NE Patriots scout notes on ISU/Iowa game

[Tre4ISU]

Are you thinking that Knott would be a good fit for a 3-4 system? As a Steelers fan, I hope so.

He would really need to play inside in a 3-4 wouldn't he? Aren't most OLB in the 3-4 essentially converted DE's since that is where most of the pass rush comes from in that scheme?

The whole thing about these schemes is it really isn't a big deal. Essentially, it comes down to what you know/have. You need different types of linemen for a 3-4. The Linebackers and in some cases the WDE are interchangeable. A SDE in a 4-3 under is pretty close to what the WDE in terms of skill. The difference, most times is that you need an elite NT in a 3-4 and your DEs are more in the 3-tech/SDE mold. Lattimer is a good example. He was a WDE here but he could have been an OLB in a 3-4. I find it hard to believe Knott would not be capable of doing the same thing. In fact, he could be very valuable there because he has the ability, IMO, to do many different things in an elaborate scheme. All of that said, he won't likely be drafted to rush the passer. That isn't his strongest suit and there are other guys you draft to do that. You draft Knott to fill gaps and cover the middle like a boss. Here are a few links that compare 3-4s and 4-3s. Like I said, it's more about your interior than your second level.

Bill Belichick, Vince Wilfork, and the New England Patriots defense - Grantland

http://mgoblog.com/content/mailbag-s...4-vs-4-3-again
It's the third question in the mailbag.

They explain in a lot more detail but a 3-4 asks it's DLinemen to be better. They have to control blockers, not gaps. In a 4-3 the linemen pick a gap and control it while the Lbers make plays. This is incredibly simplistic but I guess what I am trying to say is on of the backers in a 3-4 is likely a pass rusher/DE, however the other Lber is your typical OLB in a 4-3.

[AltHawk]

Morris will be exposed against Michigan. He is a poor man's Klein. He doesn't have the instincts. I would watch for Mealer (Michigan's center) to reach him because he is indecisive and I would watch for him to be confused in underneath coverage. He is just an average Lber (not that there's anything wrong with that). Michigan was just an example. Any team that can run from the spread effectively will expose his lack of decision making. As the old saying goes, "If you are going to be wrong, be wrong decisively." Morris doesn't have that. Sorry you picked him over Knott.

Fed will make the NFL. The problem is he has little help and will likely be keyed a lot. There just isn't the talent on the outside to open him up. Yes, he is 6'5, but he isn't an great runner. Good TE for a system that wants a guy to catch and block but not great for a TE the want to purely catch the ball in mismatches with Lbers and safeties. TE is the hardest position to be exceptional at right now int he NFL. You almost just have to be a big WR. There's a reason Vernon Davis went number 8 or so.

Morris wasn't exposed against Michigan last year. In the 2nd half against ISU he did a great job of reacting and not over-thinking things. He was all over the field and making plays everywhere (in the backfield, in space, shedding blocks, etc). I don't know if people didn't watch, or they just refuse to accept the fact he will be drafted higher than Knott/Klein.

[00clone]

Morris wasn't exposed against Michigan last year. In the 2nd half against ISU he did a great job of reacting and not over-thinking things. He was all over the field and making plays everywhere (in the backfield, in space, shedding blocks, etc). I don't know if people didn't watch, or they just refuse to accept the fact he will be drafted higher than Knott/Klein.

Quoted just to save for later use.

[ribsnwhiskey]

Morris wasn't exposed against Michigan last year. In the 2nd half against ISU he did a great job of reacting and not over-thinking things. He was all over the field and making plays everywhere (in the backfield, in space, shedding blocks, etc). I don't know if people didn't watch, or they just refuse to accept the fact he will be drafted higher than Knott/Klein.

Troll on.

Also, scoreboard. Again.

[AltHawk]

Troll on.

Also, scoreboard. Again.

Not arguing that Iowa State has been the better team the last two years. This year's Iowa team would win 4-5 games with Iowa State's schedule.

[VeloClone]

Not arguing that Iowa State has been the better team the last two years. This year's Iowa team would win 4-5 games with Iowa State's schedule.

ISU may only win 5 with this schedule. I'd go lower if I were you.

[kberyldial]

Perhaps this has been pointed out but WHY ON EARTH would the Patriots put out their draft scouting notes online for the world to see. There is no way these are the product of the Patriots. I like them but this isn't authentic.

[AdamJGray]

I think a lot of you are being to hard on Morris. He's a really good LB. I think Jake Knott is better, but that doesn't mean Morris still isn't a good football player.

[VeloClone]

I think a lot of you are being to hard on Morris. He's a really good LB. I think Jake Knott is better, but that doesn't mean Morris still isn't a good football player.

Well he is on the Butkus watch list so that has to count for something.

[kberyldial]

That was the best game I've seen Morris play otherwise all I've ever see him do is get pancaked and burnt. I'm not saying anyone decided to use PEDs but someone looks alot different and alot faster this year.

[AltHawk]

That was the best game I've seen Morris play otherwise all I've ever see him do is get pancaked and burnt. I'm not saying anyone decided to use PEDs but someone looks alot different and alot faster this year.

Couldn't have been the ankle injury he played with all season last year slowing him down. That would make too much sense.

[bostrem00]

That scout was my high school tennis coach and my spanish teacher.....Times sure have changed!