Pats said to prefer Mayo over Rivers

[patsin°°]

SI.com's Don Banks says he's been told that the Patriots like Jerod Mayo of Tennessee better than USC LB Keith Rivers.
Unlike Rivers, Mayo has experience inside and his build is a shade closer to that which New England looks for from inside 'backers. Rivers is listed at 6'2/241, but usually played in the 230-pound range at Southern Cal.
Source: chargers.com
Related: Jerod Mayo

[MEPATNUT]

Hold the mayo. Xtra mayo. BLT with mayo. Maybe they like mayo or maybe the go to the river and get washed in the water.

[patsin°°]

wilson is screwing with your brain

[Hawg73]

Let's start with the flawed basic premise that the Pats need ILBs, which is certainly true and Mayo is one of the best available in this draft so it is likely that they will draft him.

Here are some tidbits from is scouting report on the pro side of that argument:

Productive open-field tackler and playmaker who is a strong presence in the huddle, playing with good aggression taking on lead blockers...Shows functional strength at the point of attack, taking on the lineman or fullback with aggression, but does struggle some vs. double teams...

Smart athlete who calls defensive signals

plays with a good motor, showing urgency when closing...Does the extra film work needed to prepare for games and has no problem taking plays from the chalkboard to the playing field...

.Can adjust on the move and is quick to read and react to keys (sees the big picture and works hard to get to the ball)...Has stack-and-control ability taking on the fullback and is good with his hand placement trying to reroute tight ends and backs when pressing...

Lacks the ideal bulk to avoid being absorbed vs. combo blocks, but does a good job of keeping position and separating from the isolated blocker.

Better tackling outside than inside against bigger blockers, but he hits with good force upon initial contact and does a nice job staying in control..

.Shows good awareness in man coverage, mirroring the receiver in the short area before switching off on his assignment...Anticipates the pass well and has the loose hips and quickness to gain position and run with the receivers anywhere on the field...Gets good zone drops due to his hip flexibility, showing the quick feet to fluidly turn and stay tight on his man in pass coverage...His ability tracking the ball in flight stands out on film...

The kid sounds pretty good, no? His playing intelligence and leadership certainly suggests he might be able to handle the significant demands placed on a player trying to play linebacker for the Pats.

Then you get into some negatives.



Better fit on the outside, as he appears more comfortable making plays on the move rather than having to impact the inside rush lanes...Not stout enough to stack and control in tight areas, as he does not keep his hands active enough to handle double teams

Needs to finish better as a tackler, as he is more finesse than he is a physical hitter and will get a bit sloppy and take a side or throw a shoulder, resulting in ballcarriers breaking free...Needs to step up and plug the holes at the line of scrimmage and seems a little slow to scrape downhill

Better coming off the edge, where he has good swim and spin moves in attempts to pressure the pocket (can get ping-ponged when trying to bull rush)...Must be more aggressive using his hands to get into the blocker's chest, as the opponent can lock on and push him around at times.


While Mayo proved that he has the field smarts to handle middle linebacker, he might lack the bulk to do so at the next level, unless the team has big defensive tackles to absorb the blocks and protect him. With his range and closing speed, he could be a better fit on the weak side, whether aligned outside in a 4-3 or inside in a 3-4. He could be a perfect fit to team up with David Harris in New York's 3-4 defense. Still, with his history of injury problems, one has to wonder if he can survive a full season at the next level.

Note: Mayo had arthroscopic knee surgery during 01/07

Like most of these guys, who all have negatives listed, you wonder how much of it is baloney because most of the guys starring at ILB in the pros had similar questions coming out of school. Still, the guy is 6'1" and the report continually refers to him being a weak side backer and we don't switch our OLBs regularly like some D's do.

I would not be bummed if he ended up here at all, but I think there is some legit concerns about his being an ILB in our system.

[Box_O_Rocks]

I would not be bummed if he ended up here at all, but I think there is some legit concerns about his being an ILB in our system.There are legit questions about any college LB prospect, even my boy Chris Long.

Regarding Mayo, I did a side-by-side with Patrick Willis, who had all sorts of people squealing like little girls over his tackle numbers for SF last season (most of them 5 or more yards downfield, but he got the numbers - and NE got the #7 :thumb: ).

Mayo isn't as strong between the tackles as Willis in the NFL Draft Scout profile, on the flip side of that he's a junior playing MLB for the first time who was acknowledged by scouts to show improving hand use as the season progressed.

Mayo was is much better in pass coverage than Willis, both in man and zone and using his hands to reroute TEs. He was noted for his ability to locate and track the ball very well, a skill in demand for anyone in coverage.

Another area where Mayo has an edge over Willis is position flexibility, Mayo has played inside and outside, and appears to be a more developed blitzer.

I wish I'd known to look for him when I was watching the one Tennessee game I saw, but this kid came out early and still matches up well with Willis - I can see taking a chance in the first round.

[ParanoidPatriot]

There are legit questions about any college LB prospect, even my boy Chris Long.

Regarding Mayo, I did a side-by-side with Patrick Willis, who had all sorts of people squealing like little girls over his tackle numbers for SF last season (most of them 5 or more yards downfield, but he got the numbers - and NE got the #7 :thumb: ).

