cstjohn17

Roster review - 05/30/2010
Roster-2010-05-29

After thinking about the Pats roster in way more detail than is really prudent or necessary I have come up with the following general observations:

1. Competition is everywhere - As with most years the first 45 positions are pretty much set but there is good to very good competition at almost every position.
2. OLB - Not exactly LT in his football prime but there will be some good battles, in the end the Pats will end up with a bunch of good (bot not excellent players).
3. Defense - Will be a bit of a work in progress but should once again finish in the top 10 in PPG, some where around 18 PPG (basically same as last year but with an improved core).
4. Offense - Will make or break the team, Brady will have to play better for the record to improve. Better to have it on Brady's shoulders than anyone else.
5. Maknkins - Love the guy, but I wonder if the Pats would consider trading him either for a draft pick or a player at a position of need.

Ok, thats it, I am checking out, will catch back up in late August. Have a nice summer.

mgteich

I agree that the first 45 are pretty well locks if healthy. These included you Depth 1 players except Pryor (25 players and 17 Depth 2 players (all except Patten, Bussey, Warren, Connolly, Aiken, Ninkovich and King). Without addition, I also think Price (not listed), Crumpler and Wheatley wiill make the team. That gives us 45 filled postions, pretty much the norm.

The next 3 roster spots (good shape and good competition)
1 from Connolly, Larsen and Wendell
2 of Arrington, Lockett, Slater, Alexander, Murrell and Aiken


THE LAST DECISIONS - KEEP FIVE (or 4 plus an additional special teamer or Patten)
Pryor
Warren
Lewis
Deaderick
Crable
Ninkovich
Burgess
I suspect which five will be settled by injury.

Frezo

It seems to me that if Mankins is traded then LG becomes a position of need. (unless you think there is a "step right in" player on the roster). I don't.

Professor Frink

I don't think it's gonna happen, and I wouldn't be in favor of it, but it's not the craziest thing to think that if BB saw someone he felt comfortable with (maybe if Volmer has an impressive camp Light will take snaps at LG) and someone was offering something worth while, he would pull the trigger.

I think it's more likely that Mankins signs long term though, they will certainly use the franchise tag on him before they let him hit free agency.

patriotscpfc

I would bet my house on Pryor making this team.

There is no way that he doesn't.

__________________
Paul, London - Patriot and Proud

DocE

I see solid depth at a lot of positions, but unfortunately I see a dearth of impact players defensively. I would be fine with the Patriots giving up around 18 ppg, but not in the same manner as it happened last year. Instead of putting up shut outs against really weak competition and/or playing in terrible weather which kept the score of some games down, the Patriots actually hold the better offenses they play to a manageable number. Giving up 38 to New Orleans and 35 to Indianapolis showed that this team couldn't stop a passing game in 2009.

DarrylS

While there have been those complaining about the D, there have been obvious and perhaps subtle positive changes.. no longer does the D backfield rely on walk ons and that is the biggest change.. between Mayo, McKenzie, Guyton and Spikes expect this team to be better up the middle.. the OL situation raises some concerns..

There may not be any "impact" players on D, but with this stacked D backfield things may change...

The O has made some nice upgrades at TE and WR, so overall this team will be better on paper than the one last year.. but we will wait and see.

__________________
"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.

PatsFaninME

That's funny! YOU don't think there's a step right in player. Why is that because they didn't spend a first round pick on someone.

Mankins will reluctantly play this year under his current contract which will give Pats another year to develop and evaluate their roster. Based on their evaluations they will do what they always do...make the right decision. They certainly aren't saying "OMG, we can't live without Player X", especially a guard. Don't get me wrong, I love Mankins but not at a HUGE price.

mgteich

Basically you're saying that there is no way that both Lewis and Warren will beat out Pryor. I agree that Pryor will LIKELY make the team, but I see no reason to consider him a lock. Yes, Pryor did OK last year, and yes Belichick brought in bot Lewis and Warren.
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Wilfork and Brace are making the team as nose tackles.
Warren is our starting LDE.
Wright will share reps at RDE as he did last year, and is a backup DT.
That's FOUR.
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We carried sit two additional defensive linemen last year: Green and Pryor.
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NEEDS
1) a player or two for the RDE rotation
2) a solid run defending DT
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We have Warren, Lewis, Pryor and Deaderick competing.
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We could carry a seventh DL, especially for a developmental player like Deaderick.
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Frezo

Why is that funny?