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When it comes to pre-draft evaluation, Patriots’ scouting formula different than most

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When it comes to pre-draft evaluation, Patriots’ scouting formula different than most

Really good read with insight into how the Patriots do things a little different with their scouting department.

“In talking to scouts from New England, it might be the only team that I’m aware of with an internal scout school, for lack of a better term.“When they go out on the road for evaluations, they are given a very specific set of player profiles. They are not giving players grades by rounds like other teams. Instead, they look at how guys fit into their roster.”

Heya Mike. I’m penciling in Jones, Hightower, Collins, Ninkovich, Sheard, and (football gods willing) Easley as 6/7 players in a light, athletic, and unpredictable front 7 that might actually pressure the QB. Where does Mayo fit in? Do you trust Branch or Siliga? What kind of addition (via the draft or otherwise) would make you feel better about this group’s ability to compensate for a depleted secondary?

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Everyone loves putting together the pure pass rush front for third-and-longs, but as you mention I think there’s more question of how they fill the Wilfork role in the base nickel defense, and that’s also where I think Mayo still fits.

Especially if they’re playing more zone, you want Mayo’s speed at middle linebacker, and it also helps free up Hightower and Collins to play on the edges more.

I don’t know how it will all play out with Hightower and Mayo’s injury situations. I do know the Pats will probably try to restructure Mayo at some point, but they certainly can’t cut him until he’s healthy.

It’s easy to look at the depth in the front seven and think we have more than enough, but injuries often change things quickly and unexpectedly. Who’d have thought Malcolm Butler would take meaningful snaps in the Super Bowl when he was behind Revis/Browner/Arrington/Ryan/Dennard in training camp?

I do think one of the top corners in this draft class would be a nice addition and help overcome the loss of Revis, but I also think a big defensive tackle or guard would also be a welcome addition. Those are the spots most in need of young talent.

Where do you think pats need the most help?

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Guard is the big spot right now. Otherwise I think they could pretty much line up and be competitive with the team they have, despite the panic about wide receiver.

Ideally, I’d like to see Connolly re-signed and then a high-end draft pick spent on a guard who could potentially come in and start day one like Mankins did. Really think they need to reinforce that position with at least 2-3 more additions at the position before camp.