriots range,
but just a twitched up rusher, really good three cone time,
really good change of direction, ability, speed rusher off the edge.
Just a couple other guys. Landon Jackson from Arkansas I
think is another one of those Jack Sawyer types, right,
that's gonna probably put his hand in the dirt most
of the time, and then we start to get into
(28:42):
like late Day two, early day three. Kyle Canard from
South Carolina, another long, powerful edge rusher, had some really
good tape against Will Campbell this past year. Olu Oladejo
from UCLA really great Senior Bowl week, high motor, aggressive,
angry player, just runs hot all throughout the week there
(29:03):
in mobile and I think those are going to be
the effort and finished guys. That variable's probably going to
gravitate towards. And then the last one here, the local
guy for you, apolog Jasiah Stewart from Michigan played at
every high you know, the Paul Perrillo established.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
I'll telly you he might be the last one in
the pipeline too. You know, we've lost the coach. I
don't know how many more pros we're going to be
churning out. But yeah, he's one.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
So he's he's a little undersized, but he's a screamer
off the edge, and his tam against USC was phenomenal.
I think he had eleven pressures in that game against USC.
So he's got a real pass rush juice. He's probably
gonna be a situational rusher play on third downs things
like that. You know, josh U j type of role,
but he's a really good pass rusher.
Speaker 4 (29:44):
Yeah, that to me is appealing because I think that's
something they need to address. A couple older guys at
defensive end. Get some young legs in there so as
we get down into the later rounds. For me, edge guys,
I want pass rush, I want to beat. I like
these big, powerful guys, but I think those are more
flyers and you kind of have those guys already. All right,
let's move onto the defensive line. Of course, Milton Williams
a huge piece of the Patriots offseason. Little uncertainty still
(30:05):
with Christian Barmore. They signed Tonga as well. Seems like
they're in the remake process on the interior of this
offensive defensive line. I would say I would classify this
as maybe a flyer need you know, Paul, like, these
big guys are usually available. You can get you know,
get some insurance for Tonga, maybe get a developmental defensive
tackle guy. Of course, Mason Graham, Derek Harmon, and Walter
(30:26):
Nolan kind of the big three, and we've talked a
lot about Mason Graham. To me, he's kind of off
the board now, just with the redundancy with Milton Williams
and Christian Carmon.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
I mean, that's what it would seem to me. I'm
gonna hesitate to take him off the board only because
of their insistence on using terms like we're going to
take the best player available. And if you have made
that argument, you could make an argument for Mason Graham
being the best player, presuming that Carter an unhunter or
off the board. I would agree with you. I think this.
(30:55):
You know, him and Milton Williams are very similar body
types and play styles, you know, so I don't know
if you need two of those. But you know, when
has anyone ever said, you know what, you know what
the problem is? We have too much talent here, no one,
No one's ever said that he's a good player.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (31:11):
Derek Harmon two a favorite of mine. Evan like just
a guy that could probably move around a bunch like
Derek Harmono. Tough player, tough player, probably going to go
in the donut as I like to call it, in
between where the Patriots are going to pick somewhere probably
in the top ten and those early teens. That seems
a perfect spot for him.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, He's one of those guys too, along with Kenneth
Grant that I feel like would be good fits, but
are probably going to be in the donut. That's a
good one, a good term for both of those guys.
I think both those guys can play a little bit
closer to the ball, maybe at the nose tackle position
or the one technique shaded into the A gap, And
that's the one thing I would look at with these
defensive lineman potentially, is somebody that can do that, because
(31:48):
I think they're going to have enough pass rushers on
the interior between Milton Williams, Kean White and hopefully Christian Barmore,
They're gonna have enough juice there at the three technique
or you know, those pass rushing spots on the defensive line.
The real question is is who's going to play the
nose and I think Tonga is probably the short term
answer there. But can they get one of these guys,
you know, even further down the board, like a CJ.
(32:10):
West or Jordan Phillips from Maryland that can also do
that type of thing and just eat space in the
middle of the defense. I would look at maybe that,
maybe more so than you know Darius Alexander from Toledo,
who's a great three technique pass rusher but probably redundant
to what you have already on the roster.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
Yeah. I think it's really interesting because I feel like
a lot of this falls on the status of Christian Barmore.
You know, he's such a question mark and obviously you
have to fill these holes when you can, but it's
so hard to tell when you want to fill them
because you one hundred percent don't know what Christian Barmore
is up to. So he's such a like massive piece
on the defensive line, So who knows. But another guy
that you guys haven't mentioned, I like Al Collins from Texas.
(32:49):
You know, big, big fella, just kind of a run
stuff for your prototypical Devon Godshow esque kind of build
on the interior. I really like him, possible Day two guy.
So i'd say, O, don't the guys you've already touched
on as my kind of other one that I want
to mention.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
Yeah, just two other ones I'd throw in their ty
Robinson from Nebraska, Tight Hamilton from Ohio States. It's another
couple tough, big guys inside kind of have that verbel
playing style. All right, let's move on, guys, just to
the linebacker group, and again a position in transition maybe
a little bit Robert Splaine, Jack Gibbons in we're here
about Jawan Bentley losing some weight to maybe fill the
need that they have for this kind of scheme that
(33:25):
they want to run.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
I don't know if it's a huge need at least on.
Speaker 4 (33:28):
The interior, but it does seem like, you know, again,
as we talked about the edge the defensive end, it
kind of gets a little murky. And a guy like
Jalen Walker from Georgia, it's easy to see him being
a movable chess piece.
Speaker 2 (33:40):
I mean, he's exciting to watch.
Speaker 5 (33:41):
Yeah, and if that's if they want to play him
off the ball, and I know he plays some of
that at Georgia, And you know, I think of like
Nikobe Dean, you know, guys like that in the past.
You don't have to be two fifty two fifty five anymore.
That's the thing I like most about what I'm hearing.
I'll reserve judgment until I see it, But what I'm
hearing about how Mike Vrabel wants to sort of transform
to front seven. That's the thing that excites me the most.
(34:03):
Getting athletes like that in space and being able to
run sideline the sideline.
Speaker 4 (34:07):
Yeah, t U up for Jihat Campbell though. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
Both those guys just with quickly. On Jalen Walker, Who's
just a fantastic football player. I mean he is extinctive, instinctive,
flies to the football, great athleticism, off the charts, versatility,
you can play basically all three linebacker spots. Play him
off the ball, interior pass rush, or on the edge.
