Hey fellas - I believe Greg put most of it behind his paywall.
www.bostonsportsjournal.com
Here's part of the article behind the paywall. Let me know if people want Day 3.
SECOND-THIRD ROUND PROSPECTS
Alabama FS #9 Jordan Battle (Jr, 6'1, 210): The Patriots need to think about a backup plan for Devin McCourty. Battle will be part of their positional evaluation and a potential target in Round 2.
All-SEC First Team and several All-America honors. He has played a lot for the Tide over the last few years. He offers some versatility, with the ability to play in the box, slot, or deep safety. He had a key pick six in the SEC Championship against Georgia.
Alabama DL #48 Phidarian Mathis (RSr, 6'4, 312): He has an NFL body which would allow him to be a rotational player right away at the next level. He could play outside in the 3-4 and bump inside on third down which is appealing. He would fit the Patriots program and while depth is needed, DL is not a top need.
The leader along the defensive line, relying on power and hustle to produce 49 tackles, 12 TFL, and 9 sacks. He was voted All-SEC Second Team by conference coaches. He started the year as a Day 3 pick, and he’s played himself into the Top 75. Good against the run, plays disciplined gap control, and has ability to get off blocks.
Georgia FS #16 Lewis Cine (Jr, 6'1, 210): He’ll be part of the safety evaluation, but I think he’s more of a fit at strong safety. Therefore, duplicative to Kyle Duggar and Adrian Phillips.
The safety is second on the team in tackles and PBUs. He shows decent range and is not afraid to come up to deliver a big hit (he knocked Kyle Pitts out of a game last year). Alabama made some plays on him in the SEC Championship. He's been playing since his freshman season and he’s consistent.
Georgia OLB #4 Nolan Smith (Jr, 6'3, 235): I like the potential and his versatility but he’s duplicative to what they already have, especially since those players (Josh Uche, Chase Winovich) aren’t seeing the field.
Really good college football player and Georgia asks him to do multiple things in their defense. At the next level, I see him more as an off-the-ball LB that brings great pass rush potential. Based on his instincts, and athletic make-up, I think he’s selected in the first 75 picks.
Georgia RB #3 Zamir White (Jr, 6'0, 215): Good player and he’d fit in New England but duplicative to what’s already on the roster.
Leader of a very talented 4-man RB rotation. White has NFL RB size and can run effectively between the tackles. He won’t make a lot of people miss at the next level, but he has good vision, gets square and can gain YAC. For those of you who play fantasy football, good potential under-the-radar pick. Top 75 draft selection.
Alabama LB #8 Christian Harris (Jr, 6'2, 232): He has the upside to be a starter in the NFL and therefore he should be considered. If the Patriots went LB early, I’d want it to be someone that’s an alpha leader or very good in coverage. If they selected Harris ideally because he’s dropped and there’s more value.
He has great potential and was tabbed as the next in the recent lineage of Tide standout LBs (which includes Dont’a Hightower). He looks the part and has three-down capabilities but he’s a challenging evaluation. He flashes the ability to do a lot but doesn’t show it on every play, especially against the pass.
Georgia WR #1 George Pickens (Jr, 6'3, 200): For the Patriots, Pickens could be an intriguing prospect because we know how much they love value and need long-term WR help. He won’t go as early as his talent indicates and they haven’t shied away from players with an injury history if they’re convinced the medicals won’t be a long-term issue. If (and it’s a big one) they get comfortable with his football first mindset and other intangibles, he’s one to watch.
Missed the offseason and virtually all this season with an ACL tear. He has plus body control with the ability to beat man coverage with size and speed. He has a first-round skillset, but the injury history and his maturity will be the most important factor in his draft stock.
Alabama RB #4 Brian Robinson Jr. (RSr, 6'1, 225): The Patriots have power running backs next year with Rhamondre Stevenson and former Tide teammate Damien Harris. Not a Day 1 or Day 2 priority.
He was the star against Cincinnati. (26 carries for 204 yards). He’s a one-cut back that runs with purpose, and he can punish the tackler if they don't pack their lunch. Over 60% of his yards come after contact. Robinson has NFL size and wiggle and would be a solid pick in the 3rd round.
Georgia DT #95 Devonte Wyatt (Sr, 6'3, 315): He’s a darling of PFF but he would be a rotational depth piece along the line. Think Byron Cowart replacement.
One of the starting defensive tackles who has plus athleticism, especially lateral quickness for the position. Not a very deep DT class this year which makes him a Top 100 type player.
Georgia LB #7 Quay Walker (Sr, 6'4, 240): He fits the profile of a Patriots linebacker. He’ll need some time in the crockpot to develop but the upside is tantalizing.
He has ideal size for an NFL linebacker (6-foot-4, 240 pounds). He’s started every game and has outstanding tape in some games which teases his potential. Difficult evaluation with all the talent around him (they are just so dominating at so many positions) but with the intangibles he could go much higher than his stats would indicate.
LB #41 Channing Tindall (Sr, 6'2, 230): He’s not an immediate starter and he would need seasoning before seeing the field. He would be an asset in a game against a team like the Titans or Ravens.
Has really come on this season, and he was dominating in the game against the Tennessee Vols. Those inside the program say he's the guy you want in the "dark alley". Great speed, decent size and he hits like an 18-wheeler.
Georgia CB #11 Derion Kendrick (Sr, 6'0, 190): Not a fit for the Patriots program.
The Clemson transfer has some off-field concerns that will need to be addressed at the NFL Combine and via draft interviews. Solid size, aggressive style, experience, and athleticism for a corner. He’d be a better zone corner at the next level. He delivered 2 INTs last week against Michigan.
