scott99

Maybe our returner until Tate is ready ?

RayClay

How are you watching training camps? Cultural exchange program?

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Patjew

Hey bud!

I was in RI for a couple of week and popped into yesterday morning's practice. Now I'm in O'hare en route back to China.

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Drink like a beast.


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DaBruinz

Slater made his mark in college as a special teamer. He played on all the special teams units in college. Punt Return, Kick Return, Punt Coverage, Kick Coverage and Field Goals. It was because of that ability that the Patriots drafted him. Much like they drafted Willie Andrews. I don't expect Slater to be anything more than that, in all honesty. And the Pats have carried a few specialists like that over the years. And, with the new Wedge Rules, someone like Slater should excel.

RayClay

You're in China and I'm the one who doesn't get back to New England for the first summer ever.

Such is life.

Glad you got to camp. I must admit i'll root for Slater if he can turn it around because i feel for people who really mess up due to nervousness.

I guess he's supposed to be good otherwise on teams, but if he can't be a regular returner, I don't see how he takes a roster spot. No way we don't have others who can play teams, return kicks and/or actually back up a position.

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DaBruinz

Ventrone is a lousy gunner and can't return kicks or punts. Slater is more than UDFA talent. But I don't expect you to understand that... You are the epitome of Armchair GM whining and moaning while looking at everything in hindsight. Yet, you've not proven to know that anyone else the Pats could have chosen would have fit the Pats system better.

DaBruinz

How did players like Willie Andrews, Larry Izzo, and Kelley Washington make the team? Because they were great at special teams.

I am not saying he's guaranteed a spot. I am just saying that the Patriots have shown a propensity to keep special teams specialists in the past.

RayClay

Not disputing his value if he is absolutely outstanding, but he was drafted also because he was an outstanding kick returner. If he's a bust there, then he has some competition for a spot.

Circiu and Aikens are experienced special teams aces as I understand. Aikens is also a decent backup WR. Circiu is a special teams only guy that nevertheless has more experience on the regular defense than all but 3 of our linebackers (TBC? maybe), which is scary.

Half our linebackers are really special teamers until proven otherwise, to be honest.

Kelley Washington? Legitimate NFL receiver. Talked about as a low first rounder before a neck problem caused him to drop to the third round.

Willie Andrews started every game at safety his last three years at Baylor. How does that compare to a guy they don't even know whether he plays offense or defense?

Izzo was an all pro special teamer and Captain. Circiu and Aikens compete for that. One is a backup linebacker, which we might desperately need (unfotrunately). The other, a decent possession receiver.

I don't see the comparison. Returns are a big part of Slater's resume IMO

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signbabybrady

ding ding ding.....By my opinion he seems to be the best gunner we have on the team. and plays on most if not all special teams units


so long as he doesn't touch the ball I dont have to worry about that.

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tajapandu

he's gonna move furniture at the facility