Patriots Draft Prospects: Jared Odrick

Jared Odrick | Photo Courtesy PennLive.com

Name: Jared Odrick

Position: Defensive End/Tackle

School: Penn State

HT/WT: 6′5″, 304 lbs

Projection: Mid to Late 1st

Strengths: At 6′5″ and over 300 pounds, Jared Odrick is a mauler who played the 3-technique in Penn State’s 4-3 defense.  He is solid as a pass rusher, with good agility and a good bull rush.  He is also good and holding up at the point of attack, and can even make plays off double teams.  He is a solid tackler, and a high character, high work ethic guy.

Weaknesses: Odrick, while he can make plays off double teams, he doesn’t have the lower body strength to make himself a true anchor on the defensive line.  He can also play too upright at times, and there are questions if he would be a good fit at end in the 3-4 due to his label as a penetrator at Penn State.

How he Fits the Patriots: Many Patriots fans are intrigued by Odrick because of how he is built in the form of a Richard Seymour.  He is the prototype 3-4 end in terms of size.  However, there are questions if he would fit with the Patriots because he may be more of a penetrator than an anchor.  However, I think he could excel in the long run as a defensive end in the 3-4, and he could come in as a rotational lineman his rookie year, and could take over Mike Wright by year 2.  When all is said and done, Odrick could be a Seymour-type presence for the Patriots, as he is strong against the run, but also adds that pass rush element to his game.

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