Roster thoughts based on Mike Rodak's practice notes - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 08-05-2010, 12:37 PM

Patriots practice 14 observations - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

So here's a scenario: do we drop one RB and keep a WR who can run the ball?

Quote:

Second-year wide receiver Julian Edelman was a participant in select running backs drills, continuing a trend seen over the past few days of practice. “I’ll do whatever they tell me to do,” Edelman said after practice. “I like running that ball. Everyone can carry the ball out here. It’s something I’m comfortable doing.” With a crowded wide receiver position, this will be one area to watch during the preseason.

And how about dark-horse Kyle Arrington?

Quote:

The team’s defensive backs went one-on-one against the running backs, similar to the drill run between the linebackers and running back earlier in training camp. Cornerback Kyle Arrington was far and away the best performer in this drill, beating running back Fred Taylor twice and Sammy Morris once. Unlike other defensive backs who attempted to bull rush the pass protector, Arrington used a quick spin move to get to the “quarterback.”

Interesting things, which may not ever be significant. But where would we be, as a forum, if we didn't blow some things out of proportion?

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?
Can an ST DEMON make the team as a DB with a pretty killer (on paper) stable already on the field?

***Calciumee*** · 08-05-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?

Josh Cribbs doubles as a WR and RB, but he truly is mainly an ST player, whereas JE is actually a WR.

***mgteich*** · 08-05-2010, 12:48 PM

I am not sure of your point.

Almost all of us have Edelman and Arrington as locks. Most of us have us carrying four running backs.

It is not unusual for wide receivers to run the ball occasionally, as well as TE's. This is certainly something to try a couple of time in practice.

BTW, who has the player who ws arguably our top special teamer last year (Arrington) as a dark horse to make this team? The question whether he is good enough as an emergency CB so that we do have to carry more than four others, saving a roster spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

Patriots practice 14 observations - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

So here's a scenario: do we drop one RB and keep a WR who can run the ball?

And how about dark-horse Kyle Arrington?

Interesting things, which may not ever be significant. But where would we be, as a forum, if we didn't blow some things out of proportion?

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?
Can an ST DEMON make the team as a DB with a pretty killer (on paper) stable already on the field?

JSn · 08-05-2010, 12:50 PM

I have Arrington as a dark horse due to the numbers issues. I'm not seeing room for more than 3 ST only guys - the specialists.

***ctpatsfan77*** · 08-05-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?

I'm wondering if maybe they're seeing if Edelman can be not just a Welkstitute,** but also a replacement for Faulk, too. . . .

**Or, if you prefer, a Welkersatz. . . .

***mgteich*** · 08-05-2010, 01:00 PM

I agree that that we will carry no more tha 3 ST only guys.

Right now (for me) those would be Arrington, Aiken and Slater (beating out Murrell, Lockett, Williams and Alexander). Other choices are certainly reasonable. However, Arrington tied for the top number special teams tackles in only 9 games. He is likely to be our #1 special teams only candidate.

This presumes that we only need 6 DL's, 9 LB's, 4 CB's and 4 S's. I have the offense with 2 QB's, 4 RB's, 6 WR's, 3 TE's and 9 OL's. Any additional use of a roster spot for depth at a position (DL? CB?), reduces the roster spots available for special-team-only players. Arrington can save a roster spot for another special teamer if he is able to eliminate the need for a 5th corner other than him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

I have Arrington as a dark horse due to the numbers issues. I'm not seeing room for more than 3 ST only guys - the specialists.

***sbpatfan*** · 08-05-2010, 01:08 PM

BJGE seems to be a hard worker, but he sucks. Drop him and have Edelman fill the 5th RB, emergency, "gadget" back role. 5.5 receivers and 4.5 backs, saves a roster spot.

JSn · 08-05-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

Arrington can save a roster spot for another special teamer if he is able to eliminate the need for a 5th corner other than him.

And it's not inconceivable for him to bump Wheatley, imo.

***mgteich*** · 08-05-2010, 01:25 PM

Bodden, Butler, McCourty, Wilhite are the four.

The question is indeed whether we need a 5th other than Arrington. If Arrington is the #5, then Wheatley can be waived.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

And it's not inconceivable for him to bump Wheatley, imo.

patriotscpfc · 08-05-2010, 01:40 PM

Interesting factoid from practice is that at one point, the starting defense had this Secondary:

Chung, Meriweather, McGowan and Butler. 3 Safeties and a Corner. I'd be interested to see who was the CB in that formation, but it negates the need for Wheatley if Chung, or McGowan can be the back-up CB and S along with Sanders and Wilhite as backups and Arrington as the ST guy.