PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

stevan ridley

by

“I’m dealing with the best offensive line and best quarterback in the NFL, so the holes are going to be there. I think we’re going to have an awesome backfield,” he said. “I bring a downhill running style. I’m no blazer at all. I’m the back that can go in there for four or five yards a carry. I know my role.

"What you are going to get with me is a dedicated player, an unselfish player and a player who’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. That’s my attitude. I think my production is best between the tackles. Now I have to see how Coach [Bill] Belichick wants to use me.”

Stevan Ridley

https://www.patspropaganda.com/im-dealing-with-the-best-offensive-line-and-best/

Patriots hit their needs in NFL draft

by

Most of the NFL draft grades are in, and as always the Patriots ran the gamut from A+ (Jamie Dukes/NFLN) all the way down to a C- (Adam Schein/FoxSports). Of course as anyone who reads this blog knows, I tend to side with Dukes, but allow me to explain why blind homerism isn’t just the reason why.

This is possibly the first draft in Bill Belichick’s run that’s he’s actually hit on every major need that the team had, they just might not have been in the exact order of what they needed most. But the fact is that value rarely ever matches up exactly with need so you have to take what the board gives you.

While outside linebacker was the biggest need in a lot of people’s minds the fact is that the offensive line is on the verge of a nearly complete transformation. Failure to restock a left tackle of the future, a guard to replace Stephen Neal, and eventually a center to take over for Koppen had to be the highest priority, especially when you consider Tom Brady is hitting the twilight of his career.

You are not beating anyone if your quarterback is not protected, and the Light-Mankins-Koppen-Neal-Kaczur group that won a lot of games from 2005-2010 (discounting injuries of course) should be almost completely overhauled by 2012.

Now with Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Dan Connolly, Marcus Cannon, as well as the slew of developmental guys like Ryan Wendell and Rich Ohrnberger, the Patriots look like they have some major pieces of the next O-line in place.

Another need that many were ignorant to was at the Free Safety position. Now while Mike Reiss said on our podcast that he thinks BB likes Brandon Meriweather more than the fans do, there’s no assurance that the Pats will be able to re-sign him after this season even if they want to.

While pass rush is of course a huge part of getting off the field on third down, you can’t discount the effect that a dominant ball hawking free safety could have as well.

While Ras-I Dowling will start off as a cornerback, I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility that he could be an eventual free safety candidate. Many draft publications thought that position might be his best fit, and we’ve seen a similar transition before with Eugene Wilson who moved from corner in college to a starting FS for the Pats in his rookie year.

Like the tight ends last year, this year’s draft class was extremely strong in running backs in the second-to-third round range, so the Patriots took advantage and snapped up two of them. Now the Patriots have one of the deepest, most diverse and formidable backfields in the NFL.

Better late than never the Pats finally added an outside linebacker prospect in the late rounds. While Markell Carter wasn’t one of the flashy names, his skill set and demeanor seem to match exactly what BB looks for. There will be a long road before we know if Carter is anything more than a special teams guy in the Pierre Woods mold, but if he’s getting time early on as a designated pass rusher his future could look very bright indeed.

While those five picks hit on the biggest needs, the other three were simply cases of too great of value to pass up, or the kind of unsung grinders that all teams need. Ryan Mallett, Lee Smith, and Malcolm Williams all could end up being significant contributors down the line, but if they’re not it won’t be a big deal. That’s the advantage of having a boatload of picks every year, you’re not beholden to your needs, you can take the best value where the talent is deepest in the draft.

Overall I’m having a hard time this year more than any other with draft grades like Schein’s C-. What needs were not hit on? The only possible one might be wide receiver, but even there they have three young players who deserve more time to improve and show what they’ve got.

Some might say defensive end as well, but there’s almost a surplus of players at that position when you count Ty Warren, Marcus Stroud, Brandon Deaderick, Ron Brace and Kade Weston among other guys who have been behind the scenes. Could they use a talent upgrade there? Probably. But it doesn’t appear they thought any of the available defensive ends in this draft were an actual upgrade.

I believe the one and only reason the pundits will criticize the Patriots 2011 draft class was that they did not address their perceived #1 need with their highest pick. Meanwhile I’m just shocked that they actually did address all their needs.