Mayo isn't as strong between the tackles as Willis in the NFL Draft Scout profile, on the flip side of that he's a junior playing MLB for the first time who was acknowledged by scouts to show improving hand use as the season progressed.

Mayo was is much better in pass coverage than Willis, both in man and zone and using his hands to reroute TEs. He was noted for his ability to locate and track the ball very well, a skill in demand for anyone in coverage.

Another area where Mayo has an edge over Willis is position flexibility, Mayo has played inside and outside, and appears to be a more developed blitzer.

I wish I'd known to look for him when I was watching the one Tennessee game I saw, but this kid came out early and still matches up well with Willis - I can see taking a chance in the first round.

Patrick Willis is teh awesome and you know it.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Patrick Willis is teh awesome and you know it.:yawn:

[MEPATNUT]

:yawn:

PP is right. Patrick Willis is teh awesome and we should have traded up for him last year.

[Box_O_Rocks]

PP is right. Patrick Willis is teh awesome and we should have traded up for him last year.Brandon Meriweather is being mentored by Rodney. You tell him. o:-)

[gomezcat]

I've seen Mayo's weight listed as both 230 and 240. What does he play at? Does anyone know if he will be able to add another 10 or so if he is 240?

If we take him, I sincerely hope we take a speedy pass-rushing OLB lower down..

[AllWorldTE]

Let's start with the flawed basic premise that the Pats need ILBs,

I just caught this post and found this quote right on the money. Knowing the Patriots, signing Hobson may have solved their "problem" at ILB. They may well be content to go into the season with an interior rotation of Tedy, Hobson and a (anticipated) re-signed Junior. If someone they love is available, their plans may change (an OLB who can step in may send AD back to the inside and leave Junior on the outs when all is said and done), but I would be surprised to see any acts of desperation from this team.

[scaulen]

What about their pick from last year Lua, is he being written off or what? I seem to remember some reports that he looked good in camp before being injured.

[AllWorldTE]

What about their pick from last year Lua, is he being written off or what? I seem to remember some reports that he looked good in camp before being injured.


He was released early in the off-season.

I believe this is a current list of LBs on the roster:

ILB: Tedy B, E. Alexander, TJ Slaughter, L. Izzo, V. Hobson.
OLB: M. Vrabel, A. Thoams, P. Woods.

[scaulen]

He was released early in the off-season.

I believe this is a current list of LBs on the roster:

ILB: Tedy B, E. Alexander, TJ Slaughter, L. Izzo, V. Hobson.
OLB: M. Vrabel, A. Thoams, P. Woods.

You are correct same day as Rosie. Possible he could come back though.

[AllWorldTE]

You are correct same day as Rosie. Possible he could come back though.


Like Rosie, his injury situation remains a mystery (at least to me).

I was never convinced he had a true shot to srick long term based on his pre-season performances last year as it was. He visibly improved over time but he wasn't nearly the player Alexander, or Corey Mays for that matter, was IMO.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Like Rosie, his injury situation remains a mystery (at least to me).

I was never convinced he had a true shot to srick long term based on his pre-season performances last year as it was. He visibly improved over time but he wasn't nearly the player Alexander, or Corey Mays for that matter, was IMO.AMEN! Accursed Cincinnati!

I partially agree with the premise that ILB is "not" a "need." For 2008 the Pats currently have Bruschi, Thomas, Vrabel, Hobson, and Alexander who can play inside. Outside they have Vrabel, Thomas, Hobson, and Woods - so there is some overlap. Where I do believe you can articulate a "need" is long term team building, Thomas is the only ILB who is signed 'long term.' In this case I believe there is an opportunity to pick up a young talent who can be part of the linebacker corps for several years - someone who doesn't have to be thrown into the fire this season.

[AllWorldTE]

Where I do believe you can articulate a "need" is long term team building, Thomas is the only ILB who is signed 'long term.' In this case I believe there is an opportunity to pick up a young talent who can be part of the linebacker corps for several years - someone who doesn't have to be thrown into the fire this season.

It appears that BB agrees with you here grabbing a (hopefully) long-term solution on the inside. Mayo doesn't have to step right in. He can be groomed as Merriweather, Wilfork, and Warren all were on the defensive side of the ball. This may mean the end of Seau's time here though.

At least no one can say "BB doesn't take LBs in the 1st" ever again.

Holley was right here. BB must really like this kid.

[Box_O_Rocks]

It appears that BB agrees with you here grabbing a (hopefully) long-term solution on the inside. Mayo doesn't have to step right in. He can be groomed as Merriweather, Wilfork, and Warren all were on the defensive side of the ball. This may mean the end of Seau's time here though.

At least no one can say "BB doesn't take LBs in the 1st" ever again.

Holley was right here. BB must really like this kid.I'm not writing Junior off yet; look at Meriweather's rookie season as the template for Mayo - nickel/STs/garbage time reps to start with increasing playing time as the season progresses.

[AllWorldTE]

I'm not writing Junior off yet; look at Meriweather's rookie season as the template for Mayo - nickel/STs/garbage time reps to start with increasing playing time as the season progresses.

