Needs Analysis: Linebacker - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

Ochmed Jones · #11 11-09-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

BOR mentioned this kid in another thread...

If we want TE Help...

Barwin is a 2/3 projection and rising currently.. So he could, very well, be a guy the Patriots look at with the San Diego pick...

And he could be the next Mike Vrabel.... lining up at the TE spot in Goal Line formations.

I may have the wrong DE, but one fo the DE's fro Cincy had a monster game against WVU.

***DaBruinz*** · #12 11-10-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ochmed Jones

I may have the wrong DE, but one fo the DE's fro Cincy had a monster game against WVU.

GoBEARCATS.com - Official Athletics Website of the University of Cincinnati

Looking at the stat sheets, the DTs had better games than the DEs. Barwin only had 1 tackle and 2 assisted.

***VJCPatriot*** · #13 11-10-2008, 10:38 AM

Thomas just suffered a broken arm and our OLBs aren't exactly young except for Crable who also is on IR. Additionally the Pats still need a guy who can rush the QB. I think a pass rushing OLB will be a priority in the 2009 draft.

Box_O_Rocks · #14 11-10-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyManny2344

LOCKS (6):
Thomas, Vrabel and Crable are locks on the outside. Mayo and Guyton are locks inside, with Bruschi a lock providing he returns for another season.

CURRENT COMPETITION FOR OPEN SPOTS (5):
- Woods has shown he can be the 3rd OLB on the roster, and has been a consistent contributor on ST. He would be worth retaining if the price is right
- Redd is a very intriguing prospect on the practice squad. It will be interesting to see how much he progressed, he will have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
- Izzo is a leader on ST, and until a player demonstrate they can replace him in that regard, he will likely have a spot. Ideally, another younger player can do his job on ST and provide more upside as a contributor on defense.
- Ruud is spending the year on IR and seems to be unlikely to beat out the competition for a roster spot.
- Alexander has been a great ST player, but has little upside on defense and can probably be replaced via the draft, doubtful he will be re-signed.

PLAN OF ACTION VIA DRAFT/FREE AGENCY:
- This position seems to be in good shape short term and long term. The team will likely grab another ILB to bring into the mix with Mayo & Guyton, presumably anywhere in the draft where they can find good value.
- Hopefully between Crable, Redd & Woods (RFA), they have a potential long term replacement for Vrabel. If they see a player with greater upside or potential, likely during Day 1 of the draft, they could take that player. Otherwise, and especially if Woods is brought back, OLB is not a need.

Nice look.

Bru may lose his "starter" job before the end of the season with Guyton's progress. Bru is still the instinctive veteran, but he is being phased out as his age slows him - I can't call him a lock for 2009, but I'd be really happy to hear he was being called "coach."

I like how Pierre Woods is progressing, nice and steady. I expect him back for 2009.

Crabel and Ruud have been put into the "Hope" chest for next season, Redd is the kid who seems most likely to find a role on the team through Special Teams, based on the reports of his Scout team work.

I like how the future looks for the Linebacker Corps, and I would look at drafting another ILB and signing a UDFA ILB, the same for OLB. A pass rushing demon might be better bought through Free Agency.

***DaBruinz*** · #15 11-10-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJCPatriot

Thomas just suffered a broken arm and our OLBs aren't exactly young except for Crable who also is on IR. Additionally the Pats still need a guy who can rush the QB. I think a pass rushing OLB will be a priority in the 2009 draft.

Pierre Woods says "HI".
Define priority. Do you mean it as a MUST HAVE in the 1st round regardless of the cost? Or do you mean, somewhere in the top 3 rounds?

Honestly, I don't see the Pats drafting an high round OLB unless they've wiffed on brining in someone AND have parted ways with either Thomas, Vrabel or Woods.

Also, I wouldn't count out either Crable or Vince Redd as potential starters. People on this board don't like to be reminded of history, but I am going to do so again. Adalius Thomas played in only 3 games his rookie year. In his 2nd year, he played in 16, but only started in 3. Even in his 3rd year, Thomas only started 12 of 16. Redd and/or Crable could make advancements and follow the same hard working path that Thomas did. Only time will tell.

