The PatsPropaganda Podcast returns with old friend and author of Bill Belichick vs the NFL, Erik Frenz, to discuss the Patriots 2017 draft picks and how the team is shaping up.
Archives for April 30, 2017
Quick Hits on Patriots Undrafted Free Agent Signees
Every year, no matter how stacked the Patriots seem to be, an undrafted rookie makes the team and finds a way to contribute. None have been more famous than Malcolm Butler, who was making plays on the ball from his earliest days in training camp, and ended the season making then biggest play on the ball in Patriots history.
Who will be this year’s Malcolm Butler? With the Pats selecting just four players in the draft, there’s more opportunity than ever for an unknown to fill a significant role.
Here are a bunch of quick hits on the undrafted rookies the Patriots have reportedly signed so far.
[Read more…] about Quick Hits on Patriots Undrafted Free Agent Signees
Patriots Draft OT Conor McDermott
After taking offensive tackle Antonio Garcia 85th overall, the Patriots took another athletic blind sider in Conor McDermott at 211th overall.
Like Nate Solder before him, McDermott is a former tight end who’s also 6′ 8″. He’s athletic but “thin-legged” and scouts worry about him being able to hold up to NFL power.
He’ll work with Dante Scarnecchia for at least a year, but it’s good to know that with the retirement of Sebastian Vollmer and Solder entering the final year of his year there’s two good athletic prospects in the pipeline.
Patriots Draft DE Dietrich Wise 131st Overall
The Patriots double dipped for the front seven with their third pick in the 2017 NFL draft, taking defensive end Dietrich Wise from Arkansas.
While Derek Rivers seems more in the Jamie Collins mold, Wise feels a little more like Chandler Jones. Not quite as athletic as Jones, but perhaps more stout via his uncommonly long 35 inch arms.
There’s some question as to how exactly he’ll fit in the New England defense, but he’s demonstrated some versatility and should be an asset. I’m curious to see him inside on passing downs instead of say, Malcom Brown.
[Read more…] about Patriots Draft DE Dietrich Wise 131st Overall