Patriots Take Ebner with 197th Pick
In one of the brightest spots for an otherwise disappointing NFL draft for Buckeyes, Nate Ebner has gone from rugby player to walk-on to NFL draftee.
The second Dublin native to be drafted from this year's team with Mike Adams (though he attended Hilliard Davidson) will be competing for playing time on Bill Belichick's special teams unit, a position where he shined for the Buckeyes after making the move to football from rugby.
Ebner is a tremendous athlete, having been named the MVP of the Rugby World Cup in both 2007 and 2008. His nose for the ball and his tenacious sense of urgency on the field make him a player that will be very easy to root for in the NFL regardless of how your feelings toward the Patriots.
Comments
They know he will be an awesome gunner on special teams. Very interesting pick!
This is why Belichick is one of the best. Knows where to find value.
Yay finally a player from Davidson.
Mike Furrey was from Davidson.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Furrey
Yeah I knew that Furrey was a Davidson grad, but I just meant that it took a while for Davidson to finally get another person in the NFL with the yearly success we tend to have. I should have said "finally another player from Davidson."
Will be a great special teamer.
35 hours to Pasadena! Go Bucks!
I absolutely CANNOT believe that he was drafted, but I couldn't be happier for him. He worked his ass off and it was only special teams.
How does Ebner get drafted before 4 year starter, captain, former 5 star recruit Mike Brewster? Congrats Nate! Kill dudes on special teams.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
One word: Bollman
Because Patriots are already 3 deep for centers. Pats fan here.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
JACK TATUM
I meant in general..not really for the patiots. What's the low down on Brewster..he has the size, experience, and character. Am I missing something here?
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
How bad were the Buckeyes when Ebner is one of the top draft picks?
After watching every play this season..pretty bad.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Or maybe a dude with his athleticism should have seen the field a bit more.
Ebner hasn't played organized football that long...former rugby player, but he did well in all of the "combine" drills. Will start in special teams, probably a 2nd or 3rd team safety if they need him.
Check out all of the hype with this recruiting class (still a few guys with RS who could get drafted next year): http://rivals.yahoo.com/ohiostate/football/recruiting/commitments/2008/o...
The 08 class is a pretty big dissapointment, mainly because of tat gate. I remember when this class came in everyone was saying Pryor will be the next Vince Young, Adams Brewster and Shugarts would be elite nfl type olineman, Sabino and Sweat will be 1st rounders, Posey will be better than Ginn and Gonzo etc. just goes to show you that you have to have a wait and see mentality regarding recruiting classes.
The 09 class was a huge disappointment as well if you look back at it.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
I wouldn't say a huge disappointment, just a lot of guys who transferred or were cut from the team (Clarke). More of a mix of 3 and 4 star guys rather than 4 and 5 stars, but obviously Simon, Boren, Barnett and now (hopefully) Hall, Mewhort, and Linsley can all be solid performers.
I would hardly say Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl* titles are a major disappointment for this class. Could have done better? yes. Disappointment? no.
35 hours to Pasadena! Go Bucks!
I am so happy for Ebner...having met the guy a few times, he is an outstanding person and going to be a great player IMO in the NFL...Patriots are extremly intelligent with their picks and their trades, I think Ebner and the Pats are a great fit...similar to the Bears and Dane
Good job Nate, and good luck!
The knock on brewster is short arms and not alot of strength. He doesn't get a strong push. His struggles this year, I don't think should be on him personally, didn't help his cause.
at the same time, UMs Molk was being said to be a 2nd rounder or at least a 3rd rounder and he hasn't been drafted yet either.
I think it will be better for Brewster at this point to not get drafted. Then he can pick a team that he thinks will fit him better. I am sure he will make a team.
Ha! a rugby goon is going to be giving quite a few Patriots hard times in Training Camp, as he goes all out, and some of them will be going 1/2 ass...POed they are drawing special teams duty.
Nate lit people up all the time on special teams. Not sure why he was never on the field more last year as bad as the D was playing.
What a story...goes from Rugby to walk on at OSU to NFL draft pick. He was on almost every tackle on Kick Off and was always going full go. I could see why Belichick would want to try to see if he can develop into something on Defense. Good Luck Nate!
As far as the Tat Gate class...who cares. Ebner wasn't a part of that trash. It's a good thing that it's been taken out now and now they can actually buy their tatoos. We'll see a much better group of senior leadership this year even though they can't play in the post season (and unfortunately for them...they didn't do what they're getting punished for).
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Calling people trash? Are you kidding me? Especially those who had nothing to do with it? I just don't get your venom.
This is awesome news
Greg Jennings "I put my team on my back"