NE UDFA aka Annual Adam Vinatieri Award Thread

Bowser

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Edelman had the same 40, better SS, bit worse 3 cone, better vert, significantly better broad, better bench and was 20 pounds heavier
Welker worse 40, sameish SS, worse 3 cone, worse vert, worse broad, didn't bench and was 20 pounds heavier at 1.5 inches shorter
Brown was too long ago, so I can't find his data (though also it was so long ago it's probably not a fair comp anyway given the changes leaguewide
FWIW, I recall reading that Troy Brown's vertical was something like 42". I can't find any reference to it now, but it stuck in my mind because I never thought he was that type of athlete.
 

chilidawg

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Taylor is interesting. He has some limits when it comes to pass protection because of his size. He is good identifying blitzers or stunts but if it's between him and a 300 pounder crashing downhill he is going to be a speed-bump at best. His ball security needs improvement - he carries it too loosely. Like CEH he doesn't have a great catch radius but is good for YAC with his elusiveness. He is a guy with good stop-start acceleration but isn't a burner. I think with his size profile and being a slippery RB that start-stop is a great trait for him.

If they cut Burkhead I could see JJ sticking around. I will be rooting for him. I liked his tape but gave him a a 4.99 which is the highest PFA you can give. If he can prove that his size isn't a detriment or they think he can cut it he could have a nice role for himself as a rotational back, punt returner, and gadget player.

I've seen some arguments that he needs to be in a zone heavy system and others where he needs to be in gap power to maximize his skillset. Personally I don't think he is going to be getting a lot of carries and could handle either role.
Mini Mack Herron comp?
 

Super Nomario

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I've seen some arguments that he needs to be in a zone heavy system and others where he needs to be in gap power to maximize his skillset. Personally I don't think he is going to be getting a lot of carries and could handle either role.
I don't think this stuff is as important for the third down back because even when he does get carries, it's draw plays or against lighter boxes because defenses are expecting the pass. They don't line James White up in I formation and run fullback power. Though they can with Burkhead FWIW.
 

Cellar-Door

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One UDFA related bit of info.... in the post-draft press call apparently Bill said that his expectation is that the 3rd QB in camp will be an UDFA (this was before Smith was officially signed so when asked he declined to name names).

Could be negotiation, but sure seems like he's more than willing to go into the season with Stidham, Hoyer and a flyer development project
 

RetractableRoof

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I just want to poke my head up in this thread long enough to thank those contributing info, and commentary. I don't have the time to be chasing down info on these guys, and while many of them will only be in Foxboro for a fleeting moment, it's cool to know a bit about them.

So, thanks!
 
Apr 24, 2019
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It’s fun and too easy to get sucked in by highlight reels, so far be from me to - aw fuck it - J’Mar, holy crrrrrrap!!! What an arm, really good accuracy on the deep throws, athletic as hell.

edit typos and breathlessly adding useless detail.
 

RetractableRoof

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I looked around and wasn't able to find an answer... was Malik Stanley drafted? He's the WR from LaTech catching J'Mar Smith's throws.
 

Cellar-Door

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I looked around and wasn't able to find an answer... was Malik Stanley drafted? He's the WR from LaTech catching J'Mar Smith's throws.
Not drafted not signed. Not all that surprising, he transferred to LaTech after he couldn't get on the field at South Alabama. Had a pretty decent Sr. year, but wasn't amazing either (basically in a 3 way performance tie with the other 2 wideouts and 1/3rd of his yards came in a single game against Southern Miss). Not particularly good pro-day numbers, he seems like a guy who might get a tryout with somebody but may either be done with football or bound for the arena league.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Washington corner Myles Bryant, one of the top undrafted free agents, joins the New England Patriots for $50,000 guaranteed. That includes $45,000 guaranteed base salary and $5,000 signing bonus


View: https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1254221808221523968
Bryant is another small player but he is also straight from Patriot/Belichick central casting. He is hard nosed, cerebral and gets the most out of his talent.

I would be interested in SMU's or anyone else's more technical evaluation of him. To my untrained eye the guy always seemed to make the right football play. I could see him becoming a fan favorite if he sticks.
 

greek_gawd_of_walks

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In stature, throwing motion and ability to make plays with his legs, J'Mar Smith has a Tyrod Taylor kind of vibe. If he shows well, I'd really like to keep him around. At minimum, he's someone you could try out in wildcat formations to give the offense a different wrinkle when the situation arises. And he does throw a nice deep ball. I don't see the need to have another pocket passer like Kessler or someone similar filling the third stringer role with Stidham and Hoyer already in the fold.
 
