New England Patriots: Revisiting and Grading the Draft: 2008

3rd Round #78: Shawn Crable, Linebacker

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (left) fumbles the ball after being hit by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the fourth quarter of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to disappointments, Crable is at the top of lists.  Expected to be a complementary piece on the rebuilding defense, Crable was seemingly forever unable to get on the field. Crable spent most of 2008 and all of 2009 on injured reserve. Crable played six games in 2010 before his release. He bounced around to the New York Jets practice squad, the UFL, and the CFL. At the time, Crable looked to be a solid pick and it is unclear if the injuries were what derailed what could have been a role as a solid contributor.

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED:

The drafting of Crable looks worse due to the other picks made by New England outside of their top pick of Jerod Mayo. That said, there were some solid picks made near Crable. While New England had a need at linebacker, he was hardly the only miss at the position in the third round. Just two picks later Philadelphia took linebacker Bryan Smith who, like Crable, only played six games in the NFL.

While tight end Jermichael Finley likely was never a major consideration with two first round tight ends on the depth chart, linebackers Philip Wheeler and Cliff Avril were on the board. Avril went to Detroit at #92 and Wheeler to Indianapolis at #93. Avril escaped from Detroit after a solid five years as a pass rushing defensive end/outside linebacker and landed in Seattle where he will be playing in the Super Bowl.  Wheeler played one year in Oakland after leaving Indianapolis and fans will recognize him as the Dolphins linebacker draped over Michael Hoomanawanui when he made that fantastic one-handed catch in the end zone during the regular season.

GRADE: C-