Patriots eyeing Matt Elam?
Patriot's Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio answered questions yesterday about this year's draft and the Patriots primary needs. He discussed the depth of the draft, and touched on a number of different positions. But he only mentioned one player by name: hard-hitting Florida safety Matt Elam.
Here Caserio is specifically highlighting Elam's versatility and ability to play multiple positions, something we know is one of the skills the Patriots value and look for most in players. Whether or not this is any indication that the team is going to pick Elam is unclear. But when you combine the fact he is the only player we have heard a direct reference to from Patriot's personnel, that he plays a position that may be the team's most pressing need, and Belichick's well-known affinity for the Florida program make the case for Elam a bit stronger.
NEPatriotsdraft.com wrote a great player profile on Elam a few months back. The entire thing is definitely worth a read, but here is the conclusion they reached on his overall skillset:
Obviously there are things to like here, but the one glaring concern is that he is limited in coverage "due to over-aggression and poor technique." This immediatley brings to mind Brandon Merriweather and Patrick Chung, both high draft picks the Patriots would like to have back.
Predicted to fall in the late first to early second round, it will be interested to see if the Pats will roll the dice on a hard-hitting, high-risk/high-reward type safety like Elam. Thursday night should be very interesting.
@LiamPCunningham
@PatriotsLife
“I think one of the things that’s probably unique about that position is that you’ve seen a few more players that have actually played multiple positions. Some have played safety, some have played corner, some have played a nickel position like the Matt Elam kid,” he said. “There are versatile players in the defensive backfield position that are not necessarily confined to one particular spot. ... I think there’s some depth and some versatility at that position.” (Quote from The Providence Journal)
Here Caserio is specifically highlighting Elam's versatility and ability to play multiple positions, something we know is one of the skills the Patriots value and look for most in players. Whether or not this is any indication that the team is going to pick Elam is unclear. But when you combine the fact he is the only player we have heard a direct reference to from Patriot's personnel, that he plays a position that may be the team's most pressing need, and Belichick's well-known affinity for the Florida program make the case for Elam a bit stronger.
NEPatriotsdraft.com wrote a great player profile on Elam a few months back. The entire thing is definitely worth a read, but here is the conclusion they reached on his overall skillset:
Matt Elam is a violent, explosive and physical presence as a Safety prospect. He’s a very good athlete with a physical build and is not afraid to throw his body around. With his ability to make big hits and disrupt plays, opposing players will know where he is one the field at all times. Can be a force in the run game and as a blitzer. Is somewhat limited in coverage due to over-aggression and poor technique. Not afraid to take chances, but will get burnt now and again. Which ever team drafts Elam will be doing so to pair with a rangy coverage free safety. Elam will be at his best when playing in the box, disrupting short passes and making plays at and behind the line of scrimmage. With his athleticism, physical presence and ability to make the splashy play, he won’t make it out of the 2nd round in April’s draft.
Obviously there are things to like here, but the one glaring concern is that he is limited in coverage "due to over-aggression and poor technique." This immediatley brings to mind Brandon Merriweather and Patrick Chung, both high draft picks the Patriots would like to have back.
Predicted to fall in the late first to early second round, it will be interested to see if the Pats will roll the dice on a hard-hitting, high-risk/high-reward type safety like Elam. Thursday night should be very interesting.
@LiamPCunningham
