Well, it's about time! My pre-Combine picks (I dread pre-Combine selections), as all of the info gathered at the market is valuable (if properly applied). From the interviews and position drills, to some timed events, the info represents a final stage in the evaluation process. That said, what follows are some of my favorite prospects (not all), while some have left me hand-tied while remaining true to the thread's guideline's:
1- #23
Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest - I rank him as a late first, so going this early isn't too unreasonable. In addition, my #1 team need going into the draft is to add playmakers to the secondary. And with Smith arguably having the best ball skills and playmaking ability among all the CBs, this pick makes sense. There are other playmakers available later on -- but none on his level. His 21 career picks were no luck, as he added 3 more during Senior Bowl practices. The plan with Alphonso is for him to compete with a healthy Wheatley for the starting LCB position. Loser will be the first one in on all sub-packages. He's NFL-ready now to cover slot receivers, we'll see if he can beat out a very talented TW.
2- #47
Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose State - It's time to maintain the strength of the DL. Youtube aside, this player has tremendous potential as a 3-4 end.
2- #58
Eric Wood C Louisville - one of the several centers in this draft who could make the transition to guard. Wood was highly impressive at RG during Senior Bowl week, which translates nicely to a Koppen upgrade and Neal insurance pick. One of my favorite prospects.
3- #89
Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest - two prospects from the same secondary/school is highly unusual, but Vaughn offers size and in-the-box skills that may prove valuable in the Pats D. Meriweather is a versatile player who could handle deep coverage responsibilities if Vaughn develops. Strong vs Free, Left vs Right, One vs Two -- whatever -- just upgrade the position.
3- #97
Jonathan Casillas OLB Wisconsin - will wait on his Combine numbers to see if he's healed from surgery. A fast, athletic, productive player who could transition to SS. Envision his coverage ability vs RBs and TEs as a sideline-to-sideline player. Will excel on ST while he learns (a position).
4- #124
Lawrence Sidbury DE Richmond - already has a strong array of pass rush moves. Impressive wingspan. Needs work at the POA vs the run -- but that's why he's a developmental prospect. Add him to the Pats current group and see who develops first. All edge rushers need time -- even the early picks.
4- #136
Kenny McKinley WR South Carolina - a highly productive and consistent receiver. Ignore the Spurrier connection. Knows how to run routes vs top competition -- which will be refreshing for a Pats rookie.
5- #158
Augustus Parrish OT Kent State - there's still a Kent St connection. Versatile, could project to OG also.
5- #167
Joe Burnett CB UCF 5-10 - yes, I'm doubling up on the Pats secondary. Burnett has exc ball skills as another playmaker. Speed may be an issue...we'll know soon. Same school as Asante -- with similar production.
6- #192
Lee Robinson OLB Alcorn State - my first
official sleeper for the Pats, which is different than just a sleeper.
Projects inside and will make the roster.
7- #230
Thomas Morstead P Southern Methodist - lest I forget. Impressive hang time and accurate directional skills make him a worthy gamble.
