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As Andy has posted, I think our offense is in pretty good shape now. But defensively, we have lost 5 players who were starters or important backups last year (Samuel, Gay, Colvin, Seau and Wilson).
Right now, our defense consists of a very good defensive line backed up by questionable and thin ranks at LB and DB. So, it would be fair to say, I think, that the priority for the rest of the offseason would be rebuild the back 2/3 of the defense.
At linebacker, we have released Colvin, Bruschi is a year older, and Jr. will be 39 if he decides to stop surfing and give it one more shot with the Pats. So we have Thomas, an aging Tedy, and Vrabel as proven NFL starters.
Right now, we have Hobbs and a bunch of nobodies at CB. Ty Law is out there, but is probably no better than a nickel back at this point. Merriweather played some CB at Miami, but has little experience there in the pros. Futhermore, he showed us he has hands of wood in his first season.
There are still some decent free agents out there, but no impact players at our positions of need.
For those who tend to overreact (and you know who you are) please let me emphasize that this is not a sky is falling thread. It is very early in free agency, and then there is the draft and the possibility of trades and late offseason cap casualty releases.
So what I am looking for is a plan. If you were BB, what would your plan be to rebuild the defense for next year?
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Last edited by PromisedLand; 03-03-2008 at 09:52 PM..
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Obviously, a trade trumps any other plan. If we can get value, we will. See belwo for one plan. I would note that first we will likely sign another WR, hopefully Gaffney.
CORNER
1) Sign two vets, perhaps Law and Chad Scott (or another low-priced vet)
2) Draft two where we always do (2nd-4th)
SAFETY
3) Draft a backup in the 2nd-4th (we have a fine 3-man rotation)
LINEBACKER
4) Sign two vets, perhaps Haggans and Seau
5) Draft an OLB at #7
As Andy has posted, I think our offense is in pretty good shape now. But defensively, we have lost 5 players who were starters or important backups last year (Samuel, Gay, Colvin, Seau and Wilson).
Right now, our defense consists of a very good defensive line backed up by questionable and thin ranks at LB and DB. So, it would be fair to say, I think, that the priority for the rest of the offseason would be rebuild the back 2/3 of the defense.
At linebacker, we have released Colvin, Bruschi is a year older, and Jr. will be 39 if he decides to stop surfing and give it one more shot with the Pats. So we have Thomas, an aging Tedy, and Vrabel as proven NFL starters.
Right now, we have Hobbs and a bunch of nobodies at CB. Ty Law is out there, but is probably no better than a nickel back at this point. Merriweather played some CB at Miami, but has little experience there in the pros. Futhermore, he showed us he has hands of wood in his first season.
There are still some decent free agents out there, but no impact players at our positions of need.
For those who tend to overreact (and you know who you are) please let me emphasize that this is not a sky is falling thread. It is very early in free agency, and then there is the draft and the possibility of trades and late offseason cap casualty releases.
So what I am looking for is a plan. If you were BB, what would your plan be to rebuild the defense for next year?
We should try to get a quality CB/S in the draft.
Gholston (DE) could be a sick hybrid weapon for our D too.
We need Seau back (he can't quit now) and Haggans would be worth a try.
Who knows?
BB/Pioli and the boys will get some great deals-don't worry.
Offensively, Morris and Thomas will be returning too.
__________________
"Practice execution equals reality"-BB
'Don't be that guy who ruins a season."' -BParcells
The Pats have 4 picks in the top 100 in a very deep and talented draft. With pretty much no needs on offense (and certainly no early round needs), the draft should net 4 players (Gholston, Cason, Goff, Godfrey for example) that should contribute quite a bit.
The 2009 draft is sick with top LB talent and the Pats should have plenty of ammo to get who they want. Looks like 3rd (Samuel), 4th (Stallworth) and 5th/6th (Gay) compensatory picks. Can't trade those but can use the regular picks to move up in 1st round if needed.
In the next 2 years, the Pats will likely draft 3-4 new starters on defense and get some solid depth. The Pats inability to put away the Colts in the AFCC game pissed off the braintrust enough that they put together the highest scoring offense in history. The Pats inability to put away the Giants in the SB was even worse. Look for "Bend but don't Break" to be replaced with malice, forethought and intent to destroy.
What's up with Lito Sheppard rumors? Are the Eagles most likely to trade him because of his contract situation?
That would be a nice veteran CB there with the right trade (not giving the Eagles the 'ship') who is actually younger than Asante and a pro bowl caliber type CB. He's the 'bonafide' starter out there that is needed. Then they can draft CBs without any pressure on the rookie(s) needing to produce like a starter right away.
LB - a middle of the road level of LB would do (I agree about Boss Bailey)
& draft a ILB too . Could we get Colvin back if no one gives him the big $?? Else, a nivce young OLB draftee would be good to groom..
FS / SS - need a draftee to compete/ develop since we're o.k. this year
DL - enuf said = solid. Watch Seymour this year if he had a great injury free offseason.
I could see drafting a monster pass rusher, but that leaves us with no corners and no inside Linebackers.
Ideally, I'd like to trade down, pick up two corners in the draft and then wait to pick up a vet CB or two. Cornerback is one of those "glamour" positions where teams inexplicably throw money at the flavor of the month, then release decent vets that aren't "sexy" enough.
How else can you explain Randall Gay's contract while we picked up a pretty good big cornerback in Chad Scott for nada. Scott had some injuries not due to age, or he would have been a steal.
Linebacker I have not, nor will I likely have, clue 1 what the Patriots plan.
My plan would have been to draft a couple in 2004.
What's the plan to rebuild the defense?
Linear Mode
