Plus it seems like he can pack on 10-15 lbs onto his frame without too much trouble. He has a "lean look" in the pictures I have seen. "Athletic" is maybe a better descriptor. I know there is a danger to judging a player by a picture but from a draft standpoint his "frame doesnt seem maxed out".
RD1/#29: Makin' it look Easley!
- Thread starter Phragle
- Start date
- Status
If he is as good as disruptive in the NFL as he looked in college, and he stays healthy if teams shift their attention to Jones and Easley then Ninkovich might have 15 sacks. Thats a lot of IFs but the upside of this defense is higher than it has been in a long time.
Compare him to the combine writeup of another defensive lineman when he was coming into the league. Description is very similar to strengths and weaknesses of Easley, this Player X is pretty good, which is why I'm more worried about the injury than his size.
Easley
6'2" - 288LBS - 33" ARMS - 9 3/4 HAND SIZE
6'1" - 293lbs - 32" Arms - 9 5/8 hand size
"Player X" is an undersized interior defender that is very productive at the collegiate level. He understands angles and how to leverage blockers with proper pad level and deceptive strength. X is best when on the move (stunting) and does a great job of penetrating the line of scrimmage to disrupt the run as well as pressure the quarterback. X is a good football player that needs to improve his hand use and expand his pass rush package to be effective at the next level. He should contribute at the next level in the right system (4-3 scheme) but may struggle due to lack of size.
STRENGTHS
X has been a productive SEC defensive tackle. He plays with great intelligence and instincts and was a good student at (school) as well. Plays with good motor and doesn’t stop till the whistle. Displays impressive quickness off the ball and good lateral agility in pursuit. Has impressive pass rushing ability for a defensive tackle.
WEAKNESSES
He’s undersized as a defensive tackle lacking adequate height and bulk. Doesn’t have the power to consistently hold up at the point of attack against the run and is overpowered by bigger blockers. Must become more consistent with his hand use.
Easley
6'2" - 288LBS - 33" ARMS - 9 3/4 HAND SIZE
Geno Atkins
6'1" - 293lbs - 32" Arms - 9 5/8 hand size
"Player X" is an undersized interior defender that is very productive at the collegiate level. He understands angles and how to leverage blockers with proper pad level and deceptive strength. X is best when on the move (stunting) and does a great job of penetrating the line of scrimmage to disrupt the run as well as pressure the quarterback. X is a good football player that needs to improve his hand use and expand his pass rush package to be effective at the next level. He should contribute at the next level in the right system (4-3 scheme) but may struggle due to lack of size.
STRENGTHS
X has been a productive SEC defensive tackle. He plays with great intelligence and instincts and was a good student at (school) as well. Plays with good motor and doesn’t stop till the whistle. Displays impressive quickness off the ball and good lateral agility in pursuit. Has impressive pass rushing ability for a defensive tackle.
WEAKNESSES
He’s undersized as a defensive tackle lacking adequate height and bulk. Doesn’t have the power to consistently hold up at the point of attack against the run and is overpowered by bigger blockers. Must become more consistent with his hand use.
So...how many times do you think Bill has watched the regular season Broncos (2013) game tape in the last few months as part of his aversion therapy?
I mean, this is a guy whose very DNA reads "First, stop the run". Everything about the education of this coach was about 'first, stop the run' and he built a HOF resume on it. He built a SB winning defense with Parcells groceries and a physical, STOP THE RUN defense. And then the rules changed and while they (incredibly!) remained a top-5 team for a decade after that, the first few years were rough and then we entered the "Holy Shit, this defense is historically terrible" (and still got to the Super Bowl!).
