Jamie Collins
Jamie Collins is a standup edge rusher with long arms and big hands for the position. He is a good combination of power and speed and had a productive career as a hybrid strong safety/linebacker. His core strength to stack and shed is questionable. He demonstrates the skill to play man-to-man defense on a slot receiver. Athletically he is very explosive but needs more violence in his game. At this point in his career he may be more athlete than football player. Wide receiver Aaron Dobson has been making some impressive catches and plays in OTAs and is making a strong bid for the second and third receiver position. He has had a few drops that make the coaches question his focus at times. Nevertheless, he is a splash play waiting to happen. He has made several big time catches over his career. Athletic after catch, he has good speed and production with the ball in his hands. He leaps for the ball well with good timing and has good ball skills. Logan Ryan is coming off a productive college career where he recorded 94 tackles and had 18 pass breakups. Disciplined in coverage, he is tough in run support and has sticky man-to-man ability. Ryan will compete with Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington at right corner. He has good ball skills, foot quickness, and body control and will contribute on special teams’ coverage. Duron Harmon (6002, 196) has struggled through injuries during OTAs, so it’s too early to see how he’ll fit in at safety in the Patriots’ system. Buried on the depth chart, Harmon was projected as a late round free agent pick, but was the 91st player drafted. Measurables at his pro day were 4.55/40, 15/BP, 36/VJ, 10-5/BJ, 4.40/SS, and 7.02/3 cone. A two-year starter, he collected 50 tackles and had 7 pass breakups in 2012. Josh Boyce has been hampered by a broken “pinky” toe. The junior draft entry was selected for his rare speed to stretch a secondary. He will battle veterans’ Michael Jenkins and Donald Jones for the two or three receiver spot, depending on how Dobson steps up. He picks up his speed as he gets down the field and is able to separate deep better than short and medium. In order to get on the field he will need to reduce his receiver inconsistencies. Michael Buchanan faces competition from several players to make the ball club at defensive end. Like Collins, he projects as a multi-scheme player with experience as a rush end or standup 3-4 prospect. A high cut and long limbed slender athlete, he has good lateral quickness. He has definite pass rush skills worth developing. Steve Beauharnais is getting work at middle linebacker. A four down linebacker, he can stay on the field on passing downs and then play special teams. Quick to fit the hole, he takes good angles in pursuit. He tracks well moving downhill. Physical at taking on blocks, he has solid tackling ability. GRADE: AVERAGE.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233