mgteich

There will be competition for reps and even for starting positions, but limited competition for roster spots.

BOTTOM LINE
We have only 29 players competing for 24-25 roster spots. Given the normal number of injuries, there is almost no competition. Without additions to the squad, whoever is healthy among these 29 may end up making the 53-man roster.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Presuming no cuts or trades, the only question is whether we keep Smith as our #7 DL on on the 53 man roster.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Presuming no additions, we are set with Thomas, Woods, Crable, Banta-Cain and Redd.

INSIDE LINEBACKER
The 4th ILB spot is available, if it hasn't been replaced by the 7th DL position. Appleby and Alexander are competing for the spot.

CORNER
all set

#9 DEFENSIVE BACK
McGowan, Tank Williams, Spann and Richardson are the competitors for this position. We could carry ten defensive backs.

MetalBleachers

What about starting? Won't there be competition to see who starts?

How can you say CBs are "all set"? Who are the starting corners?

mgteich

Yes, there will be competition for starting positions and number of reps. However, I see little competition for roster spots.

Patriotic Fervor

This is pretty much how I see it.

Spot-on analysis, MG!

__________________
....and that's the way I see it!

nflfan07

Thats pretty much how I see it as well. The Defense should be stout!!

Ghost of Ben Dreith

The fact that there is only 29 competing for 24-25 spots is not a good thing. Especially when you consider the reps for the training camp and preseason games and the age of some of the defensive players.

I really find it pretty incredible that this is all we have. Seems like they are setting themselves up for more injuries without more training camp/pre season game fodder to soak up the reps.

Gunnails

I thought I had read that the Pats are carrying more players at the moment then any other team, lots of 09 draft picks. Teams are allowed to have 80 players under contract. I think I am missing something.

Deus Irae

The draftees haven't signed yet, so they aren't actually under contract.

__________________
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

Jimke

There are currently 39 defensive players on the roster including

McKenzie. They are thin at linebacker with 12 healthy candidates

for nine spots.

mgteich

I agree...........