ProFW: Insiders say that Mayo is odds on favorite to start at ILB immediately - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 05-04-2008, 01:34 PM

For me, the key is that LB was the weak link in our defense, and now it isn't. I am very comfortable with

ILB: Bruschi, Mayo, Seau, Hobson
I don't care who gets more reps.

OLB: Vrabel, Thomas, Crable, Woods
I don't care who gets more reps.

ST: Izzo

Outside looking in: Alexander, Ruud

The bottom line is that I am comfortable with EIGHT position linebackers getting significant reps. Barring injuries, that won't happen. Even with the dreaded two injury scenario, this still projects to a fine linebacker group.

We made three significant additions plus re-signing Seau (or still another vet). This is what we needed.

***VJCPatriot*** · 05-04-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiZa

I suppose I am being optimistic. You sometimes think if someone started on a team last year then they'd make a significant contribution this year. Tho Tory James killed that theory last year.

And don't forget guys like Chad Brown. With his experience, he was supposed to be able to step in on Day 1 as a vet... but he struggled on the inside. Hoping Hobson is a success story, but not counting on it yet.

mcsully · 05-04-2008, 02:21 PM

I'm very excited to see this kid on the field.. He was a monster in the ACC..

***N.Eman*** · 05-04-2008, 02:37 PM

If Seau comes, it'll be a another plus in mentoring and LB corps

theKrafty1tar · 05-04-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsully

I'm very excited to see this kid on the field.. He was a monster in the ACC..

Isn't Tennessee in the SEC? It's true that he was a monster though, any news on how he's looking in mini-camp (because we all know how important it is!)

sebman2112 · 05-04-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsully

I'm very excited to see this kid on the field.. He was a monster in the ACC..

Yea, he put up monster tackle totals during 2007, in the SEC...

In regard to the article. At Mayo's current weight he should be able to see plenty of time at WILB, but I suspect they want him to add 15lbs, so he can play both WILB and SILB. He should be able to add that weight either by the end of this season, or the start of next season. I don't think he'll add that much weight before the start of the 2008 NFL season though. This is part of the reason I don't believe he'll see much time at SILB as a rookie. I also don't think he's a good fit at the position, and should stick at WILB, but I'm not the coaching staff.

We also have to remember that Mayo is still a rookie, who needs to learn the system. So, while I believe he'll likely be the main LB in rotation with Bruschi, I don't think he'll start from day one. That could be a different story once we get to the back end of the season, but that will depend on how well he progresses. I also don't think BB's going to trust a rookie to run his defense.

Hobson's a good option at SILB, and I'll be at least somewhat surprised if he's not one of their main LB's used in rotation at the position. He's also the third or fourth best OLB currently on the roster, so I'm expecting him to contribute.

***PatsWickedPissah*** · 05-04-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebman2112

In regard to the article. At Mayo's current weight he should be able to see plenty of time at WILB, but I suspect they want him to add 15lbs, so he can play both WILB and SILB. He should be able to add that weight either by the end of this season, or the start of next season. I don't think he'll add that much weight before the start of the 2008 NFL season though.

Be creative. I can see BB saying to Mayo, "Rook, I want you rooming with Wilfork here. Do what he does." A couple months rooming and eating with Wilfork, and Mayo will be a backup NT.

***mgteich*** · 05-04-2008, 03:45 PM

If Mayo is the backup NT, then it will a waste of a pick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsWickedPissah

Be creative. I can see BB saying to Mayo, "Rook, I want you rooming with Wilfork here. Do what he does." A couple months rooming and eating with Wilfork, and Mayo will be a backup NT.

theKrafty1tar · 05-04-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebman2112

Yea, he put up monster tackle totals during 2007, in the SEC...

In regard to the article. At Mayo's current weight he should be able to see plenty of time at WILB, but I suspect they want him to add 15lbs, so he can play both WILB and SILB. He should be able to add that weight either by the end of this season, or the start of next season. I don't think he'll add that much weight before the start of the 2008 NFL season though. This is part of the reason I don't believe he'll see much time at SILB as a rookie. I also don't think he's a good fit at the position, and should stick at WILB, but I'm not the coaching staff.

We also have to remember that Mayo is still a rookie, who needs to learn the system. So, while I believe he'll likely be the main LB in rotation with Bruschi, I don't think he'll start from day one. That could be a different story once we get to the back end of the season, but that will depend on how well he progresses. I also don't think BB's going to trust a rookie to run his defense.

Hobson's a good option at SILB, and I'll be at least somewhat surprised if he's not one of their main LB's used in rotation at the position. He's also the third or fourth best OLB currently on the roster, so I'm expecting him to contribute.

Don't you think that the new defensive communication systems in place, Belichick will feel more confident with a rookie linebacker playing? Do you think it makes a difference?

Terry Glenn is a cowgirl · 05-04-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsWickedPissah

Be creative. I can see BB saying to Mayo, "Rook, I want you rooming with Wilfork here. Do what he does." A couple months rooming and eating with Wilfork, and Mayo will be a backup NT.

Eat a lot of mayo...