mgteich

1) Sure we'll sign enough UDFA's to fill the camp roster.
2) We might make an offer or two to our own free agents (waaaay fewer than normal).
White certainly comes to mind, perhaps G. Warren.
3) We'll see if there is any value out there at OG and OLB.
4) We'll look for camp competition at WR and RB.

This could all be done in a week or two. There are no NEEDS. That is, the team is ready to go without any free agency at all. Sure, we can ALWAYS use upgrades. However, because of the timing, (and because we've added 30 players in the last 3 drafts), we have never needed free agency less.

Once we have a CBA, what I see as much more interesting is whether we use the opportunity to extend players.

primetime

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after a veteran WR, especially one who can stretch the field (Santana Moss comes to mind) and make offers to one of the pass rushers out there (Ray Edwards, Mathias Kiwanuka, Charles Johnson, Jason Babin). If they ended up with Moss and Edwards, that would be a pretty good haul.

Fencer

Camp competition needs:

QB -- not really, but you always want arms to help the WRs practice
RB/FB --sure
TE -- not really
WR -- sure
OT -- depends on which of Light/Kaczur stay
OG/C -- sure
DL -- maybe, maybe not
OLB -- sure
ILB -- sure
DB -- a little

K -- only because of Gostowski's health
P -- not really
LS -- dunno
Special teams cover/return -- always

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robertweathers

I think you are spot-on.

Perhaps it's the BC football fan in me, but I would be ecstatic if they brought it Mathias Kiwanuka to play OLB. I don't think hes played to his potential per se, but I do think he could be effective in this system. Regardless if they bring in MK or not, they are still shy at the OLB spot with only 4 true players at the position (JC, TBC, RN, Moore, Fletcher?)

WR is another position that might be worth it. WW, BT, DB, JE are your WRs. Slater is technically a WR but could be upgraded if they find the right player.

Of course a G or additional vets in the secondary to push the kids are annual exercises in TC for the NEP.

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AndyJohnson

Why wouldnt we be aggressive to upgrade?
The budget looks like there is room to spend decent money in FA.
When that has been the case, we have gone big. The fact that we have always strained the cap with keeping our own, doesnt mean that is what we do if there is cap/budget room.

patfanken

If they don't re-sign Light or GWarren, that right there would give us the money to sign at guy in the $5-6MM range easily. Now I don't know how much or who that gets us, but its there nonetheless. I don't see u going after Hali or Lawson at the high end, but Edwards and Kiwanuka should be in that range

Rob0729

I actually disagree with you mgteich. Granted it all depends on the rules of free agency, but I think the Pats could be very active in free agency. I think I believe Karen Guergian's theory that the Pats didn't want to fill some holes during the draft because the lockout may hinder the development of rookies this year. That means Belichick may be looking for guys to make immediate impact via free agency.

I disagree with Mike Reiss' and others assessments that the Pats didn't draft an OLB because Belichick was comfortable with the guys he has. I think he didn't draft one because even under normal circumstance, it will take 2-3 years for the guy to reach his potential. We already are doing that with Cunningham who hopefully will break out this year. He probably didn't want to wait 3-4 years for a guy draft this year since there will probably be no offseason workouts and possibly a shortened preseason. I think he will look for an immediate impact OLB in free agency.

Now the question is what type of free agents will he target. Will he be looking for a splash and go after the marquee names at position of need like Kiwanuka, Cullen Jenkins, Tamba Hali (if the franchise tag goes which is unlikely), Malcom Floyd (if he isn't a RFA) or go after more value guys who might make an impact in a new system. I expect the Pats to sign several guys with at least one being a decent profile guy if not one of the marquee guys.

Froob

They should go after Kiwenuka. They already have 2 2's next year, they should give one of them up and sign him if he's not crazy expensive.

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MoLewisrocks

I think it really depends on the new rules and the new cap (or lack of either). Tedy believes that what this team lacks at the moment is a touch more veteran presence on defense. If there is a cap there won't be a ton of money available for any FA, but there also will be a lot of potential value FA to choose from on the cap cut market once again.

Marqui

That's exactly what I'm hoping for.