SB Nation Boston - 2011 NFL Draft: New England Patriots Wrap Up Interesting Draft; BC's Mark Herzlich Undrafted

Media Roundup: On The Patriots' Draft, And Michael Felger's Constant Criticism Of It

2011-05-06T16:17:37Z

Comcast SportsNet New England loves to promote Michael Felger in on-air ads with the tag line, "No one has more opinions than Michael Felger."

Michael Felger loves to use the tag line, "Fact, Not Opinion" on himself, usually as a way to slam the door on someone who disagrees with him.

It's okay to use both facts and opinions when debating sports. So many things are subjective. Oftentimes though, Felger tries just a bit too hard to be a contrarian -- not uncommon among his colleagues in the Boston sports media.

Two recent examples spring to mind -- the Boston Bruins, and the New England Patriots draft picks.

On hockey, there is no debating Felger's passion for the sport, nor for the fact that he'd like to see the Boston Bruins win a Stanley Cup Championship. However, it has been fun seeing some of Felger's stone-cold-lock theories being challenged, and in some cases, destroyed, by the likes of Joe Haggerty. I'll let the hockey experts continue to tear apart Felger's theories that Tim Thomas will never steal a playoff game for you, and watch Felger spin things after the fact -- "Thomas has changed...he's not the same."

When it comes to football however, Felger has displayed a clear bias in his opinions towards the New England Patriots. Longtime observers remember the days when Felger was a lone voice on the Patriots beat who actually defended them, but as the tide turned, and the Patriots continued successful and got good press, Felger found it advantageous to change sides and actually become a Patriots critic. It gets him the attention he's seeking. (As evidenced by this column.)

Felger has consistently bashed the Patriots' drafting, and especially over the last five years. His CSNNE.com mailbag from this week is a perfect example of this. The first question out of the shoot:

* * * *
Hey, Felger!

Another-mind boggling, frustrating, contrarian draft by Belichick. Nothing for the defense except the 400th cornerback he's drafted since Asante left. I'm not so concerned with the first pick. Obviously, Light is either gone or almost gone. He sucked, anyway. But trading out at 28 for next year, which he will trade out for the next year, really annoys me. I'm going on record as saying this will be a Mayo-year draft. Only one kid sticks and is an actual player.

Steve
Chester NH

This I know: If it were any other coach and any other team, they would be getting hammered for this draft. Belichick and the Pats have had only one truly good draft class in the last five years, yet he's still portrayed as a master of the draft. I'm not sure where that comes from. Belichick can certainly manipulate picks and move around the board, no question about it, but when it comes to actually taking players, his record is far more spotty.

I'll put aside for a moment the fact that the question was clearly sent by someone who 1) knew it was directly in Felger's wheelhouse, and 2) isn't much of a fan. Whatever. Let's focus on Felger's answer to the "question." (Was a question actually asked there? I don't see one.)

Felger states that Belichick is portrayed as a master of the draft, but isn't sure where that comes from, and that his record when actually taking players is "far more spotty."

It's a well-worn argument, one that Felger has been making for years, ever since the Patriots had one or two bad years drafting players. But how is Bill Belichick's overall record when actually taking players?

The website Cold Hard Football Facts (not Opinions) put out a piece this week that attempted to look at the draft records of NFL teams, and find a way to measure the effectiveness of each over the last decade. The piece - Decade in the making: the ultimate NFL draft grades - was written by New Bedford Standard Times sports editor Jonathan Comey. Look who comes out on top:

THE VALEDICTORIAN

New England (A)

Pro Bowlers: 11 (2nd)

Draftees Active in 2010: 46 (t-3rd)

Players with 50+ Career AV: 7 (1st)

Players with 20+ Career AV: 22 (t-1st)

Best Pick: CB Asante Samuel (4th round, 2003)

Worst Pick: WR Chad Jackson (2nd round, 2006)

Summary: The Patriots got at least one impact player in each of their 10 drafts from 2001-2010, and maybe the biggest tribute to their ability to identify top talent is that all 10 of their No. 1 picks were still playing in the league last year along with 11 of their 14 No. 2s. This bodes well for 2011 draftees Nate Solder, Ras-I Dowling and Shane Vereen.

