mgteich

We are not counting on alot from these eight depth players, but one or more could be major contributers.

C JOHNSON (he could even start)
TE SMITH
WR LEWIS
WR TATE (he could be our kick or punt returner)
ILB LENON (he could even start)
CB SPRINGS
OLB BANTA-CAIN (he could get more reps than most think)
ST CIURCIU (it seems that the special team coach brought him in to lead the special team units)

BTW, I don't count on rookie to make major contributions except on special teams. I EXPECT CHUNG to be a major contributer on special teams.

AndyJohnson

Not to belittle the players, but aside from Springs and maybe Lewis or Lenon, it doesnt really make a huge difference whether these 8 surprise or 8 others do. The talent level isnt a whole lot different in the next guy on the list as of now.
The most positive part of this is that these 8 guys MAY NOT CONTRIBUTE and we wouldnt miss a beat. I dont think there is another team that can say that.

AndyJohnson

By the way, did you say we arent counting on a lot from our projected starting cornerback?

Frezo

While I'd hesitate to put Vollmer on this list, I can also see him contributing. It wouldn't be in the traditional back up oline role, but rather as a blocker in short yardage situations as a FB, TE of 6th o-lineman. He's experienced as a TE. Hoch is older and has value as a back up. I'd rather risk injury to Vollmer than Hoch. Supposedly he has some quickness and of course power. That's a good combination for a big man and a situational blocker.

signbabybrady

Johnson would be a huge suprise. I find it very far fetched to think he beats out Koppen.

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sdh7711

NO way Tate makes much of an impact if anything at all this year. October will mark exactly one year from ACL surgery, ie hes going on the PUP to start the year and may even get IR'd.

It takes players a good 18 to 24 months to fully recover from a torn ACL when they are a skill position player.

farn

No way eh ? Maybe so... maybe not. No way TO plays for Philly in the SB ? No way Schilling pitches in the playoffs ? No way doesn't exist anymore.

In other news : we think C Johnson could really start for NE ? Not saying he never would, but what prompts this speculation ?

Bartmac36

I don't think any of those would really be a surprise, other than Johnson starting at C...I think Guyton could be a starter by seasons end because of Bruschi's age and his knowledge edge over Lenon...

Hercules Rockefeller

Those really are kind of silly comparisons, because those guys took career risks to play in one game in Owens' case and two in Schilling's. Tate is a rookie who will not start. I agree that you cannot say No Way, but I think the point being made was that there is no reason to take risks with a low-salaried rookie who is not really being counted on for anything this year. I'd love to see Tate come back as quick as possible, but I think that redshirting him may be the best move.

Rob0729

I am high on Lenon, but then again I was high on Victor Hobson last year going into training camp. So I don't know if that is a good thing.

I look at Shawn Springs and I wouldn't be surprised if he had 8-9 INTs or became Deltha O'Neal 2.0. I think if age and injuries haven't caught up to him, he can be a top flight CB. If not, he will be slow and broken down like O'Neal was last year.

I think Tate has an injury that is almost impossible to rebound this quick at the position he plays and will most likely have this year as a redshirt year.

TBC has been here and we know what we are getting. He will be no better than the 2006 version the Pats had. Which wasn't horrible, but not ideal as a starter. But pretty good if he is a back up. That is my concern about the position in general is they got a bunch of solid back ups lining up across from AD, but no clear cut starter.

I don't see Johnson starting unless he moves to guard because Neal is out of commission. I doubt he will replace Koppen.

I think Alex Smith could replace Watson as the starter if Watson has another disapointing start. Lewis should be a good back up and special teamer, but with Welker, Moss, and Galloway on the receiving corp, he won't have a lot of opportunities to be be all that surprising.