2 Weeks - 3 openings and then the draft

[mgteich]

I see true openings at #3 WR, #3 S and #6 DL. I expect/hope that the team will sign three more players before the draft to fill these positions. To put it another way, the roster below is ready to play even without immediate rookie contributions. And, there will be camp competition. The roster might even include a player expected to start the season on the PUP list (Harrison or Tank Williams).

And then it is a matter of upgrades.

IMHO, we have done amazingly well so far in the off-season. We haven't missed a beat.

IMHO, going into the draft, the offense will be improved over 2007. If we don't sign the receiver, we will likely use one of our six top 100 picks to fill the roster spot.

IMHO, going into the draft, the defense will be at least as strong as last year (perhaps as strong as 2007). I expect at three defensive picks in the first three rounds. I would be shocked not to see a safety and at least one linebacker. The defense is young, and will improve as the season wears on, as they work together better and better as a unit.

Finally, I don't know enough about the special team roster to know how well we will be able to replace the production of Izzo, Washington, Richardson, Ventrone and Alexander. Banta-Cain and Lewis should help pick up the slack. Perhaps I have have underestimated the number of positions needed for special team players. Perhaps one or more of Richardson, Alexander and Ventrone will need to make the roster to play special teams. And yes, I know Ventrone isn't signed.
==========================================
MG’s ROSTER AS OF MARCH 11

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Gutierrez
RB/FB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, Green-Ellis
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Lewis, OPEN
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Thomas
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, O’Callaghan
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Hochstein, Yates

DEFENSE (24)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour,Warren, Green, Smith, OPEN
OLB (5) Thomas, Woods, Crable, Banta-Cain, Redd
ILB (4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Ruud
CB (5) Hobbs, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, OPEN, Spann

SPECIALISTS (5)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel
ST (2) Aiken, Slater

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Alexander, (Ventrone), Richardson

PRACTICE SQUAD
Adams, Wendell, Listorti, DeVree, Craig, Malone

 

[DaBruinz]

I see true openings at #3 WR, #3 S and #6 DL. I expect/hope that the team will sign three more players before the draft to fill these positions. To put it another way, the roster below is ready to play even without immediate rookie contributions. And, there will be camp competition. The roster might even include a player expected to start the season on the PUP list (Harrison or Tank Williams).

And then it is a matter of upgrades.

IMHO, we have done amazingly well so far in the off-season. We haven't missed a beat.

IMHO, going into the draft, the offense will be improved over 2007. If we don't sign the receiver, we will likely use one of our six top 100 picks to fill the roster spot.

IMHO, going into the draft, the defense will be at least as strong as last year (perhaps as strong as 2007). I expect at three defensive picks in the first three rounds. I would be shocked not to see a safety and at least one linebacker. The defense is young, and will improve as the season wears on, as they work together better and better as a unit.

Finally, I don't know enough about the special team roster to know how well we will be able to replace the production of Izzo, Washington, Richardson, Ventrone and Alexander. Banta-Cain and Lewis should help pick up the slack. Perhaps I have have underestimated the number of positions needed for special team players. Perhaps one or more of Richardson, Alexander and Ventrone will need to make the roster to play special teams. And yes, I know Ventrone isn't signed.
==========================================
MG’s ROSTER AS OF MARCH 11

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Gutierrez
RB/FB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, Green-Ellis
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Lewis, OPEN
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Thomas
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, O’Callaghan
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Hochstein, Yates

DEFENSE (24)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour,Warren, Green, Smith, OPEN
OLB (5) Thomas, Woods, Crable, Banta-Cain, Redd
ILB (4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Ruud
CB (5) Hobbs, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, OPEN, Spann

SPECIALISTS (5)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel
ST (2) Aiken, Slater

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Alexander, (Ventrone), Richardson

PRACTICE SQUAD
Adams, Wendell, Listorti, DeVree, Craig, Malone

As was pointed out in another thread. BJGE still has practice squad eligibility. I believe that Richardson would also have it as he wasn't active for the games against the Colts, Bills (at Foxboro) and Jets (at Foxboro).

The Pats replaced Alexander with Woods 2 years ago and Woods hasn't looked back. Alexander was injured all year and I don't think that he'll be able to beat out Guyton, TBC, or Woods (all of whom are very good special teamers). Add that to the 3 open spots and there are plenty of spaces up for grabs for Draft picks and UDFAs.



I'd also say that Spann and not Ventrone is the one on the outside looking in. Ventrone made the team out of TC. Spann did not.

Guys who I believe are on the cusp are: Spann, Ventrone, Aiken, BJGE, O'Callaghan, Yates, Thomas, Ruud and Gutierrez.

