QUOTE (bjames36 @ Apr 4 2009, 3:03:13 AM)

The guy I think most experts have undervalued is Connor Barwin from Cincinatti.I honestly believe the Pats are taking him at #23.He was allready a mid-second rounder before some great postseason workouts,running a 4.50 40 at 6'4'',255 pounds.In only one season as a defender he had 11 1/2 sacks and his speed makes him a potentially deadly pass rusher at the pro level.As a junior tight end he had 33 receptions,and had he stayed at tight end he would be the fastest in the draft by far.So he is a potential two-way player,and not just in the red zone.He has the speed to create some serious mismatches with lbs and safeties,the speed to split the seam.Does this versatility and his size remind anyone of Mike Vrabel?Only Vrabel wasn't this fast.He was a better defender in college,but not nearly as polished a tight end than Barwin.Another good thing about him is special teams.He blocked a record-tying 3 punts as a freshman,and with his size/speed he should be penciled in as a special teams coverage guy.Let's see-he can play defense,offense and special teams.Sounds like someone Bellichek values?
A lot of people say I'm crazy,that he makes sense going to them at #34 but not #23.When has Bellichek ever been worried about position when it comes to getting a guy he wants?People balked that he "reached" for Mankins,whom most had going in the third round.Alot thought he reached for Mayo last year,most had him going in the late first and the Pats trade up to take him at #10.Plus I think at least 3 teamspicking between #23 and #34 will give very serious consideration to drafting Barwin-Miami,Baltimore and Pittsburgh.In Miami,Porter will be what,33?34? and entering the fourth year of his big contract next seaon.Sounds like a good time to groom a replacement.Same scenario with Baltimore and Pittsburgh.Baltimore brass say they feel a long term deal with Suggs is coming,but don't they all say that?I think Suggs wants to test the market.Reports indicate that the Steelers and Harrison are far apart in negotiations.Look at their history of giving guys over the age of 30 big money,they rarely do.Are they gonna give a 31 year old guy a long term deal for Haynesworth money?I doubt it.Barwin would fit in well there too,learning from Harrison and grooming for the job.
So I say Barwin at #23.
No arguments here, bjames. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see Barwin go to NE in the first round. I scouted the Big East for CDS this year and saw multiple Bearcat games and came away impressed with Barwin every time. 3-4 OLB, 4-3 RDE, TE, special teams ace, high-motor, high-character, good athlete, great football player... there's not a whole lot there to
not like.