PATSNUTme

One week from today TC starts and I'm getting excited.

During the months leading up to the the draft, I said that Spikes could be the most important player that the Patriots could draft this year. I believed that and I believe now that Spikes will give the Patriots that Ted Johnson type player that we have been missing for a while. He will help the other backers out to flow to the ball better.

No disrespect to Guyton or McKenzie but I was thrilled when the Patriots called Skies name on draft day.

So, do you think I'm wrong and if so why? Do you think he is worthy to wear #55 that Willie and Junior have worn and deserved?

PATRIOTSFANINPA

I am looking for some pressure on the QB from Spikes and would like to see some of his skills in that department,Its been quite some time where we had some severe pressure to the QB from an ILB or at least decrease the pocket quicker.

A Ted Johnson type would be great but we need some interior pass rush as well to better this defense.

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PATSNUTme

I think that he can do that as TJ did on occasion. But I also think that he could help free up Mayo to blitz more form the inside and outside.

Calciumee

Spikes taking the #55 means he has big shoes to fill, but I think that he can very easily show he is worth wearing that number, just need to wait and see.

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HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

You're not wrong. Spikes is going to show the "experts" that 40 times are overrated. I predicted the Pats would draft him (or at least try to draft him) way before the draft.

KontradictioN

The one thing that this defense has been missing since the days of Ted Johnson was a pass rushing presence up the gut. Spikes should be able to provide that. I'm only so "confident" because he took on opposing guards and centers in college. He's also good at reading the quarterback and getting in on shorter range passes (sometimes picking them off).

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CREDIT - Sicilian

NSPF

There's only so many numbers out there. Plus, I don't have any problem taking the numbers of great former players. I think it should inspire them to live up to their number.

IcyPatriot

Spikes will be the spy ... like Bruschi was at times.

FredFromDartmouth

Ah but he was the Patriots second choice at that position; they wanted to draft Montario Hardesty. However I have no faith in the Patriots ability to draft RBs; I suspect that they will be better off with Spikes.

If you look at the tape you can see that Spikes has tremendous instincts but I do not know if he can shed blocks like Ted Johnson but then NOBODY can shed bocks like Johnson. Guards would just fall off Ted (after being stunned by shot to the head).

However I do not like the matchup of Spikes verses C. J. Spiller.

townes

I thought McKenzie would start inside this year with Guyton moving outside, now i'm starting to think Belichik is going to try and use rotations and scheme changes to get a pass rush, and despite concerns about his speed I think Spikes could end up moving around alot. this is a big year for most of their young defensive players and they can step up or not, the opportunities will be there. I like the young players they have added on defense and the weapons added on offense, and i think we'll see big contributions this year.