I think a lot of people like him best off
the edge, but he to me screams like a Dante
(34:32):
high Tower type of role where he's playing off the
ball on first and second down, and on third down
you put him on the line of scrimmage and let
him rush the passer. This is a guy that you know,
he gives those brave heart speeches right like he's gonna
go up and down the sideline and bark at guys
and get guys going. He did that a couple of
times last year at Georgia. He's a leader of men.
He is a true captain. I can't say enough good
(34:55):
things about Jalen Walker. I just think, you know, for
the Patriots, it's just a matter of of investment on defense, Like,
are we hammering the defense a little bit too much?
A neglecting offense. Once you get away from Carter and Hunter,
now you're talking about Jalen Walker being in the same
kind of tier as like Will Campbell and Tech McMillan
and Tyler Warren and Ashton Genty and is it worth
(35:17):
it at that point to go defense again? But he's
a phenomenal player. Jihad Campbell is another one that I
was surprised early on the media is kind of late
to him. I felt like he is another one of
those prototypical linebackers. I think there's a lot of Jamie
Collins to his game, a ton of athleticism, can play
both roles, Like I said with Jalen Walker as well,
(35:38):
has some really good reps chasing down mobile quarterbacks to
from the second level the defense, can cover, can run
the seam, can cover guys down the field on vertical routes.
He's a really good football player too, probably one of
the first round pick in this class.
Speaker 1 (35:52):
Yeah, I mean, John Campbell's going to find the ball,
you know what I mean. One hundred and nineteen tackles
this year. That's crazy.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
I mean, for me, Chris Paul Junior at Ole, Miss
another guy kind of similar to Gid Campbell, a little
bit different, more on the internal part of the linebacker position,
of the middle linebacker role, kind of stopping the run.
More more of a run stopper there. And I mean
I like Kobe King out of Penn State too. I mean,
he sure's a lot of a lot of guess stuff
as well. For me, I like Shamar James out of Florida,
(36:23):
also more of an interior front seven guy, kind of
more of a run stopper there. And Cody Lindenberg of Minnesota.
Speaker 4 (36:30):
Good names got. It's just a few more to throw
at you guys before we wrap this up. But Dimetrius
Knight Junior was one guy that stood out to me.
Ran really well at the combine. We're in a four
or five eight. Didn't know if he was gonna do that,
but a bigger guy. He's got kids and married already.
He's like one of those guys that comes out like
he's already a full grown man, knows what he's doing.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
I don't know if it's a huge need, but I
like the player. I know.
Speaker 4 (36:47):
Jeffrey Bossa too from Oregon is a you know, a
leader guy in the middle, and last one, I just
think really interesting player. Carsion Sweats questions are from UCLA.
Who's a special teamer? Comes on and has you know,
ninety solo tackles, leads the league. You love tackles, Chris,
you know, the most tackles in FBS solo tackles. So,
you know, I just love that story.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
Intense guy.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
I don't know if these guys really fit anybody out
of those group that send out to you.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
Yeah, so questioner and Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma, I feel
like are in a similar category of like kind of
Robert Spelaney almost in a way where like you just
watch them play and they just run hot. You know,
they are constantly around the football, They're flying around the field.
They play with great effort, in great just hustle and
really max out the athletic gifts that they have with
(37:30):
instincts and hustle. So those two guys, I would say
are are verable type of guys just from that standpoint.
Jeffrey Basa from Oregon, though, I think, is a really
interesting player. He started at safety at Oregon then moved
to linebacker. Probably the best coverage linebacker in this part
portion of the class, you know, Day three, early Day three,
late Day two type of portion. So if they're looking
(37:53):
for a true third down coverage linebacker, he has some
really high level reps covering guys down the field and
catching guys down the field in zone coverage. So those
are some of the names I would say, you know,
probably not really a need they're going to go for
in the top one hundred, but maybe one of those
guys were to slip into the fourth round.
Speaker 4 (38:13):
All right, well that's gonna do it for this edition
of Patriots Draft Countdown, wrapping up the front seven. And
look this, it's already April, guys. The draft is fast approaching.
Stick with us a few more episodes to go here
Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light
This is Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Like.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Welcome to an NFL draft.
Speaker 3 (00:07):
Hosted by the writers of Patriots dot Com. From now
until you here the New England Patriots swage.
Speaker 4 (00:13):
The countdown is on.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Welcome to the Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Welcome everybody. This is Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light,
Easy to Drink, Easy to enjoy, Budlight, the official beer
sponsor of the New England Patriots, and it's getting exciting.
A little over three weeks left before the NFL Draft
this year, guys, we've been talking about all this stuff.
Today we're gonna be focusing on the front seven. Evan's
got a film breakdown, we got another mock draft from
Matisse and Chris, and here we're gonna be talking about
the latest news. So over the last week, guys, we've
(00:41):
had some breaking news, some different things happening. The Patriots
signed Stefon Diggs, they released Jawan Bentley, and a little
bit of news coming out of the owner's meetings where
I was down in Palm Beach, Florida. But I want
to start with Stefan Diggs, huge news. We talk all
the time about wide receiver being in need, Paul, It's
just it's been hanging over this team for a while now.
Stefan Diggs definitely feels the need, it feels like, but
(01:04):
he's coming off an injury. He's a little bit older,
not quite sure he's that guy, but he certainly makes
an impact. How do you think it impacts the Patriots
view of the draft and the wide receivers.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
Yeah, I don't know specifically about the draft, but it
is certainly a move that they needed to make, and
we all saw the gaping hole at the position. And
you know, Evan and I were here last week when
when Steph came in, and I think we were all
sort of impressed, just you know, the ease with which
he goes about his business. Great personality, oozes personality from
(01:34):
that podium when he spoke to us at his press conference.
I think we had, you know, some good stuff with
him behind the scenes and sort of getting acclimated to
New England. But I think specifically on the field, Mike,
they don't have, in my opinion, a one or a
two without Stefan Diggs. So you bring him in, you
sort of roll the dice a little bit about the health,
(01:55):
and that's certainly a big concern, But I think the
numbers are right. I don't think that they're necessarily boxed
into a you know, a cage here if it doesn't
work out. I think it makes a lot of sense,
and I think the wide receiver room is better today
than it was without them.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
Evan Paul talks about the wide receiver room. Yeah, and
how Stefan Diggs kind of fits in. If you were
to look at the draft, though, how do you see
it's shaping up with the kind of player that maybe
they might take. I don't think any of us are
thinking Travis Hunter. Maybe he could of course fit in well,
But let's say we get down in the second third,
mid round, what kind of guy would you be looking
for to complement this group and potentially raise their level.
