Ninkovich on the 53? - New England Patriots Forums

jefmblrd · 09-05-2009, 08:33 AM

Although I realize it's a longshot, I've had this sense throughout training camp that Ninkovich will make the 53. Here are some some of my observations:

He has a good motor.
He does a good job at setting the edge. Keeps his inside shoulder in the correct relation to the blocker in most cases and forces things inside when that's his responsibility.
He can put pressure on the passer.
He can play special teams.

According to PFW In Progress:
He is a back up long snapper.
He can play tight end.
He can play inside linebacker.

Possibly a developing Vrabel-type player?

As I said, it's a longshot, but I'd like to see him make it.

I did read on another thread here, that he has PS eligibility as well.

Mack Herron · 09-05-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefmblrd

Possibly a developing Vrabel-type player?

Nice player, but right now he would be behind TBC/Burgess or AD/Woods. His chance would seem to be instead of Crable. But Crable does not make PS, and he might. I see him on the PS.

farn · 09-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Not willing to go Vrabel-type, but I'd not be surprised to see him on 53. Not exactly certain who'd be on the outs...

This Reiss prediction seems fair enough.

Final roster projection - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

I'd guess if Ninko makes the 53 it would be instead of either Wendell (OL) or BJGE (RB) - less likely - or even Crable.

jefmblrd · 09-05-2009, 09:54 AM

Interesting. Reiss just added Ninkovich to his 53.

One correction on my original post: it wasn't PFW in Progress, it was the Patriots Roster Report with Paul Perillo.

***jmt57*** · 09-05-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

According to PFW In Progress:
He is a back up long snapper.
He can play tight end.
He can play inside linebacker.

I keep reading about Ninkovich playing ILB, and apparently PFW is now reporting it as well. Did I miss something? When did this happen? I was under the impression Ninkovich was either a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE - but not an ILB.

RayClay · 09-05-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmt57

I keep reading about Ninkovich playing ILB, and apparently PFW is now reporting it as well. Did I miss something? When did this happen? I was under the impression Ninkovich was either a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE - but not an ILB.

Don't know if you'd find him even playing much OLB. Maybe in preseason with the Dolphins one year.

jefmblrd · 09-05-2009, 10:03 AM

I just corrected my source; it was the Patriots Roster Report with Paul Perillo and Eric Scalavino (Friday afternoon). I know they are part of PFW in Progress too, but I wanted to get my source correct.

Jimke · 09-05-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefmblrd

Although I realize it's a longshot, I've had this sense throughout training camp that Ninkovich will make the 53. Here are some some of my observations:

He has a good motor.
He does a good job at setting the edge. Keeps his inside shoulder in the correct relation to the blocker in most cases and forces things inside when that's his responsibility.
He can put pressure on the passer.
He can play special teams.

According to PFW In Progress:
He is a back up long snapper.
He can play tight end.
He can play inside linebacker.

Possibly a developing Vrabel-type player?

As I said, it's a longshot, but I'd like to see him make it.

I did read on another thread here, that he has PS eligibility as well.

Ninkovich did a heck of a job setting the edge against Brandon Jacobs.

***DaBruinz*** · 09-05-2009, 12:17 PM

If Ninkovich can truly be a back up at ILB, then that would be a good thing for him and the Pats. Granted, he'd be behind Alexander at ILB, but he showed good ability as an OLB against the Giants as well.

***BradyFTW!*** · 09-05-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefmblrd

Although I realize it's a longshot, I've had this sense throughout training camp that Ninkovich will make the 53. Here are some some of my observations:

He has a good motor.
He does a good job at setting the edge. Keeps his inside shoulder in the correct relation to the blocker in most cases and forces things inside when that's his responsibility.
He can put pressure on the passer.
He can play special teams.

According to PFW In Progress:
He is a back up long snapper.
He can play tight end.
He can play inside linebacker.

Possibly a developing Vrabel-type player?

As I said, it's a longshot, but I'd like to see him make it.

I did read on another thread here, that he has PS eligibility as well.

I loved Ninkovich against the Giants' first-stringers. He made some good plays, and really stood out all around. At this point, I wouldn't have any problem with him beating out Crable for a roster spot.