Patriots.com reporter Brian Lowe says the Patriots knew what they were doing when they traded up to draft Syracuse DE Chandler Jones.
Friday, April 27, 2012
VIDEO: Bill Belichick Press Conference
By: Lily Zhao
Coach Bill Belichick addresses the media following the Patriot's first round of draft picks Thursday night.
Grading the Patriots first round picks
By: Lily Zhao
Following the first day of draft picks, the Patriots ended up doing something surprising... trading up... twice. Bill Belichick has only traded up in the first round twice in the past 12 drafts. The Patriots gave up a third-round pick to move up from 27 to 21 to acquire Syracuse DE Chandler Jones. The team then acquired its 25th pick from the Denver Broncos, selecting Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower.
The question now is how these two defensive players fit into the Patriots defensive scheme. Last season, New England ran a 4-3 out of necessity due to the lockout, which severely shortened the team's ability to workout during the offseason. However, as the season progressed, the defense reverted back to its old 3-4 defensive scheme. And now with Jones and Hightower coming in, it seems the Patriots' defensive scheme could revert back to the 4-3 scheme.
But can Jones and Hightower make an impact next season? Here are my grades for the Patriots' first round selections.
No. 21: CHANDLER JONES, DE, Syracuse
The 6'5'', 265-pound defensive end shot up the draft boards late in the first round. His versatility on the field and his wingspan give New England a big boost on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots ranked 31st in the league in yards allowed and 14th in the league in sacks last season. Jones was known at Syracuse for his ability to defend the pass rush, but his run defense has been extremely underrated. He has the ability crash the line inside to stop short yardage plays and can frequently get into the backfield to disrupt the quarterback. Furthermore, Jones is versatile. He can play the defensive end position or outside linebacker. His skill set will allow Belichick to move him all over the field. However, his absence in five games last season due to an injury sustained in the Orange's game against Wake Forest means he might be a little raw and could need help adjusting to playing alongside veterans like Vince Wilfork and Jonathan Fanene.
*Does Chandler Jones fit in with the Patriots?Watch the video analysis here.
Grade: B+
No. 25: DONT'A HIGHTOWER, LB, Alabama
(bleacherreport.com)
This 6'4'', 260-pound linebacker was one of the leaders of National Champion Alabama's top-ranked defense last season. He uses his size to plug up the interior gaps on the line due to his great speed and ability to shed blocks. He can also get to the ball-carrier, recording four sacks last season. Furthermore, his versatility on defense and his know-how of picking up on complex schemes will be crucial as a Patriots player. As a student of Nick Saban, one of Belichick's closest friends, Hightower has been trained well for his trip to New England. If he can translate his skills well to the pros, the linebacker corps for the Patriots might be shaping up to be Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Dont'a Hightower.
*Can Dont'a Hightower make an impact his rookie season? Watch the video analysis here.
Grade: A-
VIDEO: Mike Reiss talks Patriots offensive draft needs
By: Lily Zhao
ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss spoke to me about what the Patriots need offensively, following the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Mock Draft: New England Patriots 2012
By: Lily Zhao
It's no question the Patriots need defensive players in this year's NFL draft. The main concerns on defense? Well, it comes down to the secondary, mainly the safety, cornerback and defensive end positions. However, New England also needs someone on special teams and on the offensive line. The Patriots have two picks late in the first round, and here are the potential picks I believe the Patriots should take.
Pick #27: New England needs to go with a defensive guy is versatile and has the skills to rush the passer. Defensive lineman Kendall Reyes from Connecticut is a guy who I think will still be left for the Patriots to snag at this pick. And although he will probably be gone this late into the first round, Alabama lineback Dont'a Hightower is another great prospect on defense. He is one of the best rushing the passer and has the natural strength to run through blocks. He can change direction extremely well and runs well downfield.
Pick #31: Janoris Jenkins out of North Alabama could be another player the Patriots should look out for. Despite his troubled past in Florida, Jenkins is one of the best cover corners in the draft. He might be a risky pick, but many scouts have said Jenkins has put his past behind him. If the Patriots draft him, he could do wonders in the backfield, especially since the Patriots were ranked 31st in pass rush last year.
Wildcard Pick:Brandon Boykin out of Georgia could help the Patriots on special teams, especially kickoff returns. He has the speed to out run most defenders and has the hands to play on defense as well. Look for him, along with offensive lineman Brandon Washington from Miami to get some recognition. The Patriots needs to add depth on the offensive line and Washington adds range. He has the ability to and experience at both guard spots and left tackle and has improved manning the blind side.
Thoughts and Predictions: Patriots Draft Needs
By: Lily Zhao
As the NFL Draft nears, the New England Patriots have been given six picks all before the fifth round. What are the team's needs? Will they even use all six picks or will Bill Belichick trade up or trade down? Here are my thoughts and predictions for the Patriots for this year's NFL Draft.
1. This year's draft is all about defense. Last year, the Patriots were all about the offense and this year Belichick needs to focus on the defensive side of the ball. New England needs to address their secondary issues, specifically at cornerback and safety, especially since the team was ranked 31st in pass defense. I expect the Pats to focus their #27 and #31 draft picks on getting defensive players.
(nfldraftmonsters.com)
2. Another thing to keep an eye out for is what the Patriots do if they choose to elect a player on the offensive side of the ball. Out of all the positions, a receiver who has the talent and ability to develop into Belichick's offense will be someone to look out for. I think Greg Childs out of Arkansas has the height, speed and hands to be a potential pick on offense. However, I think he goes late in the fourth or fifth round, so if Belichick trades down, this pick could work.
3. There really are no immediate team needs. During the free agency period, Belichick signed 14 players, which was the most in the league. However, looking down the road, Belichick needs to build the team, not so much collect the most talented players out there. He took a chance at drafting Brandon Spikes and Aaron Hernandez later in the draft and that paid off. So, with no picks between the fifth and seventh round this year, I expect Belichick to trade down to get some picks late. By doing so, he can get some players with talent, value and can create a sustainable culture.