From my own research, I found that in every draft of the Belichick era except 2002, the Patriots drafted a player who became a Pro Bowler or All Pro with the Patriots. In 2002, they drafted Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch.

It would seem that when he does draft players in the first or second round, they stick. The exceptions are glaring -- Laurence Maroney and Chad Jackson being exhibits 1 and 1a in this regard. But the failures are always going to stand out.

But if the eight straight seasons of double-digit wins weren't enough, a look at the facts seems to indicate that the Patriots do know what they are doing when it comes to the draft. No matter what Felger, or Steve from Chester, NH, might have to say.

Fact, not opinion.

The Roundup

The Bruins continue to grab high ratings in their postseason run. Wednesday night's Game 3, which was broadcast exclusively on Versus, actually scored a higher rating (11.76) than Tuesday night's Celtics Game 2, broadcast exclusively on TNT (11.1). Those numbers both reflect the local Boston ratings numbers, not nationally. The Celtics game one last Sunday, broadcast on ABC, grabbed a 13.9 locally, making it the highest rank non-finals NBA playoff game since Game 7 of the 2008 series between the Celtics and Cavaliers.

NFL Draft 2011: BC's Mark Herzlich Disappointed, But Understanding

2011-05-01T17:48:48Z

Mark Herzlich went through a lot during his time at Boston College, going from one of the nation's best collegiate linebackers to a cancer patient fighting a terrible disease.

Yet even though Herzlich was able to make a remarkable recovery and play in every game for the Boston College Eagles last season, it wasn't enough for him to be drafted over the weekend in the 2011 NFL Draft. What a shame.

Herzlich was naturally disappointed that he went undrafted, but he understood the reasoning behind the draft snub.

"When it happens, if it happens, they'll call me,'' said Herzlich yesterday morning before the business of selecting players began for the day. "I'm not confused by what happened [to his draft status]. I understand it completely. I know where I would have been picked if I were healthy. The big thing is for me to get to an NFL camp and prove myself. I would have to do that anyway. It doesn't matter.''

The call never came, and with the NFL lockout back on, Herzlich will have to wait for his chance to play at the next level.

"I am very disappointed,'' said Herzlich last night after a long day of waiting. "And got more frustrated as the day went on.'' (via Boston Globe)

For more on the New England Patriots and their draft, head over to Pats Pulpit. And for all things 2011 NFL Draft related, from the first pick to Mr. Irrelevant and everything in between, check out SB Nation's 2011 NFL Draft Hub and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft.

NFL Draft 2011: BC's Mark Herzlich Eager To Prove Critics Wrong

2011-05-01T01:19:25Z

Mark Herzlich has quickly become one of my favorite football players of all time, and he's not even a pro (yet). Herzlich, who went undrafted in this weekend's 2011 NFL Draft, wasn't focused on his draft stock, instead choosing to focus on the tragedy caused by the violent tornadoes in Alabama.

Today sucked for me but everyone needs to pray for all the people in Alabama. They need us more than ever right now.less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyMark Herzlich
MarkHerzlich

In regards to going undrafted, Herzlich said on Twitter that he's been in a similar position before and has come out on top before.

I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquitless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyMark Herzlich
MarkHerzlich

Instead of letting the disappointed get the best of him, Herzlich held his head high and is determined to show all 32 NFL teams what they missed out on this weekend. I'll guarantee you this: Herzlich is going to do whatever it takes to become a superstar in the NFL one day, you can count on that.

NFL Draft 2011, New England Patriots: Ryan Mallett, Nate Solder Highlight Picks

2011-05-01T00:22:21Z

New England capped off the 2011 NFL Draft in New York City on Saturday afternoon, making four picks in Rounds 4-7 as this year's draft came to a close.

In typical fashion, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made some questionable decisions, including the decision to draft an offensive lineman at No. 17 overall and trade away the No. 28 overall pick.

The debate begins as to whether or not this year's Patriots draft class will be a successful one, but for now, all fans can do is sit back and analyze their team's newest players. With that in mind, here's a look at your newest Patriots.

