Patriots NFL Draft Prospect: WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh

by Richard Hill on Apr 6, 2011 12:00 PM EDT in New England Patriots NFL Draft

Name: WR Jonathan Baldwin

School: Pittsburgh

Size: 6'4, 228 lbs

Expected Round: 1st-2nd

40 Time: 4.49s

Career Stats: Click Here.

Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combine [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]

Strengths: Good enough speed to be a threat on a deep pass. Strong enough to be a target across the middle. Produced in an offense without a quarterback- the QB just tossed the ball and hoped Baldwin could adjust and make the catch. As a result, he has a fantastic catch radius. Pitt is a run-first offense, so he's a solid run blocker. Plays well against top talent. Large size will get him YAC as arm tackles aren't successful.

Weaknesses: He never ran crisp routes because of his QB so he'll have to learn how to run plays in a timed offense. Not really quick change of direction receiver so he could leave some yards on the field- long strider who wastes steps. Sometimes a body catcher in traffic. Inconsistent with his approach to the football- he attacks aggressively sometimes, he waits for the ball to hit his body other times, and the rest were bad throws by the quarterback. He'll have to be more consistent to succeed in the NFL. Doesn't really have a second gear.

Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!

Why the Patriots?: If you want a player who fits the bill as a Patriots receiver, Baldwin's a pretty solid fit. Belichick only drafts raw route runners for some reason (maybe he hopes that he can teach them how to run routes without any mental pollution- but seriously. Look at the knocks of all the past receivers drafted: Taylor Price, Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman, Matt Slater, Chad Jackson, Bethel Johnson; they're all raw route runners). He can be the big target that everyone wants, as well as the possession receiver. He's a willing blocker and he comes from football bloodlines.

Why Not the Patriots?: Baldwin has some questions surrounding his maturity and a player has to be mature enough to handle the rigor of the Patriots' offense since he won't be able to get by on talent alone. He's a project player (like the other receivers on the roster) and there's a question of how many receivers can be groomed at one time. He needs to be coached up in order to succeed in the NFL. He also seems to have a "it's not my fault if I'm doing my job" me-first attitude and blamed his coaches and quarterback for his decrease in production. May be true, but he aired that information which doesn't fly. Add in the fact that WR would be a luxury position, and he's a no-pick.

Verdict: I think Baldwin is ignored just based on his comments to the press- which were made right before the team's bowl game. I wouldn't consider him before pick #60 and, despite his talent, I'd trade away the pick to some team who wants Baldwin before I'd take him. He seems like a solid prospect, but he'll have a Dez Bryant like attitude in the NFL. Solid talent, not all together in the head.

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Comments

Surprised you didn't post his game against ND.

Baldwin is an interesting prospect. I think if you are going to add another receiver you should think blazing speed. Get a guy who can stun the defense. Size would be a bonus. We already have too many short wide outs. Wonder what Bill thinks of him.

by Patriots12 on Apr 6, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

That quarterback was horrible.

WVU pressured him and that played into some bad throws. But the Pitt qb’s best throw was the one that tied it. That was a thing of beauty. I see a few flaws in Baldwin’s game. If he learn how to run routes better he will play faster. Leaves his feet to much. Some of that is to protect himself. Needs to know where his first step is going to be. Too many false steps. I don’t think Baldwin represents what the Patriots are.

by Patriots12 on Apr 6, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Would be nice to have....

somebody taller than 5’7" and over 175lbs. After #60 would be a nice pickup if they address one Oline guy and 2 Defenders prior – which they should be able to do. His size would be a mismatch against most corners. Seems quick for a guy his size.

by iLikeStuff on Apr 6, 2011 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

He looks very stiff when he runs.... and slow in change of direction.

I honestly dont like him. If he is in the 5th, then maybe I think we should get him. I like how he can adjust on the ball, but he seems sluggish.

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Apr 6, 2011 4:05 PM EDT reply actions

I like his size and his catch radius.

I think he could learn better route running. However the attitude stuff always scares me. I wouldn’t question the pick if they picked him mid to late 2nd or later, but It’s also not a pick I’ll be hoping for.

by UtopianAverage on Apr 6, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

Lockout means raw recruits wont have time to develope for next year...

and this something that is important to WRs. Better off giving Price and Tate anther year to develop and getting one in FA. At least they know the system and both have (or should have) the speed the Pats need.

Go get Ocho or better yet Sidney Rice. Heck, even go get Moss back. At 34 he probably has lost a step and still runs a 4.35, he knows the system, he’s been humbled, and you know he wants a ring. OL, DL, OLB and RB are all bigger needs,

Baldwin would have to fall to 72 for me to take him.

by SteveSteve on Apr 7, 2011 12:53 AM EDT reply actions