Speaker 3 (02:33):
Yeah, I think it's a great question. Something that I've
kind of racked my brain about a little bit is
is finding that complimentary outside receiver to Diggs. I think
Diggs is going to play more of that movable chess
piece type of role chain mover, you know, inside and
outside in terms of slot and outside usage. So you know,
who's the guy that can really play that exposition and
(02:54):
get down the field maybe a little bit. And this
draft it's hard, like there aren't a ton of guys
that perfectly fit that mold. You know, Travis Hunter is
his own thing. You know, he's obviously illegally you draft
him if you can. But Ted McMillan, I wouldn't say
is necessarily that vertical guy, you know, I think he's
still more of a first and second level receiver. Jaden
(03:16):
Higgins Paul not really that guy that's going to be
down the field, third, third level. So it is a
little bit when you try to find size and speed
in the same player in this draft class, there's not
a ton of that. You know, there's not a ton
of the you know, I know they don't grow on trees,
but there's not a DK metcalf right, which like feels
(03:38):
like the perfect compliment to somebody like Steph you know,
Nico Collins in Houston. Like I don't see that guy
in this draft, which is a little bit uh interesting
because I wonder where they got instead, you know, do
they go with another separator, you know, a Jalen Nowel,
Kyle Williams, Luther Burden, like a guy that is going
to play a lot in the slot, but speak is
(04:00):
if it's your separator and is a fast guy, maybe.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
Yeah, So I'm gonna turn the page tis for you.
Rumor coming out of the owner's meetings there that the
Patriots are getting offers for Joe Milton Now, I think
we look at things a little bit differently around here.
I don't know what the scuttle butt is out there,
but we all watched plenty of practices last summer with
Joe Milton, and we saw how we finished the season
as well. An impressive performance to be sure, But at
the same time, I'm not sure where all this talk
(04:24):
tise is coming from that you know, your first second round, Like,
I know how valuable quarterbacks are in the league right now,
But does it make sense for the Patriots to move
on from Joe Milton at this point if they're just
gonna let and I think realistically we're talking about a
Day three pick. That's what I think we all view
his realistic trade value right now. Does it make sense
to trade him for a Day three pick at this
(04:45):
point or does it make more sense for this team
with Drake May of course at the top of the
depth chart to keep him around and see maybe how
it looks next year.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
Yeah, I think it has to be a Day two pick. Otherwise,
if he's that good, well you know what I mean,
why would you move him if he's If he's that good.
That being said, if say Drake Mega's hurt, I can't
watch Josh Dops for a full year, I'm sorry, I'd
rather watch Joe Milton see what he has. But I mean,
if you can maybe get a high like a fourth rounder, maybe,
but I think you might be able to hold on
(05:12):
him for another year and maybe get some more for him.
Speaker 5 (05:14):
I agree with Tease. I think this value in a
quality backup quarterback. So if you are that high on
Joe Milton, you know, second year of a rookie deal,
I would hold on to him unless someone wants to
get silly and give you way more than your thinking
right now. But to me, it wouldn't even begin to
be a thought until you're talking about at least a
day two pick. And I'm with you, Mike, I'm not
(05:37):
sure that he's worth that yet. But you know, this
is a testament to the teams there, and there's but
a half dozen of them that are really desperately looking
for a quarterback, So I'm not going to rule it out.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Evan.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
You've said it before, you said, Joe Milton is just
an intriguing player, and you can see why he went
to a couple of different colleges. He looks like Cam
Newton out there. He's doing backflips, he's throwing the ball,
you know, through the lighthouse here. So let stadium, you know,
what do you kind of expect to see out of
Joe Milton the year? I mean, I know he's an
older player too, so it's maybe understandable that he might
want to try to get a chance somewhere where he's
(06:10):
not behind a drake Man. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
I think that would be the only reason why I
would move Joe Milton sooner than I want to is
if he has the belief that he should be competing
for a starting job and that causes some sort of friction.
I'm not saying that exists. I'm just saying hypothetically, if
that were to happen, I don't think any of us
want a mac Jones and Bailey's Appy situation.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Again, So that would be the only reason why I
would even entertain moving him, unless it was for some
you know, like Tison and Paul said something crazy, right,
you know, in terms of the offer, In terms of
Joe Milton the talent, I think what you just wonder
is if you put him into this draft against Jalen Milroe,
Will Howard, Riley Leonard, like all these other you know,
(06:53):
Tyler Show, Schuck, you know, Paul's guy. Like, if you
put him into all that group, Like, where does Joe
Milton fit? Because last year's draft was so quarterback heavy
that he got knocked all the way down to the
sixth round. But does he go in the third round
in this draft? Does he go in the fourth round
in this draft? But like you said, a lot of
programs Tennessee, Michigan, all these teams thought that Joe Milton
(07:16):
was a guy, like he was gonna be the next
big thing, and it just has never completely The consistency
has never been there for him. But I would like
the Patriots to hold on to him more as insurance
in case, you know, you have another high upside player
at that position. I think if it was one game,
you might go with Josh Dobbs, But if it was
half a season, you know, then maybe you would be
(07:37):
going with Joe Milton.
Speaker 2 (07:38):
Do you think, what's the instant yes, like is a
fourth and instant yes like we're doing it.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Or I think a top one hundred pick. I would
do it for, you know, anything on day two, I
would feel like is probably catching in when his value
is the highest. But I think I would say no
to anything less than that.
Speaker 4 (07:58):
My last piece of our latest news a little bit
of a surprising release with Juwan Bentley, captain here, leader
of the defense tone setter. I think the Patriots really
missed him last year. I was a little bit surprised,
but probably not quite totally shocked when you saw the
kind of players that they're signing, you know, with Robert Splane,
seems like there's a real uh, I don't know what
(08:19):
the word. I'm struggling with the word to try to
find the premium put on speed. It feels like that's
what this defense philosophy is headed too. Yeah, a philosophy shift.
