Patriots UDFAs: ILB Leonard, DE/LBs Nurse and Coulson in the Mix

by Greg Knopping on Jul 26, 2011 1:55 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

The Patriots have continued to pick up undrafted free agents, with three more players now in the mix.

The first new rookie the Patriots picked up is inside linebacker Anthony Leonard. Leonard stands at 6'1" and 255 lbs. He started his senior season after moving in and out of the starting lineup his junior and sophomore seasons. Leonard is a big-bodied thumper who could be used as a strong-side inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 system. He runs a 4.8 second 40 yard dash, and takes on and sheds blocks with ease. He opened some eyes at his Pro Day and I could see him competing for a practice squad spot.

In addition to Leonard, the Patriots also reportedly picked up two more project pass rushers.

The first, Ryan Coulson, is a 6'3", 245 lbs defensive end / pass rusher / long snapper out of Nevada. Coulson originally played linebacker when he went to Nevada, so he already has experience at the position. He moved to defensive end as a sophomore and he started every game as a senior, picking up 53 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Although he doesn't have great size, he is tougher against the run that you would give him credit for. He has a good first step as a pass rusher, but doesn't have a vast array of moves or skills to get to the quarterback.

The other pass rusher the Patriots picked up is Illinois' Clay Nurse. The 6'2", 260 lbs pass rusher had a great junior campaign where he recorded five sacks in six starts. He was expected to step into a major role his senior season, but failed to deliver, recording just 23 tackles and four sacks on the year. He has a good first step as a pass rusher, and has the ability to turn the corner (although he lacks good straight line speed).

Both of these pass rushers are interesting players. They, along with recent pickup Alex Silvestro and 6th round pick Markell Carter will all be competing for a spot on the Patriots roster. I'm sure the Patriots hope that at least one of these guys proves to be worthy. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see the Patriots at least try to pick up a project pass rusher.

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One thing I am wondering

And Greg or Richard or somebody more in the know than I, possibly you could help me out with this.

Are all of these UDFA pickups training camp fodder? Are they a sign of the new 90 player Roster?

Is there a possibility that somewhere in this collection we see a Mike Wright or a Dane Fletcher emerge? If so, who might be the most talented, or the most likely to make the team?

I know the Pats normally have 1 or 2 UDRFAs make the team. Maybe another 1 or 2 make the practice squad. But generally the vast majority of them do not make any type of impact at all.

Is the seemingly high quantity of undrafted players signed this year mainly due to the lockout and the 90 player roster, or do some of them, or maybe even just 1 or 2 of them actually have the talent and a legit chance to make the team?

by UtopianAverage on Jul 26, 2011 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Tarpinian seems like a possible gem.

That being said I really know nothing about any of them. Just what I’ve read from Tarpinian he seems like a possible diamond in the rough.

by UtopianAverage on Jul 26, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd say a little of both.

Without knowing who is in shape, and who will get hurt, having the full 90 is the way to go.

Some of these guys are missing one or more parts of their game, but that may also be on the coaching they’ve had to date. If things click, they could give some vets a run for the money.

It’s a little bit throw it up against the wall and see what sticks, and a little of see who the last man standing is. Most are long shots to make the roster, but a little good luck for them and a little bad luck for an incumbent and ….

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 26, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Belichick is easy to read on this subject

In the draft he passed on every pass rusher there was…….now he’s in the bargain bin. The guy feels that pass rushers are overvalued…and that is that.

by tstorey1 on Jul 26, 2011 3:03 PM EDT reply actions

Yep, pretty much.

He’s also not really wrong. Other remarks of his regarding the systemic nature of a successful defense would support that point, too. Our D was weak across the front and had holes in the secondary as well. Fix those two things and a non-marquee OLB can get sacks.

"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."

by JohnHannahRules on Jul 26, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I think we can assume

No-one outside the Pats organisation knows what he thinks about anything.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Jul 26, 2011 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions

WOuld anyone think we will sign Marion Barber or Peirre Thomas?

Our RB situations seems solid already, but was just wondering for camp reasons, and put guys on the practice squad.

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 Jul 26, 2011 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

Tough to sign Pierre Thomas.

We’d have to trade for him. Barber, besides having the greatest 2-yard run in history, has done absolutely nothing.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Jul 26, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Barber is good. he just has a crap OL and a crap QB with him.

He didnt do well last year, but in 09 he did very good. Plus he can catch the ball well in the backfield, which is a bonus.

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 27, 2011 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

He was the lesser talented RB in the U Minn backfield.

Wouldn’t touch him for anything.

And we don’t really need a back anyway.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Jul 27, 2011 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

thats at the U though. In the NFL, he was much much better than maroney was.

If we would bring in another RB, I think we should look at Barber as one. He played above average behind a not very good OL(except last year) and he is a great receiver in the backfield. I think we would be able to keep 5 RBs like we did last year(or the year before). Unless if BB brings back anybody not named BJGE and woody, then I could see Barber as a possibility.

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 27, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions