Roster Decisions Before September 5th

[mgteich]

Obviously, Belichick will be looking at free agents and trades that could benefit the team. Other than that, there seems that there are very few decisions to be made before the final cut.

Belichick could simply cut down to the top 51 and sign two players from other teams.

Personally, I expect us to keep at least one of the bubble linebackers: Lenon, Alexander, Crable, Ninkovitch.

The real action of the next two weeks may be an extension or two, perhaps Faulk and Neal.

 

[jmt57]

Just my opinion, but I don't think the top 51 roster spots are all that firmly etched in stone just yet. For example:

• QB: 2, 3 or 4? Does Hoyer have a shot?
• RB: 4 or 5? Can BJGE steal a spot away from someone?
• TE: 3 or 4? Does Alex Smith make the team?
• OL: How many? Who and how many among Hochstein, LeVoir, O'Callahan, Britt, Wendell, Connolly, Bussey and Ohrnberger? How many rookie OL will BB trust to keep?
• WR: How many? Are Galloway and Lewis learning quickly enough? How does special teams affect which WR's are kept? Who and how many stay between Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Slater, and Nunn? Does Tate go on PUP or IR?
• DL: How many? Is Green a lock? Is Pryor now a lock? What about Richard, Williams and Adams? How much does the usage of the 4-3 affect how many DL, OLB and ILB are kept on the roster?
• OLB: Lumping DE/OLB in this group - how many, 4, 5? AD, Burgess and probably Woods are locks; how many from among TBC, Alexander, Crable and Ninkovich stay? If Alexander can play inside and outside, does that help his chances? Could Crable be cut? Could TBC be gone because of the arrival of Burgess?
• ILB: Does the occasional shift to a 4-3 mean the Pats keep only 3 ILB rather than 4? If 4, Lenon or Ciurciu for his special teams play?
• S: McGowan seems to be the favorite over Williams, but what about Herana Daze-Jones and Ventrone?
• CB: Is there any chance Springs or Wheatley don't make the roster?

Granted there are definite 'most likely' scenarios to all of these questions and some (such as 4 QB, or CB) may be a bit of a reach, but I'm just not buying the concept that this roster is already absolutely set in 51 out of 53 positions.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

EXCELLENT questions.
I have only 2 answers.
QB: No, Hoyer does not make the 53 but makes the PS unclaimed to another 53.
CB: Wheatley makes the 53 but is a game day inactive

 

[mayoclinic]

Just my opinion, but I don't think the top 51 roster spots are all that firmly etched in stone just yet. For example:

• QB: 2, 3 or 4? Does Hoyer have a shot?

• 
  
  Three. No. Hope Hoyer makes it to the PS.
  
  

  [*]RB: 4 or 5? Can BJGE steal a spot away from someone?

  
  Four. No, unless Morris goes on IR. Just not enough room.
  
  

  [*]TE: 3 or 4? Does Alex Smith make the team?

  
  Three. Very unlikely, unless he does something radical in the next 2 weeks to bump Thomas and justify a $1.5M cap hit.
  
  

  [*]OL: How many? Who and how many among Hochstein, LeVoir, O'Callahan, Britt, Wendell, Connolly, Bussey and Ohrnberger? How many rookie OL will BB trust to keep?

  
  Nine. Seabass, Ohrnberger, O'Callaghan and probably Hochstein (possibly Wendell) make the 53 in addition to the starting 5. LeVoir goes on PUP and probably bumps O'Callaghan after week 6.
  
  

  [*]WR: How many? Are Galloway and Lewis learning quickly enough? How does special teams affect which WR's are kept? Who and how many stay between Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Slater, and Nunn? Does Tate go on PUP or IR?

  
  Six. Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman and Aiken seem set. Tate probably goes on PUP to give the option of activating him after week 6 - he can always be put on IR at that time if he isn't ready or if the current batch looks solid. If Tate does get activated he probably bumps either Edelman or Lewis.
  
  

  [*]DL: How many? Is Green a lock? Is Pryor now a lock? What about Richard, Williams and Adams? How much does the usage of the 4-3 affect how many DL, OLB and ILB are kept on the roster?

  
  7. Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Brace, Green, Wright and Pryor look to be locks unless Green gets traded.
  