And somewhere in there, Bill decided to evolve. He traded up for Chandler Jones, down for Jaime Collins and stayed home for Easley. Super-athletic, penetrating, aggressive defenders who don't have "first, stop the run" anywhere in their DNA. First, get to the QB. Get up field. Blow up gaps, don't fill them. Seek and destroy, not read and react. Similarly, they were lost in the wilderness with defensive backs for a while there (and still made the Super Bowl!) but have recently stopped looking for guys to play safe zone concepts, bend-but-don't-break specialists. Now, we've got aggressive press corners, corners playing safety (maybe two of them!), fucking Darrelle Revis - who yes, is a lot like Ty Law - but not a Rodney or a Lawyer type in sight. Instead, the plan seems to be McCourty and Logan Ryan, two converted "balanced" corners with ball skills.
That Broncos game where Peyton just kept giving Moreno the ball, en route to a DOMINATING victory in the time of possession and rushing yards stat categories....that was when Bill decided to go Full Monty on defense. Sure, Vince is still around and so is Hightower and I don't think he's ever going to truly say "fuck the run". But the defense is no longer even making "stop the run" the second priority. First, get to the QB. Second, disrupt the passing game by any means necessary. Third...eh, let Peyton hand off a billion times and we'll kick his ass with our offense.
Easley is a home-run swing, a clear admission that getting to the QB is more important than stopping the run. Damn, I hope his knees hold up enough to give us Gronk-equivalent production with Gronk-equivalent health. He'll get hurt at some point. I just hope we get a few awesome seasons in the bargain.
I mean, this is a guy whose very DNA reads "First, stop the run". Everything about the education of this coach was about 'first, stop the run' and he built a HOF resume on it. He built a SB winning defense with Parcells groceries and a physical, STOP THE RUN defense. And then the rules changed and while they (incredibly!) remained a top-5 team for a decade after that, the first few years were rough and then we entered the "Holy Shit, this defense is historically terrible" (and still got to the Super Bowl!).
And somewhere in there, Bill decided to evolve. He traded up for Chandler Jones, down for Jaime Collins and stayed home for Easley. Super-athletic, penetrating, aggressive defenders who don't have "first, stop the run" anywhere in their DNA. First, get to the QB. Get up field. Blow up gaps, don't fill them. Seek and destroy, not read and react. Similarly, they were lost in the wilderness with defensive backs for a while there (and still made the Super Bowl!) but have recently stopped looking for guys to play safe zone concepts, bend-but-don't-break specialists. Now, we've got aggressive press corners, corners playing safety (maybe two of them!), fucking Darrelle Revis - who yes, is a lot like Ty Law - but not a Rodney or a Lawyer type in sight. Instead, the plan seems to be McCourty and Logan Ryan, two converted "balanced" corners with ball skills.
That Broncos game where Peyton just kept giving Moreno the ball, en route to a DOMINATING victory in the time of possession and rushing yards stat categories....that was when Bill decided to go Full Monty on defense. Sure, Vince is still around and so is Hightower and I don't think he's ever going to truly say "fuck the run". But the defense is no longer even making "stop the run" the second priority. First, get to the QB. Second, disrupt the passing game by any means necessary. Third...eh, let Peyton hand off a billion times and we'll kick his ass with our offense.
Easley is a home-run swing, a clear admission that getting to the QB is more important than stopping the run. Damn, I hope his knees hold up enough to give us Gronk-equivalent production with Gronk-equivalent health. He'll get hurt at some point. I just hope we get a few awesome seasons in the bargain.
soxfan121 said:
Couldn't agree more with all of this. It's quite amazing how they've revamped this defense in just 2 years. Not only is it much better, it's completely different and better suited to today's NFL
What's even more exciting is how all the pieces seem to compliment each other. If Easly can be a disruptive, penetrative player even part time this season, their front 7 will have 3 guys with freakish athleticism who can make plays in the backfield in Jones, Collins, and Easley. Plus Ninkovich who is a solid pass rusher and 2 wildcards in Wil Smith and Armond Armstead who you can't expect much from but are that type of player and have some upside. And the rest of their DL aren't the slow 2-gap types they used to fill their roster with.
