PATRIOTS-80

Okay. Everyone knows that Seymour, Warren, Green and Wilfork are roster locks. BB said he is looking at rookie Le Kevin Smith at NT first, and then DE. That's 5 guys. If he carries 6, which player in the title do you think should make the squad. Wright is more of a NT, and Hill is more of a DE.

holyredeemer

We'll need atleast 3 DT, and 4 de's. With that being said, i would go with this squad.

LDE-Warren,Hill
RDE-Seymour,Green
NT-Wilfork,Wright,Smith

That would be my squad. Good versatility, size and extreme power. I would be very happy with that group.

pats1

I don't see the need for 3 NTs.

There won't be enough roster room to carry 7 DLs, unless Klecko squeezes onto the roster and also plays FB and LB.

PatsWickedPissah

He'll carry 6.
Smith vs Wright for one backup NT.
My bigest concern is Hill. Great size. Done nothing so far for 2 seasons. That's still OK if he performs this training camp. That's why they hold camp.

pats1

Again, when has Hill gotten enough playing time to even show anything? He has the best defensive lineman in the league in front of him, as well as a damn solid one in Warren and a third down rusher in Green. Hill is more of a run-stopping guy.

PatsFanInVa

Smith looks like the odd man out, but again, the Pats think he is worth looking at. The problem with DL is that the Pats are so strong there, IMHO. But then again, how many first round (and first day) picks do they have locked up there?

I want to see Hill trusted in the rotation this season, to see whether he is the Seymour clone they were praying for when they drafted him. Maybe he isn't showing enough in practice to get into a game. Or just maybe he's playing behind the best DL in the league, with one of the best backup guys to boot (Green).

Speaking of Green, he's got big cap numbers, which must mean the Pats expect big things... though I cannot imagine them cutting loose any of the "starters" in the 3-4 set. Maybe LeKevin gets a look, but unless he crazy wows the Pats' staff, I don't see there being room for him.

PFnV

RayClay

Not a single guaranteed spot after the first 4.

Wright made the squad last year despite Klecko holding a spot.

IMO any defensive linemen that really show something in camp can win a spot because we need affordable players to give the starters a blow.

A backup Nose is the obvious need. After that, players are going to have to prove their worth in training camp.

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pats1

It's the second one. He's on just about every goal line set. There's no real DL rotation because, well, guys like Seymour shouldn't be on the bench. He's an every-down player. The only rotation comes on third down, when Warren and Wilfork go out and Green comes in to pass-rush. Hill is much more of a running down player.

Pats726

I agree...after the 4..a backup nose is the next priority...Smith or Thomas here..I believe...or Ayodele, but that is a real longshot.
Wright is slotted to backup Warren, so it may be a battle with Hill. Wright can play ST as he is VERY quick..fast.
Can Klecko find any spot??? Will they give up on Hill?? Is Smith readu as a rook to backup Wilfork???
Interesting battles...Drame and Ayodele are more projects..but eith3r may be an interesting player in time.

PATRIOTS-80

Completely agree!!