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Reiss: Fletcher putting in the work
Great stuff here from Dane Fletcher. Sounds like he’s really dedicated himself this off-season and I’m excited to see what strides he can take. A realistic ceiling for Fletch in my mind is him challenging Guyton as the top coverage linebacker who occasionally blitzes. I’m not so sure he’s ever going to be a three down outside linebacker but he should be able to contribute in a number of different ways.
ESPN/Reiss: Fletcher surprise contributor in 2010
No one can break it down like Reiss, and here is joining a quickly-filling bandwagon for Dane Fletcher. Here’s an interesting nugget:
Fletcher thinks the work with Mayo and about 10-15 other teammates, coupled with more knowledge he’s gained on nutrition through his first year in the NFL, has paid dividends.
“Once I got out of college and got around professional football players, I really pay attention to what I eat and drink now, and everything that I take. The biggest improvement I’ve probably had, between last year and this year, is my nutrition,” he said. “I feel like I’m more lean, not as fatty as I was last year, so I’ve leaned down, but I’m weighing quite a bit more. I’m in way better shape than I was last year.”
Fletcher played last season at around 240-242 pounds. He’s up to the 246-248 range, and he’s encouraged that he feels faster despite the added weight.
Reiss also mentions that Jermaine Cunningham is among those working out with the Mayo group. Many will fail to see how both these items are positive news for the Pats pass rush.
Frenz: Where does Fletcher fit into Patriots defense
By now everyone is well aware of my man crush on Dane Fletcher and our buddy Frenz put together a nice overview of where we stand with Fletch, or as I might like to call him from here on out “Mr Poon”.
The thing with Mr. Poon is that it’s pretty rare for a rookie linebacker to even see the field, much less play… in order of frequency… nickel linebacker, inside linebacker, and outside linebacker. Clearly BB thinks he’s got the tools, and if he adds some weight who knows what his ceiling is.
But he’s definitely one guy who could be looked to to help the pass rush sitch.
“You try and match what OTA’s would be like at this point, try and get out there and running on the field and throwing and working drills as well as lifting,” said Fletcher, who lined up at multiple linebacker spots last season. “Just do as much as you can do to be on top and try to stay on top of things.”
“There are definitely people out there grinding. I’m working out a lot, throwing — Fletcher and I, we’re always out there grinding every day about five times a week,” Gronkowski said. “We’re just ready to play some football and hoping there’s a season. I’m ready to play.”
Dane Fletcher and Gronk via WEEI
Worth mentioning that Chris Price said in a tweet that Fletcher looked like he had put on some good weight. Really hoping we have a training camp so he can have a chance to show how much he’s improved. Working out with Gronk certainly has to help.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/you-try-and-match-what-otas-would-be-like-at/
BST&N/Desberg: Patriots set at inside linebacker
Nice breakdown by Carl. I’d like to touch a little more on Dane Fletcher because I think he’s one of the most intriguing players coming into the 2011 season.
First and foremost he should challenge Gary Guyton as the teams primary coverage linebacker. Fletcher had some solid play against the Jets in the playoffs including a great tackle that held them short of a first down and forced a punt.
He was used in a variety of roles in 2010, starting first as a “spy” on Ray Rice in the Ravens game. He even saw some mop up time at outside linebacker in the 45-3 game. Who knows exactly what Fletcher’s ceiling is, but he should certainly be one player to watch whenever we get to training camp.
Oh, and he spits hot fire…
Props to our friend Richard Hill for bringing up one of the guys we’re most excited to see after a year of experience and training in the Patriots system, Dane Fletcher.
Some things I’d like to add…
Fletcher’s role this year really began as a spy covering running backs in passing situations, and occasionally blitzing. This was his role for the majority of the year, though he actually did see some time in the 3-4 base defense at outside linebacker against the Jets in the 45-3 game. That will be something we’ll definitely go back and take a look at to see how he did.
Fletcher’s speed and long arms are definitely intriguing, though at 6’2" 244 he’s really not the ideal height for an OLB, but Richard is right, with some added weight he very well could be up to the task. The biggest thing for him would just gaining the strength necessary to “stack and shed” offensive tackles.
Rob Ninkovich is 6’2" as well but 255 and he’s able to do it, so height isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.
However what is lost in discussing a move for Fletcher to OLB is that first and foremost he looks like, at the very least, he will definitely challenge Gary Guyton as the top passing down linebacker next to Jerod Mayo.
Guyton had some big plays this year, but he also had some rough outings. Going into his fourth year he’ll really need to develop some consistency if he wants to keep his spot.
So even if Fletcher does not come back ready to stop the run at OLB, there should definitely be a role for him. Let’s remember he saw some significant snaps in the playoff game and that shows BB trusts him. He also had a tackle on third down that forced a punt in that game.
Fletcher as an OLB is certainly intriguing, but regardless of where he projects he looks like a solid football player that BB likes so there’s plenty of reasons to be excited about him.
And let’s not forget, he spits hot fire!
Yesterday I finally brought myself to rewatch the first half of the Patriots playoff debacle against the Jets. Only the defensive series.
During the season I always enjoyed going back on Tuesday and evaluating what the defense did without the emotion. Well it took me about a month to be able to watch this one without emotion, but I’m glad I did.
So it might be a little late for a full on defensive analysis but I think there’s something to be taken from who played. These was no room for error or experimentation so clearly whoever was playing were the players BB most believed in.
So anyway, here are just some quick hit thoughts…
Second half observations coming when I can stomach watching it all fall apart…
Morris has average size, speed and athletic traits, but makes up for it with his relentless attitude and hustle to disrupt plays all over the field, including the backfield. His overaggressive style will get him in trouble at times, lacking the fluidity to easily recover, but he is smart and coachable with top intangibles. James […]