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BaseballJones

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Well, if he keeps that up, he won't last more than one day with the Patriots. I suspect he'll get his act together, and if he does, he could be a pretty nice pickup, but who knows.

My favorite UDFA signings for NE:

JJ Taylor. I think this kid could actually turn out to be a really nice player. Small, but has power to go along with speed and super quickness. Could be a weapon.

Sean Riley. I'm a Syracuse guy so naturally I like this pickup. But Riley is a good receiver.

Myles Bryant. Super quick DB that has ability. A little surprised he wasn't drafted. Might be their next Butler/Jackson.

J'Mar Smith. Gives the Pats something *totally* different at QB. I don't know if he'll stick, but I like his athleticism and touch on the deep ball. Has a little, dar I say, Lamar Jackson in him maybe?
 

( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)

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Hoyer isn’t going to be running the scout team the week before they play Baltimore, KC, Buffalo, Miami or any other team with a a good young, mobile QB. J’Mar potentially offers value as there to help prep the defense.

also how is it possible that LA Tech figured out that the shoulder stripes should go blue-red-blue but the Pats couldn’t?

30448
 

Steve Dillard

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So is the thoughtnot to challegne Rohrwasser with another college kid, but a veteran (maybe don't even have two in camp, and wait for cuts)? I would have though Blankenship would be a good pairing, but they obviously thought otherwise.
 

RetractableRoof

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In stature, throwing motion and ability to make plays with his legs, J'Mar Smith has a Tyrod Taylor kind of vibe. If he shows well, I'd really like to keep him around. At minimum, he's someone you could try out in wildcat formations to give the offense a different wrinkle when the situation arises. And he does throw a nice deep ball. I don't see the need to have another pocket passer like Kessler or someone similar filling the third stringer role with Stidham and Hoyer already in the fold.
Sounds like he'd be extremely valuable on the scout team as well - or what T&A said a couple of posts before me.... ugh.
 

RetractableRoof

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Not drafted not signed. Not all that surprising, he transferred to LaTech after he couldn't get on the field at South Alabama. Had a pretty decent Sr. year, but wasn't amazing either (basically in a 3 way performance tie with the other 2 wideouts and 1/3rd of his yards came in a single game against Southern Miss). Not particularly good pro-day numbers, he seems like a guy who might get a tryout with somebody but may either be done with football or bound for the arena league.
Thanks for the thorough update. I wasn't going Binkie on him or anything, but did see some nice catches - it's hard to separate the skill from the quality of competition on single highlight reels without a larger perspective of other players. If I'm BB and find myself with an empty roster slot early, I'd bring him in just to add a small comfort level to J'Mar Smith. Same way they just brought in a receiver that Stidham knows.
 

Soxy

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So is the thoughtnot to challegne Rohrwasser with another college kid, but a veteran (maybe don't even have two in camp, and wait for cuts)? I would have though Blankenship would be a good pairing, but they obviously thought otherwise.
It's a two way street. Maybe Blankenship would rather sign with the Colts, seeing an easier path to a job and a chance to kick in a dome for at least 9 games a year. He's probably a better fit there, and it's definitely a better opportunity for him.
 

E5 Yaz

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Garshaparra

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Watching the J'Mar Smith sizzle reel, I was really impressed by the muscle and push of his huge WR Malik Stanley. I can't find any references to him being drafted or UDFA'd though. He had a handful of pre-draft interviews, but no bites at the apple? Pretty surprising. I'd at least consider him as a TE conversion project.

edit: Completely missed the discussion above, carry on.
 

DourDoerr

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also how is it possible that LA Tech figured out that the shoulder stripes should go blue-red-blue but the Pats couldn’t?
It's consistency and beauty which is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. I think the Pats made the right decision as the red/white/red on the color jersey looks better to me than white/red/white. It seems more intimidating too with a darker overall jersey. The Bulldogs, by the way, do go white/red/white on their color jerseys, so judge for yourself below. Those alternates seem familiar...
iu-4.jpeg

iu.png
 

E5 Yaz

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BaseballJones

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https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jeff-thomas?id=32195448-4f22-2078-f6d2-7ba87765b867
What's the character issue(s) this guy has?

""Manny (Diaz) recruited him to come back to the program and I'm sure he regrets it now. He has talent but not enough to put up with all the other crap that comes with him." -- National scout for NFC team"

I wonder what the heck the deal is with this guy.