Nate Ebner (197), Alfonzo Dennard (224), and Jeremy Ebert (235)
It looks like the Patriots are finally packing up their draft books. This was a serious haul. 6 of the 7 players taken play defense and special teams. That is a serious statement made by the organization that defense still wins championships.
Final Tally
DE Chandler Jones (day 1 starter, versatile athlete)
LB Dont'a Hightower (day 1 rotational starter, future of franchise)
DB Tavon Wilson (the chosen one)
DE Jake Bequette (high motor, great character, scheme-intelligent, rushes, sets edge)
DB Nate Ebner (rugby background, 4.48 in the 40, special teams gunner)
CB Alfonzo Dennard (experts considered him a 1st-2nd round pick, stolen in the 7th)
WR Jeremy Ebert (unknown slot receiver trying to learn from the best)
I think that Nate Ebner's role could be very limited, but his understanding of the game is limited having played mostly Rugby. His upside is immense with his fast 40, and his MVP trophy from the U-20 Rugby World Championships gives me a serious eyebrow-raise. He could very well be asked to play in the rotation at Safety, but this pick is to immediately improve the special teams coverage. I expect him to compete for a shot at the kick/punt returning duties.
Alfonzo Dennard might be the steal of the draft. As odd as it was to see Tavon Wilson's 40-something grade mixed in with 80s in the second round, Dennard's rating of 85.7 from the 7th round is higher than any player taken in the 7th round. In fact, one must go back from #224 to #63 to find a player that was graded higher (by NFL.com analysts). By the way, #63 was Rueben Randall, the final pick of the second round (rated 86.0). Let's hope that he can leave his baggage at the door. He has a bit of a history...
As for Ebert, I expect him to land on the practice squad. I hope that he busts his ass, and finds a role on the team, but he might not even find himself a roster spot with the incredible depth at WR. He's also a special teams consideration. He has some serious tools if his Pro Day numbers are any indication (4.38 40 yard dash, a 4.15 20 yard shuttle, a 33 inch vertical and 16 reps at 225 on the bench). Kid's fast.
Final Tally
DE Chandler Jones (day 1 starter, versatile athlete)
LB Dont'a Hightower (day 1 rotational starter, future of franchise)
DB Tavon Wilson (the chosen one)
DE Jake Bequette (high motor, great character, scheme-intelligent, rushes, sets edge)
DB Nate Ebner (rugby background, 4.48 in the 40, special teams gunner)
CB Alfonzo Dennard (experts considered him a 1st-2nd round pick, stolen in the 7th)
WR Jeremy Ebert (unknown slot receiver trying to learn from the best)
I think that Nate Ebner's role could be very limited, but his understanding of the game is limited having played mostly Rugby. His upside is immense with his fast 40, and his MVP trophy from the U-20 Rugby World Championships gives me a serious eyebrow-raise. He could very well be asked to play in the rotation at Safety, but this pick is to immediately improve the special teams coverage. I expect him to compete for a shot at the kick/punt returning duties.
Alfonzo Dennard might be the steal of the draft. As odd as it was to see Tavon Wilson's 40-something grade mixed in with 80s in the second round, Dennard's rating of 85.7 from the 7th round is higher than any player taken in the 7th round. In fact, one must go back from #224 to #63 to find a player that was graded higher (by NFL.com analysts). By the way, #63 was Rueben Randall, the final pick of the second round (rated 86.0). Let's hope that he can leave his baggage at the door. He has a bit of a history...
As for Ebert, I expect him to land on the practice squad. I hope that he busts his ass, and finds a role on the team, but he might not even find himself a roster spot with the incredible depth at WR. He's also a special teams consideration. He has some serious tools if his Pro Day numbers are any indication (4.38 40 yard dash, a 4.15 20 yard shuttle, a 33 inch vertical and 16 reps at 225 on the bench). Kid's fast.
"the chosen one"
ReplyDeletehah! And that's why I'll always prefer The Flying Elvis to Pats Propaganda: the nice chatty asides like that.
Since reading what you said (and everybody else dug up) about Martin, I love the pick and am not looking back. He will be the descendant of Steve Grogan and Troy Brown: "I will do as you ask me to and give everything doing it". The Patriot Way.
Now that the draft is concluded, Bill's picks look complete. Complete in the more team sense of the word: he's chosen players with enough experience to show upside (some with talent through a ceiling), but not so much that they've been channeled into a mode that means they have to re-learn the game with the Patriots.
Ebner looks like Special Teams, and will probably make the roster as such. Once he hits training camp and views enough hours of film he'll be ready to go. Ebert, I think, will stay and as a KR. I see him as the successor to Brandon Tate.
More broadly, ever since The Great Receiver Corps of the 2006 offseason--and the pursuant leaning into Tom Brady--there was always the looming return of the Belichick Defense. I had always thought that it would happen once Brady's window was closing, but I think this draft is the beginning of Bill laying the foundation. Once Tom is gone, I think Gronk will become the face of the franchise. (He'd let Aaron go, but Gronk breaks all matchups). I trust Bill will find this franchise's Steve Young. There won't be another Tom Brady, but if there is expect Bill to take him between the 3rd and 7th rounds.
Well said, I think that all of the picks will make solid Patriot Way players. Hopefully, Alfonzo Dennard will get the memo. Sliding from the 2nd to the 6th should help ease the transition from diva to role player. I hope he absorbs the hard working atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI think both Ebner and Ebert will compete as KR/PR, With Ebner's Rugby background, I could see him breaking a few for big chunks. He seems like he is an incredibly fast runner that is not afraid to lower a shoulder for a few extra yards if the hole closes. Ebert has the potential to be a solid slot reciever, but he will compete with Edelman for the returning duties as well.
With the new K/O rules, a few extra yards is huge. I hope they can bring some electricity to the return game. Watching Woodhead last year was excruciating. I would have replaced him with the "take a knee machine"
I think that Ryan Mallet has the potential to be the Steve Young in 4 years. He will be a 26 year old veteran (younger than Brandon Weeden). Expect him to play 8-12 years as the starter (if he's good).
BTW... you mean Wilson (not Martin?) I appreciate that you have begun to read my blog, and I hope that its viewership increases. If you notice that there is something unique here, please post a link on some other messageboards. It is nice to get actual comments to respond to.
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