DaBruinz

Jimke - This is a flawed argument. 1st, the Colts lost a TON of players in free agency and added no one. So they had MORE spots open to begin with. The Colts HAD to rely on the draft and UDFA to replenish their team. The Pats didn't NEED to draft anyone. They could have gone into training camp with the roster they had.

Also, if you look at the Colts, they've had a ton of injuries. Their depth is being tested tremendously. They should have lost the Jags game and the Raiders game. It was only dumb luck that they didn't.


No, the Pats can't loose Stallworth and Washington because its a team option, to my knowledge, not a player option.

For WR going into next season, the Pats have Welker, Stallworth, Jackosn, and Washington. I believe there is a strong possiblity that Moss will be re-signed. But that can't happen until after the end of the season due to league rules.

The Pats, more than likely, will be able to re-sign Gay for relatively easily should he chose to come back.

The only players you mentioned who will probably be gone are Samuel (NO S on the end) and Wilson. Though Wilson could ALSO be brough back.

Also, you do NOT know that Richardson and Lua would have been cut if they hadn't gone onto the IR. To assume so means you are clairvoyant and can see possible futures. And, unless you are the Miss Cleo re-incarnate, you're full of *****.

And, a news flash, teams, at times, have to rebuild. You will give yourself an ulcer if you worry too much about it.

Deus Irae

I wanted to focus on this aspect of your post separately. So, let's go position by position:

QB: There is absolutely no need for a quarterback right now.

RB: Maroney is 22. While a young prospect might be nice, it's not needed. Morris is 30 and Faulk is 31, but both are backup/specialty backs who should be productive for a few more years

TE: Watson and Thomas are still NFL puppies.

OL: This is not an old line. Light is the oldest starter on the line, and he's 29. Hochstein is the oldest player on the line, and he's 30.

WR: Moss is still going strong at 30, Welker is 26, Stallworth is 27, Gaffney is 26 and Jackson is a puppy. Only Brown is staring at retirement.


So, regarding the age question, where exactly is age a problem, or even an issue, on the offense?

Now, on to defense:

DL: Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wright.... Clearly no age problem here

DB: Hobbs, Gay, Samuel, Meriweather, Sanders... all young guys. The issue here isn't youth, except for Harrison, it's keeping Samuel or replacing him. Revis was not an option in last season's draft.

LB: Now, here you would have an argument.....EXCEPT... BB has clearly shown a preference for veterans. Furthermore, Colvin and Thomas are both just 30, with years still left to play and Vrabel is playing at a Pro Bowl level at age 32.

The team does need a punter, but the problem there wasn't a draft issue.

__________________
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

Jimke

I would be surprised if the Pats retain Stallworth and Washington because
of the bonus money which is due. I suspect they will try to use this money
to entice Moss and maybe Gaffney to re-sign.
I agree with your last paragraph. The Pats obviously need to rebuild at
cornerback and linebacker. The question is how much they rely on the
draft to accomplish this. I wonder how much the 4 year maximum contract after the first round affects the Pats' thinking in this regard.

patsgo

THE COACH IS SET THE QB, THE LINES, THE REST YOU REBUILD IN THE OFF SEASON , THIS IS THE NFL, THE COLTS DID THE SAME THING THIS YEAR AND THEY ARE STILL HUMMING ALONG, LETS WORRY ABOUT NEXT YEAR IN MARCH, ENJOY THE RUN