Tag Archives: Mike Vrabel

Rounds 1-3: Scouting Reports on Patriots Picks

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Let’s dive right into the Patriots first four picks in a draft that they absolutely nailed. Stay on the lookout for breakdowns of the later rounds and the UDFAs.

32. N’KEAL HARRY, WR 

ARIZONA STATE

The Patriots pleasantly surprised on Thursday night. They not only drafted a receiver in the first round, but one of N’Keal Harry’s caliber. The evaluation of the wide receiver class this year was at times murky waters of sorts. Many passionate film buffs, scouts, and analysts had N’Keal Harry fluctuating from the fourth best receiver in this class to the first. After watching a ton of film on this kid, all signs point to Harry being much closer to that number one spot to that number four.

What he does right:

-Contested ball catcher, reminds of a DeAndre Hopkins in that regard. 

-Big-bodied, yet moves at a pretty good speed for his size

-Very smart, faired really well during Patriots visit with playbook retention 

-Understands how to use his body to make catches

-Will play some outside receiver, could also play a good deal of slot at the next level

-Very solid catch radius 

-Makes catches look easier than they really are

-Good jump off the ball 

-Like a Marshawn Lynch or Gronk once he has the ball, very hard to tackle, YAC monster

-Can be a redzone monster at a Pro level, will help replace that redzone presence of Gronk 

Some nuances in his game: 

-Not polished route runner

-Sometimes struggles with press off the line of scrimmage 

-Occasionally struggles with focus in his game

-Not overly explosive or necessarily athletic 

-May struggle to separate 

-Not the greatest blocker in the world

Pro comparison: Dez Bryant

Instant impact: 3rd receiver on depth chart, gets utilized in LaFell role 

Grade: A+

45. JOEJUAN WILLIAMS, CB

VANDERBILT 

Oh boy, did some people get mad over this pick or what? I have never seen so many fans get angry over a great pick. Besides maybe the picks after that, like Damien Harris, Yondy Cajuste, Hjalte Froholdt, and Jake Bailey. If Belichick had a nickel for every Patriots fan that said, “What is he doing? WE NEED A TIGHT END!”, Bill would probably be dining at an expensive restaurant on that money alone. Joejuan Williams is a corner who Belichick loved coming into the draft. He is a tall, bigger corner who excels at pressing receivers and covering bigger targets. Williams brings the Patriots size at the corner position that they really have not had since Brandon Browner. 

What he does right:

-Great physical traits 

-Great mental processing and awareness

-Watches a boat load of film

-Tremendous press corner 

-Described by many as “disruptive” to receivers 

-Has shown ability to come up and play the run

-Appears to have a really good understanding of coverage schemes

-Very, very good play recognition

-Extremely physical

-Solid tackler

-Faired really well against A.J Brown, DaMarkus Lodge, and Riley Rildey, who all were solid receivers in this year’s draft class

Some nuances in his game: 

-Fluidity 

-Technique at line of scrimmage must improve drastically 

-Not a world-class athlete

-Not a big playmaker 

-Struggles against shiftier receivers, Patriots would not match him up against Antonio Brown

-Inconsistency in his game

Pro comparison: Richard Sherman

Instant impact: 3rd corner on depth chart, battles with bigger targets, get utilized in Browner role 

Grade: A-

77. CHASE WINOVICH, EDGE 

MICHIGAN 

While he is undersized, Chase will play much like a Rob Ninkovich or Mike Vrabel. Winovich is an exciting pick for two reasons. 

1. He was an early second round pick in most people’s eyes. Sometimes even a late first. 

2. He helps replace some of the wackiness we lost when Gronk retired. Better hope Gronk does not come back because a nuclear war might erupt in that locker room. How crazy is he? He ate a live fish for a $20 bill.

Chase will play both defensive end and outside linebacker. This will give the linebacking core some more flexibility and the defensive line an edge rusher that does not quit. 

What he does right:

-Nice hand usage 

-Very measured and strategic, has a game plan every play on how to attack the quarterback

-Unreal amount of effort, will benefit that defense immensely 

-Really high floor

-Good run defender 

-High motor, full of energy 

-Toughness

-His heart, toughness, and effort could translate well to kick coverage or punt coverage teams as well 

-Loves football, wants to learn from veterans 

-Brings lots of versatility 

-Great execution 

-Smart football player

-Recognizes blocking schemes very well

-Extremely physical 

Some nuances in his game:

-Not the greatest athlete in the world

-Does not have too many pass rush moves in his tool belt

-Low ceiling 

-Undersized for defensive end, not athletic enough to play outside linebacker

-Will struggle in some matchups at the next level

-Not exactly explosive 

-Can be kind of slow off the ball 

-Hips not very fluid, not bendy

-Not a speed-counter type of rusher

-Range

-Change of direction 

Pro comparison: Clay Matthews 

Instant impact: Rotational defensive end, majority of snaps on first/second down, Ninkovich role

Grade: B+

87. DAMIEN HARRIS, RB

ALABAMA 

Damien Harris will be a beast behind this offensive line, sharing carries with Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead. Runningback was also a need for the Patriots in this draft class. The need not in an immediate sense, but more for down the road. Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel have struggled to stay healthy in their respective careers, and James White and Rex Burkhead’s contracts climb to higher cap numbers next season, then expire in 2021. I personally expected Belichick to go runningback at some point in this draft class, but not this early. However, I personally am glad that Belichick grabbed Damien Harris. Damien will be a beast in the run game and can contribute on special teams. Patriots now have a four-headed monster in the backfield.