I like the idea of Junior for one more year as well. Mayo's coverage ability will be a major upgrade over anything Alexander brings which probably puts him into games late the way Merriweather was also initially inserted.
A Junior/Tedy/Hobson/Mayo quartet is nice cosidering Hobson's has ability outside too. I don't know anything about Slaughter so he may be camp fodder or competition for Alexander. Is Slaughter a SP's guy?

[Box_O_Rocks]

I like the idea of Junior for one more year as well. Mayo's coverage ability will be a major upgrade over anything Alexander brings which probably puts him into games late the way Merriweather was also initially inserted.
A Junior/Tedy/Hobson/Mayo quartet is nice cosidering Hobson's has ability outside too. I don't know anything about Slaughter so he may be camp fodder or competition for Alexander. Is Slaughter a SP's guy?At 233 I consider Slaughter competition for Izzo/Alexander, he may not push Larry off the team, but someone with more "punch" to play LB in goal line situations would be an upgrade for that package.

[ParanoidPatriot]

Why didn't we move up 2 spots and grab Dorsey?

Answer: The Chiefs couldn't believe their good fortune.

Hope we are going to put Xtra Mayo on our opponents.

[patsin°°]

i am a future teller

[Tchok13]

Hope we are going to put Xtra Mayo on our opponents.:rimshot:

Turn um into 'tater salad

[midgar8784]

Why didn't we move up 2 spots and grab Dorsey?

Answer: The Chiefs couldn't believe their good fortune.

Hope we are going to put Xtra Mayo on our opponents.




I guess the question would be, what they hell would the pats do with dorsey?

[Hawg73]

After watching a bunch of clips of Mayo in action, I'm going to guess that BB sees a bit of the same thing in this kid as he did in Jon Vilma (ex-Jet), whom he always went out of his way to praise.

They have the same kind of build. Mayo is shortish and smaller looking than you expect and smaller than any LB we have had here in recent years. Maybe it's those Tennessee orange unis, but he is going to be dwarfed by every front guy we have except Tedy and he looks much slimmer than Bruschi, although their listed weight is close.

Call me nuts, but he looks like Lawyer Milloy in pads.

He looks to have a well-rounded game, but I'm going to have to be convinced that he can handle the ILB duties in our system. I wouldn't just assume that he will play inside and that is it. Maybe it is years of conditioning with bangers like Ted Johnson in our middle that make me a bit skeptical.

Our guys must really like him and that's good enough for me.

[midgar8784]

After watching a bunch of clips of Mayo in action, I'm going to guess that BB sees a bit of the same thing in this kid as he did in Jon Vilma (ex-Jet), whom he always went out of his way to praise.

They have the same kind of build. Mayo is shortish and smaller looking than you expect and smaller than any LB we have had here in recent years. Maybe it's those Tennessee orange unis, but he is going to be dwarfed by every front guy we have except Tedy and he looks much slimmer than Bruschi, although their listed weight is close.

Call me nuts, but he looks like Lawyer Milloy in pads.

He looks to have a well-rounded game, but I'm going to have to be convinced that he can handle the ILB duties in our system. I wouldn't just assume that he will play inside and that is it. Maybe it is years of conditioning with bangers like Ted Johnson in our middle that make me a bit skeptical.

Our guys must really like him and that's good enough for me.


He played both inside and outside for the vols, the pats love that. I dont understand that size problem, he is bigger than some of the LB's like connor that pats fans were screaming for.

[bishbash]

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807fe1b8

[BritPat]

So what do we think of the pick now he's had his pre-season and wowed everyone in camp?

It would be nice if we could keep coming back to this thread every now and again, maybe in week 8, then at the end of the regular season - see how we think he's progressing and what our ambitions and targets for him are this year and how far he gets towards meeting them.

[bmooney54]

Mayo looks like he's in mid-season form. He will be a Pro Bowler in a year or two. Another excellent 1st round pick by BB.

[patsin°°]

Looks like it will be a good pick. But maybe we should have taken Matt Ryan now:)

[Shemp]

Mayo=tremendous use of a first round pick.

Keep it up Bill and Scott!

[AllWorldTE]

It was a nice job by the Pats trading down to gain an extra pick and gaining the player they targeted (at a position of need) who in turn played like a future pro bowler. They're picking at number 20 this year but also have some extra picks so they'll have plenty of ammo to move around.

[Box_O_Rocks]

It was a nice job by the Pats trading down to gain an extra pick and gaining the player they targeted (at a position of need) who in turn played like a future pro bowler. They're picking at number 20 this year but also have some extra picks so they'll have plenty of ammo to move around.20 or 24? Either way there is going to be some good LB talent in this draft and I think S is going to turn out okay too.

[gomezcat]

20 or 24? Either way there is going to be some good LB talent in this draft and I think S is going to turn out okay too.

Any good pass-rushing demons out there?

[AllWorldTE]

20 or 24? Either way there is going to be some good LB talent in this draft and I think S is going to turn out okay too.


Sorry, I thought they were picking at #20. Picking 24 with no playoffs seems somewhat unreasonable but it is what it is.