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New England Patriots: 10 Things to Look Out for in ’09
Published: September 2, 2009
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This is a new-look Patriots team, and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. While most of the key components of Coach Belichick’s dominant defense of the dynasty years have come and gone, the Patriots now have in place an outstanding offense with all the right tools on defense to carry this team on a deep playoff run.
Without further ado, here are ten things that Patriots fans (and haters) should be prepared to witness in the upcoming 2009 season.
New England Patriots: Five Potential Targets in Upcoming Draft
Published: April 22, 2009
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With this Saturday’s NFL Draft quickly approaching, many Patriots fans have exclaimed that Connor Barwin, a three-position player from Cincy, is the perfect fit for the team.
With a middle first-round pick and three second-round picks, the Patriots have a great possibility to land a goldmine of young talent.
Connor Barwin, outside linebacker/defensive end/tight end, Cincinnati
The basics: Standing at 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 256 pounds, Barwin boasts pretty good speed for his size. The Cincinnati senior’s official 40-yard dash time was a 4.66.
In his 2008 season, Barwin had 53 tackles and 11 sacks in 14 games for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Strengths: Barwin is praised as a player with outstanding athleticism with quick speed. His first step is not only quick but huge. He is a relentless defensive player and has great work ethic. He boasts great awareness, intensity, and intelligence.
After moving to defensive end as a senior in 2008, Barwin earned first-team All-Big East honors, leading the conference in sacks. Many have proclaimed Barwin as the next Mike Vrabel.
He has great range, excellent closing speed, and excels at pursuit.
Weaknesses: Not as bulky as an ideal linebacker. Very raw, needs to work on his technique. Particularly weak against the run. Due to his great versatility and lack of significant strength, Barwin may not have a true position.
The bottom line: Despite being a very raw player, an obvious downside as scouts try to determine where to draft this guy, Barwin still has loads of talent and has the potential to be an impact player.
D.J. Moore, cornerback, Vanderbilt
The basics: Moore has a great frame for a corner. Although he is a little short, 5-foot-8, he weighs 192 pounds, and as one would expect, he is very fast. Moore ran a 4.53 40-yard dash.
In 13 games, the junior had 58 tackles and six interceptions.
Strengths: An extremely athletic player, Moore is very fast with a great closing burst. Quick and agile, a smooth runner with great hands. Moore is a good leader, and very aware on the field, boasting reat vision. Tough and physical, exactly the kind of corner the Patriots need.
Moore is a great kick returner, with a lot of experience against top NCAA talent.
Weaknesses: Like noted before, Moore isn’t the perfect size, a little too short and a little too light. At times he is too aggressive. Sub-par tackler, needs to work on technique and footwork. Durability is an additional concern.
The bottom line: Moore, a two-time All-SEC defensive back, is almost ideal for the Patriots. Although size limits his potential ceiling, he is a great playmaker in the secondary who can make quarterbacks pay for any mistakes they make.
Rey Maualuga, inside linebacker, USC
The basics: Rey Maualuga is truly a beast. Without a doubt the best linebacker available in the draft, but off-field issues and a potential hamstring tear are causing the USC senior’s stock to fall.
Maualuga is 6-foot-1, 249 pounds, a true monster. His 4.82 40-time indicates some pretty good speed for a man of his size.
Maualuga was also the MVP of the 2007 Rose Bowl, in which he had three sacks and an interception.
Strengths: Excellent size and bulk, extremely tough, physical, and aggressive player. An intimidating presence on the field, has no problem delivering big hits. Good instincts, can read and react as quick as anyone. Can take on runners, blockers, and rush the passer with ease.
Scariest for opposing players, Maualuga is still improving.
The bottom line: If Maualuga is on the board when the Patriots hit the clock, or if they want to move up and get him, he is a very easy pick for Bill Belichick to make. Although he has had behavioral issues on more than one occasion, he has the potential to become an elite linebacker in the NFL.
B.J. Raji, defensive tackle, Boston College
The basics: Although only 6-foot-1, Boston College’s Raji weighs 337 pounds. For linemen, rushers, and passers, playing opposite of Raji would be like staring down a small truck.
Raji is by far the best defensive lineman in the draft, but Bill Belichick is prepared to trade up in this Saturday’s draft to get the right player. In my mind, Raji definitely fits the bill as the right player.
Strengths: Raji is incredibly strong, his size gives him the ability to cover two gaps and occupy multiple blockers. Tough, powerful, and nasty. Does great against the run and can make the pocket collapse on his own. With great athleticism for his size, Raji is quick and agile.
Weaknesses: Stamina has been a problem due to lack of conditioning. Although he has a lot of talent, his worth ethic has been called into question and he is an inconsistent player.
The bottom line: In his senior season, Raji showed how dominant a player he can be when healthy and motivated. Pats defensive linemen have been calling upon the team to draft Raji and bring some help up front to the defense, and it would be a perfect fit.
Raji projects to be a nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme, and with the Patriots being perennial Super Bowl contenders and veteran defensive leaders, Raji shouldn’t have a lack of motivation playing in New England. This is one of a handful of guys worth trading up for.
Evander Hood, defensive tackle, Missouri
The basics: Hood, who has worked out with the Patriots, is a 6-foot-2 300-pounder. He ran a 4.89 40-yard dash, which shows some great speed for his bulky weight. A three year starter for Mizzou, “Ziggy” has an NFL-ready skill set and has added at least 45 pounds to his frame since joining the Tigers.
Strengths: Very good size and bulk, strong and has some power. Hood is a natural athlete, with excellent speed, hands, and instincts. Coachable, a team leader type with great work ethic. Does well in pursuit and can collapse the pocket at times.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t always use proper leverage. Not exactly a difference maker. Although he is a good player in many roles, there isn’t one that he is great at. Some minor durability concerns as well.
The bottom line: Hood is a good athlete, equipped with a good skill set along with intangibles. However, his versatility is actually a problem since he doesn’t have a single thing mastered. Although a second or third round pick at best, should be a serviceable player for many years.