Metaphors · #16 11-10-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Honestly, I don't see the Pats drafting an high round OLB unless they've wiffed on brining in someone AND have parted ways with either Thomas, Vrabel or Woods.

You may be right, but there are a number of DE/OLB hybrids that will likely be available when the Pats pick in rounds 1-3: Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Selvie, Hardy, Evans...as well as the traditional OLBs (though they would likely translate inside for the Pats): Curry, Cushing, Freeman, Sintim. Just may be too much value to pass on them if they slip.

That point aside, there is no possible scenario where Clay Matthews (USC) is not in the Pats training camp in '09.

fester · #17 11-11-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Pierre Woods says "HI".
Define priority. Do you mean it as a MUST HAVE in the 1st round regardless of the cost? Or do you mean, somewhere in the top 3 rounds?

Honestly, I don't see the Pats drafting an high round OLB unless they've wiffed on brining in someone AND have parted ways with either Thomas, Vrabel or Woods.

I would like to see the Patriots use one of their second or third round picks on an OLB conversion project because as you point out, they take time and there is significant uncertainty in the conversion. Starting with higher quality talent reduces both the time and uncertainty costs, and if the pick works out so that the Patriots get an 8 to 10 sack a year guy who can also set the edge, it allows them to avoid a 5 year 15 million guaranteed, 35 million dollar total FA contract. And if not, oh well, the Pats have survived with bad second and third round choices before.

***ctpatsfan77*** · #18 11-11-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metaphors

You may be right, but there are a number of DE/OLB hybrids that will likely be available when the Pats pick in rounds 1-3: Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Selvie, Hardy, Evans...as well as the traditional OLBs (though they would likely translate inside for the Pats): Curry, Cushing, Freeman, Sintim. Just may be too much value to pass on them if they slip.

That point aside, there is no possible scenario where Clay Matthews (USC) is not in the Pats training camp in '09.

You do realize, of course, that by making this statement, you've now created a scenario where it doesn't happen?

BradyManny2344 · #19 11-11-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

Honestly, I don't see the Pats drafting an high round OLB unless they've wiffed on brining in someone AND have parted ways with either Thomas, Vrabel or Woods.

Also, I wouldn't count out either Crable or Vince Redd as potential starters. People on this board don't like to be reminded of history, but I am going to do so again. Adalius Thomas played in only 3 games his rookie year. In his 2nd year, he played in 16, but only started in 3. Even in his 3rd year, Thomas only started 12 of 16. Redd and/or Crable could make advancements and follow the same hard working path that Thomas did. Only time will tell.

The only way I can see them drafting a first round OLB is if its just clearly the BPA on the board, or someone slips, etc. If Cushing fell, for instance. I also like what I hear about Marcus Freeman, but he might project inside for the Pats, I'd guess.

Basically, I think like a few other positions, OLB is not an area of need, but could be one of potential upgrade. IE, they could find a guy with more upside than Crable or Redd in a position in the draft where they'd be getting great value, so they pull the trigger.

BradyManny2344 · #20 11-11-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

Crabel and Ruud have been put into the "Hope" chest for next season, Redd is the kid who seems most likely to find a role on the team through Special Teams, based on the reports of his Scout team work.

Redd also seems to be the guy with the most experience in terms of Pats OLB responsibilities. And he likes being versatile:

Quote:

What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?
Vince Redd: 6’5 3/4, 255 lbs., 4.75 (freshman year)

Describe your game in three words or less.
Vince Redd: Complete outside linebacker

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?
Vince Redd: Strengths are my vision and my wingspan and I need to work on my overall strength.

Since you’ve played both Defensive End and Linebacker in college, do you prefer playing one or the other in the pros?
Vince Redd: I prefer playing linebacker because it allows me to do more on the field. I get to pass rush, tackle runners and cover receivers.

Do you prefer playing in a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 defense?
Vince Redd: Definitely a 3-4 because it allows for more freedom on the field.

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