And you know, nothing against Jewan Bentley. I do think
the team released him with an injury designation, so probably
part of his recovery as well. Uh, but how do
you see that impacting their draft needs? Paul, do you
think they're gonna continue? Maybe did make a couple signings
(08:39):
there at the linebacker position, so they do have some
players there, but it's still a big loss. Captain leader,
big part.
Speaker 5 (08:46):
Of your deal, you know, on the field, maybe you
are looking for another one of those types of linebackers.
And you know, we've talked a lot about the potential
for a philosophy shift, like Kevin said, just you know,
the smaller, quicker, more athletic guys that might go sideline
to sideline. But you know, Evan and I talked on
some earlier this week on PU just about maybe more
(09:06):
of a culture kind of thing and Vrabel searching for
his versions of Juwan Bentley. And I don't think anybody
would have anything negative to say about Juwan Bentley, the character,
the captain just elite, elite leadership, right, But I think
Mike Rabel might be looking to say, okay, those guys,
And I think he used the comment out with you guys.
(09:27):
You know, Captain's not like a four year term or anything.
It's every year, it changes. It's not like a contract
that you signed. So I think Mike is looking for
his guys to sort of fill those roles. And I
don't think it's a coincidence that it's Bentley, it's Wide,
it's Jonathan Jones, it's David Andrews. A bunch of guys
that have been around here for a while and have
been leaders and they're no longer here.
Speaker 2 (09:49):
What do you feel about that this class for off
the ball linebackers.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
I think it's a great class. But I think what's
interesting about it just coming through some of these linebackers
is do they not want a thumber at all? They
don't want anybody that is going to, you know, take
up space and take on blocks, and even if it's
just to play a goal line and short yardage and
you know, run downs and things like that. Just for
(10:12):
so many years we've had that type of player here
and maybe it's not a full time role in Mike
Rabels defense, but I just find it hard to believe
that there's no spot on the team for somebody that
can take on a guard right like that. It has
to be someone's got to be able to do that.
And when I look at this linebacker class, I think
a lot of the names that people gravitate towards, you know,
outside of the Jalen Walkers and the Ghat Campbell's at
(10:35):
the top of the draft. Are you know the Chris
Paul Juniors, the Barrett Carter's Schweschinger from UCLA, Demetrius Knight.
Demetrius Knight, all these guys played two twenty five, two thirty,
you know, great speed, great coverage ability in some cases,
I think Knight's probably the best downhill player out of
the group. But Chris Paul Junior is an exceptional coverage player,
(10:58):
Jeffrey Bossa from Oregon except coverage player. But how many
of that type of player are you going to have
on one roster? So that's what I wonder. I kind
of like scratching my head a little bit about it,
Like you gotta have somebody right that on, you know,
a fourth and goal for the game like that, it
can come downhill and take somebody out and you know,
and get the ball on the ground. So I do
(11:18):
wonder where they find that in a draft like this.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
T secual ask you about leadership, because we've seen now
Juwan Bentley departed, We've seen Jonathan Jones depart, Tetrick Wise,
David Andrews, number of captains. Feels like they're hitting the
reset button a little bit on the leadership with this team.
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Yeah, I mean, it certainly is the end of an era.
I mean, I think it's just Cardona left at this point.
We're just crazy to think about. But somebody has to
step up. I think Milton Williams would be a good option.
Spallane like some of the new guys, they're labels, guys,
proved us why he brought you in and be a
new voice on the defense. So sucks. See Bentley go,
I don't think. I think it was a shifting culture,
but not personality wise like Paul said. But somebody's gonna
(11:55):
step up there.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
Well, especially in the front seven. And we've got this
is the Front seven episodes, So check out Evan breaking
down some of his favorite prospects the defensive front seven
in this year's draft.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
What's up, everybody, It's Evan Lazarre. Welcome back into the
Patriots Draft Countdown film room. Today. We're going to talk
about the cornerbacks, not necessarily a major position to need
for the Patriots after free agency, but you all know
why we're talking about the cornerbacks. It's this guy right here, right,
Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner. We're going to get
to him in a second, but I do want to
talk about some of the other guys in this class
(12:28):
that I really like. Will Johnson's the other blue chip prospect,
if you will, out of Michigan. Really good National Championship season,
some injuries last year. Jiehati Bearn two from Texas, one
of my favorite players in this class. But let's talk
about that number one guy right there, Travis Hunter. We
know he plays both ways. You can see him down
here at the bottom of the screen against the Toorah
(12:48):
McMillan from Arizona, and he's just going to run the
route for Teed McMillan here in press coverage, and you
see how smooth he is off the line of scrimmage,
his change of direction, his ability and those ball skills
to get his and in there. That is how he
can play Manton Man at a high level. Up here
at the top of the screen, though, we're gonna play
a bail technique, so he's just gonna drop off the
(13:08):
line here into a cover three or a quarters zone
and watch the ball skills, watch the explosiveness in the
jump to knock that pass away on the vertical route.
And then the last one here is the highlight of
his season. I would say probably one of the best
interceptions you'll ever see in college football. So he's going
to play the flat in cover two. Now, the safety
is deep safety deep right here, and as we roll
(13:31):
this play, he's just going to midpoint the deep receiver
and the underneath receiver. If we can pause it right here,
you can see him just kind of eyeing the quarterback
right now in the backfield right where is he going
to throw this football and watch this break on the ball.
I mean, that's just silly. That's just ridiculous. Explosiveness, clicking
clothes interception there by Travis Hunter. That's why everybody is
(13:53):
just going crazy about him as a cornerback prospect. Ball skills,
ballhowking traits, explosiveness, manton man, coverage, rigibility, great feel for
zone coverage. He's just got it all at that position.
A couple of other guys here to just talk about,
maybe closer to Day two, I think mid first round
for Jahati barn who is just an absolute dog. I mean,
(14:13):
this guy plays the nickel. Reminds me a lot of
Brian Branch in Detroit. Just scrappy, willing to put his
face in there and get his nose dirty in the
run game. Really good cover corner as well if you
want to play him in the side and as a
Ray Thomas from Florida State right here at the bottom
of the screen. The Patriots are going to target a
middle round cornerback. I think Thomas is going to be
on their board. Long, strappy man, coverage corner that can
(14:37):
do everything the Patriots are going to ask their cornerbacks
to do. So those are the cornerbacks. Obviously, Travis Hunter
is the big one there at the top, but a
couple of other names to watch for in the top
ten as well, and Will Johnson and Jahati Barry. That's
your cornerback breakdown on this episode of Patriots Draft Countdown.
