Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

Needs

Starting G
Need a Waters replacement because RG is probably the biggest hole in the starting lineups. Mankins isn't getting any younger either.

Starting FB
It’s been a revolving door since McDaniels returned, and now there are none. It'd be nice to get a dependable one.

CB potentially
A lot is still TBD

LDE potentially
A lot is still TBD


Wants

Rotational C
We have three. None of them are young and good.

Rotational T
Need some depth there - a tackle that can play both sides.

Developmental DT
I’d like to get some upside at such an important position.

Developmental Outside WR
Somebody smart and quick, with good hands.

Developmental QB
Need to bring in another QB to increase the odds the Brady's eventual successor is on the roster.

Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

ATippett56 said this in the prospect thread, and while I agree, I think it merits it's own thread.

mayoclinic

It's still early, and a lot depends on how certain key players develop and/or their health and contract status. Sebastian Vollmer played the entire game at RT against Baltimore. A healthy Vollmer changes the equation at RT drastically, and might also allow Marcus Cannon to move to RG.

Right now I agree that a LDE opposite Chandler Jones is a huge need. I'm personally not comfortable with any of Rob Ninkovich, Jermaine Cunningham or Jake Bequette being that guy, though all 3 should be contributors. I still see a need for another DT, especially as Wilfork is on the wrong side of 30.

I'm personally holding off assessing the secondary until later in the season. I think it's too early to make judgments. Both Pat Chung and Kyle Arrington are in contract years, and I doubt both of them will stay, so I can see a need somewhere in this area as well.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

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Merril Hoge's Tie Knot

I'm not sure a healthy Vollmer is anything to count on anymore. BB has seemed reluctant to use Cannon at guard. Either way I think Cannon needs to shave some weight to get quicker and more balanced.

ATippett56

Spencer Larsen was placed on injured reserve while Tony Fiammetta was placed on the season exempt list for personal reasons.

Official Website of the New England Patriots | Team - Players

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manxman2601

I'm starting to think that OG is by far and away our biggest need. For most other positions listed above,we can muddle through but we really can't at that RG position, particularly considering Mankins' age and injury problems. I think this is even more relevant considering this exceptionally strong OG field at the top end (we really don't want to be in
the position of drafting two OGs next year.

nekromantique

I'd say Love fits that mold, though i agree DT is still a position of need.


I think O-Line comes down to vollmers health and where they plan to play Cannon. coming out of college everyone figured he was more suited for guard, and he was drafted as a guard...but the pats continue to play him at tackle (because of vollmers health)...so its unclear how well hed play at RG.


True #1 CB
DE opposite Jones (could even be cunningham honestly)
a good rushing DT
RT/RG
Outside WR with good size and speed.

I would say CB and DE are the most important...followed by DT and RT/RG

our receiver situation is decent for next year.

captain stone

In no particular order:

Offense -
WR, pref a tall & fast one (Torrey Smith & Jacoby Jones v Edelman & Branch = No Contest);
OG, so Connolly can return to Center;
OT, as a legit backup/replacement for Vollmer;
FB, for the attitude this soft as Charmin, choke-artist offense so desperately needs;

Defense -
DE - Ninkovich completely sux, he was better at LB;
OLB - our LBs are the slowest in football;
CB - is Dowling the new Darius Butler?
Safety - Chung had the one good tackle, but blows in coverage.

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ATippett56

You do realize the New England Patriots only have five draft picks in the 2013 NFL Draft?

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th round picks

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The End of the Chad Ochostinko Era!

manxman2601

One compensatory pick and a couple of draft day trades and The Wiz that is BB gets to fulfill all Captain Stone's desires.