Frenz: Patriots have the most complete backfield in the NFL

by

Frenz: Patriots have the most complete backfield in the NFL

Good stuff as always from my podcast mate. This Patriots backfield has to be one of the most intriguing in the NFL. Last year everyone said the Pats could play any style of game offensively, and that might’ve been a little overblown in terms of their backfield. But now you’ve got four unique backs who each bring something different to the party.

Of course there’s some overlap between them, and that’s a good thing. Just imagine being a defender and having to constantly identify who’s in the backfield and what the biggest threat is.

Couldn’t be more excited to see how it all comes together. And seriously, the first person who tries to call it a “four-headed monster” gets deported from Patriots Nation.

PatsPropaganda’s Patriots Draft Research Self Evaluation

by

This was our most extensive year researching and discussing the draft, and like all good teams/bloggers you must be critical with your self-evaluation if you want to improve.

This is the sixth draft that I obsessed over from a Patriots perspective. Prior to that I just looked at the list of draftees and tried to make sense of it. But the five previous drafts have definitely been an education, so I was hoping that this year I could get 75% of the Patriots picks on my Patriots-only Big Board.

This will be a review of how I did, and why I missed who I did. This will include reflections on my Patriots-only Big Board and Patriots-only Mock Draft.

17. Nate Solder

Patriots-only Big Board Rank: 12

Solder was definitely one of my favorite Patriots prospects. I mentioned him in every non-PatsProp article I wrote for other sites, and I had him as 33rd overall pick in my Pats-only mock. Had him a little lower than he actually went, but otherwise I nailed this one. Solder stood out to me as a Vollmer clone, and I thought the Patriots could allow him a year to develop. He has great size and athleticism and that is always tempting for BB given what the Pats ask their OL to do.

33. Ras-I Dowling

Patriots-Only Big Board Rank: 28

I also nailed Ras-I in my Patriots-only mock, albeit having him in the 74th overall slot. He seemed to me the classic guy who falls because of injury ala Brandon Tate, thus setting him up to be an excellent value pick. Dowling fit the exact need I’ve talked about most of the spring… a rookie DB who can play some sub packages in year one, but eventually projects to Free Safety where he could replace Brandon Meriweather and/or James Sanders since both of their contracts are up after 2011. Going two for two, though much higher than I predicted, was a pretty solid start out of the gates.

56. Shane Vereen

Patriots-Only Big Board Rank: 36

I thought the Patriots would definitely tap a running back in the second or third round, however I chose Johnny White at 92 instead of Vereen who was ranked 5 spots higher on the big board. I went with White because he was a similar situation to Dowling in that he battled injuries this past season, thus dropping his ranking. 3 for 3 on the big board, 2 for 3 on the Pats-only mock.

73. Stevan Ridley

Patriots-Only Big Board Rank: 53

Nobody saw back to back running backs here, but Ridley was definitely a guy on our radar that we saw as a fit. Tough to nail this pick in the mock but it would’ve been a disappointing miss if he had not been on the big board.

74. Ryan Mallett

Patriots-Only Big Board Rank: UNRANKED

We didn’t have any quarterbacks on our big board, not because we didn’t like any of them, because we just figured it’d be a shocker if they took one. Would we have had Mallett on there even if we included QBs? Probably not. So our first miss.

138. Marcus Cannon

Patriots-Only Big Board Ranking: UNRANKED

I wrote off Cannon early in the process for reasons I’m still not entirely sure of, but there’s a nice little X next to him in my PFW draft guide. But looking back now his unique frame and set of abilities should have pinged my Patriots radar more than it did. I consider Cannon my biggest miss of the draft.

159. Lee Smith

Patriots-Only Big Board Ranking: UNRANKED

I’m frustrated that I missed Smith because I included another Tight End Luke Stocker for the same reasons that made Smith appealing. I put him on based on this: has the frame, tenacity and strength to develop into a powerful run blocker. Stocker is a blue collar-type player. Sounds just like Smith’s description, huh?

194: Markell Carter & 219: Malcolm Williams

Patriots-Only Big Board Ranking: UNRANKED ON BOTH (OBVIOUSLY)

I’m putting the last two picks together, because clearly they were outside of the box for everyone. I mean if Williams himself didn’t even think he’d get drafted how would I have any clue he’d get drafted. Neither are listed or ranked in any of the places I did all my research. So it’s a pass in that I’m not frustrated that I missed them, but nonetheless, I missed them.

