The Future of LeKevin Smith?

[JSn]

Do you guys see him on the roster? We've talked about his value to ST's, but Mike Reiss talks about that in his latest blog on the new Wedge rule. If he becomes obsolete, or spare parts, can we get any use out of him trade? I'm not anti-Smith, just wondering.

Impact of wedge rule - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Because of the new rule that limits the wedge -- and factoring in that most NFL teams use a 3- or 4-man wedge -- the special teams coaches made the point that kickoff return units across the league could now feature more lighter, faster players. Those players are likely to be utilized because they are a bit lighter on their feet and most of the times better suited for one-on-one blocking in space.

If this is indeed the case, NFL head coaches are going to have some tougher decisions on choosing players for their 45-man game-day roster.

For example, in the Patriots' win over the Raiders, Le Kevin Smith was the sixth of six defensive linemen dressed that day. Under the new rules that limit the number of players in a wedge, a player like Smith might be a luxury that coaches can't afford.

 

[rsd]

While I think the rule change may have an impact on some players, LeKevin was utilized a fair amount in a backup role on the line last year. Obviously not a ton but he showed progress, so that I'd be surprised if they cut him this year.

He's serviceable, cheap, and his name starts with a "Le"!

 

[Patjew]

Dr Keegs. Paging Dr. Keegs.

 

[signbabybrady]

I would say this depends alot on the draft and whether they need to get/find guys to potentially replace the future DL FA. He is a good back up even if his STs reps go down. But if we are grooming potential replacement starters than there may not be room for him.

 

[JSn]

Dr Keegs. Paging Dr. Keegs.

LOL - Yes, I anxiously await the arrival of LSmith's chief apologist.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Quote:
Because of the new rule that limits the wedge -- and factoring in that most NFL teams use a 3- or 4-man wedge -- the special teams coaches made the point that kickoff return units across the league could now feature more lighter, faster players. Those players are likely to be utilized because they are a bit lighter on their feet and most of the times better suited for one-on-one blocking in space.

Does this mean that BB will be recruiting special players that are light in the loafers? I'm very confused.

 

[BradyManny]

I think we carry 6 DL either way - but the general analysis is on point. If ST units are going to be smaller, maybe we'll carry a couple more wideouts than we would otherwise. We already have 3 pure wideouts (Moss, Galloway, Welker), 2 who contribute on ST (Lewis, Aiken), and I anticipate drafting one, maybe two, wideouts this April.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

Dr Keegs. Paging Dr. Keegs.

Beat me to it.....

 

[wdkantro2]

He has a lot of value outside of STs. A minimum of 2 of our DL's are banged up every year. If they ditched LeKevin, that would leave us with just 2 healthy backups. Also, having a cheap guy who can play the system (the second part is crucial) is much more valuable than you are giving it credit for.

 

[Rob0729]

I don't know. I felt Smith played fairly well at the end of the season last year. I don't know if it was enough to keep his job, but he had a few solid games.

 

[spacecrime]

I don't know. I felt Smith played fairly well at the end of the season last year. I don't know if it was enough to keep his job, but he had a few solid games.

I agree. I checked his stats and he had at least one tackle in each of the last five games, so he was more than just a ST guy.

I don't see the Pats carrying less than 6 DL, so unless they draft one good enough to bump Le Kevin, we currently have:

Seymour
Wilfork
Warren
Green
Wright
Smith

 

[Pats726]

It may require an adjustment of players that they keep....it also might be that SMith would be inactive but still on the 53...

 

[Lord_Reginald_III]

THE kevin smith seemed to hit a stride last yr, i remember him breaking thru a few times when he lined up inside, & causing general havoc -- dare i say a little "vince light"-ish?

 

[javajunky]

I have a feeling the new rule effects Wright more than Smith. If you don't need big guys to break the wedge, both players become less valuable. With LBs replacing DLs on special teams we now have more backup pass rushing LBs on the active roster. I'd rather have a backup DL that can stop the run in this new situation. Thus Smith may now become more valuable than Wright to the team.

Personally, I don't think either player is in danger of losing a roster spot at this point.

 

[Rob0729]

I have a feeling the new rule effects Wright more than Smith. If you don't need big guys to break the wedge, both players become less valuable. With LBs replacing DLs on special teams we now have more backup pass rushing LBs on the active roster. I'd rather have a backup DL that can stop the run in this new situation. Thus Smith may now become more valuable than Wright to the team.

Personally, I don't think either player is in danger of losing a roster spot at this point.

Well, Wright isn't going anywhere since he just got a new multiyear deal.

 

[Deus Irae]

Just kidding... If New England cut him loose, I'd expect the Broncos or Chiefs to sign him, so I don't think he needs to ask Marvin Harrison for a job just yet.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Who are the type of blockers most likely to block well in space?
- Tight Ends: they block in space consistently.
- Bigger Wide Receivers: D-Giv, K-Wash, Aiken...
- Linebackers: Linebackers square-up and breakdown in space to make tackles, squaring up and breaking down in space to make blocks is just more of the same.
- Bigger Safeties: Ditto.

The questions for reserve OL and DL who might have been used in wedges;
- do they operate well in space?
- do they have other roles to play beyond Special Teams?

In the past Hochstein, Neal, L.Smith, Britt, Wright are all OL/DL who have been used on KR units in the wedge or on the front line. Those who have been used on the front line, like Wright and Britt, can fit into a man-blocking return unit. Neal is a great blocker in space.

Draftniks have been discussing various OL who might be drafted to upgrade behind the starters. In this draft there may be a premium on zone blocking types who can block well in space because of this rule. I don't see them carrying fewer OL on the roster.

NE might choose to go with 6 DL on the roster and carry two DL on the Practice Squad in order to free up a roster slot for a LB/S/TE/Big WR. I don't see them carrying any fewer DL. Wright now becomes the model to consider when looking for bigger front line KR blockers who can also play a reserve role behind the big four.

 

[alvinnf]

He's in the position of fighting for that final DL spot. If they draft one high or even Day one, he's most certainly gone. Day two draft pick, let the competition begin.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with this assessment. We'll carry six DL's in any case. In the past, we have occasionally carried seven. Defensive linemen get beat up pretty badly.

He's in the position of fighting for that final DL spot. If they draft one high or even Day one, he's most certainly gone. Day two draft pick, let the competition begin.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Do you guys see him on the roster? We've talked about his value to ST's, but Mike Reiss talks about that in his latest blog on the new Wedge rule. If he becomes obsolete, or spare parts, can we get any use out of him trade? I'm not anti-Smith, just wondering.

Impact of wedge rule - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

The widowmaker. Which poster has that in his siggy? Only thing I can think of when anyone brings his name up any more.