NFL Rookies 101: Jerod Mayo

If one has learned anything about the NFL draft, it's that reality doesn't discriminate based on which round players were drafted in (see: Marques Colston, Earnest Byner, and Tom Brady) or what time they had in the 40-yard dash. Yet everyone continues to ignore nearly every possible thing there is to know about a rookie except his NFL Combine stats. In the interests of common sense and to get a more realistic picture of this year's draft class as a whole, Rookies 101 will analyze and get to know this year's rookie class a little bit more.

You likely first heard of Jerod Mayo when the New England Patriots selected him 10th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. The pick surprised many, probably because most people were taking Mel Kiper's projections as if they were published fact. Regardless, it is now becoming very clear why the Patriots selected him, not that we should have been questioning the team's drafting and scouting skills in the first place!

Mayo was known in college for being a student of the game. He was one of those rare college football players who understood that learning the intricacies of his position was just as important as how many times he went to the gym. He "got" that hard work and proper preparation were keys to success.

A defensive co-captain, Jerod helped lead a Volunteer defense that ended the season with the 34th best defense in the nation. His 2007 season was not only his finest, but also one of the best that Tennessee has seen out of one of its linebackers in quite some time. He recorded 140 total tackles, 79 of which were solo and 8 of which were for a loss.

Jerod was largely considered the second best linebacker in the draft, behind only USC linebacker Keith Rivers and many expected the Patriots to take Rivers with their first selection. Going into the draft, Mayo's stock had slowly risen, but no one expected him to go as high as the 10th overall pick or that the Patriots would trade down from the seventh overall pick in order to obtain him. Although the general consensus was that it was a solid selection, many thought the Patriots could have drafted him much later in the first round. The move showed just how much New England respected the talents and work ethic of the young prospect.

With an aging linebacker corps and a defense that doesn't have too much speed, Jerod gives the Patriots both youth and quickness at the linebacker position. When last year's first round selection of speedster safety Brandon Meriweather is taken into account, it's clear that the team has recognized their lack of speed on defense and is planning for the future accordingly.

Although Bill Belichick's defensive system is sure to be a daunting one for a rookie to learn, reports out of the Patriots camp suggest that Mayo is adjusting to life in the NFL just fine. He also has no problem with putting in the extra work necessary in order to succeed. Mayo likely caught Belichick's attention in a good way when the coach discovered he was an avid watcher of game tape, something Belichick himself is perhaps known best for and something he requires of anyone that is on his team.

If Junior Seau decides to return this year and further delay his retirement, Mayo will still likely see a substantial amount of game time if his indoctrination process continues to go well. Seau, who is less than a year removed from age 40, will likely spell at linebacker to provide a breather wherever necessary.

Critics have pointed towards the Patriots linebacker's poor play late in the season last year as one of the Achilles heel's of a defense on the decline. They say that one young and talented linebacker won't remedy what is still a very old group. What they fail to take into account is the wisdom the Patriots linebackers can offer the young rookie and the lessons they will be able to teach him that the coaching staff and even other veteran players could not. The group knows what it takes to win and they‘ve been doing it since before Jerod was in high school.

The important thing for the team, though, is that the torch is being passed on. It's being passed on slowly mind you, but it's being passed on nonetheless. Also, who knows what kind of positive effects Mayo will have in turn upon his on-field mentors? More energy? More fun?

If Mayo can continue his hard work and roll with the physical and mental punches thrown week after week at a rookie starter, he should have no problem making a significant impact on the Patriots defense. After all, regardless of your feelings towards his intelligence gathering techniques, can't we all agree that we might want to take notice when Bill Belichick puts so much stake into a defensive player?

If not, then you at least have to admit the kid has a good football name. Time to go make a sandwich!