Final Stats

Patriots-Only Mock: 2 of 9 draftees

Patriots-Only Big Board: 4 of 9 draftees ranked

Positions Drafted: 5 of 9 correctly projected (missed TE, QB, 2nd DB, 2nd RB)

The numbers don’t jump off the page exactly, and I believe that Cannon, Smith and even Mallett should’ve potentially be hits for me. It really should’ve been 6 out of 9. Nailing Solder and Dowling in the Patriots-only mock was surprising to even myself, and is definitely something to build on.

Each year I feel like I learn a little more and that was taken to a new level this year. Watch out in 2012!

National Football Post: Scouting Reports on Top Four Patriots Draftees

by

Here are the scouting reports on the Patriots picks from National Football Post:

Nate Solder

A physical specimen for the position who possesses a rare combination of size, length and overall athleticism. You can tell he’s a former tight end by the way he lines up in a three-point stance at times, as he exhibits good flexibility and can keep his base down. Has improved on his kick-slide this year, but will get overextended quickly and open up his hips vs. speed off the edge. Does a much better job staying clean and compact with his footwork when he knows he has help on the outside in the form of a chip. However, when left on an island, hes more athlete than technician and despite his good lateral quickness, he can be exposed to the “up and under.” Possesses good range off the edge despite the fact at times he is forced to open up his hips. However, I would like to see him do a better job keeping his hands up and set on his kick-slide and be ready to punch at any time. Too often gets his hands down around his waist and struggles to anchor and fight off undersized defensive ends who want to get under him when flattening out around the edge. However, can sit into his stance vs. the bull rush, does a nice job working his arms/hands for inside leverage, slides his feet well through contact and can stick to blocks through the play.

Now, he is a gifted athlete in space and showcased better pop and power as a run blocker than given credit. Has the ability to sit into his stance, gain leverage into contact, extend his arms and finish with a strong lower body push. Can consistently drive defenders off the ball as an in-line guy one-on-one, but at times will get overextended and fall off blocks after initial contact. Looks natural on the move as well and has the ability to get into blocks quickly and create a bit of a surge at the point of attack. Breaks down well in space, exhibits some short-area quickness and can routinely seal his target.

Impression: A guy who will likely be over drafted based on upside — and rightfully so, as he has the skill set to be as good as he wants to be in the NFL. However, has a lot of cleaning up to be entrusted as a left tackle early in his NFL career and I could see him being better suited to play on the right side because of his ability to win in the run game. Reminds me some of former second-round pick Sebastian Vollmer.

Ras-I Dowling

A tall, well-built defensive back with a broad upper body and long arms for the position. Showcases good ball skills and body control when asked to make a play on the throw down the field. Locates the football quickly and showcases the timing and coordination to consistently go up and get his hands on the football. Displays good instincts in zone-coverage, reads the quarterback’s eyes well, gets early jumps on the pass and does a nice job putting himself around the action. Is a sound, wrap-up tackler who isn’t afraid to attack downhill at the line of scrimmage. Generates a good thrust through his hips and creates a pop on contact. Also does a nice job fending off blocks on the outside. Uses his length well to play off opposing wideouts and make his way toward the football.

However, isn’t real flexible when asked to sit into his stance, doubles over at the waist and allows his pad level to get too high when asked to turn and run. More of a strider who needs a couple steps to get going to begin with, but his lack of fluidity and balance when asked to turn and run really limits his initial burst down the field. Isn’t real clean with his footwork at this stage as well. Has a tendency to open up his hips prematurely in man coverage, struggles to consistently stay compact and balanced in his lower half and it really takes him a while to regain his footing when asked to redirect. Consistently is overextend with his footwork and too easily allows wideouts to separate down the field on him. Now, he is physical and tracks the football well, but he won’t see the consistent amount of underthrown passes vertically in the NFL that he sees in college.

Impression: A physically strapping corner with good size and ball skills, and he knows how to tackle in the run game. However, I wouldn’t trust the guy at this stage in man-to-man coverage at the next level. Looks more like a cover-two type corner only to me or a potential free safety prospect. Not as high on him as most.

