Patriots Draft Focus – Derek Wolfe, DE Cincinnati

Over the course of the next few weeks, we’re going to be taking a closer look at some of the players that appear to be the on the New England Patriots watch list. With so many guys that have worked out for the team, had a visit, or been seen at a pro day, we’ll highlight each of the top player prospects by position, listing their strengths and weaknesses.

With such a heavy amount of the free agency acquisitions being on the offense, were going to start with the defense. what better place than the D Line, the true grit of the NFL.

Here is the Scouting Report compiled by Fansided.com’s Reggie McColgan.
Derek Wolfe, DE, Cincinati-

Measurables
6’5, 295 pounds, 10.75″ hands, 33.25 arm length
5.01 forty yard dash, 33 bench press reps, 33.5 inch vertical jump, 108″ broad jump, 7.26 3 cone drill, 4.44 20 yard shuttle

Stats
2011 Season: (through 12/13/2011)
Games: 12
Tackles: 64
TFL: 19.5
Sacks: 9.5
FF: 2
Career:
Games: 43
Tackles: 156
TFL: 35
Sacks: 18.5

Pros:
Long arms
Consistent Production
Has the flexibility to play in both 4-3 and especially 3-4 Schemes
Strong at Point of attack
Has great swim move
Team leader
Great motor

Cons:
Has not played elite competition
Would be limited in a 4-3 scheme
Can be pancaked by large offensive lineman
Not the quickest player off the snap
Limited athlete
Doesn’t have great pursuit speed
Doesn’t win at the line of scrimmage quickly, he has to work a lot to get free

Player Comparison: Adam Carriker

Round Projection: Late 2nd to Early 3rd

Summary:
Derek Wolfe was always a solid player but has turned in an elite Senior Season which has turned him into a late Day 2, early day three Prospect. While he can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4, Wolfe would be much more productive in a 3-4 scheme. Wolfe has a great motor and uses his hands very well. He is more of a pass rusher than run stuffer but can hold his own against the run. Wolfe needs to get functionally stronger to hold at the base of the attack because he’s not going to be a pass rusher in a 34. Teams needing more pressure from their 3-4 lineman would be wise to use a 2nd round pick on him. Teams such as the Jets, Bills, Patriots, Chiefs, Chargers, Cowboys, Packers, and 49ers.