UDFA's that have signed

[MetalBleachers]

Denver just let Andrew Pinnock go. Pinnock was the back-up FB on the Chargers for a bit. Until they drafted Hester last year and was released. He'd be a good pick-up if the Pats wanted to go with a traditional FB. However, I don't think that's going to happen.

You and I tend to disagree on this, DaBruinz: I see the Pats looking to bolster their running game with a head-pounding FB, while you seem to hate America.

sorry - I've been learning my debate skills from politicians.

I'd love them to pick up a guy like Pinnock because I think there's a role for him on the team that no one player could quite fill. That said, they could fill it with myriad players, e.g., an OL, a TE/HB and a big back.

 

[dryheat44]

P.S. Evans had 24 catches in four years, so saying he's a pass-catcher out of the backfield is misleading. Also, didn't really become a solid blocker until just this past year, IMHO.

I love what he did for the team, but let's not call him irreplaceable.

He's incredibly replaceable, which is why he was allowed to leave. I just don't think the replacing is going to be done by an undrafted rookie linebacker.

I thought a guy like Fiametta might be drafted for that purpose, but in the end I think he went too high for Belichick.

 

[Ungeheuer]

That's probably not too likely. I imagine that if we were to replace a fullback, we'd sign somebody who actually played fullback. Or at least a large college halfback, like Ferguson or Donaldson.

More likely, Sammy Morris will pick up Evans' role or a vet will be signed. I can't imagine BB entrusting all that Heath did to a rookie UFA who didn't play the position in college.

Last year's RB contingent at the start of the season (well, sort of: Faulk was suspended) was Maroney, Morris, Faulk, Evans and Lamont Jordan. I believe we only had two TEs, Watson and Thomas.

Right now we've only got four backs who are sure to make the roster (Taylor, Maroney, Morris, Faulk) plus one who has no PS eligibility left (BJGE). If they don't keep BenJarvus, I'm assuming they would keep another tight end instead of adding a fullback.

 

[MetalBleachers]

He's incredibly replaceable, which is why he was allowed to leave. I just don't think the replacing is going to be done by an undrafted rookie linebacker.

I thought a guy like Fiametta might be drafted for that purpose, but in the end I think he went too high for Belichick.

Agreed. I'd be surprised if the Pats didn't have their eye on him a round later.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Last year's RB contingent at the start of the season (well, sort of: Faulk was suspended) was Maroney, Morris, Faulk, Evans and Lamont Jordan. I believe we only had two TEs, Watson and Thomas.

Right now we've only got four backs who are sure to make the roster (Taylor, Maroney, Morris, Faulk) plus one who has no PS eligibility left (BJGE). If they don't keep BenJarvus, I'm assuming they would keep another tight end instead of adding a fullback.

We have six TEs right now too

 

[jmt57]

Not sure about tryouts, but here's a site that lists team-by-team signings of UDFAs.

AFC
NFC

 

[DaBruinz]

You and I tend to disagree on this, DaBruinz: I see the Pats looking to bolster their running game with a head-pounding FB, while you seem to hate America.

sorry - I've been learning my debate skills from politicians.

That was a head scratcher.. even for a politician..

I'd love them to pick up a guy like Pinnock because I think there's a role for him on the team that no one player could quite fill. That said, they could fill it with myriad players, e.g., an OL, a TE/HB and a big back.

 

[jmt57]

By my calculations with those recent UDFA signings and the trade for Alex Smith, the Pats roster is now at 80. That means that they cannot sign anymore UDFAs unless they also cut or trade somebody else.

 

[Jimke]

By my calculations with those recent UDFA signings and the trade for Alex Smith, the Pats roster is now at 80. That means that they cannot sign anymore UDFAs unless they also cut or trade somebody else.

My count is 83. Maybe draftees do not count until they are signed.

 

[Pats726]

By my calculations with those recent UDFA signings and the trade for Alex Smith, the Pats roster is now at 80. That means that they cannot sign anymore UDFAs unless they also cut or trade somebody else.

I thiink they are about 10 shy of 80...remember the draftees do not count until signed...and this is later in the summer before TC..

 

[jmt57]

My count is 83. Maybe draftees do not count until they are signed.

I thiink they are about 10 shy of 80...remember the draftees do not count until signed...and this is later in the summer before TC..

Good catch, I was counting draftees. Also a good reminder that we can expect many of the draftees to not be signed until as late as possible, in order to avoid having to cut some of those UDFAs.

 

[efin98]

Good catch, I was counting draftees. Also a good reminder that we can expect many of the draftees to not be signed until as late as possible, in order to avoid having to cut some of those UDFAs.

What about cutting draftees that just stink up the place or borderline veterans guys who bomb in training camp...

 

[jmt57]

What about cutting draftees that just stink up the place or borderline veterans guys who bomb in training camp...

I'm guessing that a draftee is not going to be cut on account of a three day rookie mini camp. Anybody that is in training camp - including borderline veterans that do end up being cut - are already part of the 80-man roster, which is what I was referring to.

 

[efin98]

I'm guessing that a draftee is not going to be cut on account of a three day rookie mini camp. Anybody that is in training camp - including borderline veterans that do end up being cut - are already part of the 80-man roster, which is what I was referring to.

I meant during training camp rather than the mini camp, as in the context of the mention of not signing until late to keep around UDFAs. Too early to cut any draftees, that is unless it's one of their prior season guys who isn't working out in their system or they may not have a need for this year.

 

[sg14]

I have wondered for a while, why the Pats don't try and pick-up some small, quick, active with range DL to transition to Inside LB, a 260- 270 lber,,

They give wrestlers that never played the game a shot, why not a position switch????

 

[dryheat44]

I have wondered for a while, why the Pats don't try and pick-up some small, quick, active with range DL to transition to Inside LB, a 260- 270 lber,,

They give wrestlers that never played the game a shot, why not a position switch????

Like Tedy Bruschi?

 

[Jimke]

I'm guessing that a draftee is not going to be cut on account of a three day rookie mini camp. Anybody that is in training camp - including borderline veterans that do end up being cut - are already part of the 80-man roster, which is what I was referring to.

Draftees will not be cut until late in training camp but everyone else

is fair game. I expect the Patriots will sign and cut a few other players

before they settle on the 92 available spots. Then, as each draftee is

signed, a player will be cut. Most likely, the UDFAs will be cut first.

 

[sg14]

Actually I was thinking more along the line of a small nose guard to inside LB, like that huge guy the steelers used to have,,

The DEs work well why not the guys in the middle??

Was wondering if Mitch King from Iowa could make the switch??

Like Tedy Bruschi?

 

[captain stone]

1) Actually I was thinking more along the line of a small nose guard to inside LB, like that huge guy the steelers used to have,,

2) The DEs work well why not the guys in the middle??

3) Was wondering if Mitch King from Iowa could make the switch??

1) I believe you are thinking of Levon Kirkland. Man, that dude was huge.

2) That's what I ass-umed that Bill would do to Dan Klecko - make him a SILB. Otherwise, he never, ever should have drafted him in the 4th round.

3) Mitch King was the very same name I was thinking about, too.

BTW, could Eric Kettani be this year's version of Kyle Eckel? I do agree that we need a true FB; I absolutely hate the shotgun/spread offense in shorter-yardage situations. It's what got Brady pummeled, then injured, his last 2 games played. Cecil Sapp is still available, as well as Pinnock.