  

  [*]OLB: Lumping DE/OLB in this group - how many, 4, 5? AD, Burgess and probably Woods are locks; how many from among TBC, Alexander, Crable and Ninkovich stay? If Alexander can play inside and outside, does that help his chances? Could Crable be cut? Could TBC be gone because of the arrival of Burgess?

  
  At least 4 and probably 5. I think Crable is a lock unless he goes on IR, in addition to Thomas, Burgess, Woods and TBC.
  
  

  [*]ILB: Does the occasional shift to a 4-3 mean the Pats keep only 3 ILB rather than 4? If 4, Lenon or Ciurciu for his special teams play?

  
  Four is likely given that Bruschi may not be able to deliver much, with Lenon still having the inside track unless he goes on IR.
  
  

  [*]S: McGowan seems to be the favorite over Williams, but what about Herana Daze-Jones and Ventrone?

  
  Meriweather, Chung, Sanders and McGowan look like locks. Only real question seems to be whether Slater gets a spot as a "safety"/STer instead of a 9th LB.
  
  

  [*]CB: Is there any chance Springs or Wheatley don't make the roster?

  
  No. 5 CBs are pretty much set in stone: Bodden, Butler, Springs, Wilhite and Wheatley.
  

Granted there are definite 'most likely' scenarios to all of these questions and some (such as 4 QB, or CB) may be a bit of a reach, but I'm just not buying the concept that this roster is already absolutely set in 51 out of 53 positions.

Questions answered.

 

[bagwell368]

Extend Neal? Oh good god I hope not.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Extend Neal? Oh good god I hope not.

I'm thinking Kaczur slides into RG next year. Vollmer plays RT. We need to extend our other G.

 

[ausbacker]

Personally I'd want Jay Cutler deciding the final 53. He seems to know what's best for a team.

 

[mgteich]

I think that all these questions are already answered. Belichick may not have informed this board of his final decisions.

mayo answers all your questions. However, I will restate the last two decisions to be made.
Player 50: Hodel or Ingram; Belichick knows who.
Player 51: Belichick has already decided whether to keep BJGE or a 4th OT. We just don't know yet.

IMHO, the last two roster spots are still to be decided with the following players not in the first 51: Crable, Lenon, Alexander, Slater, Ninkovitch,Ventrone, Nunn, Tank Williams, and players from other teams.

Just my opinion, but I don't think the top 51 roster spots are all that firmly etched in stone just yet. For example:

• QB: 2, 3 or 4? Does Hoyer have a shot?
• RB: 4 or 5? Can BJGE steal a spot away from someone?
• TE: 3 or 4? Does Alex Smith make the team?
• OL: How many? Who and how many among Hochstein, LeVoir, O'Callahan, Britt, Wendell, Connolly, Bussey and Ohrnberger? How many rookie OL will BB trust to keep?
• WR: How many? Are Galloway and Lewis learning quickly enough? How does special teams affect which WR's are kept? Who and how many stay between Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Slater, and Nunn? Does Tate go on PUP or IR?
• DL: How many? Is Green a lock? Is Pryor now a lock? What about Richard, Williams and Adams? How much does the usage of the 4-3 affect how many DL, OLB and ILB are kept on the roster?
• OLB: Lumping DE/OLB in this group - how many, 4, 5? AD, Burgess and probably Woods are locks; how many from among TBC, Alexander, Crable and Ninkovich stay? If Alexander can play inside and outside, does that help his chances? Could Crable be cut? Could TBC be gone because of the arrival of Burgess?
• ILB: Does the occasional shift to a 4-3 mean the Pats keep only 3 ILB rather than 4? If 4, Lenon or Ciurciu for his special teams play?
• S: McGowan seems to be the favorite over Williams, but what about Herana Daze-Jones and Ventrone?
• CB: Is there any chance Springs or Wheatley don't make the roster?

Granted there are definite 'most likely' scenarios to all of these questions and some (such as 4 QB, or CB) may be a bit of a reach, but I'm just not buying the concept that this roster is already absolutely set in 51 out of 53 positions.

 

[signbabybrady]

Extend Neal? Oh good god I hope not.

other than injury concerns is there any valid reason why you wouldn't want him back? he is nasty especially at pulling and geting up field in th screen game.

 

[jmt57]

I think that all these questions are already answered. Belichick may not have informed this board of his final decisions.

mayo answers all your questions. However, I will restate the last two decisions to be made.
Player 50: Hodel or Ingram; Belichick knows who.
Player 51: Belichick has already decided whether to keep BJGE or a 4th OT. We just don't know yet.

