mgteich

We've talked a lot about linebackers. In the end, I think we'll keep 11 plus two on the Practice Squad, and maybe one on the shadow roster.

The real decisions are who will make the DL.
SEYMOUR,WILFORK,WARREN,GREEN

There is disagreement from here. Some want three backups; some think two are enough. None of the backups are consensus picks. Pick 2-3
Wright, Sullivan, Thomas, Hill, Smith, Klecko, Freeman
I think all are on some poster's roster except Freeman.

For example, I have Wright and Sullivan on the 53, Hill on IR, and Smith and Thomas on the Practice Squad.

Box_O_Rocks

Freeman comes back in January and works in the offseason program.

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DaBruinz

I would have to agree with your assessment, MG, unless Sullivan hasn't shown enough progress.

Hill has been a disappointment. I have been a huge defender of his saying that we couldn't judge him before 3 years. Well, this was HIS year to show something and all he showed was that he could warm the bench with another injury. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats reached an injury settlement with him.

MalaysiaPatsFan

At the beginning of training camp I thought 1) Wright may not be able to keep his roster spot, 2) Klecko and Thomas were longshots to make the roster and 3) hopefully Hill will show up well in the preseason and not be a bust.

At this point I think Wright is #5 on the DL depth chart. Add the fact that Wright can play ST and I think he makes it.

I honestly have a hard time predicting the 1-2 chosen from between Sullivan, Thomas, Hill, Smith and Klecko.

If Sullivan shows improvement against Washington I think he sticks and that will likely send Smith to the PS. I was honestly hoping Smith would beat out Sullivan for the backup NT position and he still might do it, but it looks like Sullivan still has a chance to make it and prove that he is not a complete bust. A year on the PS might be good for Smith and I think (hope) that he would be safe on the PS.

Thomas has actually shown up well in the preseason games and based on preseason game performance might actually be #6. I think Klecko is way down in the depth chart as a 2-gapper DL, but as a pass rushing specialist and 1-gapper penetrating DL he has value. I believe he also plays on ST. Can he actually make the roster as a situational specialist? Possibly. Hill's injury may have done him in. If he wasn't injured, who knows he may have improved to the point of deserving playing time in the regular season. Nobody ever said the NFL was fair.

CrazyDave

I think Klecko and Hill have pretty much had their chances. I think they are both gone to make room for new blood. Smith may be ps, Sullivan sticks. Wright has looked good.

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Vince Wilfork: A Force Of Nature

pats1

I have to go with Wright, Hill, and Smith.

Klecko and Sullivan just haven't shown enough.

I'll give Hill some more time because of his injury, but the Top 4 on this DL hasn't changed since he got here, so don't expect anything different from him this year either.

He's a prime example of when drafting for value instead of need (although the Pats just drafted Wilfork and Warren had only started a handful of games at the time) can come back to haunt a team/player.

Alk

As far as I'm concerned, Hill has had his chances and is a goner. I'm going with Sullivan, Wright and Klecko. It just baffles me how he does it but I have little doubt that Klecko makes this team. Smith is a darkhorse though, if he doesn't make the team, I think he goes to the PS.

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flutie2phelan

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Brady'sButtBoy

While Bb and Pioli seem quite impartial, they are human and humans, especially ones at a high level in any organization, are prone to the foibles of being 'right.' Hill was drafted by the Pats and Sullivan was swapped for a draft pick so BB and Pioli have a greater interest in seeing them succeed than Wright. That interest might be oh so slim a margin of advantage for Hill and Sullivan but it's not like BB and Pioli have never made a mistake.

Contrarily, people who accede to greatness within an organization most often have balanced an ability to eat some crow with the power drive ego it takes to make it big. So...Sullivan and Hill make it unless they are found together snorting PCP in the 'Lovers Hot Tub' at the notorius Danish Health Club right up route 95 in the Kittery, ME.

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ATippett56

I honestly believe that Belichick and Pioli will field the best team this year without the "foibles".

53 Man Roster - 6 Defensive Lineman
Richard Seymour
Vince Wilfork
Ty Warren
Jarvis Green
Mike Wright
Le Kevin Smith

Meanwhile, Santonio Thomas spends another year on the practice squad.