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Pro Gridiron Football Draft GPA: AFC EAST
By Jay Miles jmiles@progridironfootball.com
May 4, 2008
The Pro Gridiron Football Draft GPA will grade each teams pick and giving it and overall score...Like a report card. I will look at each
player picked, the players available at the pick, the value of the pick, and how the pick will fit with the needs of their team.
New England Patriots May 4, 2008
Round 1: Jarod Mayo, LB Tennessee Grade: A
Mayo is the most athletic linebacker in the draft and will fit very well in the Patriots system because of his ability to play inside and
outside linebacker.
Round 2: Terrence Wheatley, CB Colorado Grade: A
Despite being only 5'9, Wheatley plays like a big corner. A very aggressive corner with exceptional speed. Think Ellis Hobbs with the
potential to be better.
Round 3: Shawn Crable, LB Michigan Grade: C
A pass rushing linebacker who will a depth for the Patriots, but needs to improve in pass coverage. There plenty other linebackers that
where available at this time, but Crable has the potential to be a end on a 3-4 defense.
Kevin O'Connell, QB San Diego State Grade: C
Not a big fan of O'Connell, but his draft stock rose with decent workouts and a impressive senior season. Very inconsistent and a
streaky QB.
Round 4: Jonathan Wilhite, CB Auburn Grade: B
Could be a steal for the Patriots if he can stay healthy. Wilhite has good ball skills and is a very good tackler for a cornerback.
Round 5: Matt Slater, WR UCLA Grade: C
A very good return specialist at UCLA and could contribute immediately for the Patriots on special teams. Very inexperienced as a
wideout (playing mostly corner in college) and will probably need a couple of years before he can contribute.
Round 6: Bo Ruud, LB Nebraska Grade: B
A pretty good pick for a sixth rounder. Ruud, like Mayo, can play both inside and outside. A very smart linebacker who is decent in
pass coverage.
Patriots GPA: 2.85 C+
New England added much need linebacker depth and got younger at the position with drafting Mayo, Crable, and Ruud. I would have like
to seen them add some depth at the offensive tackle position. Decent draft for New England.
Next: New York Jets
Back to Bills/Dolphins GPA
By Jay Miles jmiles@progridironfootball.com
May 4, 2008
The Pro Gridiron Football Draft GPA will grade each teams pick and giving it and overall score...Like a report card. I will look at each
player picked, the players available at the pick, the value of the pick, and how the pick will fit with the needs of their team.
New England Patriots May 4, 2008
Round 1: Jarod Mayo, LB Tennessee Grade: A
Mayo is the most athletic linebacker in the draft and will fit very well in the Patriots system because of his ability to play inside and
outside linebacker.
Round 2: Terrence Wheatley, CB Colorado Grade: A
Despite being only 5'9, Wheatley plays like a big corner. A very aggressive corner with exceptional speed. Think Ellis Hobbs with the
potential to be better.
Round 3: Shawn Crable, LB Michigan Grade: C
A pass rushing linebacker who will a depth for the Patriots, but needs to improve in pass coverage. There plenty other linebackers that
where available at this time, but Crable has the potential to be a end on a 3-4 defense.
Kevin O'Connell, QB San Diego State Grade: C
Not a big fan of O'Connell, but his draft stock rose with decent workouts and a impressive senior season. Very inconsistent and a
streaky QB.
Round 4: Jonathan Wilhite, CB Auburn Grade: B
Could be a steal for the Patriots if he can stay healthy. Wilhite has good ball skills and is a very good tackler for a cornerback.
Round 5: Matt Slater, WR UCLA Grade: C
A very good return specialist at UCLA and could contribute immediately for the Patriots on special teams. Very inexperienced as a
wideout (playing mostly corner in college) and will probably need a couple of years before he can contribute.
Round 6: Bo Ruud, LB Nebraska Grade: B
A pretty good pick for a sixth rounder. Ruud, like Mayo, can play both inside and outside. A very smart linebacker who is decent in
pass coverage.
Patriots GPA: 2.85 C+
New England added much need linebacker depth and got younger at the position with drafting Mayo, Crable, and Ruud. I would have like
to seen them add some depth at the offensive tackle position. Decent draft for New England.
Next: New York Jets
Back to Bills/Dolphins GPA