New England Football Journal®

Grugier-Hill played inside and outside linebacker at Eastern Illinois but he will play as a nickel linebacker and safety in the NFL. Here is my scouting report on Kamu Grugier-Hill. 1. Vs. Inside Run: Hill reads guards and backs well and is patient when keying and diagnosing. Hill attacks second level blockers, stacks them and sheds. Solid tackler who finishes on contact.  2. Vs. Outside Run: Hill recognizes outside running…

Malcolm Mitchell is an interesting pick for the Patriots. When I look at him on film, I don’t think he does anything great but he is a sound receiver who does several different things well. Mitchell is a good route runner and he has shown some big play ability but has had some injury issues particularly with his knees. He’s healthy again but he needs a lot of technical work…

Vincent Valentine is massive at 6-4 330. He can play the three technique defensive tackle, the shade defensive tackle or nose tackle. Valentine is raw but there is no question he has some potential upside. Bill Belichick loves defensive tackles that two gap and re-create the line of scrimmage. Valentine can do that. Here is my scouting report on Vincent Valentine.  Vs. the Run: Valentine is strong at the point…

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…