For over four months, I have been compiling a document full of articles, press conferences, and draft data in an effort to create a profile for the general manager/head coach tandems in the NFL. To my pleasant surprise, the post-draft press conferences, especially, have become an invaluable resource to me in creating these profiles. In these interviews, the decision makers are more candid than at any other time in the draft process. You pick up on certain themes and buzz words that are used, and you can start to form a better picture of what the teams saw in a particular player.
I fully expect these profiles to be dynamic in nature, since together we are always gaining further insight into the draft process. If you find a great article, or have made an observation, it will be my pleasure to consider it for inclusion in this series of profiles.
If you missed the previous article in the series of draft profiles: Detroit Lions.
To continue with the team draft profiles, how about we pore over the New England Patriots draft profile.
The Tandem And Their Football Scheme
General Manager: *Bill Belichick
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (also in charge of personnel matters)
Offensive Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins system, incorporating elements of passing spread, zone running attack
Defensive Scheme: 3-4 and 4-3 base (regularly employs multiple looks), press zone coverage
General profile:
-wants versatile players
-special teams experience
-team captains, maturity
-height, weight, speed, and length
-big plus if comes from pro style system
-good communication skills
-tough, smart
New England Patriots’ Preferred Measurables (By Position)
Position
Height (feet-inches)
Weight (lbs)
Arm Length (inches)
40 Yd. Dash
Defensive End
6-4
298
34
5.08
Nose Tackle
6-1 1/2
326.5
32 1/4
5.11
Outside Linebacker
6-4
256
33 1/4
4.72
Inside Linebacker
6-2
246
32 7/8
4.76
Cornerback
5-10 1/2
191
30 7/8
4.46
Safety
5-10 1/2
200
30 7/8
4.52
Offensive Tackle
6-5 1/2
315
33 3/8
5.26
Guard/Center
6-3 1/2
308
32 3/4
5.23
Wide Receiver
6-0
203
31 1/2
4.45
Running Back
5-11 1/2
216
31 1/4
4.56
Tight End
6-3 1/2
251
33 1/8
4.72
Quarterback
6-4
226
33
4.86
Summary
I find Bill Belichick to be a fascinating person to study. His approach is unique and fresh, and his knowledge of the salary cap and draft savvy are second to none. Few coaches are more forward thinking and willing to adapt than Bill Belichick. His strategies are not perfect by any means, but look at how he has influenced the game of football over the years:
identifying 2nd and 3rd rounds as the best value rounds in the salary cap era
employing two super athletic tight ends (a trend that is gaining popularity around the league)
adopting elements of the passing spread offense, and increasing role of the slot receiver
adapting Erhardt-Perkins play call system to fit his offense
If he has not been the inventor of these ideas, he has certainly been an early adopter, willing to think outside the conventional, in order to improve his team’s chance of being successful.
Even so, I have noticed that after reading or hearing that Belichick likes prospects with exceptional height, weight, speed, I dug up enough information to support this statement. He adheres to quite strict measurables at each position, seldom straying terribly far from the same chart that Bill Parcells gave on his ESPN Draft Confidential special about two years ago. So, I leave you with this tidbit-if you have an interest in knowing what a Patriot prospect looks like, take a hard look at the chart and general profile above. I am confident you should find something helpful.
Additional sources of information on Patriots’ draft profile:
For over four months, I have been compiling a document full of articles, press conferences, and draft data in an effort to create a profile for the general manager/head coach tandems in the NFL. To my pleasant surprise, the post-draft press conferences, especially, have become an invaluable resource to me in creating these profiles. In these interviews, the decision makers are more candid than at any other time in the draft process. You pick up on certain themes and buzz words that are used, and you can start to form a better picture of what the teams saw in a particular player.
I fully expect these profiles to be dynamic in nature, since together we are always gaining further insight into the draft process. If you find a great article, or have made an observation, it will be my pleasure to consider it for inclusion in this series of profiles.
To kick off the team draft profiles, I will start with my favorite, the Detroit Lions.
