It
wouldn't be the NFL draft without Bill Belichick doing something that makes Mel
Kiper, Jr.'s hair catch on fire. Not literally, of course.
After the
slam dunk, no doubt, home run, nailed it selection of DT Malcom Brown with the
#32 pick, we got two Belichick the GM is killing Belichick the HC moments on
Day 2. With pick #64, the Patriots selected SS Jordan
Richards from Stanford. They traded the #96 pick to Cleveland for 4th and
5th round picks and with #97 the took DE/OLB/TE Geneo
Grissom from Oklahoma.
Richards'
draft profile projected him to the 6th/7th round so if we're going with the
wisdom of crowds, this was a reach. Obviously, Belichick disagrees and sees an
in-the-box tackling machine; a linebacker in safety's clothing. Student of the
game with a sub-7 3-Cone Drill? Sounds like a Belichick kind of player.
Grissom
was projected to the 5th/6th round but given the upside and position
flexibility, he could start out as a core special teamer that provides
insurance at multiple positions who may one day develop into a starter.
Belichick loves positional flexibility because it's a necessity with a 46-man
game day roster
Okay,
that's all well and good (In Bill We Trust!) but it's hard to see a guy like
Richards taken only to see two big guards – Jeremiah Poutasi and the much
mocked to the Pats A.J. Cann – taken just two and three picks later.
This is
the point where the good citizens of Patriots Nation forget the wins, the AFC
Championships, the Super Bowls and tear at their hair and clothing, shrilly
crying out to an indifferent universe, "What is he thinking?"
Is it a
massive rationalization to remind ourselves that Belichick found starting Super
Bowl center Brian Stork in the 4th round? I don't think so. The Patriots are
well set up for today's action with three picks in the 4th including two in the
first 12 picks.
A few
other thoughts on the Patriots first three picks.
Brown is a
potential ten-year starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling. I think we're all good with
him, yes? Yes.
It's
difficult (if not impossible) to project Richards or Grissom to the starting lineup,
let alone a Pro Bowl. Neither addresses a position of need; the best I can do
is imagine Grissom as Jerod Mayo insurance. Could it be that Belichick isn't as
worried about cornerback or offensive guard as the pigskin pundits and
bobbleheads?
The
addition of Jabaal Sheard and Malcom Brown and a fully healthy Dominique Easley
(two years removed from ACL surgery) should improve the pass rush and allow the
deep group of defensive backs the extra fraction of a second that makes all the
difference between a completion and a pass defensed.
Dan
Connolly is still unsigned; is it just a matter of time before he re-signs with
New England? Cameron Fleming has been preparing in the off season for a move
inside to guard. It's a projection but a starting five of Nate Solder, Fleming,
Stork, Wendell and Sebastian Vollmer sounds pretty good. (The undervalued Ryan
Wendell isn't going anywhere; not with starting experience at guard and center).
The depth options at guard – Josh Kline and Jordan Devey – are questionable
which is why I'd be surprised if Belichick doesn't take an offensive lineman or
two today.
Returning
to Richards and Grissom for a moment.
Drafting
at the bottom of every round limits the opportunities to draft a Shaq Thomson.
The Patriots know they have to find undervalued alternatives – undervalued by
other teams but good fits with New England's program. Enter Jordan Richards and
his 6.74 second 3-Cone Drill time.
The
defending Super Bowl champs (no, it never gets hold saying that) don't have
many roster spots open. Finding a prospect like Geneo Grissom (and yes, I've
already added "Geneo" to my spell-check dictionary) who can play
multiple positions is a critical capability when considering how New England
will fill those precious few spots available.
And with
that, we're on to the 4th round.
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