MOBILE, Ala. — Some assorted Patriots/NFL/draft news and notes as we pack up and head back to the frozen tundra of New England.
We’ll hit on the new front office dynamics, some leftover notes from the Patriots season and players who caught our eye at the Senior Bowl, but we’ll start with the juiciest rumor we heard around Mobile.
Is Joe Milton on the block?
I thought the Patriots would hold off on entertaining a trade of Joe Milton, who was drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) last year, for at least another season, but there’s increasing belief around the NFL that the Patriots are at least contemplating a trade of Milton this offseason. Again, I’m not saying he’s on the block right now, but the Patriots will likely consider it when everything settles with the front office and coaching staff.
Why would they do it?
Mostly because the timing could be right, with this QB class being weak. The Senior Bowl QBs were very underwhelming. And the Patriots could be striking while the iron is hot with Milton’s good film in the season finale.
What could they fetch? Some league executives believe the Patriots could get up to a third-round pick this year. Would you rather draft someone like Riley Leonard (Notre Dame), Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) or Jaxson Dart (Mississippi) – who all lack something — or go with a Milton who has all the measureables, good NFL film and showed he can take coaching and improve?
Patriots front office dynamics
It was interesting to observe the dynamics between Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ front office during the practices at the Senior Bowl. On the first day, Vrabel and Eliot Wolf sat right next to each other and then were joined by Ryan Cowden, who parked himself on the other side of Vrabel. On the second day, Vrabel seemed to be conducting a few interviews by himself – and was given a lot of space by the others. During the second practice on Wednesday, Vrabel spent almost the entire practice with Steelers OC Arthur Smith and Colts coach Shane Steichen (not 100 percent but it looked like him), and all three had an extended discussion with Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman during the second half of practice. On Thursday, I did not spot Wolf or Vrabel. It’s very possible they were conducting interviews/working on finishing the staff.
In talking to an AFC scout who spent time with the Patriots at the East-West Shrine Game, he remarked that Wolf, Cowden and Alonzo Highsmith seemed to get along well and were developing a nice rapport. Highsmith spent most of the first two days around former colleagues with the Packers.
No one has told me this, and it’s just my gut feeling, but I’m beginning to wonder if Matt Groh has a future in New England after this draft. He just seems like the odd-man out, doesn’t really fit with the new dynamic. He’s never had the highest of interpersonal skills, but it seemed like he conducted himself like a lone wolf in Mobile.
Patriots tidbits
Picked up from various league sources, but far from confirmed … Some sources tangentially connected to the Patriots believe that there could be widespread personnel changes this offseason, including some of the players believed to be part of the core. No, I don't have any names but I'm sure we'll have fun speculating this offseason … There’s a belief that Vrabel will end of calling the defensive plays, and that the predominant coverage scheme could go from man to quarters under the new head coach. … Wonder why Jonathan Jones seemed to tail off at the end of the season? Both of his shoulders had big-time injury issues but he toughed it out and continued to play. ... Talked to Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo on Thursday about Doug Marrone, who was a senior advisor to the Eagles last season after being fired by the Saints. I wouldn't say Trapilo was blown away by Marrone or anything but he said Marrone was helpful and always available. He helped put the linemen through individual drills, and Trapilo remarked at how Marrone also helped the defensive line understand line play better. He also said Marrone was very much old school and similar to Bill O'Brien.
Senior Bowl thoughts
My favorite player of the week was North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel (6-5 ½, 316 pounds). He reminds me a lot of Joe Thuney — I know, high praise from me — in that he can play every position on the offensive line and Zabel might even be more physical/play with a nastier edge. He's probably a guard in the pros, but he looked good at center and hold his own at tackle. ... NC State LT Anthony Belton was by far the best tackle in Mobile and has moved into late first round consideration. Moves amazingly well for a 6-5 ½, 345-pound tackle. He's really improved over the last year. ... Loved UCF RB RJ Harvey (5-8, 207). Quick cuts, great balance and nice burst. ... Didn't really love any of the receivers but slots Jamaal Pritchett (South Alabama) and Tai Felton (Maryland) stood out, along with Jalen Royals (Utah State). I thought Tez Johnson (Oregon) was overrated, didn't love his routes. ... On the edge, Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M), Marshall's Mike Green and Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku had a good first two days before tapping out, having done enough. RJ Oben (Notre Dame) is a grown-ass man. ... Really liked the tight ends, and this might be a very good class. Elijah Arroyo (Miami), Mason Taylor (LSU), Gavin Bartholomew (Pitt), Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green), Thomas Fidone II (Nebraska) all stood out at some point. Arroyo can get open. Taylor, who is Jason Taylor's son (I'm old), was great in the red zone. Fidone has a little young Gronk in him. Had higher hopes for Fannin but he's a little small. ... TCU WR Jack Bech had a good week but I'm not a big fan. Don't like the way his lower body is built. ... Trapilo had a poor first practice knocking off the rust but rebounded nicely the last two days. ... Once Daniel Jeremiah listed him 11th on his top 50 just as the Senior Bowl week started, Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou said he was sick and didn't do anything all week.