The Tandem And Their Football Scheme
General Manager: Martin Mayhew
Head Coach: Jim Schwartz
Offensive Scheme: Vertical passing attack, power run game
-drafts best player available (BPA) at ANY need, special value on “impact positions”
-not scared off by injury history
-likes great work ethic and toughness
-places tremendous value on Senior Bowl week
-big on seeing players match up against elite competition
-expect production from rookies
-on tape, wants to see prospect do what Lions will ask him to do, schematic fit is crucial
-very partial to defensive linemen (ones with power, explosion, and length)
-for skill positions, value is on toughness/physicality, rare speed, good change of direction (COD)
Detroit Lions’ Preferred Measurables (By Position)
Position
Height (feet-inches)
Weight (lbs)
Arm Length (inches)
Notes
Defensive End
6-5 to 6-7
251-271
34 1/2 to 36
DT (3-Technique)
6-4
291-307
33 1/2 to 34 3/4
NT about 20 lbs. heavier
Linebacker
6-1 to 6-3
233-246
32 1/2 to 32 3/4
Ronnell Lewis a hybrid player (6-1, 253)
Cornerback
6-0 to 6-1, 5-10 for nickel cornerback
184-193, 182 for nickel cornerback
Varies greatly
Safety
5-11 to 6-0
195-202
Insufficient data
Offensive Tackle
6-5 to 6-7
303-313
33 1/4 to 34 1/2
280 pound OT is an outlier
Guard/Center
Insufficient data
Wide Receiver
Varies greatly
Running Back
Varies greatly
Tight End
6-5
263-278
Quarterback
Insufficient data
Key Quotations
“”We need guys who can impact the game,” Mayhew said. “We’ve got a lot of good guys. They line up right and they know what their job is. But they don’t impact the game.”We need interceptors. We need guys that sack the quarterback, that cause fumbles – guys that make plays on third down. Those are the kind of guys that can change the game.”
Summary
The Mayhew-Schwartz duo, from the very beginning, set out to upgrade the overall talent on the roster. They have generally been active in free agency, signing mid-level free agents, but occasionally spending top money to secure a player they think can really help the team.
In their drafts, they have a reputation for not prioritizing need. Rather, they choose to use the draft to make ensure the long-term success of the franchise. The duo has an affinity for explosive athletes, ones who have dynamic, game-changing ability. They also invest heavily in players at impact positions. Since the franchise is built on a strong aerial attack, they feel the best defensive strategy is to create a formidable defensive line. Therefore, the impact positions appear to revolve around those two areas of the game (pass rushers, pass blockers, skill positions players with ability in the pass game).
The Lions’ preferred prospects have proven themselves against elite competition, play impact positions, have demonstrated all the skills that will be required of them, and are explosive, tough, and physical athletes.
Additional sources of information on Lions’ draft profile:
A case can be made for either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher here, but I believe Fisher is the better athlete and has the higher upside. His competition level has not been of the consistent high quality of Joeckel, but it is hard to ignore the dominance Fisher displays in pass protection (see Pass Blocker Rating).
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Geno Smith | QB | West Virginia
Jacksonville has made sweeping changes this offseason. This franchise is headed in a new direction under new GM David Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley.To really right the ship, the Jags need to create more competition at the quarterback position. Drafting Geno Smith makes sense here, but it is by no means a slam dunk. The team has given mixed signals about how they expect the QB position to look going into 2013, expressing an interest in giving Gabbert every opportunity to win the job, but also they have been doing extensive work evaluating all their options, going as far as sending a bevy of staff to see Geno work out. Jacksonville is expected to draft a quarterback, the question is how early.
3. Oakland Raiders
Dion Jordan | OLB/DE | Oregon
For a creative defensive mind with a love for unusual blitzes and varied fronts, Oakland could not hope for a better fit than Dion Jordan. This former receiver is incredibly athletic and can create matchup problems from various spots. Jordan also posted the 2nd highest Pass Rusher Rating of all the top level rushers. This guy is more productive than he he is credited and could become one of the premiere defenders in the game.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Star Lotulelei | DT | Utah
If Chip Kelley runs a similar scheme to that his Oregon Ducks, then expect a hybrid 34 defense that prefers stout 2-gap defensive linemen. The Eagles have some interesting options on the edges, but they are short on bodies in the middle. Coach Kelley will have had first hand experience scheming against PAC-12 DT Star Lotulelei. If Philly is comfortable with Lotulelei’s newly discovered heart condition, watch out NFL East, the Eagles could create a fearsome front seven.
5. Detroit Lions
Lane Johnson | OT | Oklahoma
With this pick, the Lions will be looking predominantly at offensive linemen. Chance Warmack is a heavy consideration, but Lane Johnson is more versatile, giving him the edge. Lane Johnson is a top talent at an impact position, and so long as Martin Mayhew is calling the shots, the Lions will be emphasizing talent over need. Adding Lane Johnson would give the Lions flexibility in moving Riley Reiff around, maybe to fill the vacant RG and RT positions previously manned by Stephen Peterman and Gosder Cherilus.
