mgteich

I think we are already a much better team than the team that was a first down or two away from the Super Bowl, and there is much of the ofseason still to come.

What do you guys think?

While I think we need help at CB, S, and ILB, I don't think we are weaker at any of those positions compared to 2006. I think that we are weaker at RB and perhaps at TE (although I suspect not).

Milkman

The loss of Daniel Graham at TE and Cory Dillon at RB make those positions weaker until or unless someone steps up to fill their shoes. I'm more concerned about the RB position than I am about the TE position.

BelichickFan

RB maybe but if Maroney can play healthy all year then no.
SILB - Tedy is at the point where he'll be a little less of a player every year.

That's it for me. You could say the same about Rodney as Tedy but as Rodney barely played last year, it's N/A for him.

mgteich

Does it follow that the greatest improvement and insurance can be had by drafted a top RB and ILB in the 1st? The 3rd seems fine for a developmental safety.

BelichickFan

I think we'll only take a RB if there's serious concern about Maroney's shoulder for this year. We were very quick to move on Morris, I have a feeling Belichick is very comfortable with him as the backup/rotation guy.

ILB maybe but I don't see the depth that we'll have to add coming from the draft.

Although you asked what positions are weaker than 2006, if you ask the question as : who is our weakest starter right now . . . my answer would be the RT and I wouldn't be at all surprised it we draft a RT or a LT with the plan to move Light.

DarrylS

I think in general we are a stronger deeper ball club. My concern has been pretty consistent with the DB sitz and we do not make some moves here we will be weaker, Assante had a big year is this the exception? Can Hobbs step up? Will our Safeties stay healthy? But think the Maroney stuff is somewhat magnified, as most people who know say the surgery and rehab is not a big a deal as it is made out to be. If we do not address ILB, DB or TE in the draft there is still some talent out there that can fill some of thesse needs. Seau on the inside, but kinda believe that this will be a defensive draft. But think we need to bring in some apprentices in the LB and DB corps.

__________________
"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

Pats726

I do agree..RB could be the biggest concern..but I think there are ways around that with a different type of offense..but I also feel the team will miss what Dillon did..and aother must fill that road at least somewhat. I am less worried about TE..Brady will do fine an dI see Thomas as stepping up in being a big time receiver.

mgteich

I agree that the defensive backfield will be weaker in 2008 if we don't something. I don't think it will be weaker in 2007. Wilson and Gay are back. Harrison is back. Mitchell is back. Even if we get just a little production out of these guys, we will be better in 2007. Sanders should continue to improve. Andrews could surprise and contribute (ditto for Baker, Jackson and Spann).

The issue for me is 2008 where almost no one is signed. While I would want improvement (we always do), I think that 2008 would be improved over 2006 if we were able to extend the players we have. We need to remember that we led the league in TD's allowed, were second in points allowed, and led the league in allowed red zone opportunities. This was an excellent defensive backfield even without much or anything from Harrison, Wilson, Gay, and Mitchell. Sanders was improving almost game by game, when he plays his natural position of strong safety (he sux at free safety).

AS I indicated above, we also have prospects, one of which could work out as a future contributer: Jackson, Spann, Baker and Andrews.

brady199

Everyone better watch out for Dave Thomas this year, he is a huge upgrade in the passing game over Grahm, and if Kyle Brady picks up the slack blocking, our TE's will be better this year.

And If Maroney stays healthy, I think our Home Run potential from that position get a huge upgrade if he's touching the ball 10 more time a game as opposed to Dillion, but obviously our depth is less. But i got a feeling we may be getting Bush or Leanord in the Draft.

DW Toys

Cousins,
Safety is a major concern because of the health of Rodney. What else is after him? Wilson is a non-factor and was even slipping badly when healthy. He might be shifted back to CB. Sanders? Unless all of you saw something fabulous out there that I missed, or perhaps just wishful thinking, he is strictly a SOG and easily replaced. Maybe a good backup. I thought he was gonna be the "BEES KNEES" when we drafted him but he just is not progressing. Hawkins was a great stop gap playing out of position and was the glue in a patchwork D backfield, but was exposed in the Championship game (as was Sanders). Other than that you have one lifetime special teamer and a 175lb rookie safety that also played ST (who was not bad there).
Cousins, they have upgraded the LB core with Thomas and are obviously looking to bring in more talent (Hartwell would definitely be a good add) or draft some help for the future. We can get by at LB but NOT at safety. Putting Wilson back to a CB might add depth there. At least he's not under pressure at Safety once again.
No.....Safety is where we need immediate help. Rodney has one or maybe two years left. Lets get a banger who can also be equal to the task intelligence wise. Let him learn from the best. We probably need more than one though. There are a couple safeties that can play next year and a few more who can develop into stars. I think a Griffin or Merriweather can start in 2007 (not crazy about this Nelson as he is not necessarily a tackler). Now there is the kid from Wyoming, Wendling who is 6' 2" and 215 who has John Lynch ability but more speed or the kid Rouse from Va Tech at 6' 3" and 226 with 4.4 speed. They make take a year to "get it", but they might be available in 3 or 4.

We also lose site of the fact that Harrison went to a small school. Darren Stone from Maine is 6'3'', 215 with speed and a mean streak. Sound familiar?

Tell me why do we insist on drafting 5'10" 185lb0-190lb safeties? These above guys are all just as fast.

DW Toys