... Reiss himself doesn't make this clarification but I think it's important to note that this all falls into the category of "if the season started today"...
I haven't thought - and looking at this roster REALLY don't think - that the team is done making moves yet... I expect there will be more pickups of cut players and/or trades
That being said, I can see a few weak links in the chain - though also believe that some of the lesser players can step up and play their roles well.
New England Patriots mailbag: Laying a foundation through the NFL draft - ESPN Boston
Quote:
QB: Tom Brady
RB: Laurence Maroney
WR: Randy Moss
WR: Brandon Tate/Torry Holt
WR: Julian Edelman
TE: Rob Gronkowski
LT: Matt Light
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Dan Koppen
RG: Stephen Neal
RT: Sebastian Vollmer
LDE: Ty Warren
NT: Vince Wilfork
RDE: Mike Wright/Gerard Warren
OLB: Tully Banta-Cain
OLB: Rob Ninkovich
ILB: Jerod Mayo
ILB: Brandon Spikes
CB: Leigh Bodden
CB: Darius Butler
S: Patrick Chung
S: Brandon Meriweather
|
On offense, I'd like to see some more depth and competition there. Although we don't know what Tate might do, a competition between he and Hold doesn't fill one with confidence. I am however, confident that Edelman can be a Welker-Lite.
That being said, I'd have to think Hernandez might be added to the mix as an additional TE on the field - which could make things interesting.
Aside from that I'll be rooting for some UDFA RBs but unlike most, I think our RBs are ok seeing as I expect the pass to set up the run and not the other way around.
On Defense I see few areas of concern. I like a lot of what I've seen from Ninkovich - I'm just not sure I've seen enough to write him in as the starting OLB. I like TBC too but when he's your best OLB I think you can upgrade the position.
Mike Wright and Gerard Warren as potential starters at RDE? Again, why doesn't that fill me with confidence?
I actually do agree with Spikes at ILB - I think they got a steal with him. But still, to have him penciled in at this stage indicates that's not a position of strength on the team.
Bodden, Butler, and Chung too - all have some great potential - whether they'll consistently deliver is another question.
I actually wouldn't be all that surprised to see McCourty make a challenge. He has the skills and was a "reach" because of the lack of INTs - but I think Belichick values his ability to hit/tackle - and appreciates his willingness to play a role in a zone, rather than freelance for stats. He could be the anti-Ty Law - but in a good way.
So still room - and still time - for some improved depth and competition by my view.
Reiss' Starting Lineup Prediction
Linear Mode