I'm Evan Lazar.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
What's up, guys. We're back for a mock draft tracker
segment on the Patriot Draft Countdown podcasts resent by Bud
Light when he's bounding here at Chris Cassidy, guys, so
Field Yates ESPN. Let's get into it quick. Has the
Patriots taking Travis Hunter first, and he's a trade with
the Buffalo Bills where he sends the Patriots send thirty
eight and seventy seven for thirty and one oh nine,
(15:18):
which is a fourth round pick and the Patriots pick
up offensive tackle. Josh Connolly from Oregon thoughts on that.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
You know, I mean the idea Travis Hunter great, yeah,
love it right. Josh Connery also has potential to be
a true starter in this NFL. Yep, he was great
over at Organ, you know, just true tackle. He's big body,
just kind of in the names to arm and Membo.
Also in the names of Will Campbell. Obviously, those are
(15:46):
the two top tier draft picks in that first round
where Connorley does fall into that kind of Josh Simmons also,
you know, like that sort of area of the draft,
so you know, it's it's really appealing. I do think
there's a trade in scenario, if you want my honest opinion.
(16:07):
At this rate, I would say there's probably more of
a trade in scenario for the Patriots if they.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Have to go tackle to go back into the first right, Okay.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
There's more of a trade in scenario if they have
to go tackle with that fourth overall pick. If they
do that, I think there's more of a trade scenario
to come back in. If they don't, if they get
the Travis Hunter, I don't know if there's that much
of a possibility for them to trade back in. Maybe
there is, but you might be able to stick it
out until the second round, you know, to kind of
(16:35):
see things through with Arianta Ersieri over there as well.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
Okay, so Chris, before we get into some more of
the offensive lineman, obviously we discuss Travis Hunter, which field
Yates has, but then there's Abdol Carter. But it kind
of seems what you know, me, I love Abdul Carter.
That's my option one A on our one B for me.
It kind of seems like the Browns might be passed
on the Corvette Giants too. So it like last time
(16:59):
we talked, it kind of seemed like Travis Hunter and
Abdol Carter on the board, but now it's kind of
turned into that they might not be there.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
No, no, and partially because the Giants just signed Russell
Wilson one year. James, yeah, Jamis as well. That quarterback
rooms full of the Browns. They're looking to talk to
the kirk Cousins a little bit. You know, Kirk and
needs a home and he's a good quarterback. Browns had
that luxury you've taken if they want to, So if
that kind of happens, that leaves the door open for
(17:25):
both of them to take Travis Hunter and Abdil Carter.
So a lot of things could kind of transpire in
those top three picks.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Okay, Chris, so before we get into the rest of
offensive lineman, our friend Mike Dessau is getting a little
slandered for the gente pick and his knock. But that
being said, if Hunter and Carter aren't there, do you
do you go o line or maybe gent d like,
I don't know what are you thinking?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
You kind of have this back and forth battle with it. Yeah,
you know what I mean, because obviously the old lineman
is very appealing. That is what you need most. I
think that's what the fan base wants the most. If
those two aren't available, you got to get the t
get a guy to really strengthen your offensive line. That
being said, this mindset of the first four picks of
this draft has been find the guy best available, and
(18:09):
Agin GenZ has to be up there as one of
the best available players on this draft. So you know,
you gotta walk that tightrope a little bit. You know,
you gotta take risks at the same time, if you
want to trade back, maybe there's a chance there and
he's available, so I just don't I don't see him
going further than ten.
Speaker 2 (18:24):
Yeah, no, Chris, I agree. So then let's get into
some other mocks. We had Chris Deprasso and Lance's Airline
taking Will Campbell, but then we had Eric at at
home from NFL Network or NFL dot Com was arm
on Membo. Yeah, so between those two, I think I'm
taking Campbell. I don't really buy into the arm length stuff.
You know, if you could play, you can play Membo.
(18:45):
Guy's a house and he's a right tackle, but you
can move him over. I think if it's between the two,
you take Campbell. But it seems like Membo is picking
up some tracks.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
I think Campbell is definitely that guy to take. I mean,
he also just tested thirty three inches, Now what.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
Are the tests?
Speaker 1 (19:00):
So so you know, there's kind of that question is
no longer a question because it was pro day. But
I think Campbell is just your pure offics of line
and regardless of size, regardless of how you rare, it
doesn't matter. He can block and that's all you really
need to do. And he has been like we said beginning,
(19:20):
I think it was an episode before he was consentsus
one one at the start of the drum, like the
draft conversations. Obviously, when Abdulan Travis took over, that's when
they kind of became one and two best players. But
Campbell's still a dominant player, no doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
So all right, and so Campbell over, Membo. I know
you had some other players who wanted to mention for line.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Yeah, I mean, I just want to keep an eye
on Calvin Banks. Of course, out of Texas kind of
fell a little bit because it was excuse me, the
combine kind of fell down a little bit. Also, Josh
Simmons suffered in the injury.
Speaker 2 (19:53):
Thanks falling down. We're talking about trading get one there.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
He could be right, So you know, I think I
think those are important to talk about. But there's also
been a little bit of scuttle butt. Good word there
you go, but a little bit scull But Patriots taking
a tight end. I mean they have Hunter Henry getting older,
Austin Hooper getting older, Tyler Warren if there's a trade
down scenario possibility. You know, he was awesome at Penn State,
(20:19):
kind of a kind of a dual threat tight end.
He could run the football, He's great, great pass catcher,
solid blocker, probably needs to work on a little bit more,
but overall just the best tight end this draft class.
So who knows, you know, anything could really happen in.
Speaker 2 (20:35):
This So Chris, we like that, you know, the sexy
picks are up front, but you know, the work gets
done with the front seven and the edge. And that's
what you're going to with our next section where we
have a discussion on the front seven and the edge position.
So guys, let's get to that.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
It's a big day here today as we're breaking down
the front seven. Y'all know me, I love me some
defensive football and this is the key position for me.
Patriots were really active during free agency, guys. I just
want to run down real quick. Some of the moves
that they made really kind of remade their defensive front seven.