IMHO, the last two roster spots are still to be decided with the following players not in the first 51: Crable, Lenon, Alexander, Slater, Ninkovitch,Ventrone, Nunn, Tank Williams, and players from other teams.

I agree with Mayo's predictions. Respectfully, I disagree the premise that these are all set in stone and think it is rather presumptuous to assume so many of these roster decisions. Lawyer Milloy, Chad Jackson, Reche Caldwell, Bam Childress, Garrett Mills, and a few other former Pats cuts say hello and would surely beg to differ - especially without our benefit of 20-20 hindsight.

 

[jsull87]

i think nunn goes to practice squad but i have likes what i have seen from him this pre season and i recon he is a good shot for making the team when presumably galloway leaves next year. ans there is no way in my opinion crable is not making the team. OLB's thomas, woods, tully, burgess, crable

 

[Smith21]

Three. No. Hope Hoyer makes it to the PS.



Four. No, unless Morris goes on IR. Just not enough room.



Three. Very unlikely, unless he does something radical in the next 2 weeks to bump Thomas and justify a $1.5M cap hit.



Nine. Seabass, Ohrnberger, O'Callaghan and probably Hochstein (possibly Wendell) make the 53 in addition to the starting 5. LeVoir goes on PUP and probably bumps O'Callaghan after week 6.



Six. Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman and Aiken seem set. Tate probably goes on PUP to give the option of activating him after week 6 - he can always be put on IR at that time if he isn't ready or if the current batch looks solid. If Tate does get activated he probably bumps either Edelman or Lewis.



7. Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Brace, Green, Wright and Pryor look to be locks unless Green gets traded.



At least 4 and probably 5. I think Crable is a lock unless he goes on IR, in addition to Thomas, Burgess, Woods and TBC.



Four is likely given that Bruschi may not be able to deliver much, with Lenon still having the inside track unless he goes on IR.



Meriweather, Chung, Sanders and McGowan look like locks. Only real question seems to be whether Slater gets a spot as a "safety"/STer instead of a 9th LB.



No. 5 CBs are pretty much set in stone: Bodden, Butler, Springs, Wilhite and Wheatley.



Questions answered.

thats 55 players?? if i counted correct?

 

[DocE]

I've been giving the roster a lot of thought, probably too much. The one thing I try to keep in mind is that the 45th roster spot is often the area of change, not the 53rd. What I mean by that is that the Patriots seem to make quite a few changes at the bottom of the active roster. Guys like Steven Spach, CJ Jones, etc seem to be signed to play on gamedays in a specific role and released when another role player is needed.

QB's (3): Brady, O'Connell, Walter
I could see the Patriots possibly (not likely) releasing Walter if Hoyer clears waivers and makes the practice squad.

RB's (4): Maroney, Faulk, Taylor, Morris
I don't see more than 4 backs making the roster, so Green-Ellis is released unless their is an injury to one of the top 4. The Pats will sign a back to the practice squad.

TE's (3): Baker, Watson, Thomas
It wouldn't shock me if Smith stays too, especially if he's willing to take a pay cut. I can't see 1.5 million for a 4th TE

OL (9): Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kazcur, Vollmer, Ohrnberger, Hochstein, O'Callaghan
I can't see the Patriots going with only one backup OT, so O'Callaghan makes the roster. If/when Levoir is healthy he could take O'Callaghan's spot.

WR(6): Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken

Nunn makes the practice squad

Total on Offense: 25

DL (7) Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Wright, Green, Brace, Pryor
I think this group is set barring a trade to shore up another area

DE/OLB(2) Burgess, Banta-Cain
Lets hope Burgess rounds in to shape

OLB (3) Thomas, Woods, Crable

ILB(4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Alexander
This is the toughest position on the team to figure out for me. I could see the Patriots bringing in a younger veteran than Bruschi to be the 3rd ILB and a more dynamic special teams player than Alexander for the 4th spot.

CB (5) Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Butler, Wheatley
Wheatley, though I loved the pick last year, has been awful this pre-season, but I still see him making the roster.

S (4) Merriweather, Sanders, Chung, Slater
McGowan is my tough cut as Springs can play safety, so we can afford to take the best ST as a 4th safety. I think someone from another team could beat out Slater for this mainly special teams slot.