2011 NFL Draft - New England Patriots Draft Picks

Round 1, No. 28: Nate Solder (OT - Colorado Buffaloes)
Round 2, No. 33: Ras-I Dowling (CB - Virginia Cavaliers)
Round 2, No. 56: Shane Vereen (RB - California Golden Bears)
Round 3, No. 73: Stevan Ridley (RB - LSU Tigers)
Round 3, No. 74: Ryan Mallett (QB - Arkansas Razorbacks)
Round 5, No. 138: Marcus Cannon (OT - TCU Horned Frogs)
Round 5, No. 159: Lee Smith (TE - Marshall Thundering Herd)
Round 6, No. 194: Markell Carter (LB - Central Arkansas Bears)
Round 7, No. 219: Malcolm Williams (CB - TCU Horned Frogs)

Mallett's name is the one that stands out in this group, but there are plenty of other story lines. Take Cannon, for example, who was diagnosed with cancer just a few days before the draft.

The definitive answer on whether or not this year's draft was successful will not be known for several years, so for now, we can only debate amongst ourselves.

2011 NFL Draft Results: New England Patriots Wrap Up Interesting Draft

2011-05-01T00:00:20Z

The 2011 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and similar to previous years, the New England Patriots made some questionable picks. Sometime's they have turned out (see: Devin McCourty), and other times, they just haven't (see: Laurence Maroney). All we know for now is that the draft didn't turn out the way most Patriots fans had hoped.

Pats Pulpit, SB Nation's Patriots blog, takes a look at the New England Patriots' draft this year.

For the Patriots, I don't think the draft turned out exactly as most fans expected. While the Patriots ultimately did select two offensive linemen with the choices of Colorado left tackle Nate Solder in the first round and TCU guard/tackle Marcus Cannon in the fifth, they failed to address the front seven of the defense until the 194th pick in the sixth round, when they took Central Arkansas DE/OLB Markell Carter. (via Pats Pulpit)

The draft wasn't a total loss, though, as New England was able to add some depth, according to Pats Pulpit.

Still, they added some quality depth to their running back corps with the additions of Shane Vereen of Cal and Stevan Ridley of LSU in the second and third round respectively. They got the draft's best blocking tight end in Marshall's Lee Smith.

Head on over to Pats Pulpit to read even more reaction on the draft.

2011 NFL Draft Results: BC's Mark Herzlich Goes Undrafted

2011-04-30T23:36:48Z

Mark Herzlich, the senior linebacker from Boston College Eagles who overcame cancer, went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

In short, the NFL and every single team ought to be ashamed of themselves. To invite a player who overcame a horrific disease to the draft and let him sit through every single round and every single pick without giving him the honor of having his name called (that he absolutely deserves) is absolutely despicable.

Herzlich finished his four-year career at Boston College with 314 tackles, 11 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three sacks. In 2010, Herzlich recorded 65 tackles (50 solo) and had four interceptions and two forced fumbles,.

In 2008-09, Herzlich was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, recording 110 tackles (81 solo), six interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Herzlich was widely considered the best collegiate linebacker after that season.

Then, Herzlich's life changed forever, when he was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, forcing him to miss the entire 2009 season. Remarkably, Herzlich recovered fully and served as an inspiration to the nation when he returned to the football field for his senior season last year.

Herzlich was awarded the Rudy Award and the ACC's Brian Piccolo Award in his senior season. In 2009, Herzlich was given several award, including Disney's Spirit Award, an honorary Lott Trophy and the ACC Commissioner's Cup.

2011 NFL Draft Seventh Round Results: Pats Take Malcolm Williams, Mark Herzlich Goes Undrafted

2011-04-30T23:32:44Z

The 2011 NFL Draft has officially come to a close, and what a draft it was. There will be plenty of reaction to picks and analysis in the days to come, but for now, let's take a look at the complete seventh round of this year's draft, including Mr. Irrelevant.

