I know what you’re getting at and I think there is a kernel of truth in here but it’s also an oversimplified view of how BB drafts. I’d say Brandon Browner was essentially the kind of player who is great at one thing, but has holes in his game. They made it work last year.
What about Jamie Collins? He didn’t really have one position he stuck at in college and was essentially “good” at a lot of things but not “elite” at anything. He did have immense athleticism though and that allowed the Pats to find a spot for him.
Versatility is always a plus and it’s applicable to almost every position – defensive backs (zone awareness, man coverage athleticism/physicality), defensive linemen (one gap explosion vs. two gap strength), linebacker (downhill run stopping power, coverage ability), offensive linemen (zone blocking athleticism vs. man blocking power), running back (carrying, catching), etc. There are not a lot of players who do one thing so overwhelmingly well that their inability to do anything else is overshadowed.
I’d almost put Dominique Easley in that category, but his elite explosiveness in his pass rush also helps him do other things like we saw when he played some defensive end last year and did a good job setting the edge.
What are the single most valued skillsets in the modern NFL? The only one trick ponies who can get any recognition are pass rushers, otherwise at other positions you have to be able to be competent across the board or you’re getting attacked.
Look at Patrick Chung – very good in the box safety but his solid pass coverage, something he has been picked on before in the past, was a huge part of the Patriots beating Baltimore in the AFC Divisional playoff.
Other positions like wide receiver, where a player could have phenomenal deep speed over everything else, is where I don’t think the Pats are interested. Specialization will always be part of the game, but football has opened up so much more that athletes who can do a number of things in space are the most valuable and necessary parts of your team.
