As we slowly get up to speed on the draft it looks like there are quite a few defensive end prospects that (in theory) fit the Patriots system.
Ideally what BB is going to want out of a idedefensive end if he’s going to take him at 17th overall is a big dude (6’ 4" +, 300+) who has long arms, can hold up at the point of attack, while also shifting inside on third down where he can push the pocket and cause chaos. A “three down player” is a buzz word if they’re going to take them in the first round.
Let’s start with the guy who tore up the Senior Bowl, Cameron Jordan. As you’ll see below Jordan is certainly active and provides a definite up-the-field presence. That will serve him better on passing downs that running downs, and he could definitely add some weight to his 288 pound frame. But he does have the height and length add the weight. It will be interesting to see what his strength is like at the combine.
Now let’s take a look at Cameron Heyward out of Ohio State. Heyward’s a little taller than Jordan and looks like he relies more on power than quickness. To me it looks like Heyward might be a little more stout (though he does need to add some weight) while also providing some bull rush. He’s definitely more in the Seymour mold than Jordan, but he is coming off elbow surgery so that must be taken into consideration as well.
Next up we have Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson has been showing up in the Pats 28 slot in a lot of mock drafts. He’s also a favorite of Pats draft guru NEPatriotsDraft.com. Wilkerson seems a little more raw, and from the limited sample size of the footage above I wouldn’t exactly call him dominant. In my non-expert opinion he seems a tier below the Camerons.
Lastly we have JJ Watt out of Wisconsin. I just read one opinion today that Watt might be a little better fit for a 1-gap 3-4 defense like the Steelers, but he definitely has the size.
Although there’s far too much made out of combine performances it will certainly be interesting to see these guys’ numbers on a level playing field. Right now I’d have to say the Cameron’s are candidates for 17th overall, Watt and Wilkerson would be more likely at 28 or 33.
I’m of the opinion right now that the Pats need impact players, and if one of the Camerons is viewed as a three-down player I think it would be a slam dunk to take them at 17.
