Donnie Edwards? - New England Patriots Forums

ironwasp · 01-17-2007, 02:40 AM

Don Banks of SI is reporting that Edwards "has feuded with (chargers GM) AJ Smith and almost certainly will be allowed to leave via free agency" in the post season.

I know there was quite a bit of talk in the last post-season about the Pats going for Edwards to shore up the linebacking corps before Seau arrived, but might it happen this year.

Edwards had a massive game against on Sunday, far outshining the big name OLBs on his team, and if he does fit FA I think he'd be a great fit for us for a couple of years.

At 33, he's getting on a bit but BB has shown in the past he's happy to have older linebackers (see Seau J) and if combined with some young blood brought in through the draft he could be a big help next season.

At 33 also he won't command the type of money being bandied around for some of the higher profile FAs.

stinkypete · 01-17-2007, 03:16 AM

He'd be a nice addition if Fletcher-Baker resigns in Buffalo.

I'm a big proponent of shoring up our LB needs with established vets while trying to get younger through the draft with a UDFA. It is not fiscally responsible, with the contracts of Wilfork and Warren coming up, to spend big on Briggs or Thomas.

smg93 · 01-17-2007, 06:47 AM

I remember people were knocking him last year because they said most of his tackles are of the after 5 yard gain variety. I should say that I think he played pretty well against us last weekend. I hope they are looking at him and seeing if he could be a good fit here.

He may be 33, but how old is Junior?

***NEPatriot*** · 01-17-2007, 07:21 AM

I think he's too small for us. While I like him as a player, I don't think he'd be a good fit for us. Just my 2 cents worth.

ironwasp · 01-17-2007, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlanta Patsfan

I think he's too small for us. While I like him as a player, I don't think he'd be a good fit for us. Just my 2 cents worth.

He's listed as 6-2 and 227, which is 20lbs lighter than Junior Seau or Tedy. But while that might make him somewhat small, we may be running short of genuine alternatives?

SVN · 01-17-2007, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlanta Patsfan

I think he's too small for us. While I like him as a player, I don't think he'd be a good fit for us. Just my 2 cents worth.

BB likes intelligence and smarts over size and speed...just look at our corners and WR's

satz · 01-17-2007, 08:45 AM

He is faster and i have a feeling we might need atleast 1 fast LB who can cover the faster TE/RB

upstater1 · 01-17-2007, 08:52 AM

I don't think you can sacrifice size at that position. Size matters less at WR. Those big guards swallow up inside linebackers.

London Fletcher, by the way, is upset with Buffalo and is not going to sign there.

I'd love to see him, Adalious Thomas or Lance Briggs on the Patriots next year.

ironwasp · 01-17-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstater1

I don't think you can sacrifice size at that position. Size matters less at WR. Those big guards swallow up inside linebackers.

London Fletcher, by the way, is upset with Buffalo and is not going to sign there.

I'd love to see him, Adalious Thomas or Lance Briggs on the Patriots next year.

There are very strong rumours that the Ravens will tag Thomas. The Bears must be thinking the same way about Briggs.

***shmessy*** · 01-17-2007, 09:01 AM

I was screaming for this in August before they picked up Seau.

Yes, yes, yes. If there is ILB talent in the draft, I'd love to see the Pats pick two of their three high draft picks (both 1's or a 1 and a 2, with the other one being a Safety) for that position, let the two guys come in and build a rapport over the years. Meanwhile pick up Edwards and have him and Bruschi mentor these kids for a year or two, while moving Vrabel back out to OLB (sorry TBC, not impressed).

This draft an offseason should be great. With the big cap ceiling in 2007, If we keep our FA's (give Asante good money, franchise Graham or sensible money, keep TBC only for a decent rate), pick up Edwards while drafting two high pick ILB's and a Safety, then I love the future for this team.

Then BB can set his sights on the 3rd - 7th rounds and hopefully get a WR, etc. I would say ST depth, but with Mel Mitchell, Tebuckey Jones, Don Davis, etc. coming back from injuries, I'm not as worried there.