New England Football Journal®

The Patriots drafted N.C State quarterback Jacoby Brissett with Pick #91 in the third round. I found this pick interesting for several reasons. For one, Brissett was recruited and played for Charlie Weis at Florida. So you know Bill Belichick talked to Weis extensively before he drafted Brissett. The other reason why this pick is interesting is because it’s proof that the Patriots are preparing for life without Tom Brady…

Joe Thuney is a versatile offensive lineman who has played all three offensive line positions. He’s a three year starter. Here is my scouting report in Thuney. Initial Quickness: Thuney comes off the ball quickly and establishes inside hand position on first level defenders. He does a good job of playing with eyes up on double teams and identifying flowing linebackers. He’s athletic. Run Blocker: Thuney is technically sound as…

Cyrus Jones was one of the five players I thought the Patriots should target in this draft. Jones is exactly what the Patriots need. An instinctive cover corner who can line up in the slot and play man coverage. At 5-10 197, Jones has the ideal size for what Belichick looks for in a corner. What Jones lacks in size, he makes up for in toughness and smarts. Here’s my…

courtesy of nfl.com 1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB, Cal: Goff will start from day one. The pressure will be there but Goff has the mental toughness and physical tools to be a star. 2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB., North Dakota State: Wentz is the best quarterback in this draft. He has a big time arm and he played in a pro style offense at North Dakota State….

The Patriots don’t have a first round pick but they have two seconds, two three and four sixth round picks. Bill Belichick and his scouts have plenty of ammo to move around and pick the players they want. Here are five players that profile as Patriots type players that could be available to the Patriots. 1. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana: Spriggs probably won’t be there tomorrow night when the Patriots…

 1. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Goff, QB Cal: The Rams moved up to this spot to draft a franchise quarterback and the Rams believe Goff can be the face of their franchise for years.  2. Philadelphia Eagles: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: The Eagles want a franchise quarterback, that’s why they gave up a bunch of picks to acquire the second pick in the draft. Wentz has all the…

1. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, 6-5 237: I really like Carson Wentz’s size and his arm strength. He can make every throw in the playbook and his arm strength doesn’t diminish when he’s out of the pocket. Wentz is strong in the pocket. Hangs in, keeps his feet active, locates the open receiver in his progression and delivers the ball on time. Wentz is also effective out of the…

1. Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State, 5-11 1/2 225: Elliot runs with great power and balance. He is patient at the line of scrimmage and is a traditional one cut runner who can pick his hole, accelerate and get into the second level. Elliot is a finisher in the open field. Once he’s loose, he’s gone. Elliot is a good blocker who has experience lead block for Ohio State’s quarterbacks. Squares…

1. Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, 6-2 221: I know people are hung up on Treadwell’s forty time and I know it has hurt his stock, but this kid is too good of a route runner and too polished not to be the number one receiver in this class. Sure he’s had some drops, but I think he is the most complete receiver in this class and he can step in…

1. Hunter Henry, Arkansas, 6-4 1/2 250: Henry is a bit undersized and an average blocker at best but he is a good route runner who has a feel for getting into open spaces and he can seperate after the catch. Henry is a move tight end who can be used to create match-ups. He reminds me a lot of a Jacob Tamme and Garrett Graham. He’s on the smaller…