2011 NFL Draft - Seventh Round - Picks 1-51 (Nos. 204-254)

Denver Broncos - Virgil Green (TE - Nevada Wolf Pack)
Seattle Seahawks - Lazarius Levingston (DT - LSU Tigers)
Buffalo Bills - Justin Rogers (CB - Richmond Spiders)
Cincinnati Bengals - Korey Lindsey (CB - Southern Illinois Salukis)
New York Jets - Greg McElroy (QB - Alabama Crimson Tide)
Detroit Lions - Johnny Culbreath (OT - South Carolina St. Bulldogs)
Atlanta Falcons - Andrew Jackson (OL - Fresno State Bulldogs)
San Francisco 49ers - Bruce Miller (DE - Central Florida Knights)
Tennessee Titans - Zach Clayton (DT - Auburn Tigers)
Washington Redskins - Brandyn Thompson (CB - Boise St. Broncos)
Houston Texans - Derek Newton (OT - Arkansas St. Red Wolves)
Minnesota Vikings - D'Aundre Reed (DE - Arizona Wildcats)
St. Louis Rams - Mikail Baker (CB - Baylor Bears)
Washington Redskins - Maurice Hurt (OL - Florida Gators)
Green Bay Packers - Ryan Taylor (TE - North Carolina Tar Heels)
New England Patriots - Malcolm Williams (DB - TCU Horned Frogs)
Dallas Cowboys - Shaun Chapas (FB - Georgia Bulldogs)
New York Giants - Da'Rel Scott (RB - Maryland Terrapins)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Anthony Gaitor (CB - Florida International Golden Panthers)
Kansas City Chiefs - Shane Bannon (RB - Yale Bulldogs)
Washington Redskins - Markus White (LB - Florida St. Seminoles)
Baltimore Ravens - Anthony Allen (RB - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)
New Orleans Saints - Greg Romeus (DE - Pittsburgh Panthers)
New York Jets - Scotty McKnight (WR - Colorado Buffaloes)
St. Louis Rams - Jabara Williams (LB - Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks)
St. Louis Rams - Jonathan Nelson (S - Oklahoma Sooners)
Atlanta Falcons - Cliff Matthews (DE - South Carolina Gamecocks)
Miami Dolphins - Frank Kearse (DT - Alabama A&M Bulldogs)
Pittsburgh Steelers - Baron Batch (RB - Texas Tech Red Raiders)
Green Bay Packers - Lawrence Guy (DT - Arizona St. Wildcats)
San Diego Chargers - Andrew Gachkar (LB - Missouri Tigers)
Miami Dolphins - James Wilson (CB - Montana Grizzlies)
Minnesota Vikings - Stephen Burton (WR - West Texas A&M Buffaloes)
Philadelphia Eagles - Greg Lloyd (LB - Connecticut Huskies)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Daniel Hardy (TE - Idaho Vandals)
San Francisco 49ers - Mike Person (OL - Montana State Bobcats)
Philadelphia Eagles - Stanley Havili (FB - USC Trojans)
Oakland Raiders - David Ausberry (WR - USC Trojans)
Seattle Seahawks - Malcolm Smith (LB - USC Trojans)
New Orleans Saints - Nate Bussey (LB - Illinois Fighting Illini)
Carolina Panthers - Lee Ziemba (OT - Auburn Tigers)
Buffalo Bills - Michael Jasper (OG - Bethel (TN) Wildcats)
Cincinnati Bengals - Jay Finley (RB - Baylor Bears)
Denver Broncos - Jeremy Beal (DL - Oklahoma Sooners)
Cleveland Browns - Eric Hagg (CB - Nebraska Cornhuskers)
Arizona Cardinals - DeMarco Sampson (WR - San Diego St. Aztecs)
San Francisco 49ers - Curtis Holcomb (DB - Florida A&M Rattlers)
Tennessee Titans - Tommie Campbell (DB - California (PA) Vulcans)
Dallas Cowboys - Bill Nagy (C - Wisconsin Badgers)
Washington Redskins - Chris Neild (NT - West Virginia Mountaineers)
Houston Texans - Cheta Ozougwu (LB - Rice Owls): Congratulations, Mr. Irrelevant!

2011 NFL Draft Results: Patriots Take Malcolm Williams At No. 219

2011-04-30T22:10:03Z

Malcolm Williams, a 5'11", 200-pound cornerback from TCU, has been drafted by the New England Patriots with the No. 219 pick (16th pick in the seventh round) in the 2011 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Williams, who was the second player from TCU the Patriots have drafted this year, ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and can also contribute on special teams.

There are still quite a few more picks left in the 2011 NFL Draft, but not for the Patriots, who wrapped up their draft when they selected Williams with their final selection.

New England drafted Nate Solder in the first round, Ras-I Dowling and Shane Vereen in the second round, Stevan Ridley and Ryan Mallett in the third round and Marcus Cannon, Lee Smith, Markell Carter and Williams on the draft's third and final day.