mgteich

Isn't the 2006 playoff version likely to better than the 2005. I think so.

DL
All are back and more experienced. This is a great, improving group. It could be even better if we chose a Day One pick as Seymour insurance to replace Klecko.

LB
We'll add two first day picks or free agents) plus Claridge. Colvin will be better, one year healthier, and Vrabel will STAY INSIDE. The triangle of Vrabel-Wilfork-Bruschi will be awesome with Wilfork and Vrabel more experienced at their positions. Beisel might contribute more than in 2005, or he will be replaced. How uncomfortable are we with two Day One picks competing with Banta-Cain and Claridge for reps at OLB in camp, with Vrabel as "Plan B". Bruschi/Vrabel/Beisel are fine inside. Beisel won't get much work, but that's fine. Maybe a rookie ILB will beat him out for reps.

CB
Sanders was our nickel last year and Poteat our dime back. Childress was our emergency db. And we did fine! Instead of Starks, we have Chad Scott, Gay, and Warfield. That has to be a major improvement. And Hobbs is likely to be better.

S
Harrison should be back for the playoffs. Until then, Hawkins now knows the system and Sanders a year better. Wilson will be better with consistency at SS. And we have Guss Scott and Mitchell replacing Stone.


THE DRAFT
As of now, I will be disappointed if we don't draft at least additions to the front seven on Day One. I really expect a DE tweener, an OLB, a TE and whatever else we can get of value (perhaps a center-guard, although we are likely to wait unit Day Two). Of course, I'd like the fourth to be a RT/RG roadgrader.
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Would I be fine with no glamour players on Day One? no CB, no RB, no WR? I would; what about you?

Sean Pa Patriot

I think Harrison plays by opening day...

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We going to take it one game at a time

363839

I like our defense too, but man, I'm gonna miss Willy.

BelichickFan

I'm a little nervous about Safety if Harrison doesn't make it back. Hawkins did fine and Sanders is was young and injured so he's far from a lost cause. But that's not a certain solid spot. I am starting to agree that Vrabel will stay inside. I still can't decide who I want to replace him, though. Manny Lawson, the next Colvin. Or Carpenter who's good at playing physical like McGinest. Or a 2nd or 3rd rounder with the #1 going elsewhere.

shakadave

Vrabel is excellent wherever he plays, but I'm nervous with him inside --- playing ILB in our system takes years off your career and puts high mileage on your upper vertebrae and skull bone! Vrabel would be with us longer if we can keep him on the outside.

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Please, God, don't let us ever suck as bad as the 2011 Cowboys did in the Jets opener.
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"I got a little shine on and showed you guys a little taste of my speed."

----Vince Wilfork, Jan. 7, 2007

flutie2phelan

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tkayo

Agree for the most part. I think BB is drafting from the inside out, so now that the DL looks good, an OLB will be the 1st pick. Letting Willie walk without an offer, attempt at restructuring or even a comment is a big sign of changes to come. The Chargers got Merriman at #12 last year and I wonder where we have to be in the 1st to get someone like that?

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Brian

DarrylS

I agree completely, felt that this has been the plan all along, my only concern has been that our LB corps could use some shoring up. This plan meets these needs, agree that we will shy away from "glamour" players and opt for more blue collar guys who can buy into this team..

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"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

Pats726

Tough to see Willie go, but I think it is time to get young in the LB area. Certainly an OLB would be great and I expect that..keeping Vrabel inside is having coaches on the field..between he and TedyB. Really like that. Claridge, Beisel, Banta-Cain?? Interesting development of this team.

JR4

Yes I like the D also ...... but

... needs better quality depth on the DL and the depth at LB is scary.

On DL they have Green, Wright, Klecko and Hill as primary backups.
I wonder if they could get someone to compete and win either Kleco or
Hills spot. This will be Hill's third year ... will he step up? What is his
problem? He has the size and youth. Maybe this is his break out year.
If not maybe he can get beat out with Competition in TC.

As for ILB - there's Beisel as the only real experienced backup one. That is not too comforting.
Yes all have had some playing time but Biesel is the most game time experienced outside Izzo
who is at best a stop gap not an every down player you want out there.

Replacing Willie won't be easy and in reality I do not see anyone on the roster that can do it.
Lots of potential but nothing real proven. Sure Banta Cain has had some flashes but he's also
been lost at times. It looks like PATs are going with an in experienced OLB unless they move
Vrabel back and use Beisel inside. ( yuk).

Then there is Depth for the LBs ... practically non exixstent. This Unit is
critical to PATs D and is just one major injury away from becoming average.

Secondary looks good with good depth.