The Patriots do not spend high draft picks on linebackers. Period. They just don't. The defensive assignments and responsibilities are endless for them in the daunting Patriots 3-4. Belichick would much rather put his faith in a veteran player who has a high "football IQ" (i.e. Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau, Adalius Thomas, Rosevelt Colvin, even Teddy Bruschi didn't start right away.) The coaches and front office people have to think very highly of a linebacker if they're going to use their first-round pick on them (i.e. Willie McGinest). Even more so if they're going to let him start in his rookie year.
Meet the exception to the rule, Jerod Mayo the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. If you haven't heard of him, I suggest you remember the name. In just his second year in the NFL, Mayo already has earned the lofty title of captain of the New England Patriots defense. This title was an easy decision after the rook was the only Patriot to play every down on defense. He won the 2008 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award damn-near unanimously while leading the team in tackles.
Like the label says on a jar of Hellmann's, Mayo just brings out the best in the Patriots defensive sandwich. His presence on the field has to be known at all times. Otherwise he'll single-handily stop the offense, like he when he recorded 20 tackles on a 11/13 game against the Jets.
Mayo's game has never been in question, but with the title of defensive captain, his vocal leadership has been up in the air. But after the over-exposure of "4th&2" last week, he came to the side of his coach and defended him and his defense. "We looked at it as a challenge," says Mayo. People say that it was a lack of confidence in us but we looked at it as a challenge and we looked at it as coach having enough confidence in us to give us a short field. Unfortunately we were unable to step up to the challenge and get the job done.”
He even tackled Tedy Bruschi's take on the play. “I have the ultimate respect for Tedy and everything he's done for this organization but he's not in this locker room at this point in time so he doesn't know the feeling that this defense or this team has. We still have our confidence, we still have our swagger and we're gonna go out Sunday and show the media I guess.” Mayo handled that with grace. He was able to get his point across that he didn't agree with Tedy, but did not bruise his ego. I think some where Belichick just shed a silent tear. That's exactly the way a Patriot should answer the question.
Jerod Mayo is my new favorite Patriot and is worthy of my next jersey purchase. He will be a cornerstone on his defense for years to come. I even give him a shout out on my fantasy team, Jerod Hold the Mayo--which is currently on a 5-game winning streak I might add. Get 'em this weekend Jerod!
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