Third Round Draft Summary
In the third round of the draft, the Patriots selected a cornerback (Logan Ryan) and a safety (Duron Harmon) to help in the depth department. The Patriots resigned Talib this offseason and brought in Adrian Wilson, but let me tell you why the Patriots needed to bring in some talent at these positions.
Adrian Wilson is making back-up type numbers (showing what the market set his value at) and a former coach says Wilson isn't great in the pass-game, but excels in the run game. A run-stopping safety isn't exactly what a 29th ranked pass defense needs.
Talib, who was just recently resigned, is only signed for one season. This one-year deal means that Talib is possibly not the long-term answer at cornerback. With injury and character concerns, the Patriots did just the right thing bringing in some insurance for Talib, especially if the corner can play.
This brings me to the picks:
CB Logan Ryan's scouting report has him as a physical player that is built to withstand the NFL season. At the combine, he scored well in all the agility tests making him a versatile player that would be able to cover NFL talent. He scored a seven on a scale of 1-10, which basically means he can give the starter a run for his money. With Talib here, Dennard not facing jail-time during the season and a relatively big contract just given to Arrington, I don't see Ryan starting this season. Injuries killed us in the playoffs and that's where Ryan could potentially make an instant impact. You may see Ryan step in for Talib if Talib isn't resigned next offseason.
5'11 Logan Ryan out of Rutgers is well coached and has the ability to play man-to-man coverage. In his three seasons at Rutgers, Ryan grabbed seven interceptions and forced two fumbles. Ryan had 94 total tackles in 2012 and 67 in 2011. He entered the draft as a Junior and so the downside to him is his youth or lack of experience. He also needs to tone down his aggressive play in the NFL or he is susceptible to being burned on hitch routes and PI calls.
Belichick seemed infatuated with Rutgers players as he grabbed safety Duron Harmon right after Logan Ryan and both were from Rutgers. Harmon is a 6'1, 200 pound safety that can throw his weight around. Most people didn't think the Patriots needed a safety after having Adrian Wilson and Tavon Wilson, but obviously Bill felt otherwise. The Patriots have all those options, including Nate Ebner so this looks like a strictly special teams and depth pick, but the jury is still out on both Wilson's if you ask me.
In his career at Rutgers, Harmon racked up 129 tackles including 50 in 2012. His Junior year, Harmon grabbed 5 interceptions and batted down six balls. He seems to have a knack for the ball and the ability to play the ball. Nothing drove me more crazy than watching the Patriots secondary running down the field, in perfect position, but not turning around to make the play. It made me want to snap so it's a relief to have a guy that doesn't do that crap.
I love what the Patriots did in the draft. They needed a coverage linebacker, wide receiver, cornerback and safety. They did a great job gaining those extra picks and grabbing the players that they wanted. The jury is out on all of them because college players don't always acclimate to the NFL well, but they sure look like a good fit.
Josh Brown
@TitleTownTalkSB