I'd say Harold Landry, Clayn, Chase on on the on
the edges, Kairis Tonga Williams the big one.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
Note Williams of course in the middle.
Speaker 4 (21:14):
Signing Robert Splane, Jack Gibbons at the linebacker level. So
a number of signings, some uncertainty with Christian Barmore, and
I think we got to start with the edge position,
not only because Abdul Carter is up there and as
you know, probably one of the two best players in
this draft, but also I still think that that's in need.
Even with the veterans Chase On and Landry Paul, I
feel like we need a young third rotational guy in there,
(21:35):
and this seems like the perfect year to go try
to get one of those guys.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
It's a stack class.
Speaker 4 (21:38):
Now.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
You always talk about yourself in terms of being the
defensive guy, and I always date myself by saying, this
is how.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
Bill used to do it.
Speaker 5 (21:44):
In the old days. They always had some veteran guys
and then they would find a way to get a
younger guy, younger talented guy to sort of apprentice underneath them.
That's why if you had an opportunity, it doesn't look
like it's gonna happen. But if you had an opportunity
to get Abdul Carter, that would be an absolute home run.
But there are still some other options here. And I know,
you know, Evan and Chris, you know were frothing at
(22:07):
the mouth with all these different names. I gravitate to
the Georgia guys. I love the idea of getting a
young edge guy to pair with Landry and Chase on
and sort of not necessarily be counted on to come in,
you know, sight unseen right away and be a double
digit sack guy. He can sort of learn and pick
his spots and be a part time player at first.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
Evan lay it on me, abdul Carter, just just give
it to me. This guy he's special, He's electric, he's
instant pass rush. I don't know if he'll fall to
the Patriots, but if he did, it would make a
lot of sense.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
Yeah, you said he's electric. I mean he's a dynamic player.
When you turn on the film his play speed, He's
moving at a different pace a lot of the time
than other people on the field. His pass rush, I
would say, is mostly speed. You know he's gonna win
with ghost rush to handswipe, a little bit of a
dip rip, you know, things like that crossover move inside,
really good on stunts, really good on the interior of
(23:00):
the offensive line, which is what I really like about him.
If you want to stand him up over the guard
over the center and have him brush from a two
point stance from in line on third down, he can
do that. He can play a little bit off the ball,
did that early on in his career at Penn State
and spy quarterbacks if you want him to do that.
So it's pretty much anything that you want him to
do from a pass rush front seven standpoint, Abdul Carter
(23:23):
can do. And I think the two comparisons you hear
about the most with him or Von Miller at Michael Parsons.
You know, he tends to gravitate more towards the Von
Miller komp himself. That's what he said at the combine.
But number eleven at Penn State with the cutoff Jersey,
it's easy to see Michael Parsons there as well.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Big time Chris, what do you think?
Speaker 1 (23:41):
Yeah, I mean I think atis and I've talked about
on previous podcasts like Abdull Carter is just so so
appealing and if he falls to that sort of spot
for the Patriots, like, I don't know how you pass
up on that. You know, you need a guy to
bolster that line, that defensive line, defensive front. You know,
they have the divisions of Landry and Chase On. They
(24:02):
have Keon Wydo to account play a edge role. They
have Afferny Jennings. But I think they really still need
that young talent to really bolster them. I think that's important.
And I think there's a lot of other guys in
Day two and Day three as well who have a
lot of promise.
Speaker 4 (24:17):
Well, let's get into it. I mean, we can't spend
as much time on everybody as we just did on
Abdul Carter. So I'm gonna fire a few guys. Paul,
you mentioned the Georgia guys and I've been talking about
and I'm gonna keep Mikel Williams in this group. I
might save Jalen Walker for the linebackers. That's just personal preference.
If you guys feel differently, please you know, discuss. But
Mikel Williams what's been appealing to me? And I know
he's kind of all.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
Over the place, but just twenty years.
Speaker 4 (24:37):
Old, he's got all the tools. He's still raw. It's
more of a projection. But to me he seems like
maybe not quite the electric, stand up kind of guy
off the edge Abdul Carter was, but he's a legit
hand down. If you want to stand him up a
little bit, you can. I keep using the William McGinnis
comp just a versatile guy you can stick on the
edge and he could probably do anything. He's a favorite
of mine. Nick Gorton's another favorite of mine, and Shamar Stewart.
(24:59):
I just throw those those three guys at you right now.
I know there are a couple others, Mike Green being one,
but those are three guys that all kind of stand
out to me. Play hard, play with an excellent effort,
and I think that you know, and certainly Stuart and
s Gorton are really good testers as well.
Speaker 5 (25:13):
Yeah, and I think there's a difference between a four
to three end and an edge guts we're to figure
And I think that's where you you know, what you
were talking about. I think, you know, I think s Gorton,
I think is more of a four to three end
than say, like Jalen Walker, who is if he's going
to play on the line, it's going to be strictly
as a stand up edge guy. So I agree with you,
those aren't necessarily the same. I like a lot of
the names you threw out there.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Ef.
Speaker 5 (25:35):
I'm gonna let you go because I know that you
break down these guys in a lot more detail than
than I do. So yeah, I'm not going to waste
anybody's time.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
I would just say with Mikel Williams, you're really projecting
him into a larger pass rushing role than what he
did at Georgia. I think the thing that's appealing with
him though at Georgia is that he did a lot
of the dirty work on that defensive line. You see
him take on blocks, slipping the gaps, you know, push
runners out, you know, make them bounce runs out the edge.
Like He'll do a lot of that kind of stuff
(26:02):
that isn't going to show up in the box score,
you know, playing that four eye shade inside the tackle.
But if you move him outside the tackle, does he
have more pass rush production? And he has flashes of that,
especially in that game against Texas and Calvin Banks, where
he can do those types of things. I think once
you get down that line, know, after the Mikel Williams
and the Shamar Stewarts, you start to get into this
(26:24):
just really good deep class of edge rushers that is
basically just goes all the way till rounds. I would
say five and six. I have twelve guys in the
first two rounds right now at the edge position, So
I think we can go rapid fire at some point here.
But I'll let Chris give.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Yeah, I mean you hit it. I mean this class
is so deep at the EDG Rudger position and one
of them James Spears Junior at Tennessee. He relies heavily
on his speed.
Speaker 2 (26:49):
But boise fast.