What he does right:

-Played both gap and zone run schemes at Alabama 

-Win first mentality 

-Big-bodied

-Excellent vision 

-Very explosive 

-Finds open space in defense with ease 

-Very balanced and solid

-Can be bell cow type of back, although it is unlikely he is utilized like this in New England’s system

-One cut 

-Demonstrates good patience 

-Runs really hard, runs through defenders 

-Will not lose yards to gain yards, north-south runner

-Measured, collected, and controlled runner

Some nuances in his game:

-Change of direction is his kryptonite 

-Instinct and creativity is shaky at times 

-Slightly below average burst 

-Lacks elusive traits 

-Will get caught from behind because of lack of burst

-Hand technique is spotty

Pro comparison: Corey Clement 

Instant impact: Rotational back, short-yardage back, will fight Burkhead for carries

Grade: A-

What to expect from Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis

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Sunday the Patriots will be facing four former teammates when they kick off in Tennessee. Five counting head coach Mike Vrabel.

Along with former Patriots scout Jon Robinson, Tennessee certainly has some inside information. Although, a lot has changed in New England since then. Here are two players who were on the roster last year, that may or may not do some damage come Sunday.

Dion Lewis Is Still Dion Lewis

Dion Lewis will look to have a big game Sunday against his old team

Courtesy of the AP

Dion Lewis played 3 seasons for New England (2015 through 2017) and his best year was in 2017. As a Titan Lewis has shared the backfield with Derrick Henry, but as of late Henry’s touches have fallen. Dion showed Patriots fans last year that he can be a three down back despite his size.

This year as a Titan Dion Lewis has mainly been more of a receiving threat, and through eight games has already passed his 2017 season in New England.

Last year as a Patriots Lewis had 32 receptions on 33 targets with 214 yards. Through eight games with the Titans he has 33 receptions on 37 targets for 259 yards. Brian Flores and Bill Belichick are going to have to take Lewis out of Sunday’s game, as he is their best offensive weapon. New England needs to make tackles and try to limit Lewis’s receptions.

Dion Lewis Predicts a Victory on Sunday

Dion Lewis predicts a Titans Win

Only a year has passed since Dion dawned the Patriots uniform, so it’s easy to remember that he can also be very dangerous running the ball. Through 8 weeks Lewis leads the NFL in percentage of runs with a broken tackle at 33.0%.

Dion Did You Have to Say That?

Lewis created some bulletin board material while talking about his old teammates. Saying “I don’t talk to nobody before the game,” “I don’t anticipate going out there pregame and hugging and all that.” “I’ll talk to them after the game, after we beat them.” I’m sure as usual the Patriots will use his words as motivation. Did Dion learn anything about teams verbally attacking the Patriots? Doesn’t look like it, and he will most likely be eating those words after the game.

Malcolm Butler Has Had This Game Circled For A Long Time

Grass is not greener in Tennessee

Butler gets burned by Amari Cooper

Malcolm Butler has had a horrible start to the 2018 season. Before I continue on I would like to say that Butler will always be a Patriots legend to me.

Butler left New England signing with the Titans for a whopping 5 year $61.25 Million contract, with $30 million guaranteed. Through 8 weeks Tennessee has drawn the short end of that deal as Butler is statistically the worst CB in the NFL. Here are some numbers that you know Bill must be smiling about, all of which are the worst in the NFL.

Through 8 games this season Butler has allowed 7 TD’s which is half of the entire team’s total. He’s also given up 618 yards on 39 receptions, both worst in the NFL.

Malcolm is playing for the number one defense in the league, yet he’s ranked as the worst CB. Against Dallas he gave up both TD’s in a win on Monday night. When asked about going up against NE he said “It’s just a game, I know I used to play for New England and all of that.” “I’m not over hyped, I’m not very pumped.” “It’s just another game” he says, but I have a sneaky feeling that Butler will be over hyped, and very pumped despite what he says before the game.

Malcolm Butler

Courtesy of NBC Sports

He’s a very emotional player, Tom knows this as we all do. So expect whoever our old friend Butler is covering to have a huge game. Head Coach Mike Vrabel said that he’s not ready to replace Butler yet and will continue to start him.

