NFL Undrafted Free Agents: Patriots Reportedly Sign LB Tarpinian and G Berry

by Greg Knopping on Jul 25, 2011 11:43 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

Reports of the Patriots agreeing to terms with undrafted free agents have continued to roll in. While we are reporting everything we hear, it is important to realize that the craze of undrafted free agency undoubtedly allows for a few mistakes. Generally, we wait until multiple outlets have reported a signing.

In the case of Auburn lineman Mike Berry, it was his brother that originally reported the signing via Twitter. Berry is a 6'3", 318 pound interior lineman who played mostly guard at Iowa, but could also play center. While he has been effective at times pulling, athleticism isn't his strength. He has a solid frame and is a strong mauler. He needs some improvement in his technique, but is a hard worker. With the questions the Patriots have along the interior line, he could definitely be a practice squad candidate.(Update: As I was publishing this post, I noticed that Berry's brother deleted the tweet that had him going to the Pats. We'll see where this goes.)(Update 2: Berry has confirmed that he's headed to New England via Twitter).

The reported signing of linebacker Jeff Tarpinian is definitely an interesting one. At 6'2", 235, he is a little bit undersized compared to the typical 3-4 inside linebacker for the Patriots. However, he has tremendous athleticism, and is stronger than you'd give him credit for (and is willing to take on blocks). He is also effective in coverage. At his Pro Day, he ran a 4.56 second 40 yard dash, 4.1 second shuttle, and a 6.78 second time in the three cone drill. The main concern surrounding Tarpinian is his health: he had a really hard time staying on the field for the Hawkeyes. However, when healthy, he really produced. I see the signing as a low-risk, high-reward type of deal. Tarpinian, with his athleticism and skillset, could develop into an excellent special teams player with the Patriots, possibly replacing a player such as Tracy White. The Tarpinian deal has yet to be confirmed.

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I like this Tarpinian character

We’re severely short of Jeff’s as it is lol plus he apparently knows how to wreck people…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCLA8tZJz4&feature=player_embedded

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Jul 26, 2011 5:16 AM EDT reply actions

Tarpinian - three thoughts

1 – ST stud (as JeffyB’s vid shows). Battling it out with White, McGowan, maybe even Page.
2 – between his size and speed, he’s potentially a LB/S tweener like Belichick has experimented with before in Rodney Harrison, Jarrad Page and Tank Williams. He reminds me of Williams the most – same height, Tarpinian’s 12lbs heavier, and has a similar speed (Williams 4.46, Tarpinian 4.56). Potential sub-package guy – keep posted.
3 – Kirk Ferentz of Iowa is a personal buddy of Belichick. Hoodie wasn’t allowed to talk to Tarpinian, but he’s allowed to talk to Ferentz. Ferentz is allowed to talk to Tarpinian. Not saying there’s tampering, but the fact there’s a mutual appreciation society makes me think it didn’t hurt there’s a link.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Jul 26, 2011 6:31 AM EDT reply actions

Vid is thanks to PatsPropaganda

I like the idea of him developing into a nickel LB a lot, as playing in coverage is supposedly a strength and an area I think we could improve among the linebackers.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Jul 26, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

That was one hell of a hit. I wonder if he can survive those types of hits in the NFL. He may injure himself with that type of recklessness. That said, you would sure love to see that type of hit by a Patriot.

Nice signing to see how it unfolds.

by OneOpinion on Jul 26, 2011 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like a BB move

Sine he doesn’t pass rush anymore he is always looking for the LB hat can drop and act like a DB. If you count the number of defensive plays where BB drops seven guys into pass coverage you get the feeling he’d prefer the INT to the SAK. Maybe this guy has that chance.

by tstorey1 on Jul 26, 2011 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Tarpinian was an option QB and S in high school - at the same one Eric Crouch went to.

It’s probably tough for him to put on weight, generally, but I wouldn’t think 10 to 15 lbs over a couple years in an NFL locker room would be impossible.

meh

by tyger1147 on Jul 29, 2011 8:56 AM EDT reply actions