- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 37,601
- Reaction score
- 16,380
I have added ERFA Ventrone and RFA Woods. I've listed Slater as a STer. He is on most rosters mislabeled as the #5 receiver (which he is at the moment)
In the offensive analysis, the needs were modest: a FB, a WR or two and an OG. That is easily doable in free agency plus perhaps one Top 100 draft pick.
To me, the defensive needs seem more serious, both in 2009 and 2010. I presume we'll get a 2010 pick for Cassel which will help a bit. Free agency success will make all the difference, especially in the ability to re-sign and perhaps extend our own.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Adams is a major downgrade from Wright. Also, Seymour and Green are in their contract years. We should plan for one being gone in 2010 or even this year. Seymour sat out the last time he was in this position. Wilfork can be franchised for a couple of years if we can't work out an extension. So, for me, there is a SERIOUS need at DE. Even if we extend Seymour or Green and franchise or extend Wilfork, we need TWO defensive ends to replace the production of Wright in 2009 (and beyond) and either Seymour or Green in 2010.
If Green's 2009 bonus isn't guaranteed, he could be gone before March 1. A $2.3M bonus plus a $2.5M salary is a lot of money for Green.
LINEBACKERS
I must say that for the first time in years, this position is in fine shape. We should keep Woods at least for this year. We have him, Crable, Guyton and Redd as developing youngsters to add to the top three LB's. Depending on what the coaches think of the present expected production level of Bruschi, we could decide to move Thomas inside, or not. This is a very young group; Vrabel, Thomas, Bruschi and the kids. I'd rather add a veteran than another developmental player, although the draft has some top 3-4 linebackers. I would be fine with adding one if the value is there.
SAFETIES
Bring back the vets! My choices would be to re-sign Sanders, Harrison and Tank Williams. I would also re-sign Lew Sanders as a utility defensive back who can play at any of the positions. I have no problem with replacing any of these re-signs with other free agents. We need veteran leadership from our safeties. It will NOT come from our corners.
FOUR CORNERS
I have Lew Sanders or an equivalent discussed as a safety. So, where are we at corner? Bring in the JAGS! Hobbs, Wheatley and Wilhite are who we expect to depend on. We also have Richardson and Spann on the roster. Hobbs could be gone after the season, if there is a new CBA. We wll likely bring our normal 3-5 corners to compete for roster spots, for reps, and perhaps even for a starting position.
The open question is whether Belichick can find a high draftee that he wants to add. We would end up with a mix of Hobbs and the kids at corner.
Personally, I view this as the weakest unit on the team, by far. We can win by making up for our corners with solid front seven play plus pressure from our safeties. But there is no hiding the truth of the weakness.
MY ADDITIONS
Re-sign: Wright, Harrison, Sanders, Sanders, Williams or equivalent quality free agents
additional fa or top 100: DE, CB, LB
In the end, this is a doable wish list.
===========================
DEFENSE
DE - 3 Warren, Green, Seymour
DT - 3 Wilfork, Le Kevin Smith, (Adams)
LB - 8 Vrabel, Bruschi, Thomas, Crable, Mayo, Guyton, Woods, (open)
CB - 4 Hobbs, Wheatley, Wilhite, (Richardson/Spann)
S - 3 Meriweather, (open), (open)
DB - 1 (open)
ST -3 Ventrone, Izzo/Alexander/Redd, Slater
In the offensive analysis, the needs were modest: a FB, a WR or two and an OG. That is easily doable in free agency plus perhaps one Top 100 draft pick.
To me, the defensive needs seem more serious, both in 2009 and 2010. I presume we'll get a 2010 pick for Cassel which will help a bit. Free agency success will make all the difference, especially in the ability to re-sign and perhaps extend our own.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Adams is a major downgrade from Wright. Also, Seymour and Green are in their contract years. We should plan for one being gone in 2010 or even this year. Seymour sat out the last time he was in this position. Wilfork can be franchised for a couple of years if we can't work out an extension. So, for me, there is a SERIOUS need at DE. Even if we extend Seymour or Green and franchise or extend Wilfork, we need TWO defensive ends to replace the production of Wright in 2009 (and beyond) and either Seymour or Green in 2010.
If Green's 2009 bonus isn't guaranteed, he could be gone before March 1. A $2.3M bonus plus a $2.5M salary is a lot of money for Green.
LINEBACKERS
I must say that for the first time in years, this position is in fine shape. We should keep Woods at least for this year. We have him, Crable, Guyton and Redd as developing youngsters to add to the top three LB's. Depending on what the coaches think of the present expected production level of Bruschi, we could decide to move Thomas inside, or not. This is a very young group; Vrabel, Thomas, Bruschi and the kids. I'd rather add a veteran than another developmental player, although the draft has some top 3-4 linebackers. I would be fine with adding one if the value is there.
SAFETIES
Bring back the vets! My choices would be to re-sign Sanders, Harrison and Tank Williams. I would also re-sign Lew Sanders as a utility defensive back who can play at any of the positions. I have no problem with replacing any of these re-signs with other free agents. We need veteran leadership from our safeties. It will NOT come from our corners.
FOUR CORNERS
I have Lew Sanders or an equivalent discussed as a safety. So, where are we at corner? Bring in the JAGS! Hobbs, Wheatley and Wilhite are who we expect to depend on. We also have Richardson and Spann on the roster. Hobbs could be gone after the season, if there is a new CBA. We wll likely bring our normal 3-5 corners to compete for roster spots, for reps, and perhaps even for a starting position.
The open question is whether Belichick can find a high draftee that he wants to add. We would end up with a mix of Hobbs and the kids at corner.
Personally, I view this as the weakest unit on the team, by far. We can win by making up for our corners with solid front seven play plus pressure from our safeties. But there is no hiding the truth of the weakness.
MY ADDITIONS
Re-sign: Wright, Harrison, Sanders, Sanders, Williams or equivalent quality free agents
additional fa or top 100: DE, CB, LB
In the end, this is a doable wish list.
===========================
DEFENSE
DE - 3 Warren, Green, Seymour
DT - 3 Wilfork, Le Kevin Smith, (Adams)
LB - 8 Vrabel, Bruschi, Thomas, Crable, Mayo, Guyton, Woods, (open)
CB - 4 Hobbs, Wheatley, Wilhite, (Richardson/Spann)
S - 3 Meriweather, (open), (open)
DB - 1 (open)
ST -3 Ventrone, Izzo/Alexander/Redd, Slater