One thing is for sure, Malcolm Butler wants to have the game of his life against Bill Belichick, and personally I don’t blame him. Unfortunately for Butler he will be too amped up, trying to make plays and that is a recipe for disaster against Brady.

(SB49 #21) “Malcolm Go!” Should never be forgotten.

Mike Vrabel will be facing his old team Sunday

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Mike Vrabel will face New England on Sunday

The Patriots will see some familiar people on Sunday afternoon when the Patriots travel to Tennesse to play the Titans. One of those people is former Patriot Mike Vrabel. Vrabel now the head coach of the Titans will make his return to face his old team as a coach. With the Patriots he played in 125 games starting in 110 of those. He also won three Super Bowl Championships all with the Patriots and Brady as the quarterback. He had eleven interceptions and 48 sacks with the Patriots. He’ll be in the Patriots Hall Of Fame soon no question about that.

Belichick has respect for Vrabel

Belichick praised Vrabel today at his press conference saying. “He loved to play on the scout team defense. He’d be there best pass rusher, he’d play middle linebacker … he’d play strong safety. (Troy) Polamalu, Ed Reed, (Dwight) Freeney, whoever we were playing, he would love to be those guys (in practice). Play against their offense then take all the snaps on defense … they bring a lot of good positive energy to the team … you can’t put a price on guys like that.” Sunday will be the first time Belichick will be facing a former player that turned into a  head coach.

Vrabel did catch a pass from Tom Brady in Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers. If it wasn’t for the Patriots and Belichick he probably wouldn’t be a head coach right now. All the things he learned about football was from his time in New England. After New England, he went to Kansas City for two years and really didn’t have the production he had with the Patriots. Vrabel didn’t like being traded to the Chiefs but he’s over it now and has respect for the Patriots organization. Sunday should be a great game for New England anyway. I think the Patriots destroy the Titans and Malcolm Butler gets burned like he has all season.

Gronk spikes trade deal – No Brady, No Dice

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TRADE TALK BEFORE THE 2018 DRAFT

Rob Gronkowski was almost traded to the Detroit Lions during the offseason, leading up to the Draft. After Sunday’s loss to Detroit, Rob Gronkowski was asked about all the rumblings of the trade. Gronk casually answered saying, “Yeah it happened, Tom Brady’s my quarterback, that’s all. Wasn’t going anywhere without Brady.”

Gronk and Brady

Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Before the 2018 NFL Draft, Bill Belichick was looking to deal Rob Gronkowski. Rumors of talks with the Lions and Titans were being thrown around. Bill was talking with his ex Patriot friends in an attempt to move the All World tight end. Adam Schefter went on WEEI’s morning show ‘Kirk and Callahan’ Monday for an interview about the situation. According to Schefter “It would’ve been a trade involving draft picks, that was the basic trade.” He continued on about Gronkowski, “He was the only player involved in the trade and it would’ve been a combination of picks.”

HOW GRONKOWSKI NIXED THE TRADE

During the offseason Rob Gronkowski was uncertain about things, he made that clear minutes after the Super Bowl. Since Gronk showed signs of uncertainty, Bill had to keep thinking about the team and its future. Bill has never been one to wait and see about a player, he makes the necessary moves for the team. Apparently, he did and the trade was pretty much done until Gronkowski caught wind of the situation. Schefter again noted, “Basically the deal was all but agreed to, he was going to go to Detroit, and when he found out he called the Patriots.”

Now, this is coming from an NFL insider, not the Patriots or Rob Gronkowski, yet it does seem to line up with the offseasons timeline of events. Gronk and the Patriots did have a meeting before the draft, which was newsworthy because it ended the trade speculation. As Rob Gronkowski said Sunday night, he wasn’t going anywhere without Tom Brady. So what was said during the meeting is unknown to the public, but the end result is clear. New England was the only team Rob Gronkowski would play for, it did not matter if it was the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. If Brady wasn’t throwing him the ball, he was ready to retire.

Gronkowski

Via USA Today

NO TRADE WITH A HAPPY ENDING

For Patriot fans, the meeting between the Patriots and Gronkowski’s camp, right before the draft worked out. Rob was adamant about what he wanted, which led to Bill Belichick and the Pats agreeing to keep the tight end. I’m sure Bill had his own demands for Gronkowski as well, in the end, it all worked out.

Rob Gronkowski wasn’t traded, his deal was reworked with incentives again. If he reaches those incentives he will receive $4.3 million this season. New England doesn’t have to worry about the cap hit because of Gronkowski’s new deal, it barely changes. So, in the end, both sides seem to have benefited from that meeting before the draft. For fans of the Patriots, everything turned out great. If it wasn’t for Gronk calling the team to have a meeting, a lot of things in New England could’ve changed not just the TE. Luckily this is in the past, everyone has one goal in 2018 and that’s bringing home the Lombardi.