Speaker 1 (26:51):
Yeah, gets off that edge real quick. Another guy, Mike Green,
I mean he's had a really great standout performance at
the Senior Bowl on mobile, which great to see a
lot of power, a lot of strength.
Speaker 2 (27:02):
You know.
Speaker 1 (27:03):
Another guy spent four years at Florida, just spent this
past year ole Miss Princely Uma, melan Um and melan
Another guy, Uh, he had a really solid four years
at Florida, but really stuck out this year. I don't
miss so I really like him.
Speaker 5 (27:20):
For him, you we'll have a special guest spot on.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
Exactly exactly And uh, my last guy is JTW.
Speaker 2 (27:31):
You're blasting that out.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Yeah, I can figure it out from last episode.
Speaker 5 (27:34):
Better stick with the easier names.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
No, that's all right, that's all right.
Speaker 2 (27:37):
But you know j T.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
Another guy just really had a great season this year,
twelve and a half sacks at Ohio State. Uh yeah,
just won a national championship. And you know it's been
in mentality, So he's.
Speaker 4 (27:46):
Another one, maybe more of the fourth three and two
other fourth three ends I'd mentioned. It's just Davian Jones, uh,
you know, top four three N and Jack Sawyer os
U guy, I mean Ohio State. You know, my my
brabele might gravitate towards those guys. Give me a few
rapid fire edges before we move on to.
Speaker 3 (28:00):
The Yeah, the Ohio State guys are definitely worth talking about,
just because of the Rabel connection there, and Jack Sawyer
just screams rable to me. Just the intangibles and the
leadership and the big plays in big moments down the
stretch there for the Buckeyes. I do think we should
mention Donovan Azaraku from BC just because he's a local
kid and I think he's gonna probably go top twenty,
(28:20):
top twenty five, So maybe outside of the Patriots range,
but just a twitched up rusher, really good three cone time,
really good change of direction, ability, speed rusher off the edge.
Just a couple other guys. Landon Jackson from Arkansas I
think is another one of those Jack Sawyer types, right,
that's gonna probably put his hand in the dirt most
of the time, and then we start to get into
(28:42):
like late Day two, early day three. Kyle Canard from
South Carolina, another long, powerful edge rusher, had some really
good tape against Will Campbell this past year. Olu Oladejo
from UCLA really great Senior Bowl week, high motor, aggressive,
angry player, just runs hot all throughout the week there
(29:03):
in mobile and I think those are going to be
the effort and finished guys. That variable's probably going to
gravitate towards. And then the last one here, the local
guy for you, apolog Jasiah Stewart from Michigan played at
every high you know, the Paul Perrillo established.
Speaker 5 (29:19):
I'll telly you he might be the last one in
the pipeline too. You know, we've lost the coach. I
don't know how many more pros we're going to be
churning out. But yeah, he's one.
Speaker 3 (29:26):
So he's he's a little undersized, but he's a screamer
off the edge, and his tam against USC was phenomenal.
I think he had eleven pressures in that game against USC.
So he's got a real pass rush juice. He's probably
gonna be a situational rusher play on third downs things
like that. You know, josh U j type of role,
but he's a really good pass rusher.
Speaker 4 (29:44):
Yeah, that to me is appealing because I think that's
something they need to address. A couple older guys at
defensive end. Get some young legs in there so as
we get down into the later rounds. For me, edge guys,
I want pass rush, I want to beat. I like
these big, powerful guys, but I think those are more
flyers and you kind of have those guys already. All right,
let's move onto the defensive line. Of course, Milton Williams
a huge piece of the Patriots offseason. Little uncertainty still
(30:05):
with Christian Barmore. They signed Tonga as well. Seems like
they're in the remake process on the interior of this
offensive defensive line. I would say I would classify this
as maybe a flyer need you know, Paul, like, these
big guys are usually available. You can get you know,
get some insurance for Tonga, maybe get a developmental defensive
tackle guy. Of course, Mason Graham, Derek Harmon, and Walter
(30:26):
Nolan kind of the big three, and we've talked a
lot about Mason Graham. To me, he's kind of off
the board now, just with the redundancy with Milton Williams
and Christian Carmon.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
I mean, that's what it would seem to me. I'm
gonna hesitate to take him off the board only because
of their insistence on using terms like we're going to
take the best player available. And if you have made
that argument, you could make an argument for Mason Graham
being the best player, presuming that Carter an unhunter or
off the board. I would agree with you. I think this.
(30:55):
You know, him and Milton Williams are very similar body
types and play styles, you know, so I don't know
if you need two of those. But you know, when
has anyone ever said, you know what, you know what
the problem is? We have too much talent here, no one,
No one's ever said that he's a good player.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (31:11):
Derek Harmon two a favorite of mine. Evan like just
a guy that could probably move around a bunch like
Derek Harmono. Tough player, tough player, probably going to go
in the donut as I like to call it, in
between where the Patriots are going to pick somewhere probably
in the top ten and those early teens. That seems
a perfect spot for him.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, He's one of those guys too, along with Kenneth
Grant that I feel like would be good fits, but
are probably going to be in the donut. That's a
good one, a good term for both of those guys.
I think both those guys can play a little bit
closer to the ball, maybe at the nose tackle position
or the one technique shaded into the A gap, And
that's the one thing I would look at with these
defensive lineman potentially, is somebody that can do that, because
(31:48):
I think they're going to have enough pass rushers on
the interior between Milton Williams, Kean White and hopefully Christian Barmore,
They're gonna have enough juice there at the three technique
or you know, those pass rushing spots on the defensive line.
The real question is is who's going to play the
nose and I think Tonga is probably the short term
answer there. But can they get one of these guys,
you know, even further down the board, like a CJ.
(32:10):
West or Jordan Phillips from Maryland that can also do
that type of thing and just eat space in the
middle of the defense. I would look at maybe that,
maybe more so than you know Darius Alexander from Toledo,
who's a great three technique pass rusher but probably redundant
to what you have already on the roster.
Speaker 1 (32:26):
Yeah. I think it's really interesting because I feel like
a lot of this falls on the status of Christian Barmore.
You know, he's such a question mark and obviously you
have to fill these holes when you can, but it's
so hard to tell when you want to fill them
because you one hundred percent don't know what Christian Barmore
is up to. So he's such a like massive piece
on the defensive line, So who knows. But another guy
that you guys haven't mentioned, I like Al Collins from Texas.
