The Felger and Mazz Big Board returns for the 2023 NFL Draft! The Felger and Mazz program believes that throwing markers at a draft magazine is just as successful as predicting who’ll be picked based on scouting reports….so that’s what they do!
In 12 years, the guys have correctly predicted 13 Patriots draft picks. The F&M Big Board gave us DE Jake Bequette, WR Aaron Dobson, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, DE Trey Flowers, CB Cyrus Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Isaiah Wynn, WR N’Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, DT Christian Barmore, LB Cameron McGrone, and two hits last year Cole Strange OG an dPierre Strong RB.
The big board continues on Wednesday with the guys picking linebackers!
Will the guys add correct picks again this year? Here’s their linebacker hits!
LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell (LB05) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
– Big, long frame for the position
– Scrapes with pads square to the line
– Finds his run fit and spills the action wide
Weaknesses:
– Needs to play off blocker with better efficiency
– Lacking desired short-area burst in pursuit
– Long legs hinder ability to match in man coverage
(Sounce: NFL.com)
LB Dee Winters, TCU
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs linebacker Dee Winters (13) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
– Starting experience at both inside and outside linebacker
– Turns the run inside as play-side contain
– Explodes from hips into his tackle attempts
Weaknesses:
– Too passive in taking on the block
– Below average change of direction in space
– Needs to play with more consistent urgency
(Source: NFL.com)
LB Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati
Dec 17, 2022; Boston, MA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) reacts after sacking Louisville Cardinals quarterback Brock Domann (19) during the first half at Fenway Park. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
– GPS to reroute and go make the play
– Posses the heart of a special teams lion
– Densely bound frame with rare lower-body power
Weaknesses:
– Strong but gets engulfed by wide-bodies at times
– Unable to effectively punch and separate at times
– Will struggles to stay connected in man coverage
(Source: NFL.com)
LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Sep 10, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker Drew Sanders (42) pursues South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 44-30. Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
– Demeanor and traits of a playmaker
– Long, explosive, rangy and versatile
– Capable in sideline-to-sideline pursuit
Weaknesses:
– Just one season as a full-time starter
– Will need to add more mass and base strength
– Allows runners to slip away from his grasp
(Source: NFL.com)
LB/EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 02: Defensive lineman Nick Hampton of Appalachian State participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Strengths:
– Expansive tackle net in space
– Has a history of making high-motor, high-impact plays
– Rare wingspan allows him to stick and separate from blocks
Weaknesses:
– Frame might be maxed out
– Will need to develop inside rush counters
– Below average physical traits to set strong edges
(Source: NFL.com)
LB/EDGE Tyrus Wheat, Mississippi State
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 12: Dillon Bell #86 of the Georgia Bulldogs is tackled by Tyrus Wheat #2 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of the game of the game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Strengths:
– Flashes potential to convert speed to power
– Big, flexible and athletic with consistent production
– Some ability to bend and flatten in the pocket
Weaknesses:
– Needs a more developed rush plan
– Hand usage will require additional usage
– Gets reached and sealed, giving away the edge
(source: NFL.com)
