Matt Patricia praises two of his best draft-eligible players as they prepare for the NFL Draft.
The real MVP of this pre-draft process is Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
The highly-regarded coordinator obviously knows what the NFL is all about and what these draft eligible players must do to catch the attention of scouts and coaches alike. The stories that the players told about the Combine process are that he was instrumental in preparing them for the interviews, for the workouts, and for the process as a whole.
He didn't stop there.
On Thursday, he joined Peter Schrager's Schrager Hour Podcast and discussed many things, including what both Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese bring to the table.
Downs had an interesting week as news surfaced that he may have some knee issues heading into the draft that are a cause for concern, but not enough to tank his draft stock.
Schrager asked Patricia what an NFL Team is getting from a player like Downs.
"He is the smartest player in the draft... He is going to be the face of your franchise."
Simply put, from the rocket scientist, that is a perfect description of Downs.
Between the white lines, Downs doesn't really make mistakes. He is truly a coach on the field, and he has only gotten better with age. His first year at Alabama, he was successful because he was just the best player on the field. Then, he came to Ohio State and became the smartest player on the field.
Statistically, he doesn't jump off the page this year because the guys in front of him were so good that he really didn't have to make very many plays. Downs' market starts at pick No. 2 and ends at pick No. 10, unless something unforeseen takes place.
Another top-10 guarantee is linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese. Reese burst onto the scene under Patricia as he was unlocked in ways that no one was expecting. Schrager asked Patricia why the Jets should take him at No. 2.
"One of my favorite guys to be around... He is just a joy, he is a sponge, he wants to learn," Patrica state. "He played on, he played off the ball. When you watch his on the line of scrimmage work, his ability to set the edge of the defense. His explosive power that you see on tape, his ability to run, speed to power pass rush, compress the pocket from the backside."
Scroll down to listen to the rest because it is pretty good.
Patricia knows exactly what to say, and he hyped up both of his guys as we inch closer to the NFL Draft at the end of April.