2009 Defense - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 10-23-2008, 03:21 PM

I finally added Redd, who almost made the team this year. The questions for me are the re-signing of James Sanders, O'Neal and Wright. If we re-sign all three, I don't see a defensive need in 2009 except at backup safety, and that spot can get filled through free agency.

Re-signing the three (and tendering Woods high) would give us the luxury of using a pick or two on defense if the value is there, even on a developmental prospect.

I just don't see using a top draft pick on a corner when we just did so for Wheatley.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyManny2344

IMO, O'Neal is a stopgap - if they like what he does the rest of the season, they can bring him back, but if they decide to invest in another CB via the draft, then I doubt they'll think twice about moving on from O'Neal.

I agree with the rest of the starting lineup. I have Guyton penciled in as well, for a guy to progress as fast as he has and see his snaps increase, I don't think its crazy to think he could start by next year.

I'd also want to throw Vince Redd into the mix at OLB depth.

Overall, I'm seeing the defense is in pretty good shape for at least next season. As I just said in another thread, if everyone's health holds up (knock on some wood, right now) defense is not looking like a major need going into the April draft - presuming we re-sign guys like Sanders, Woods, and perhaps O'Neal.

If Wheatley and Wilhite develop fast enough, then CB isn't a real need, unless they don't want O'Neal back. If they do, then I can see them using a Day 1 pick on CB.

If Harrison is calling it quits, then another safety will be a need, likely addressed sometime between rounds 2-5 in the draft. If Sanders is re-signed, then they have their starting combo for the next few years.

If Guyton continues to impress, then SILB is no longer a major need. Depending upon what they think of Bo Ruud, I would think they would add some depth to ILB, pretty much anywhere between rounds 2-7.

AD is signed through 2011, Vrabel may be on the back 9, but is still playing a lot of snaps. Woods has proven he can be the first OLB off the bench, if he's re-signed, then between Crable and Redd, there is little need to get an OLB, unless they specifically really target a need and see an area they can upgrade over Crable/Woods/Redd, ie, an OLB with noted exceptional pass rushing skills (I think thats Crable, anyway) or one who is exceptional at dropping back into coverage or covering TEs.

All in all, I'm very excited about the future of this D.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 10-23-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

I expect that the team will be looking for at least one safety, at least one corner, two linebackers, and any defensive lineman that intrigues them becomes an instant 'get' given the way this team views the importance of the defensive line.

2009 Preview - Where's the talent? I see no need to change this positional draft needs list, defensively we seem to be in some agreement.

Deus Irae · 10-23-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

2009 Preview - Where's the talent? I see no need to change this positional draft needs list, defensively we seem to be in some agreement.

And that makes me feel much better about my thought process. You're one of my touchstones here, so when we're in agreement, or at least on the same page, I feel pretty confident that my thought process is heading in the right direction.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 10-23-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

And that makes me feel much better about my thought process. You're one of my touchstones here, so when we're in agreement, or at least on the same page, I feel pretty confident that my thought process is heading in the right direction.

Pressure, can't stand the pressure aaagggghhh!

BradyManny · 10-23-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

I just don't see using a top draft pick on a corner when we just did so for Wheatley.

I guess I agree - but we MAY be in a position where we can just take Best Player Available when its time for us to pick next April. There are serious needs on the offensive line, but if they address those via free agency, or determine they can address them internally, then our #1 pick could definitely be a BPA situation. In which case, we may find a corner who would fit well, and then you thank O'Neal for his time, and get younger at the position.

***PatsWickedPissah*** · 10-23-2008, 03:39 PM

BB will pick a TE with the #1

BradyManny · 10-23-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

I don't expect Bruschi back unless he's willing to be a backup/1 down kind of player next season.

Interesting, hadn't taken the thought that far yet, even though I agreed w Mgteich that Guyton would start. But Bruschi is slowly moving to the 1 down type player this season. To start the season, he was only in one defensive package, and that's the base 3-4 defense. Even now, they are a) using the base 3-4 package and personnel less b) occasionally giving AD & Guyton snaps at SILB. Still, I would think Bruschi's job would only be in jeopardy if they find someone in the first couple of rounds who they think can be an immediate upgrade or source of competition for Guyton at SILB. Bruschi still provides good depth, his intelligence is still there, he just physically is getting beat and gobbled up by guards at times.