supafly

I get what you're saying, but it's all about who is best for this year's current team--and that would easily be Alge Crumpler.

If Lee Smith actually ends up doing anything, and can prove himself as a future TE here, then I imagine Belichick will find a place for him. Until then, we cannot assume anything.

I am fine with keeping 4 TE's, but that also may be a little realistically challenged, so to speak.

There are indeed spots as to where we can make room from, so if BB wants to go the route of keeping 4, then more power to him.

As far as Slater being released, I doubt that will happen, particularly since he does play a vital role here on ST as a gunner. Coincidentally, we just changed the other gunner from Aiken to Arrington last yr, so I am not sure that BB would make 2 changes at such an important area of ST's. Not only that, but Slater does provide some versatility at ST, offense, and defense--even though it is mostly used only for depth purposes. He has still learned a knowledge of the systems, and would be one-up on someone new coming in.

I agree with slashing a ST-only position, in favor of having a regular contributor play that position, but I do not think it will happen with Slater, to be honest with you.

I think there is at least a possibility of moving from 3-4 ST only positions to 2-3 ST only positions. I wouldn't hold my breath for Slater leaving though.

BradyFTW!

It's pretty telling that "actual production" doesn't enter into your thought process at any point.

Also, hands = about the same? How the hell do you figure that? Crumpler is known for having especially good hands, and has been the main receiving threat in an NFL offense. Smith caught 75 total passes in four years at Marshall, playing against mostly sub-NFL competition.

spacecrime

Nonsense. Lee's hands based on what? Lee hasn't played in the NFL yet. Chad Jackson had the best hands in the NCAA in 2005-2006, easily winning the Best Hands Contest. You should watch the video. He was awesome. In the NFL, not so much, but by your rationale:

Youth, Price, Longevity, Taller 6'6 v. 6'2 crump. Height is huge imo

Chad Jackson was a star in the NFL in 2006 compared to an old guy like Steve Smith. Younger, cheaper, taller (how do you judge the longevity of a guy who hasn't even gone to an OTA yet?)

Height is only huge if the tall guy can play at the same level as the shorter guy, else we would still have Maroney rather than Woodhead.

Lee may overtake Crumpler, but it will be because he outplays him, not because he is a inch taller and a few years younger.

__________________
“When we look at the board, based on everything we want in a football player at that particular time, we evaluate them and take the player that fits best for our football team. That’s what we always do, and I think the last nine years we’ve put a pretty competitive team out there on the field every year. I think that’s how you do it – you get good football players. Sometimes they are not always at the No. 1 position, but I don’t think you pass up good football players to get the guys who aren’t as good just because they’re at a position that somebody feels you need.”
BB on his draft philosophy, April 2010

TheSolderKing

so Crump being a solid Receiver BACK IN THE DAY makes him have better hands automatically? It is like saying how gr8 Randy Moss is now in the present versus his LEGACY.

I saw many Crump dropped passes and a few were mad easy... after awhile I would cringe when ball came near him. I do say their hands are EQUAL because none of them are going to be stand out receivers. Both guys rely on their SIZE and with that being said--- I will take the far younger, cheaper and taller option in Smith. Is it a gamble? Hell yeah... my gut tells me he will be on par w/ Crump in 2 years time.


Taller 6'6 vs. 6'2 Lee has BIGGER hands at 6'6 think about it. This is more about youth and the successor argument. I would enjoy BOTH here in NE this year, perhaps Crump can teach Lee (that would be best case scenario

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ausbacker

Retired?

10 char