Let me start off by saying that I LOVE the NL Network! Until the wound of the Patriots’ season being over has healed (and it’s almost there), I can fill the void by studying this year’s draft prospects. Last week, they broadcasted the East-West Shrine Game. This week, they are broadcasting the practices leading up to this Saturday’s Senior Bowl.
The Shriner’s game is the first opportunity for players to impress NFL scouts and there were some players that stood out enough to have coaches want to see al lot more of them oat the Senior Bowl, on their school's pro days, and at the NFL Combine next month. Thinking about the Pats’ needs (pass rush & a tackle to replace Light); Kenny Rowe (OLB/DE – Oregon), Chris Carter (DE – Fresno State), Akeem Dent (LB – Georgia: GO DAWGS!), and Marvin Austin (DT – North Carolina) all had great games. As the Pats’ may want to look at an RB, Delone Carter (RB – Syracuse) also impressed.
Kenny Rowe is fast and displayed a few great pass rush moves. He always seemed to be in the backfield. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=238452
Marvin Austin may not make it onto the Pats’ draft board because of potential character issues. He was suspended for his senior season for violating multiple team and NCAA rules. Among them, the DE reportedly received benefits from agents that included a free VIP cabana in a Miami club that included all the booze he and his buddies (some underage) wanted. This rocket scientist was smart enough to tweet about the club and the booze.
Some thoughts after watching Day 1 of the North team’s practice for this Saturday’s Senior Bowl some players that have appeared on mock drafts as potential Pats’ picks impressed. Offensive tackles, Nate Solder (Colorado), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), and Anthony Costanzo (BC) had very good days.
I like Gabe Carimi (http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/carimi_gabe00.html). He’s this year’s Outland Trophy winner as the best lineman in college football. He’s big AND athletic enough to play LT and G. I can easily see him and Sebastian Vollmer competing to replace the most overrated NFL player in history (Matt Light) next year with the loser sliding to RT. Solder (6’ 9”, 315) and Costanzo (6’ 7”, 305) will also be nice replacements but they may be pigeon holed as LT talent only.
On the other side of the ball, Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB, Purdue) impressed. Kerrigan recorded 25 sacks and forced 14 fumbles over the past two seasons. After being stopped by Carimi during a 1-on-1 drill, he came back on the next play with a swim move and beat him to the inside.
Here are some early mock Pats’ draftees from CBS and ESPN:
- CBS
- Akeem Ayers, LB – UCLA
- Cameron Jordan, DE – Cal
- ESPN
- JJ Watt, DE – Wisconsin
- Michael Leshoure, RB – Illinois
- Ryan Kerrigan, OLB – Purdue
- Mark Ingram, RB – Alabama
A lot will change between now and the draft (April 28-30). This week’s practices will lead to a slew of mock drafts and the same will happen after the combine. Bill? If you’re reading this, give me a call. I’d love to work for the Pats and be in the war room on draft day.
One a side note, I’m going to try to not comment about the idiot who walked into the fountain while texting. No one could tell who it was until she came forward and announced that she’s retained an attorney to possibly sue the mall.
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