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6. Cleveland Browns
Dee Milliner | CB | Alabama
After an active free agency spree, the Browns took care of a major problem area by adding Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves to help the transition to the 3-4 defense. Now, they can turn their attention to grabbing whatever stud player falls to no. 6 overall. In this scenario, said stud is Dee Milliner. Few corners in today’s game can run, cover, and hit as effectively as Milliner. And his aggressiveness in run support cannot be understated as spread option offenses place tremendous pressure on the edges of the defense.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Luke Joeckel | OT | Texas A&M
Protecting the quarterback is so critical for this franchise. I cannot see them passing up the opportunity to select an elite left tackle to add stability on the offense.
8. Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Cooper | G | North Carolina
From the sound of it, the Bills will be more interested in selecting a QB in round 2, so right here they can bolster the offense and add value to the running game with an elite interior lineman.
9. New York Jets
Ezekiel Ansah | DE | BYU
Yes, the play of Mark Sanchez has been cause for frustration. But equally alarming is the complete lack of pass rush from the defense. If only the Jets could generate some consistent pressure up front….I wrote an article on New York’s ideal pass rusher, and I have little doubt that Rex Ryan could line Ansah at OLB in base situations, then slide him inside with the Jets’ other two talented DE’s to form a dynamic trio in nickel situations.
10. Tennessee Titans
Chance Warmack | OG | Alabama
Heavy-handed and nimble footed, I like Warmack’s fit in Tennessee. He can blast open holes on the 1st and 2nd level for Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, while providing protection for Jake Locker. This may be a bit early for a OG, but he is a rare talent at the position.
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11. San Diego Chargers
Tavon Austin | WR | West Virginia
Sadly, the Chargers miss out on the run of offensive linemen. So, choosing the most dynamic playmaker in the draft is a great idea. This team has really missed the production of Darren Sproles.
12. Miami Dolphins
Sharrif Floyd| DT | Florida
I could be way off in my valuation of Floyd, but he adds another quick defensive lineman to an already talented front 4.
13. New York Jets (from TB)
Barkevious Mingo | DE/OLB | LSU
The Jets’ pass rush was so poor last season that adding two new pass rushers to the mix doesn’t seem like a stretch to me, especially since Tavon Austin is off the board.
14. Carolina Panthers
Sheldon Richardson | DT | Missouri
I think Sheldon Richardson is among the most versatile and disruptive defenders in the entire draft. At Missouri, he lined up all over the line, dropped into coverage, made tackles on the opposite end of the field, and he routinely flew into the backfield from his 3 technique DT position. Carolina would have a field day finding new and creative uses for him in Sean McDermott’s 4-3 zone blitzing scheme.
15. New Orleans Saints
Jarvis Jones | OLB | Georgia
Among the units that struggled most in New Orleans last few seasons, the pass rush has to get better. The best way to do that is draft a stud defender, especially with a transition change to the 3-4 defense. In my mind, he still remains one of the top 3 players in this draft, but a few teams might pause before taking Jarvis Jones after adding the poor timed speed to his spinal stenosis. Jones fits the profile of a Sean Payton player: tough, physical, productive, high character.
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16. St. Louis Rams
Kenny Vaccaro | S | Texas
A big and physical safety from Texas, reminiscent of Michael Griffin.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Xavier Rhodes | CB | Florida State
After stumbling across one of the best Steelers articles ever, I can make a case for two players that fit the Pittsburgh profile: Xavier Rhodes and Eddie Lacy. In the secondary, the Steelers place tremendous value on elite speed, toughness, and size. Xavier Rhodes is a big and physical corner at 6’1″ and 210 pounds. He clocked a 4.4, which is plenty fast, and he has outstanding length (33 3/4 arms). Fans may not be crazy about this pick right now, since it doesn’t address a critical need right now, but great teams build for the future.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Sylvester Williams | DT | North Carolina
Dallas needs a safety to help the transition to the Tampa Two defense. But Jerry Jones’ fondness for LSU prospects coupled with the high ceiling of Mingo make this pick understandable. The Tampa Two requires consistent pressure from the DL, so depth is a necessity.
19. New York Giants
D.J. Fluker | OT | Alabama
Cordarrelle Patterson might be in play here, but building up the offensive line is a smart choice. I like the reasoning given by NFL Network’s Charles Davis and Mike Mayock on this pick: Fluker is a dominant run blocker. The Giants love to pound the ball on the ground.
20. Chicago Bears
Datone Jones | DT/DE| UCLA
The Bears might go for Manti Te’o, yet I like the fit of Datone Jones here. He gives the team flexibility at DT and DE, and reminds me of Sharrif Floyd.
