By TomE. Curran
CSNNE.com
Muhammad Wilkerson, 6-4, 315DT, Temple
The Skinny: A raw prospect who played against a lower level of Division I competition but a kid whose size and power are drool-worthy. Really a nicely coordinated athlete, which is an outgrowth of his high school basketball career. Plays strong and has a mountain of potential.
Gotta Have Him: No way should the Patriots (or will the Patriots) consider him at 17, but at 28 or 33 he could be in play. The reason? Can't teach that size and he has uncommon agility. With the right coaching and guidance - and self-commitment - he will become a very good player if he matures and develops on a reasonable pace.
Don't Need Him: The Patriots like to see players who've performed against high levels of competition and Temple doesn't really afford that. Says Wes Bunting from the National Football Post, "Everyone is sky high on this kid, but he's kind of a 'flavor of the month' guy from smaller I-A school. He's got great size but he's just raw. I'd have a hard time taking a guy like Wilkerson in the first round who is a 'potential' starter. I don't think he'll contribute right away."
Forecast: With the lockout, it's dangerous to go after kids who are projects. How do you get them up to speed properly if this mess stretches into August? It's almost a wasted season. Bunting says the ability to two-gap is something that needs the most work from Wilkerson right now.
Patriots Draftability: 6
Tom E. Curran can be reached at tcurran@comcastsportsnet.com.Follow Tom on Twitter at http:twitter.comtomecurran