Why Didn't the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

[PatsFans.com Article]

Ian's Daily Blog - A quick look at why the Patriots didn't take another linebacker other than McKenzie, and some site stats on draft weekend at PatsFans.com

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[mosslost]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Is it possible, that the Patriots might be considering switching to a 4-3?

 

[KY Pats Fan]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Is it possible, that the Patriots might be considering switching to a 4-3?

Just what I was thinking CampPen. With more and more teams switching to a 3-4, maybe BB throws a curve and move back to a predominately 4-3. Warren Wilfork Brace and Seymore would make an immovable front 4. Sprinkle in Jason Taylor and jarvis green to edge rush on passing downs. LB group of mayo, thomas, and woods/guyton would be a solid LB corp.

 

[Synovia]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Is it possible, that the Patriots might be considering switching to a 4-3?

Its a lot more likely that the patriots either
A) Didn't think any of the LB available to them were worth the picks

OR

B) Think their inhouse options (Redd, Crable, Woods) are better than we dp.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Its a lot more likely that the patriots either
A) Didn't think any of the LB available to them were worth the picks

OR

B) Think their inhouse options (Redd, Crable, Woods) are better than we dp.

I think that you are right about A and B but I think it is a combo of the two IMO. BB has been drafting guys who fit his 3-4 system for a few years now with Wilfork, Warren and Seymour, they may have the best 3 man front in the league....wait I would say they do have the best 3 man front. BB does at times go with 4DL last season and maybe he will do the same this year but he loves his LB's and having four on the field.

 

[mosslost]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

I think that you are right about A and B but I think it is a combo of the two IMO. BB has been drafting guys who fit his 3-4 system for a few years now with Wilfork, Warren and Seymour, they may have the best 3 man front in the league....wait I would say they do have the best 3 man front. BB does at times go with 4DL last season and maybe he will do the same this year but he loves his LB's and having four on the field.

Yeah, I would say it's a little bit of both. What about potential veteran signing?

 

[PatsBoy12]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

I really don't see the Pats playing a predominantly 4-3 scheme under any circumstance.

 

[apple strudel]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Keep it simple. The Pats will draft players they like based on the draft position. They didn't like any of the available linebackers other than McKenzie.

We are NOT switching to a 4-3. No no no no no. We may employ it at times, but the base defense will be a 3-4, just like it is every year.

 

[Deus Irae]

Polian thought it was a 'thin' linebacker class.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Is it possible, that the Patriots might be considering switching to a 4-3?

Pats play a 4-3 depending on the situation, but it is doubtful that they would ever go to it as the main defense.

 

[jmt57]

Here are some of the top free agent OLB's, their age and last team

LeRoy Hill (26) Seahawks - may not be smart enough to play here
Freddie Keiaho (26) Colts - not a good fit, strictly a cover-2 WLB
Derrick Brooks (36) Bucs - smart player but has played entire career as tampa-2 WLB; not a good fit
Marcus Washington (31) Redskins - 4-3 LB with injury issues
Khary Campbell (30) Redskins - career specials teamer
Morlon Greenwood (31) Texans - strictly a backup
Marques Harris (27) Chargers - solid reserve in a 3-4
Roderick Green (27) 49ers
Ryan Nece (30) Lions - tampa-2 LB
Antwaan Peek (29) Browns
Jamie Winborn (30) Broncos
Rocky Boiman (29) Chiefs
Kenneth Pettway (26) Packers
Willie McGinest (37) Browns
Shantee Orr (28) Browns
Donnie Edwards (36) Chiefs
Carlos Polk (32) Cowboys


Looking at that list, I'd say another OLB is more likely to be an UDFA than a veteran FA.

 

[SladeRider]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Its a lot more likely that the patriots either
A) Didn't think any of the LB available to them were worth the picks

OR

B) Think their inhouse options (Redd, Crable, Woods) are better than we dp.

or they already have someone lined up to come in to play linebacker in Peppers or Taylor, it might be a dream but that might be a reason they didn't take anymore linebackers in the draft.

 

[Bertil]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Its a lot more likely that the patriots either
A) Didn't think any of the LB available to them were worth the picks

OR

B) Think their inhouse options (Redd, Crable, Woods) are better than we dp.

or C) could use the 2nd Round picks they obtained to acquire Julius Peppers.

In fact, perhaps there is a "wink and a nod" deal already in place. I don't want to keep this pipe dream alive a minute longer than necessary, but the thought did occur...and not only to me.

 

[Synovia]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

or they already have someone lined up to come in to play linebacker in Peppers or Taylor, it might be a dream but that might be a reason they didn't take anymore linebackers in the draft.

they would have already signed someone if they were going to make draft decisions based on them.

 

[Feep50]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

or C) could use the 2nd Round picks they obtained to acquire Julius Peppers.

In fact, perhaps there is a "wink and a nod" deal already in place. I don't want to keep this pipe dream alive a minute longer than necessary, but the thought did occur...and not only to me.

This seems as likely as not......What's better than a mid 1st round pick?
Three 2nd rounders in BB's holster as we speak. Ours,Titans and Jax.... I believe

 

[jczxohn1]

Re: Why Didn?t the Patriots Take More Linebackers?

Is it possible, that the Patriots might be considering switching to a 4-3?

If they were thinking of going to a 4-3, they most likely would have drafted more LB's. Most of the best available were 4-3 body types: 6'1-2", 230-240 lbs. ex: Larry English, a London Fletcher-Jonathon Vilma clone. BB raves about guys like him, he just never signs them. Crable---6'4-5", 246, skinny legs, looks underfed. Now that's a developmental LB.