ST(3) Gostkowski, Hanson, Ingram
Against my better judgment, I am projecting the rookie to get the long snapping job over the veteran. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hodel kept and somebody trading a 6th or 7th next year for Ingram.

Total Defense/ST: 28

Toughest Cuts: McGowan, Smith

Last guys on the roster: 53. Alexander (though would be active) 52. Slater (active) 51. Walter(3rd QB) 50. Crable 49. O'Callaghan 48. Lewis

If the Patriots make any moves for players, I see them looking for an ILB and more dynamic special teams players. Neither Alexander or Slater adds much to their postion, so the special teams players the Pats could pick up wouldn't need to fit in at S or ILB.

 

[pencilneckgeek]

Looks like a consensus is emerging. (Must be time for a veteran signing.)

ILB(4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Alexander
This is the toughest position on the team to figure out for me. I could see the Patriots bringing in a younger veteran than Bruschi to be the 3rd ILB and a more dynamic special teams player than Alexander for the 4th spot.

...

S (4) Merriweather, Sanders, Chung, Slater
McGowan is my tough cut as Springs can play safety, so we can afford to take the best ST as a 4th safety. I think someone from another team could beat out Slater for this mainly special teams slot.

...

Toughest Cuts: McGowan, Smith

Last guys on the roster: 53. Alexander (though would be active) 52. Slater (active) 51. Walter(3rd QB) 50. Crable 49. O'Callaghan 48. Lewis

If the Patriots make any moves for players, I see them looking for an ILB and more dynamic special teams players. Neither Alexander or Slater adds much to their postion, so the special teams players the Pats could pick up wouldn't need to fit in at S or ILB.

I'm right there with you, except I think Slater is on the way out. I figured he was a shoe-in, but McGowan is doing great on ST and is a more-than-serviceable safety. Still, until somebody else plays in Slater's ST position over the next two weeks, it's hard to give his roster spot away. I still think this will happen, as they need the bodies at LB. TBC is being used as a specialist, and Burgess has played only DL thus far. If Crable is healthy enough, he gets the spot. If not, Ninkovich might slip in.

I happen to think that Alexander brings a lot to special teams. With old-man Bruschi as the only backup ILB, I have less of a warm-fuzzy feeling about Alexander, but ST comes first for the 4th ILB. I'd feel better if Lenon were playing his way into Bruschi's slot, but seeing as he's still not out on the field, that's not likely to happen. (Could still displace Alexander, but he'd need to show quite a bit in two weeks to bump Bru, and I don't see him instilling that sort of confidence with one week of pre-season to go.)

 

[Pats726]

Just my opinion, but I don't think the top 51 roster spots are all that firmly etched in stone just yet. For example:

• QB: 2, 3 or 4? Does Hoyer have a shot?.

• I do not think Hoyer has a shot at the 53...PSquad yes...I would say they would have 3...although chances of only Brady & KO is possible...NOT probable at all.
  

  [*]RB: 4 or 5? Can BJGE steal a spot away from someone?

  Yes..althugh I would not say steal...My hope is that they keep 5 RBs...with BJGE as the 5th...sort of what they did last year..before LM was IRed He is a tough back that I really be;ieve BB likes a lot
  

  [*]TE: 3 or 4? Does Alex Smith make the team?

  A big question mark...not the way he's played so far. If that is his best..he may be the odd man out at TE. Thomas & Baker are in...and Watson will be there if he's not injured. Smith's non block was BIG...as is his ST and lack of any real catches.
  

  [*]OL: How many? Who and how many among Hochstein, LeVoir, O'Callahan, Britt, Wendell, Connolly, Bussey and Ohrnberger? How many rookie OL will BB trust to keep?

  I think Vollmer & Ohrnberger are locks..Hochstein & O'Callaghan are the ones with the inside track now..Wendell has PSquad availability...Connolly may as well..but might get picked up by another team..Bussey is another PSquad option. Levoir should be PUPed.
  

  [*]WR: How many? Are Galloway and Lewis learning quickly enough? How does special teams affect which WR's are kept? Who and how many stay between Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Slater, and Nunn? Does Tate go on PUP or IR?

  Yes...I believe they are...and two WRs I think will be kept that can play ST & also fill in at WR. Aiken will be ST captain...and will be able to play a Moss like tall receiver as he did a bit last year..Edelman is Welker Jr...Slater could stay or maybe not all depending on his ST play. Nunn to the PSquad...possibly a future player..great hands..concentration.
  