(32:49):
You know, big, big fella, just kind of a run
stuff for your prototypical Devon Godshow esque kind of build
on the interior. I really like him, possible Day two guy.
So i'd say, O, don't the guys you've already touched
on as my kind of other one that I want
to mention.
Speaker 4 (33:04):
Yeah, just two other ones I'd throw in their ty
Robinson from Nebraska, Tight Hamilton from Ohio States. It's another
couple tough, big guys inside kind of have that verbel
playing style. All right, let's move on, guys, just to
the linebacker group, and again a position in transition maybe
a little bit Robert Splaine, Jack Gibbons in we're here
about Jawan Bentley losing some weight to maybe fill the
need that they have for this kind of scheme that
(33:25):
they want to run.
Speaker 2 (33:26):
I don't know if it's a huge need at least on.
Speaker 4 (33:28):
The interior, but it does seem like, you know, again,
as we talked about the edge the defensive end, it
kind of gets a little murky. And a guy like
Jalen Walker from Georgia, it's easy to see him being
a movable chess piece.
Speaker 2 (33:40):
I mean, he's exciting to watch.
Speaker 5 (33:41):
Yeah, and if that's if they want to play him
off the ball, and I know he plays some of
that at Georgia, And you know, I think of like
Nikobe Dean, you know, guys like that in the past.
You don't have to be two fifty two fifty five anymore.
That's the thing I like most about what I'm hearing.
I'll reserve judgment until I see it, But what I'm
hearing about how Mike Vrabel wants to sort of transform
to front seven. That's the thing that excites me the most.
(34:03):
Getting athletes like that in space and being able to
run sideline the sideline.
Speaker 4 (34:07):
Yeah, t U up for Jihat Campbell though. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (34:10):
Both those guys just with quickly. On Jalen Walker, Who's
just a fantastic football player. I mean he is extinctive, instinctive,
flies to the football, great athleticism, off the charts, versatility,
you can play basically all three linebacker spots. Play him
off the ball, interior pass rush, or on the edge.
I think a lot of people like him best off
the edge, but he to me screams like a Dante
(34:32):
high Tower type of role where he's playing off the
ball on first and second down, and on third down
you put him on the line of scrimmage and let
him rush the passer. This is a guy that you know,
he gives those brave heart speeches right like he's gonna
go up and down the sideline and bark at guys
and get guys going. He did that a couple of
times last year at Georgia. He's a leader of men.
He is a true captain. I can't say enough good
(34:55):
things about Jalen Walker. I just think, you know, for
the Patriots, it's just a matter of of investment on defense, Like,
are we hammering the defense a little bit too much?
A neglecting offense. Once you get away from Carter and Hunter,
now you're talking about Jalen Walker being in the same
kind of tier as like Will Campbell and Tech McMillan
and Tyler Warren and Ashton Genty and is it worth
(35:17):
it at that point to go defense again? But he's
a phenomenal player. Jihad Campbell is another one that I
was surprised early on the media is kind of late
to him. I felt like he is another one of
those prototypical linebackers. I think there's a lot of Jamie
Collins to his game, a ton of athleticism, can play
both roles, Like I said with Jalen Walker as well,
(35:38):
has some really good reps chasing down mobile quarterbacks to
from the second level the defense, can cover, can run
the seam, can cover guys down the field on vertical routes.
He's a really good football player too, probably one of
the first round pick in this class.
Speaker 1 (35:52):
Yeah, I mean, John Campbell's going to find the ball,
you know what I mean. One hundred and nineteen tackles
this year. That's crazy.
Speaker 2 (36:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:00):
I mean, for me, Chris Paul Junior at Ole, Miss
another guy kind of similar to Gid Campbell, a little
bit different, more on the internal part of the linebacker position,
of the middle linebacker role, kind of stopping the run.
More more of a run stopper there. And I mean
I like Kobe King out of Penn State too. I mean,
he sure's a lot of a lot of guess stuff
as well. For me, I like Shamar James out of Florida,
(36:23):
also more of an interior front seven guy, kind of
more of a run stopper there. And Cody Lindenberg of Minnesota.
Speaker 4 (36:30):
Good names got. It's just a few more to throw
at you guys before we wrap this up. But Dimetrius
Knight Junior was one guy that stood out to me.
Ran really well at the combine. We're in a four
or five eight. Didn't know if he was gonna do that,
but a bigger guy. He's got kids and married already.
He's like one of those guys that comes out like
he's already a full grown man, knows what he's doing.
Speaker 2 (36:45):
I don't know if it's a huge need, but I
like the player. I know.
Speaker 4 (36:47):
Jeffrey Bossa too from Oregon is a you know, a
leader guy in the middle, and last one, I just
think really interesting player. Carsion Sweats questions are from UCLA.
Who's a special teamer? Comes on and has you know,
ninety solo tackles, leads the league. You love tackles, Chris,
you know, the most tackles in FBS solo tackles. So,
you know, I just love that story.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
Intense guy.
Speaker 4 (37:05):
I don't know if these guys really fit anybody out
of those group that send out to you.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
Yeah, so questioner and Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma, I feel
like are in a similar category of like kind of
Robert Spelaney almost in a way where like you just
watch them play and they just run hot. You know,
they are constantly around the football, They're flying around the field.
They play with great effort, in great just hustle and
really max out the athletic gifts that they have with
(37:30):
instincts and hustle. So those two guys, I would say
are are verable type of guys just from that standpoint.
Jeffrey Basa from Oregon, though, I think, is a really
interesting player. He started at safety at Oregon then moved
to linebacker. Probably the best coverage linebacker in this part
portion of the class, you know, Day three, early Day three,
late Day two type of portion. So if they're looking
(37:53):
for a true third down coverage linebacker, he has some
really high level reps covering guys down the field and
catching guys down the field in zone coverage. So those
are some of the names I would say, you know,
probably not really a need they're going to go for
in the top one hundred, but maybe one of those
guys were to slip into the fourth round.
Speaker 4 (38:13):
All right, well that's gonna do it for this edition
of Patriots Draft Countdown, wrapping up the front seven. And
look this, it's already April, guys. The draft is fast approaching.
Stick with us a few more episodes to go here
Patriots Draft Countdown presented by bud Light
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