A front 7 who can get lots of pressure works perfectly with guys like Revis and Browner who are great at being physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. Obviously Revis can play in any defense whether they can get pressure or not, but Browner is more one dimensional and can struggle chasing guys around the field. Browner would have been a terrible fit on the Patriots 3 years ago. Now he is perfect. Revis also lets you bring a safety down near the line of scrimmage more often which helps negate some of the weaknesses vs the run when playing with a smaller, quicker front 7.
tl;dr - :fap:
In what capacity were you acting when the doctors disclosed all this information to you?Ferm Sheller said:
Geno Atkins was also lighter when he was drafted. Plus a lot of pure bulk can be beaten by a great burst and balance, which Easley has. Didn't know he had 33" arm length - what a plus.bakahump said:
SoSH can buy a small island if a nickel got collected every time interior rush was mentioned as a priority. This guy looks to have the high ceiling Mike Wright never did.
Edit: So I wasted time posting when I could have quoted SF's latest post entirely. Tx, jerk.
Is anyone else concerned that the contract for Easley might get complicated due to his knees? I could see the Pats taking a hard line on some protections (as they probably should) in the contract. I'm not expecting a hold out or anything like that, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Easley deal isn't signed until right before camp.
( . ) ( . ) and (_!_) said:
Rookie contracts are slotted under the new CBA. He's getting four years with the fifth year option, just like every other first round pick. The money is also proscribed.
I highly doubt the Patriots try to circumvent the CBA to get "protections". If he blows out a knee or two, it's the risk they choose to take. At least the money is low (between $7.5M and $7M total, based on 2013 slotting) and won't kill the cap.
It could have been anybody, really. Here's a still shot:Shelterdog said:
He's on the C before anyone else on either line has moved. There isn't an offensive lineman in the NFL that wouldn't be destroyed in that situation. This is what Easley if healthy, brings to the party. Ruiner of plays, ruiner of worlds.
The second the ball moves, you can go. I don't know if it was offsides or not (can't tell from the view), but using the QB's verbal ques with any twitch from the center, it's certainly possible.
My thoughts is that the center or QB had a tell and Easley knew it. Even still, that's fucking insanely quick.
My thoughts is that the center or QB had a tell and Easley knew it. Even still, that's fucking insanely quick.
I'm guessing on the center or QB tell. If that is the case, either he studies a ton of film, or has great on-the-field awareness. Either one is a pretty good trait.Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Reverend said:
It's 4th and inches and looks like the center leans forward just before the snap as to load up for a good push. Clearly Easley isn't having any of it.
That's what I wanted to hear.
I just didn't have it in me to believe without some other sets of eyes on it.
I like this gamble a lot. They're too good year in year out to get a top ten talent, so if given the chance to roll the dice on one? Let's go.
I just didn't have it in me to believe without some other sets of eyes on it.
I like this gamble a lot. They're too good year in year out to get a top ten talent, so if given the chance to roll the dice on one? Let's go.
Reverend said:
It's clear he has the C read. But his balance and agility in that gif is incredible for someone that size, he looks like a sprinter coming out of the blocks.
For those with more expertise, is this gif a better example of Easley being great or his teammates being mediocre? His stance just looks so much better than everyone else's. The DEs have their shoulders below their hips at some points and generally look a little unbalanced and slow, needing to regain balance after shuffling right, Easley has his hands positioned so he doesn't even need to move them to shuffle, and never has to leave a compact, "ready" stance because of it. Basically, does this gif show elite technique, or just the things that separate the NFL 1st rounder from his teammates?
Kenny F'ing Powers said:
Did you play in college and if so at what division? The reason I ask is that you drop such great knowledge on us and I appreciate it, just curious how you got it all
No. He's a doorman in NC.wutang112878 said:
Did you play in college and if so at what division? The reason I ask is that you drop such great knowledge on us and I appreciate it, just curious how you got it all
He stays at a Holiday Inn Express all the time.wutang112878 said:
Did you play in college and if so at what division? The reason I ask is that you drop such great knowledge on us and I appreciate it, just curious how you got it all
Super Nomario said:It could have been anybody, really. Here's a still shot:
He's on the C before anyone else on either line has moved. There isn't an offensive lineman in the NFL that wouldn't be destroyed in that situation. This is what Easley if healthy, brings to the party. Ruiner of plays, ruiner of worlds.