Boston Sports Journal
Boston's fast-growing, fully-credentialed, flying-everywhere collection of professional journalists covering Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and more…
www.bostonsportsjournal.com
Here's part of the article behind the paywall. Let me know if people want Day 3.
SECOND-THIRD ROUND PROSPECTS
Alabama FS #9 Jordan Battle (Jr, 6'1, 210): The Patriots need to think about a backup plan for Devin McCourty. Battle will be part of their positional evaluation and a potential target in Round 2.
All-SEC First Team and several All-America honors. He has played a lot for the Tide over the last few years. He offers some versatility, with the ability to play in the box, slot, or deep safety. He had a key pick six in the SEC Championship against Georgia.
Alabama DL #48 Phidarian Mathis (RSr, 6'4, 312): He has an NFL body which would allow him to be a rotational player right away at the next level. He could play outside in the 3-4 and bump inside on third down which is appealing. He would fit the Patriots program and while depth is needed, DL is not a top need.
The leader along the defensive line, relying on power and hustle to produce 49 tackles, 12 TFL, and 9 sacks. He was voted All-SEC Second Team by conference coaches. He started the year as a Day 3 pick, and he’s played himself into the Top 75. Good against the run, plays disciplined gap control, and has ability to get off blocks.
Georgia FS #16 Lewis Cine (Jr, 6'1, 210): He’ll be part of the safety evaluation, but I think he’s more of a fit at strong safety. Therefore, duplicative to Kyle Duggar and Adrian Phillips.
The safety is second on the team in tackles and PBUs. He shows decent range and is not afraid to come up to deliver a big hit (he knocked Kyle Pitts out of a game last year). Alabama made some plays on him in the SEC Championship. He's been playing since his freshman season and he’s consistent.
Georgia OLB #4 Nolan Smith (Jr, 6'3, 235): I like the potential and his versatility but he’s duplicative to what they already have, especially since those players (Josh Uche, Chase Winovich) aren’t seeing the field.
Really good college football player and Georgia asks him to do multiple things in their defense. At the next level, I see him more as an off-the-ball LB that brings great pass rush potential. Based on his instincts, and athletic make-up, I think he’s selected in the first 75 picks.
Georgia RB #3 Zamir White (Jr, 6'0, 215): Good player and he’d fit in New England but duplicative to what’s already on the roster.
Leader of a very talented 4-man RB rotation. White has NFL RB size and can run effectively between the tackles. He won’t make a lot of people miss at the next level, but he has good vision, gets square and can gain YAC. For those of you who play fantasy football, good potential under-the-radar pick. Top 75 draft selection.
Alabama LB #8 Christian Harris (Jr, 6'2, 232): He has the upside to be a starter in the NFL and therefore he should be considered. If the Patriots went LB early, I’d want it to be someone that’s an alpha leader or very good in coverage. If they selected Harris ideally because he’s dropped and there’s more value.
He has great potential and was tabbed as the next in the recent lineage of Tide standout LBs (which includes Dont’a Hightower). He looks the part and has three-down capabilities but he’s a challenging evaluation. He flashes the ability to do a lot but doesn’t show it on every play, especially against the pass.
Georgia WR #1 George Pickens (Jr, 6'3, 200): For the Patriots, Pickens could be an intriguing prospect because we know how much they love value and need long-term WR help. He won’t go as early as his talent indicates and they haven’t shied away from players with an injury history if they’re convinced the medicals won’t be a long-term issue. If (and it’s a big one) they get comfortable with his football first mindset and other intangibles, he’s one to watch.
Missed the offseason and virtually all this season with an ACL tear. He has plus body control with the ability to beat man coverage with size and speed. He has a first-round skillset, but the injury history and his maturity will be the most important factor in his draft stock.
Alabama RB #4 Brian Robinson Jr. (RSr, 6'1, 225): The Patriots have power running backs next year with Rhamondre Stevenson and former Tide teammate Damien Harris. Not a Day 1 or Day 2 priority.
He was the star against Cincinnati. (26 carries for 204 yards). He’s a one-cut back that runs with purpose, and he can punish the tackler if they don't pack their lunch. Over 60% of his yards come after contact. Robinson has NFL size and wiggle and would be a solid pick in the 3rd round.
Georgia DT #95 Devonte Wyatt (Sr, 6'3, 315): He’s a darling of PFF but he would be a rotational depth piece along the line. Think Byron Cowart replacement.
One of the starting defensive tackles who has plus athleticism, especially lateral quickness for the position. Not a very deep DT class this year which makes him a Top 100 type player.
Georgia LB #7 Quay Walker (Sr, 6'4, 240): He fits the profile of a Patriots linebacker. He’ll need some time in the crockpot to develop but the upside is tantalizing.
He has ideal size for an NFL linebacker (6-foot-4, 240 pounds). He’s started every game and has outstanding tape in some games which teases his potential. Difficult evaluation with all the talent around him (they are just so dominating at so many positions) but with the intangibles he could go much higher than his stats would indicate.
LB #41 Channing Tindall (Sr, 6'2, 230): He’s not an immediate starter and he would need seasoning before seeing the field. He would be an asset in a game against a team like the Titans or Ravens.
Has really come on this season, and he was dominating in the game against the Tennessee Vols. Those inside the program say he's the guy you want in the "dark alley". Great speed, decent size and he hits like an 18-wheeler.
Georgia CB #11 Derion Kendrick (Sr, 6'0, 190): Not a fit for the Patriots program.
The Clemson transfer has some off-field concerns that will need to be addressed at the NFL Combine and via draft interviews. Solid size, aggressive style, experience, and athleticism for a corner. He’d be a better zone corner at the next level. He delivered 2 INTs last week against Michigan.
