Felger & Mazz Big Board 2020: Outside linebackers for the Patriots in the NFL Draft
The Felger & Mazz Big Board is back for 2020, with an eye toward nailing the Patriots’ draft picks by nailing draft magazines with markers.
Mike & Tony are expanding the Big Board in their pre-draft analysis, which consists of chucking markers at draft magazines. Now it’s happening remotely and we’re providing the results right here at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Felger & Mazz continued to look at the Patriots defense after picking some defensive tackles and defensive ends last week. Now it’s time to look at inside linebackers to back up Dont’a Hightower on the depth chart. Here’s a quick look at who Mike & Tony hit, along with their instant analysis.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
![CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/Akeem-Davis-Gaither-copy.jpg)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 21: Akeem Davis-Gaither #24 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers reacts to a missed field goal by Noah Ruggles #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels as time expires in their game at Kenan Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Mountaineers won 34-31. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
From NFL.com: “No matter his size, Davis-Gaither is a playmaker with a talent for slipping blocks and ending up near the football. Teams who hope to roll him into a hybrid role may find he’s a better pass rusher than cover man. He is comfortable and effective when playing downhill, but issues with inconsistent angles to the ball and missed tackles pop up when forced to play in space. Some teams will be uncomfortable with his size. However, he plays with instincts and toughness. He should find a home as a backup 4-3 weakside linebacker and productive member of special teams units.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “This is like a crazed, wild cat.”
Mazz: *Makes cat noises*
David Woodward, Utah State
![WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 30: David Woodward #9 of the Utah State Aggies dives to tackle Cade Carney #36 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at BB&T Field on August 30, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/David-Woodward-copy.jpg)
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 30: David Woodward #9 of the Utah State Aggies dives to tackle Cade Carney #36 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at BB&T Field on August 30, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
From NFL.com: “Woodward doesn’t look the part of NFL linebacker with short limbs and an underdeveloped frame. He has below-average athletic traits and lacks the speed to range from sideline to sideline. However, he’s instinctive and plays with a bird dog’s sense of tracking with a consistent ability to find the football. He’s active and tough but may not have the necessary physical tools to translate into an NFL job. First and foremost, he has to be given clearance by NFL medical staffs at the NFL Scouting Combine.”
(Yes, they hit David Woodward a second time. They have no choice but to stick with it.)
ANALYSIS
Felger: “This is the same stiff we picked yesterday.”
Mazz: “Oh, then that is the board calling to us.”
Davion Taylor, Colorado
![Oct 11, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jaylon Redd (30) catches a touchdown pass against Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Davion Taylor (20) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2020/04/Davion-Taylor-copy.jpg)
Oct 11, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jaylon Redd (30) catches a touchdown pass against Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Davion Taylor (20) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
From NFL.com: “Traits-based linebacker project with rare speed and explosiveness who may need an extended developmental runway to counter his lack of experience and awareness. Religious beliefs prevented him from playing high school ball (other than a single game) and he is still in the early stages of learning and applying proper technique and fundamentals in all phases of the game. While his inexperience shows up plenty on tape, he has flashes that show off what he could be capable of in the future. Scouts say he’s very coachable and that he’s one of Mel Tucker’s (current CU head coach and former NFL coach) favorites. At best, he develops into a playmaking starter after two or three years. At worst, he should be a plus special teams talent fairly quickly.”
ANALYSIS
Felger: “Yeah I get it, he’s a track athlete, he’s fast, got it.”
Mazz: “Yeah you wanted speed on defense, I gave you one guy who’s borderline ‘inhuman’ and the other guy who’s a sprinter, so there you go.”
LISTEN: Felger & Mazz Big Board 2020 – Outside Linebackers in the NFL Draft
BIG BOARD 2020: Guard | Center | Tackle | Defensive Tackle | Defensive End
The Felger & Mazz Big Board continues Wednesday, April 15.