New England Football Journal®

Ted Karras comes from a family with a long and decorated history of playing football. He is the great nephew of Detroit Lions legend and former Webster star Alex Karras. Ted, is an overachiever who made himself into a division one prospect and an NFL draft prospect. He is a hard worker who maximizes his ability. Here is my scouting report on Ted Karras. 1. Initial Quicks: Karras shows decent…

Elandon Roberts is a hard worker who makes the most of his ability. I think back to the Peach Bowl and I was really impressed with how tough, physical and smart he is. He’s never out of position and he is active. Roberts played all three linebacker spots so he’s versatile. Here is my scouting report on Elandon Roberts. 1. Vs. Inside Run: Roberts is instinctive. Recognizes plays quickly, attacks…

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…