 

[mgteich]

1) I don't have Alexander making the team, so cutting him doesn't result in an additional open roster spot.

2) I agree that there are plenty of spaces up for grabs for draft picks and UDFA's.

3) I agree with your list of players on the cusp except for one substitution.
a) I don't think Aiken is on the cusp. He is our special team leader with Woods. If Woods is Alexander's replacement, then Aiken is Izzo's replacement on special teams.
b) I think that Redd has to be considered on the cusp. At least one of the OLB's should be on the cusp.
4) If there is a list of players on the cusp, who have a chance of making the squad, then Richardson should be on the list.

As was pointed out in another thread. BJGE still has practice squad eligibility. I believe that Richardson would also have it as he wasn't active for the games against the Colts, Bills (at Foxboro) and Jets (at Foxboro).

The Pats replaced Alexander with Woods 2 years ago and Woods hasn't looked back. Alexander was injured all year and I don't think that he'll be able to beat out Guyton, TBC, or Woods (all of whom are very good special teamers). Add that to the 3 open spots and there are plenty of spaces up for grabs for Draft picks and UDFAs.



I'd also say that Spann and not Ventrone is the one on the outside looking in. Ventrone made the team out of TC. Spann did not.

Guys who I believe are on the cusp are: Spann, Ventrone, Aiken, BJGE, O'Callaghan, Yates, Thomas, Ruud and Gutierrez.

 

[Pats726]

I think
1)the DL opening would be more for a NT than an DE considering that Wright is a FA...
2) Despite the number of OLBs there is a large gap in talent so there could be an opening there as well..
3) I agree about a 3rd saefty, more like the SS who will make it 8 in the box at times...
4) Another wideout is also needed as you said
5) Despite the 2 backups, the team will bring in a vet QB at some point

 

[BlitzFritz]

1. thanks for no longer talking about FB as an opening ;-) (i am a believer in the Hochsteing power pack!)

2. we will miss Mike Wright on ST also! ST is a real issue right now, as you point out.

3. I am not sure we need a #3 WR? i have a feeling that BB belives in Lewis, backed up by Aiken, Slater.

4. cant wait for the draft! i think we are done in FA, unless Jason Taylor decides he wants a ring bad enough.....

great stuff!

-- FRITZ

 

[bucky]

I see true openings at #3 WR, #3 S and #6 DL. I expect/hope that the team will sign three more players before the draft to fill these positions. To put it another way, the roster below is ready to play even without immediate rookie contributions. And, there will be camp competition. The roster might even include a player expected to start the season on the PUP list (Harrison or Tank Williams).

And then it is a matter of upgrades.

IMHO, we have done amazingly well so far in the off-season. We haven't missed a beat.

IMHO, going into the draft, the offense will be improved over 2007. If we don't sign the receiver, we will likely use one of our six top 100 picks to fill the roster spot.

IMHO, going into the draft, the defense will be at least as strong as last year (perhaps as strong as 2007). I expect at three defensive picks in the first three rounds. I would be shocked not to see a safety and at least one linebacker. The defense is young, and will improve as the season wears on, as they work together better and better as a unit.

Finally, I don't know enough about the special team roster to know how well we will be able to replace the production of Izzo, Washington, Richardson, Ventrone and Alexander. Banta-Cain and Lewis should help pick up the slack. Perhaps I have have underestimated the number of positions needed for special team players. Perhaps one or more of Richardson, Alexander and Ventrone will need to make the roster to play special teams. And yes, I know Ventrone isn't signed.
==========================================
MG’s ROSTER AS OF MARCH 11

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Gutierrez
RB/FB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, Green-Ellis
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Lewis, OPEN
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Thomas
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, O’Callaghan
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Hochstein, Yates

DEFENSE (24)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour,Warren, Green, Smith, OPEN
OLB (5) Thomas, Woods, Crable, Banta-Cain, Redd
ILB (4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Ruud
CB (5) Hobbs, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, OPEN, Spann

SPECIALISTS (5)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel
ST (2) Aiken, Slater

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Alexander, (Ventrone), Richardson

PRACTICE SQUAD
Adams, Wendell, Listorti, DeVree, Craig, Malone

Hmm,

I don't see how you can give a roster spot to a guy like Ruud or Spann, but not a guy like Alexander or Ventrone. As far as I'm concerned they're all in the same boat - fringe players who will be battling for the final couple of ST/backup spots.

That said, I would say the following players should be "outside looking in" and their spots should be open: Spann, Ruud, Redd, Guttierez. That actually makes for 7 open slots.

BJGE is an interesting case. I don't think he would clear waivers. At the same time, he doesn't play on ST and is clearly the #5 back. So I'm not sure whether he's on the outside looking in or not. He may have to learn to be a lead blocker to keep his roster spot, or at least get on the field on ST.

