Draft picks are always something that every franchise spends all preseason and up to the very last seconds of their allotted time to decide. In the 2007 draft the San Francisco 49ers spent the 11th pick of the first round on linebacker Patrick Willis out of Mississippi. His speed and agility as well as a crushing reputation made him a hot prospect.
Since then #52 has patrolled the field for the 49ers and has tackled, intercepted and sacked his way to NFL rookie of the year as well as a trip to hawaii for the pro bowl.
Fast forward to the 2008 draft.
An aging linebacker group at New England meant a linebacker was a definite draft need for them, especially after Tedy Bruschi's stroke meant his return was in doubt.
With the 10th overall pick of the 2008 draft the Pats chose Jerod Mayo from Tennessee. Just like Willis, Mayo came with an impressive reputation as well as a repertoire of game changing plays from his college days.
The comparisons with Willis haven't stopped at the pro level either. Mayo instantly showed his worth in the first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens' rookie RB Ray Rice ran straight between the tackles to an awaiting Mayo. Mayo hit Rice saving the first down and dislodging Rice's helmet at the same time.
In Mayo's first eight games he has recorded 48 tackles, compare that to Willis' rookie season when he recorded 66 tackles. The numbers seem very different but take into consideration the Pats 3-4 defence and the amount of packages the defence employ then they seem somewhat similar.
With a difficult schedule ahead of them the Pats will need Mayo to continue his form, especially since the once weak AFC east is now a division to be reckoned with. Combine that with the offence not being as effective this year due to Tom Brady's season ending injury, Mayo and the defence will need keep opposing offences off the field for as long as possible.
If Mayo can continue or even exceed his current form then the comparisons will be further heightened with a possible defensive rookie of the year accolade.
1 comment:
Willis and Mayo are two difficult players to compare, although they both play virtually the same position, the Ninners defence is always on the field (most in NFL last season), so if your looking for pure stats Willis will always be the better player…statistically. Willis also ran a 4.37 40 at last years combine, which for a 240 pound linebacker puts him into the super athlete class, compared to a very average 4.56 Mayo. However Mayo has landed in a Patriots defensive scheme, this will ask the young linebacker to play various packages, coverages and blitzes and the addition of veteran leadership within the Patriots linebacking core will help Mayo mature. I can see Mayo developing into a defensive franchise player in years to come, however I doubt he will have the same rookie season as Patrick Willis. As for defensive rookie of the year maybe Washington’s SS Chris Horton out of UCLA, the rookie has 38 tackles, 3 interceptions and a fumble recovery…not bad for a seventh round pick!!
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