If the Patriots are looking to address the outside linebacker this draft, Clint Sintim will certainly be a name to watch. Sintim played outside lineback for Al Groh, who worked under both Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells, in the 3-4 system at Virginia.
In four years at Virginia, Sintim totaled 246 tackles and 26 sacks, 19 of which came in his final two years. At 6-3, 254, Sintim looks to be a very effective edge rusher in the 3-4 at the next level. He has good strength, long arms, can shed blocks, as well as stand up blockers at the line. He shows good quickness rushing the passer, and is a good tackler with excellent strength.
He doesnt have many negatives. However, there have been some questions about his effectiveness in pass coverage, as he wasnt asked to do a lot in that area in his time in Virginia. He could also needs improvement shedding some blocks along the edge.
Sintim would likely make an excellent fit for the Patriots. Like Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas, he can put his hand down to rush the passer on third downs. At 23rd overall, Sintim would be a solid pick. Keep in mind, Belichick isnt afraid to reach if he thinks the prospect is right. See: Jerod Mayo, 2008 or Brandon Meriweather, 2007.
What does everybody think?
-- Edited by Greg at 23:50, 2009-02-18
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"If Tom Brady went to the hospital to have his throwing arm amputed, Hoodie would still list him as questionable." - Jim Rome
I think it is unlikely that Sintim goes 23rd overall. Barwin is rated higher than Sintim for the exact reason you mention in terms of Sintim's negatives. With that said, based on Patriots value I would put Barwin around the 34th pick and Sintim at the 47th. Now if Barwin is gone at 34 it would not surprise me at all if BB selects Sintim at 34 for exact reasons you stated above as well. This is the beatuy of having the 23rd, 34th, ad 47th picks. We should be able to land a rush LB, safety and trade one of the picks.
