Pats work out linebackers Orlando Ruff and Chris Claiborne - New England Patriots Forums

DefenseRules · 08-11-2006, 01:11 PM

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal.../reiss_pieces/

Quote:

August 11, 2006
LB workouts
The Patriots had free-agent linebackers Orlando Ruff and Chris Claiborne in for workouts at Gillette Stadium within the past few weeks.

The workouts could simply mean the team was seeking more information to update its list of available players. The workouts could also indicate potential interest in signing either player, as the Patriots are without starter Tedy Bruschi (broken wrist) for the preseason.

The 28-year-old Claiborne has played seven seasons with three teams â€“- the Lions (1999-2002), Vikings (2003-2004) and Rams (2005). At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, he would project as an inside linebacker in the Patriotsâ€™ 3-4 defense. Claiborne has experience at the weakside, strongside and middle linebacker spots over his career, although his experience in a 3-4 scheme appears to be limited. He started seven games for the Rams last season, and was limited by injuries.

Ruff, at 6-foot-3, 253 pounds, has a similar physical makeup as Claiborne, and would also project as an inside linebacker. Heâ€™s played seven seasons, with the Chargers (1999-2002), Saints (2003-2004) and Browns (2005). Ruff played under former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel last year (16 games, no starts), so he would come with some knowledge of the Patriotsâ€™ 3-4 system.

Ruff and Claiborne are part of a free-agent crop of linebackers that includes Jeff Posey, Jamie Sharper, Rocky Calmus, Ron McKinnon and Earl Holmes, among others.

Don't know much about either guy, but Ruff sounds intriguing.

***BelichickFan*** · 08-11-2006, 01:14 PM

I didn't know Claiborne was a FA. It's too bad, he, like Gardner, seemed like he should have been a long time starter in the league instead of hanging on. I'm hoping to see something out of Gardner tonight.

Kdo5 · 08-11-2006, 01:17 PM

Claibornes bests...120 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 INT's...I like that.

***PATSNUTme*** · 08-11-2006, 01:23 PM

To all the "we're doomed" posters and worry warts, this is another example of BB/SP always working to put the best team on the field.

Neither one of these guys could be signed but the roster will continue to evolve over the next 4 weeks.

RayClay · 08-11-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATSNUTme

To all the "we're doomed" posters and worry warts, this is another example of BB/SP always working to put the best team on the field.

Neither one of these guys could be signed but the roster will continue to evolve over the next 4 weeks.

Do you mean posters that thought we were very weak at LB?

If that wasn't true why would the team be auditioning players this late in preseason?

hobbsownscoles · 08-11-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayClay

Do you mean posters that thought we were very weak at LB?

If that wasn't true why would the team be auditioning players this late in preseason?

its not like there not dealing with it is what he was saying

JackBauer · 08-11-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayClay

Do you mean posters that thought we were very weak at LB?

If that wasn't true why would the team be auditioning players this late in preseason?

We're not weak at LB. We're just not deep. How many teams in the league have more than 3 or 4 quality LBs on their roster?

Answer: not many.

I don't think it's surprising that they'd try to get the best players on the roster prior to the season opener.

tombonneau · 08-11-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATSNUTme

To all the "we're doomed" posters and worry warts, this is another example of BB/SP always working to put the best team on the field.

Neither one of these guys could be signed but the roster will continue to evolve over the next 4 weeks.

I love our management as much as the next guy, but I'm not sure you can laud them for simply bringing guys in for a workout. Pretty sure every team is doing this throughout August.

I'm just glad to see they are not turning a blind eye to total lack of depth/experience behind the starters.

RayClay · 08-11-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBauer

We're not weak at LB. We're just not deep. How many teams in the league have more than 3 or 4 quality LBs on their roster?

Answer: not many.

I don't think it's surprising that they'd try to get the best players on the roster prior to the season opener.

Well we have to start 4 in our offense. I'm not sure we have 4 NFL quality starters, that's my point.

Without Bruschi last year we had Vrabel, Colvin and McGinest and we stunk.

Subtract McGinest.

If you're satisfied that Gardner and Davis can stop us from being run over up the gut, you have more confidence than I.

RayClay · 08-11-2006, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombonneau

I love our management as much as the next guy, but I'm not sure you can laud them for simply bringing guys in for a workout. Pretty sure every team is doing this throughout August.

I'm just glad to see they are not turning a blind eye to total lack of depth/experience behind the starters.

Actually, I hope you're wrong. I think most teams are looking to cut rather than add this time of year.

I do respect and admire BB and SP and hope they are looking to pick up bargains.

I know it's about more than resumes but damn it's hard to believe some of these guys couldn't help our depth or even start.

Without Bruschi your in denial if you think we can hold the fort at ILB with current personnel.