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21. Cincinnati Bengals
Cordarrelle Patterson| WR | Tennessee
Love Charles Davis’ selection of Patterson in the NFL Network mock draft. Andy Dalton and that West Coast attack could benefit significantly from the explosiveness of the Tennessee receiver.
22. St. Louis Rams (from WAS)
Eddie Lacy | RB | Alabama
The Rams let Steven Jackson go in free agency, and Jeff Fisher is heavily run-oriented. Eddie Lacy is powerful, and when healthy, he can scare oncoming tacklers.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Manti Te’o | MLB | Notre Dame
Te’o fills the hole at the crucial MLB spot in the Tampa Two defense
24. Indianapolis Colts
D.J. Hayden| DT/DE | UCLA
Fast as lightning, tough, resilient, CHhuck Pagano will be thrilled to have Hayden on board
25. Minnesota Vikings (from SEA)
Justin Hunter | WR | Tennessee
The Vikings are short on offensive playmakers. Hunter is a high upside receiver with great length
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26. Green Bay Packers
Eric Reid | S | LSU
The Pack like players with size and speed. Eric Reid is a hard hitter with size and speed.
27. Houston Texans
Keenan Allen | WR | California
By all accounts, Te’o's a superb leader with outstanding production and decent measurables. The leadership and production are essential traits GM Rick Smith seeks in prospects.
28. Denver Broncos
Bjoern Werner| DE | Florida State
Physical football player for a tough-minded coach
29. New England Patriots
Kawann Short | DT | Purdue
Bill Belichick likes big, fast, lengthy prospects especially from big schools. He puts high value on four down players, prospects who have special teams experience. Kawann Short satisfies all of the above, and he not only played special teams, but led the NCAA last season in blocked kicks with 4.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Tyler Eifert | TE | Notre Dame
GM Thomas Dimitroff comes from the Bill Belichick line. That indicates “big and fast” prospects are what to look for. Tyler Eifert gives the Falcons the future replacement for Tony Gonzalez
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31. San Francisco 49ers
Desmond Trufant | CB | Washington
Fast and competitive cornerback will fit nicely in the 49ers’ franchise
32. Baltimore Ravens
Menelik Watson | OT | Florida State
Adding Watson is significant because it allows Baltimore to keep the rest of the O-line in tact, a combination that just helped win a Super Bowl. The new comer to football is extremely gifted, and comes out of the same blocking scheme that the Ravens employ. Take note, Watson can really, really play.
Poking around the Internet, I stumbled upon a rather telling video of Andy Reid describing the qualities he liked in his 2011 first round offensive lineman, Danny Watkins. If you care to join me as we delve into the key words used in that video, it may clarify the type of player he wants on the offensive line. More importantly, we might be able to become more educated about which offensive tackle prospect the Chiefs may select.
Here are some key quotes from the post-draft press conference with coach Reid:
- 00:19 We felt Danny was as good a football player as there was in the draft
I highlight this comment because shows us that the traits used to describe Danny Watkins are core skills to Andy Reid. Based on the comment, could it be said that Watkins is close to an ideal lineman?
-00:52 Danny played left tackle at Baylor, was very productive there, and he’ll bring a toughness, which I know the city of Philadelphia…they thrive on that. He brings a toughness, and a blue collar attitude to that offensive line.
-1:46 …when [Danny] stepped on the football field, he really took to the game and has been so productive. He’d take the best defensive end in the draft, or outside linebacker, however you want to look at him, the draft pick Denver took from Texas A&M [Von Miller], he had great film against him and he played a [great] game against him and that was just one of many great games….
Productivity against pro draft prospects is high on the list for Mr. Reid. He wants to see the player perform at a high level. You will see throughout the interview that he is looking for great football players, not necessarily great athletes.
-2:26 What you see is just a [great] football player, both in the run game and the pass game. I can’t tell you how happy we are to have him be a part of our program.
-3:17 (When asked about Watkins’ future position)- The nice thing about this is he started at left tackle. He went to the Senior Bowl and played both guard positions, and so that gives us some flexibility there. If we want to move people around, we can move people around. He can step in at right guard, he can play right tackle, even though he didn’t do it there. And like we do with all our linemen, we’ll probably teach him how to play center in there, too. He’s that kind of athlete where he can do that.
The comment on versatility and flexibility is huge in the context of projecting the number one pick. Reid appreciates the value of having interchangeable linemen. It lowers the risk of failure and protects against depth issues. Also, note how Senior Bowl performance was brought into the mix. It will not be the only time the topic comes up in the interview. It further establishes that production is of critical importance.
-4:27 (on the value of placed on high character) This is a guy that is a tough, tough guy. Now, he’s also a good football player. And he’s got phenomenal character, on and off the field. He’s a class act, but the thing that jumps out at you is he is a relentless worker and one tough nut, and I like that.