  [*]DL: How many? Is Green a lock? Is Pryor now a lock? What about Richard, Williams and Adams? How much does the usage of the 4-3 affect how many DL, OLB and ILB are kept on the roster?

  I think 7...although a trade is also possible...to make 6..Green is in...but also maybe gone..all depending on other things. Pryor is in as well with his big time plays. Richard, Williams & Adams are all PSquad possibilities. I think it affects who they keep a great deal...flexibility will be key in all of this.
  

  [*]OLB: Lumping DE/OLB in this group - how many, 4, 5? AD, Burgess and probably Woods are locks; how many from among TBC, Alexander, Crable and Ninkovich stay? If Alexander can play inside and outside, does that help his chances? Could Crable be cut? Could TBC be gone because of the arrival of Burgess?
  [*]ILB: Does the occasional shift to a 4-3 mean the Pats keep only 3 ILB rather than 4? If 4, Lenon or Ciurciu for his special teams play?

  MAYBE 1 other or 2 at the most...Alexander MAY have an edge with flexibility and ST play...Crable is on the edge...if he's injured...IR..TBC also could be in trouble. I think 4 ILBs...if Lenon can play some STs...I think Ciurciu may be on the bubble...as many seem to be...
  

  [*]S: McGowan seems to be the favorite over Williams, but what about Herana Daze-Jones and Ventrone?

  Many tough cuts...a lot will depend on injuries...and how some of these players play in the last 2 games...
  

  [*]CB: Is there any chance Springs or Wheatley don't make the roster?

  Yes...but a small chance..Wheatley I think is more on that bubble..but a 2nd round pick should make it...no matter..even though he has not looked good...Springs was injured..and should step up more.

Granted there are definite 'most likely' scenarios to all of these questions and some (such as 4 QB, or CB) may be a bit of a reach, but I'm just not buying the concept that this roster is already absolutely set in 51 out of 53 positions.

I am not either....maybe 40 something...but NOT 51...no..I agree

 

[mgteich]

SAFETY
I cannot imagine keeping Slater instead of McGowan. If need be, McGowan could start at either of safety spots and he is a fine veteran special teamer. Slater is a fine special teamer and a liability as a position player, and certainly a liability at safety.

#8 LINEBACKER
Crable is the injured #5 OLB. After his latest injury, I expect him to go to IR, as does Reiss. I'd rather have Lenon or Ninkovitch or even Alexander as the #8 linebacker.

PLAYER 53
If the #8 LB can't play inside, my strong preference is an inside linebacker for this spot. If an ILB gets the #8 linebacker spot, I think that we can afford to use this final spot for Slaternor even Ventrone, although a ninth linebacker would be great.

I've been giving the roster a lot of thought, probably too much. The one thing I try to keep in mind is that the 45th roster spot is often the area of change, not the 53rd. What I mean by that is that the Patriots seem to make quite a few changes at the bottom of the active roster. Guys like Steven Spach, CJ Jones, etc seem to be signed to play on gamedays in a specific role and released when another role player is needed.

QB's (3): Brady, O'Connell, Walter
I could see the Patriots possibly (not likely) releasing Walter if Hoyer clears waivers and makes the practice squad.

RB's (4): Maroney, Faulk, Taylor, Morris
I don't see more than 4 backs making the roster, so Green-Ellis is released unless their is an injury to one of the top 4. The Pats will sign a back to the practice squad.

TE's (3): Baker, Watson, Thomas
It wouldn't shock me if Smith stays too, especially if he's willing to take a pay cut. I can't see 1.5 million for a 4th TE

OL (9): Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kazcur, Vollmer, Ohrnberger, Hochstein, O'Callaghan
I can't see the Patriots going with only one backup OT, so O'Callaghan makes the roster. If/when Levoir is healthy he could take O'Callaghan's spot.

WR(6): Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken

Nunn makes the practice squad

Total on Offense: 25

DL (7) Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Wright, Green, Brace, Pryor
I think this group is set barring a trade to shore up another area

DE/OLB(2) Burgess, Banta-Cain
Lets hope Burgess rounds in to shape

OLB (3) Thomas, Woods, Crable

ILB(4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Alexander
This is the toughest position on the team to figure out for me. I could see the Patriots bringing in a younger veteran than Bruschi to be the 3rd ILB and a more dynamic special teams player than Alexander for the 4th spot.