Finally, I would think that Pats have to bring in a vet QB to at least compete with O'Connell for the #2 spot. There's no way they can tell at this point, how much better O'Connell will be over last year. If he shows to be a solid backup in TC, they always have the option of releasing the vet and going with 2 QBs or carrying Guttierez.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

My top positions left to fill before the draft would be a

backup SS
backup LB... preferrably OLB
backup NT (I hear they are in talks with Wright... that's good)
backup QB... a vet backup instead of just OConnel + Guit or Rookie

I think we strong enough everywhere else for pre-draft.

We would be in a fine predraft position even if we didn't make anymore moves, although I would prefer we reinforce some of the foundation a bit more before drafting.

 

[WhiZa]

As was pointed out in another thread. BJGE still has practice squad eligibility.

I missed what you said in the other thread, but I thought the rule was if a player was active in 9 games he is not PS eligible.

 

[Mitch338]

I'd like a project receiver on the 2nd day. Nothing more. I feel like we have many pieces we already need. Hopefully BB can trade some of those 1st day picks and stack up for 2010. (after getting Larry English of course )

 

[DaBruinz]

I missed what you said in the other thread, but I thought the rule was if a player was active in 9 games he is not PS eligible.

According to what Jsn posted in another thread, it is GAME DAY active. As in, on the 45 man game day roster. Hence, the reason that Richardson and BJGE would still have eligibility. If I am wrong, I'll freely admit it. But that is what Jsn pulled out of the CBA.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'd like a project receiver on the 2nd day. Nothing more. I feel like we have many pieces we already need. Hopefully BB can trade some of those 1st day picks and stack up for 2010. (after getting Larry English of course )

Why stack up for 2010? There is plenty of talent in this draft at the top. Guys who could immediately come in and have an impact. Guys who would fill holes on the roster that will be created by the 18 guys who are free agents next year. The types of free agents is yet to be determined because of the wording of the CBA.

 

[WhiZa]

According to what Jsn posted in another thread, it is GAME DAY active. As in, on the 45 man game day roster. Hence, the reason that Richardson and BJGE would still have eligibility. If I am wrong, I'll freely admit it. But that is what Jsn pulled out of the CBA.

I think he was on the 45 man roster for 9 games. According to his NFL.com stats, he played in 9 games and they do not include the inactive players in that (ie Crabel).

 

[Mitch338]

Why stack up for 2010? There is plenty of talent in this draft at the top. Guys who could immediately come in and have an impact. Guys who would fill holes on the roster that will be created by the 18 guys who are free agents next year. The types of free agents is yet to be determined because of the wording of the CBA.

How many holes need to be filled and how many picks do we have? (i think we have more than we need for this season) plus, how much cap room do we have left to sign those picks? I think we'd be better off trading 2 of the 2nd rders we have and keeping our options open for 2010 (and following years) instead of using all the picks and being forced to cut them.

1 DE/OLB, 1 or 2 DLmen, 1 SS, 1 QB and 1 WR plus all the UDFAs bill wants and im happy.

 

[carolinatony]

I would like to see a solid OL taken this year if one is there in the 2nd. It doesn't hurt to start to groom one for next year and also have a good backup.

 

[mgteich]

AFTER THE FOURTH ROUND (a player or 2)
We are likely to trade away our tradeable picks in the 6th and 7th to 2010 or to move up in earlier rounds, but this doesn't matter much. Perhaps one picked after the 4th will make the 53 (plus some to the Practice Squad).

You have the patriots drafting a QB. If that happens it will in the 5th or later. We also might get a DE or WR that late. We've done it before.

FIRST THROUGH FOURTH
We have seven picks and eight needs. I expect us to sign Wright soon.
DE, OLB, ILB, WR, FS, SS, OG, and OT
to replace Adams, Redd, Ruud, open WR, Spann, open SS, Yates and O'Callaghan
who I currently have on the roster if the season started today.

Obviously, the final roster determinations may be quite different.

All that being said, I expect only 5 players from 23 through 124 with one pick trade to next year and one used to move up in the first or second.

BOTTOM LINE
We can certainly afford our draft picks plus have plenty of needed upgrades.

How many holes need to be filled and how many picks do we have? (i think we have more than we need for this season) plus, how much cap room do we have left to sign those picks? I think we'd be better off trading 2 of the 2nd rders we have and keeping our options open for 2010 (and following years) instead of using all the picks and being forced to cut them.

1 DE/OLB, 1 or 2 DLmen, 1 SS, 1 QB and 1 WR plus all the UDFAs bill wants and im happy.