I am using this, hopefully very liberally, during game threads next season. I know its easy to get all excited about these guys before they have played a snap in the NFL but I have to admit, I can't wait. I want to see worlds fucking ruined.
Contract negotiation hit a snag
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/05/source_dominique_easley_patriots_hit_snag_in_contract
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/05/source_dominique_easley_patriots_hit_snag_in_contract
One can guess that this is around medical language regarding possible future re-injury of Easley's knees.brandonchristensen said:
Well I am guessing they are trying to get him to take as close to Zero guaranteed dollars as possible. I dont see this getting Benjamin Watson bad, but this might drag out a bit because I am sure the agent is making the case that the Patriots knew medically exactly what they were getting when the took him so they must be comfortable with the knees.
More Easley pron:
SI_DougFarrar@SI_DougFarrarhttps://twitter.com/SI_DougFarrar
Hi! My name is Dominique Easley, and I'm about to push your center into another county.
SI_DougFarrar @SI_DougFarrar
· 12m
Easley's initial hand strike pushed the guy back a yard and a half.
SI_DougFarrar@SI_DougFarrarhttps://twitter.com/SI_DougFarrar
Hi! My name is Dominique Easley, and I'm about to push your center into another county.
SI_DougFarrar @SI_DougFarrar
· 12m
Easley's initial hand strike pushed the guy back a yard and a half.
Ben Volin @BenVolin 21s
I've heard #Patriots and Easley are squabbling over injury protection, which makes sense. But I don't expect a holdout or anything like that
I've heard #Patriots and Easley are squabbling over injury protection, which makes sense. But I don't expect a holdout or anything like that
Not at all, if he's healthy and blowing things up I'm ecstatic!
From Ben Volin's link referenced above
Haven't seen exact numbers yet, but Easley will get 4-year deal (plus option 5th year) worth about $7.4M with a signing bonus of $3,631,672 Ben Volin (@BenVolin)
From Ben Volin's link referenced above
Haven't seen exact numbers yet, but Easley will get 4-year deal (plus option 5th year) worth about $7.4M with a signing bonus of $3,631,672 Ben Volin (@BenVolin)
That's a difficult question. The way we've been spoiled by success my first reaction is to say yes because if he has that much of an impact I'd like to see a few years of it. On the other hand I'm aware that I've been spoiled so getting one more Super Bowl win with Tommy would probably be worth it just to cement him as the GOAT.E5 Yaz said:
All that considered I'd likely lean towards the former because if he ends up being a bust due to injuries I'll be disappointed in the pick even if his first year contributions net the Pats a Super Bowl Championship.
Are you guys serious? Difficult question? I'm pretty sure even Easley takes the ring without hesitation. He's a 300 lb man who is about to enter the NFL with two reconstructed knees, even 1 full year of 100% health isn't a given... 19 games of production and a ring? Yea, sign me up.
A similar question to consider in hindsight, Gronk catches the Hail Mary and drags his defender into the end zone to win SB46, but the defender pulls the same type of Bernard Pollard ankle wrap and Gronk re-injures it and never makes another significant contribution, do you take the title?
A similar question to consider in hindsight, Gronk catches the Hail Mary and drags his defender into the end zone to win SB46, but the defender pulls the same type of Bernard Pollard ankle wrap and Gronk re-injures it and never makes another significant contribution, do you take the title?
My initial thought was that it's difficult to decide between one championship and prolonged success and a chance at multiple championships. I assumed that's what the question came down to if you're losing significant contributors. With BB at the helm I guess it doesn't matter because they've lost guys like that and they've had a long run of being one of the top teams.
- Status