Per Peter King's MMQB, this is what Denver's Mike Shanahan had to say about Laurence Maroney, the Pats 1st Round RB. I don't know much about him to be honest, but Shanny knows his backs I would say...
That's interesting because Minnesota runs a zone blocking system very similiar to Denver's and have seemingly been able to plug many RB's into it with success, much like Denver. This is also the reason for the knock on Maroney being a "system" guy and some said he was overrated as a result. Personally, I liked DeAngelo Williams and Joseph Addai more, but I think Maroney will be a solid back in the NFL.
I'll be honest, I'm not a draft guru, so I have zero idea how any of our guys will do. I just like watching propaganda vids Check out this Laurence maroney prop VIDEO, and excuse the 'Last of the Mohicans' music the guy put on it.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwBbBY0tf6E&search=Laurence Maroney
He looks solid, fast and tough. Dillon looked like he slowed down 3 steps last year. This guy might start day 1.
Maroney is definately going to be a solid back, but I think giving him the edge over DeAngelo Williams just because of where he was drafted is not right. DeAngelo is by far the better back, IMO. However, it's obvious that DeAngelo will not fit all types of systems, including yours where Maroney fits like a glove.
Well, one of the knocks I've heard on DeAngelo is that he doesn't block/protect well. That would never fly in Belichick's game.
Watched Maroney several times last year. I must say I felt a cringe in my gut when the pick was announced. I think he's going to be great.
The more I see of him the more I like. I really hope he can make the transition to the Pro game and flourish. Aparently, Polian & Dungy really wanted him as well over Adai, so that's a double bonus. :lol:
The Patriots like that Maroney has the patience to follow his blocks and then burst up into the hole when it appears. That fits their style of running and will be very effective when the weather turns bad and the dancing running backs can't do much. I also read that while they liked Williams, they were concerned with overuse in college. It's from my memory but I think Williams has had 330 carries more than Maroney in college. However Dillon comes back this year, I like the pick as teams like the Patriots who traditionally draft late never seem to get a shot at the top running backs.
