mgteich

Beisel and Chad Brown did fine. Vrabel, Colvin and McGinist were awesome. And it will get better (through the Super Bowl and in 2006) with Bruschi back. We are set at linebacker into 2006 with TBC, Izzo and Claridge/Chatham in the mix.

patchick

McGinist, Bruschi, Vrabel, Colvin looks to me like one of the most formidle LB lineups since the 1990 Giants. But I'd still love to see a top draft pick spent on a future elephant type. Who the heck is behind Willie?

dhamz

If the LB depth in this draft is what all the scouts claim it is, I would like to see us add a young guy, maybe even 2 to groom for 2007 and beyond.

That said, our LB group is playing better now than it ever has.

patsox23

LB group is very good right now, but McGinest, Bruschi aren't exactly spring chickens - a few more years of production, I hope.

Vrabel and Colvin are in their prime and good for at least 4 more years.

TBC, Chatham, Claridge - we have little to no idea if they can be impact players in the NFL.

We NEED to draft LBs next year, even though they are playing terrific football right now.

mgteich

Every year, you guys want to use a top draft for a LB for two years down the line. We now have an excellent set of flexible linebackers for 2006 and probably 2007. Our linebackers must be able to play DE and be top special teamers, especially the backups.

I suppose if you want to cut Chatham and Banta-Cain, drafting a linebacker makes some sense. Surely, Claridge will be given another year to develop.

But in the end, bb hasn't used Day One picks for linebackers, and I don't expect him to do so now. After all, last year, he had just lost Phifer and Bruschi, and Ted Johnson was questionable as a starter (healthy or not). Surely would use a Day One pick for a linebacker. There were so many good ones. NOT!

When was the last time this team drafted a linebacker on Day One; not a DE convert (McGinist and Bruschi), but an actual linebacker???

bb and pioli will meet the need at linebacker, using their system, not ours. Some positions are better filled though top draft picks, some through lower ones, some through top free agents and trades, and some through low level UDFAs and free agent projects.

BTW, we still have developing youngsters on the team: Banta-Cain, Chatham and Alexander.

As we look at this playoff team, do we really think that bb and pioli should change their strategies with regard to how to fill the linebacker positions?

BelichickFan

When Bruschi is in, this is one of the best LB groups ever. Getting Colvin to replace TJ/Phifer (with Vrabes moving inside) put the finishing touches on an incredible group. We do need to draft some youth but not necessarily in the first round. We don't know how they feel about TBC and Claridge but with the extra picks I would expect to see a couple of LB taken at some point. Willie is 34 and Bruschi is 32, they won't go on forever.

After 4.5 sacks yesterday from Willie I bet Colvin has a big game next week with the offenses moving extra help to Willie's side.

mgteich

Behind Willie is the type of player that bb trusts much more than a draftee. If Willie were hurt, Chad Brown would step in and start. He is an experienced and skilled OLB and pass-rusher.

Many here also believe that Banta-Cain would be fine with more reps if given a chance. Chatham started last year and played well at OLB. When Willie is ready to retire, bb will likely find a free agent or trade to replace him (if the answer is not any of the above or Alexander or Claridge).

patchick

I'm not so sure this year's approach demonstrated a general strategy so much as a response to draft board reality. (Remember the strategy not to pick OL high?) If a Demarcus Ware had been around at 32, I have to think he'd be a Patriot right now.

Box_O_Rocks

bump

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PATSNUTme

Maybe Monty was promised a special treat at home if he didn't screw up.