Besides production, maybe the most frequently used descriptor in this conversation is “toughness.”
-8:03 (Another question from media about future position for Watkins)- This is a neat thing, I’ve got flexibility with all of these guys. We got a group of guys that played tackle in college. One nice thing is they can move all around. Todd’s {Herremans] played both sides, Danny’s played both sides, Todd’s played tackle for us, left and right, so we’ve got some flexibility there which I think is a neat thing. And then listen, I’ll sit down, I’ll just want to make sure we got the best football player we possibly could get to bring in here, and I think we did that, and then we’ll figure out a spot for him. That’s the easy part.
Again, emphasis is placed on versatility. Guys who have played or can play several spots on the line help out a lot. Usually the most versatile linemen are the offensive tackles. That’s probably why we see so many of them fill out Andy Reid’s offensive lines.
-10:22 …The guys that were at the Senior Bowl, you saw that. You saw this guy go out and dominate, in the one-on-ones, dominate in the game, and it was a new position for him, the first time he had played guard, he just lit it up. But that’s what he’s been doing all year, and that’s how he plays.
-11:00 He is a pretty good player now. He knows how to play the game out in front of him, with his arms, which that’s a big thing, sometimes you have to try to train guys to do that. He already does that. He’s very powerful in the core, and very powerful in his jam. Those are hard things to teach, and he’s got that.
-13:22 On whether Watkins can start as a rookie- We always try to bring in guys who we feel are starters. You never really try to go into this thing and say, ok, I’m going to draft this guy to be a backup.
In review, the takeaway from the interview, for me, was that an ideal offensive lineman must fulfill several criteria. The prospect must have:
Toughness
Productivity/good game tape
Versatility, and by extension, athleticism
No doubt there are other auxiliary considerations, but seem to be the core values.
Now, how about we put this knowledge to good use by comparing how the top two offensive tackles, Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, fair in these three critical areas.
On Luke Joeckel:
Toughness- Never missed a game due to injury. This suggests excellent durability. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. has this to say about Joeckel’s toughness:
Needs to improve overall strength but he is tough. Plays with an edge. Works through the whistle. Very good effort on combo blocks. Is aggressive and plays with an attacking style.
They give him a 2 in this category (scores range from 1-5, lower is better).
Productivity against pro caliber prospects- Joeckel faced several elite prospects, Sam Montgomery (LSU), Barkevious Mingo (LSU), Corey Lemonier (Auburn), and Margus Hunt (SMU). Against Mingo and Montgomery, he struggled quite a bit, allowing 4 hurries and a sack to the LSU defense. On the other hand, he aced his contest against Lemonier, giving up a total of 1 hurry to the quick-footed pass rusher.
Versatility/Athleticism- Played entire career at left tackle. Has no college game experience at other positions. Yet, it speaks to his athleticism to win the spot that usually goes to a team’s most nimble and reliable lineman right from the very beginning.
On Eric Fisher:
Toughness- Missed two games due to injury in 2011. No missed time in 2012. From ESPN-
Not [a pile driver] but looks to finish blocks when the opportunity presents itself. Plays hard and passion is evident. Displays good energy. Consistently gives second effort on tape and works to the whistle.
They also grade him as a 2 in this category (scores range from 1-5, lower is better).
Productivity against pro caliber prospects- At Central Michigan, Fisher lined up against William Gholston (Michigan State) in the regular season, allowing a single hurry to the Spartans. At the Senior Bowl, he was considered one of the best overall players and was dominant in the practices that week.
Versatility/Athleticism- Has played offensive guard, right tackle, and left tackle at Central Michigan. Fisher is also a very quick athlete.
In summary
Both men score above average for toughness, but there may not be a great deal separating them in this category. Fisher is said to play with a chip on his shoulder, but Joeckel has been more durable.
In productivity against top competition, Joeckel has faced more elite linemen in season. But Fisher, being a senior, was invited to the Senior Bowl, at which time he put himself up against some of the best players in the draft and did really, really well.
Regarding versatility, Fisher has experience playing multiple positions, which should increase his usefulness and value. Joeckel has played only one position, but it the spot that usually requires the best pass protector.
When the time comes, the men making this decision will have a difficult time making the call between these two highly skilled prospects. Based on these three criteria, I think that Eric Fisher distinguishes himself slightly more than Luke Joeckel. But if you bring in several other factors that Andy Reid mentioned in his interview, things like use of hands and generating power in the core, I see Joeckel drawing closer due to his exceptional balance and technique.