Shane Vereen

Possesses good overall height, is a bit narrow through the shoulders and upper body, but possesses average girth through the lower half. Displays a good first step when asked to press the line of scrimmage and quickly is able to decipher information, get up to speed quickly and accelerate toward daylight. Is a patient runner who allows blockers to set in front of him and knows how to pick his way through tight creases. Does a nice job keeping his pad level down through the line of scrimmage, running with some leverage and possesses really fluid hips and good lateral quickness. Consistently is able to make defenders miss in a phone booth, isn’t forced to gear down, can make his cuts at full speed, maintain balance and accelerate quickly. Showcases natural cutback ability as well, exhibits good vision inside, recognizes the cutback lane quickly and is a sharp enough and sudden enough runner to consistently hit it. Exhibits a second gear to his game once he gets into the second level. Lacks elite straight-line speed, but plays fast, accelerates extremely well in the open field and will be able to outpace some angles in the NFL. Lacks ideal overall power to his game, struggles to consistently break tackles inside once a defender can get a hold of him, runs low but lacks the natural strength to routinely push the piles.

However, has a good feel in short-yard situations, is sudden/instinct at the line, displays great quickness to find a hole and slither his way through a crease. Isn’t the most natural of blockers in blitz pick-up, keeps his head up and locates who he wants to hit, but gets a bit upright and isn’t real patient. Gets caught lunging into defenders, loses his balance and needs development in that area. But, is a natural receiver out of the backfield, has a good feel in the screen game, plucks the football well away from his frame and squares his body quickly. Is also a threat out of the backfield, is a natural route runner you can split out in the slot, looks comfortable getting down the field and has the ability to create mismatches in the pass game in the NFL.

Impression: Is a shifty, sudden back with good vision and patience inside. Can create on his own, set up blocks inside and accelerates really quickly toward daylight. Lacks the kind of girth to carry the load at the next level, but can be a very good rotation back who can also add a dimension in the pass game as well.

Stevan Ridley

A thicker, well-put-together back with a strong-looking lower half and good overall bulk for the position. Possesses a good first step when asked to press the line of scrimmage, runs with good forward lean inside and keeps his pad level down through contact. Is more of a downhill back who is at his best pressing the line quickly and getting into the second level. Runs hard and has some natural strength in his lower half when asked to push the pile and break tackles inside. However, exhibits only average lateral ability inside. Displays very average one-cut ability when asked to set up blocks or make a man miss. But, consistently allows his pad level to rise, exposes some of his frame and loses his balance quickly. Isn’t the kind of fluid/shifty back who can make a man miss and quickly collect himself and get back up to speed quickly. He’s consistently forced to gear down when trying to change directions and isn’t a guy who is real gifted in tight/open quarters. Will get caught dancing at times trying to decipher information and needs a hole in front of him to be successful.

Displays slightly above-average patience when asked to set up blocks inside. However, doesn’t have a great feel in tight quarters and isn’t a guy who can consistently make defenders miss and create on his own. Needs the play to be blocked off correctly in order for him to be effective and because of that looks more like a reserve only. Has an average first step and can get up to speed quickly initially. However, has one gear to his game and isn’t going to outpace many NFL defenders at the second level.

Wasn’t asked to play on obvious passing situations. Isn’t a real natural receiver out of the backfield and didn’t seem real comfortable in blitz pick up either.

Impression: A very average downhill back who runs hard and low and has some natural power to his game. However, he isn’t a guy who can consistently create on his own and lacks great feel inside picking his way through tight quarters. A reserve guy only.

New England Patriots 2011 Draft Review

by

I’m not really a draft “grade” guy, because it’s never really clear what people are grading. Are you grading the overall talent of the draftees? The value of the picks? How well needs were addressed? 90% of this stuff can’t really be commented about until December 2011 at the earliest. Most people are just grading based on their own personal opinion of the draftees anyway.

So let’s just start with overall impressions of the Patriots 2011 draft. As I’ve said before I’m kind of pleasantly surprised that they hit on every area of need.

A tackle and a guard of the future were added. Who knows how soon Solder and Cannon will contribute but all indications are that they’ll join with Sebastian Vollmer to take the offensive line into the next decade. And they’re all “outside the box” huge and athletic. There are the roots of something special there now.

The approach to drafting two runningbacks is similar to the one taken last year when they took two tight ends. Running back was one of the greatest places of mid-round depth this year, so the Patriots took their two favorites early to ensure they got who they wanted. As Erik Frenz pointed out on our podcast Vereen and Ridley are different backs and should contribute in different ways.

