I would think that it is important to consider extensions to Sanders and O'Neal, since their contracts end in 2008. They played ALL the defensive reps against Denver, ALL of them.
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The "starting" defense (11) based on who played more
DL Seymour, Wilfork, Warren
LB Thomas, Mayo, Guyton, Vrabel
DB O'Neal(fa), Hobbs, Sanders(fa), Meriweather
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2009 DEPTH (9)
We do have 2009 depth at DB: Wilhite, Richardson and Wheatley
and at LB: Bruschi, Woods (with a high RFA tender), and Crable
and at DL: Green, Smith, Adams/Wright(fa)
IMO, O'Neal is a stopgap - if they like what he does the rest of the season, they can bring him back, but if they decide to invest in another CB via the draft, then I doubt they'll think twice about moving on from O'Neal.
I agree with the rest of the starting lineup. I have Guyton penciled in as well, for a guy to progress as fast as he has and see his snaps increase, I don't think its crazy to think he could start by next year.
I'd also want to throw Vince Redd into the mix at OLB depth.
Overall, I'm seeing the defense is in pretty good shape for at least next season. As I just said in another thread, if everyone's health holds up (knock on some wood, right now) defense is not looking like a major need going into the April draft - presuming we re-sign guys like Sanders, Woods, and perhaps O'Neal.
If Wheatley and Wilhite develop fast enough, then CB isn't a real need, unless they don't want O'Neal back. If they do, then I can see them using a Day 1 pick on CB.
If Harrison is calling it quits, then another safety will be a need, likely addressed sometime between rounds 2-5 in the draft. If Sanders is re-signed, then they have their starting combo for the next few years.
If Guyton continues to impress, then SILB is no longer a major need. Depending upon what they think of Bo Ruud, I would think they would add some depth to ILB, pretty much anywhere between rounds 2-7.
AD is signed through 2011, Vrabel may be on the back 9, but is still playing a lot of snaps. Woods has proven he can be the first OLB off the bench, if he's re-signed, then between Crable and Redd, there is little need to get an OLB, unless they specifically really target a need and see an area they can upgrade over Crable/Woods/Redd, ie, an OLB with noted exceptional pass rushing skills (I think thats Crable, anyway) or one who is exceptional at dropping back into coverage or covering TEs.
All in all, I'm very excited about the future of this D.