CB (5) Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Butler, Wheatley
Wheatley, though I loved the pick last year, has been awful this pre-season, but I still see him making the roster.

S (4) Merriweather, Sanders, Chung, Slater
McGowan is my tough cut as Springs can play safety, so we can afford to take the best ST as a 4th safety. I think someone from another team could beat out Slater for this mainly special teams slot.

ST(3) Gostkowski, Hanson, Ingram
Against my better judgment, I am projecting the rookie to get the long snapping job over the veteran. I wouldn't be surprised to see Hodel kept and somebody trading a 6th or 7th next year for Ingram.

Total Defense/ST: 28

Toughest Cuts: McGowan, Smith

Last guys on the roster: 53. Alexander (though would be active) 52. Slater (active) 51. Walter(3rd QB) 50. Crable 49. O'Callaghan 48. Lewis

If the Patriots make any moves for players, I see them looking for an ILB and more dynamic special teams players. Neither Alexander or Slater adds much to their postion, so the special teams players the Pats could pick up wouldn't need to fit in at S or ILB.

 

[jmt57]

Price: Figuring Out The Final 53

WEEI's Christopher Price gets in on the debate too - and goes with four tight ends:
Figuring Out The Final 53

MetroWest Daily News' Glen Farley's list includes five running backs:
Pats Roster Takes Shape

 

[mgteich]

Re: Price: Figuring Out The Final 53

We are all playing with last three spots. Both these guys follow the lead of Reiss in going with 3 OT's, including Alexander and with not including Crable on the 53. Chis chooses to give the freed up offensive spot to a 4th TE instead of a 5th RB.

I STILL believe we have almost a consensus on 49, with Hodel and Ingam fighting for the 50th. I know that there are small probabilities of one the 49 not making it, but I think the likelihood is small. Sure, belichick could surprise and sucker punch the team by doing another Malloy ploy. I just don't expect it.

LET'S USE REISS
Player 50 - Ingram over Hodel (most agree)
Player 51 - Green-Ellis instead of a 4th OT (most are willing to go with three OT's)
Player 52 - Alexander gets the 8th LB spot instead of Crable, Lenon and Ninkovitch).
Player 53 - Slater gets the last spot instead of a 9th linebacker.

These calls are close. As I have indicated, Reiss knows much more about the various injuries than we do. Critical to making the final three decisions are the status of the injuries to Morris, Crable and Lenon. Critical to choosing the long snapper is the quality of practice reps.

WEEI's Christopher Price gets in on the debate too - and goes with four tight ends:
Figuring Out The Final 53

MetroWest Daily News' Glen Farley's list includes five running backs:
Pats Roster Takes Shape

 

[pencilneckgeek]

SAFETY
I cannot imagine keeping Slater instead of McGowan. If need be, McGowan could start at either of safety spots and he is a fine veteran special teamer. Slater is a fine special teamer and a liability as a position player, and certainly a liability at safety.

#8 LINEBACKER
Crable is the injured #5 OLB. After his latest injury, I expect him to go to IR, as does Reiss. I'd rather have Lenon or Ninkovitch or even Alexander as the #8 linebacker.

PLAYER 53
If the #8 LB can't play inside, my strong preference is an inside linebacker for this spot. If an ILB gets the #8 linebacker spot, I think that we can afford to use this final spot for Slaternor even Ventrone, although a ninth linebacker would be great.

My main question with this is that OLBs get so many more reps than ILBs, when we switch out of our base (and yes, I mean 3-4) defense. To have four ILBs and three OLBs (counting TBC reluctantly, but not Burgess who has only played DE this year) doesn't make sense, unless we think our ILBs are versatile enough to play outside in the 4-3. We've been trying it with Guyton and Alexander (and Tedy?) on passing downs at least, and if that experiment pans out, we could go with fewer proper OLBs, but it seems to me that we'll have two LBs and McGowan for those last three slots (assuming somebody like Green or Bruschi doesn't get the suprise axe/trade).

 

[mayoclinic]

thats 55 players?? if i counted correct?

No, 53. 25 offense (3 QBs, 4 RBs, 3 TEs, 6 WRs, 9 OLs). 25 defense (7 DL, 9 LB, 9 DB). 3 specialists (1 K, 1 P, 1 LS). Slight possibility that we carry 10 DBs and 8 LBs, but the math still works out to 25 defensive players.