I’d argue that New England has one of the most intriguing offensive backfields in the NFL now, with a number of backs who have unique skills to play any kind of game. And let’s not forget if the NFL manages to get to an 18-game season having quality runningback depth will be more important than ever.

Then you add Lee Smith, another monstrer, with Gronk and Hernando and the tight end group looks similarly diverse and capable of playing any style.

So before we go to the defensive side of the ball let’s just take a step back and look at the offense that the Patriots of the next decade will have. It all begins up front, and with Vollmer, Solder, Cannon, Gronk, and Smith you have five enormous men who will be able to get a push against any one.

This is a New England offense that will be able to play any kind of game… ground and pound? No one’s line/tight ends are bigger. Spread passing attack? Um, TFB anyone? From a football nerd x’s and o’s standpoint this is the kind of thing to get really excited about.

At first I was surprised by the selection of Ryan Mallett but it’s slowly grown on me to be one of my favorite picks. You never know what will happen when you put a raw quarterback with a rifle arm in a perfect football situation. Everyone wants to speculate what the endgame of Mallett/Hoyer/Brady will be, but it doesn’t really matter. The Pats have three quarterbacks that some teams would kill to have any of. Let it all play out, and know that the team is safe from even the worst case scenario.

The Pats took only three defenders in this draft class and two of them were taken at the exact positions that they needed most – CB with FS potential and OLB. While I thought the Pats would take one of the many talented defensive ends in this draft class, it was more based on what I perceived as value at 17, not because I thought that defensive end was a hugely glaring need.

Ras-I Dowling looks like yet another great value pick, and he could very well be our starting free safety in 2012. Hopefully we’ll get at least some nickel corner/third safety play out of him in 2011 as he learns the defense.

The Pats finally did take an outside linebacker in Markell Carter, but because most of the draftniks out there didn’t know much about him he’s being somewhat dismissed. But looking at the one YouTube video that’s out there of him, along with some of his quotes, it appears he’s right in the wheelhouse of what the Pats look for at OLB. I just look forward to seeing how it plays out with Carter, Eric Moore, Ninkopoop, TBC, and any free agents they potentially bring in.

They might not have used a high pick on an OLB but that doesn’t mean the pass rush will not be better in 2011 than it was in 2010. Reasons:

  • Ty Warren returns, allowing Mike Wright/Myron Pryor to focus more on interior pass rush and not base down run stopping.
  • Wright/Pryor should also be healthy.
  • Leigh Bodden returns. Better coverage equals additional moments for pass rush to get there.
  • Jermaine Cunningham should take a step forward, and should be healthy.
  • Ras-I Dowling adds another presence in the secondary which again equals more time for pass rush to get to the QB.
  • Eric Moore showed some real pass rush ability in the final five games of 2011. With a year in the system he could take TBC’s job.
  • Getting pass rush is never as easy as just drafting a pass rusher. It’s a combination of elements, a number of which are guaranteed to improve in 2011 just based on getting healthy alone.

Finally the Pats made a signature pick of a special teams guy Malcolm Williams, who didn’t even think that he’d get drafted. Some people may think BB makes this picks just to show off or make a point, but as we see every year, teams who don’t draft with special teams in mind won’t make it very far even if they have the best offense and defense in the NFL.

In closing, this was a surgical strike draft for the Patriots. Clearly they had their list of prospects that they liked, but they weren’t blown away by the overall talent especially at the position that they might’ve needed most.

If you graded their draft on getting players at a great value that will ensure the long term sustained success of the organization then I don’t know how they don’t get an A. How many teams would be good if only they had an offensive line? If only they had a competent quarterback? Those are problems the Patriots won’t have any time soon.

The true grade of this draft class won’t be known for a few years, but on paper it looks like it’s yet another classic Patriots value draft, taking the best talent at the best price. It might not be an “immediate upgrade” draft, but if you’re trying to rely on the draft to take you over the hump you might never get over it.

Patriots select RB Stevan Ridley and QB Ryan Mallett

by

Welp it wouldn’t be a Patriots draft weekend if I wasn’t blown away at least once and here I was blown away on back to back picks.

First we have Ridley who is very much a Pats style running back, even though they already selected Vereen. That makes for a very crowded backfield and that’s even if Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris don’t return.

Ridley was on my big board in the bottom 20 and unranked.

Mallett is very much a prototypical passing quaterback who physically reminds of Bledsoe meets Brady. But the true question is whose decision making he’s closer to.