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I believe that we have a fine team with the current 53 players plus players on IR. It is the best talent in our division and the 3rd best in the AFC. As we go into the offseason, the first thing we need to do is to replace any players that are leaving. Obviously, we may have the option of re-signing them. Obviously, we do not want to lose production by replacing these players with those who produce less in 2010.
The front office decisions on these players and free agent additions will determine priority of draft needs. I don't see how it wouldn't. We could absolutely NEED an OG, DE, RB, TE, LB or two or NOT. For example, how high a priority need is DE if both Green and Burgess are re-signed? It would seem that Belichick would have made the decision with regard to how to fill these positions. As with SS and OT in 2009, a re-signing needn't mean that the position won't be filled, it just moves the position off the critical list.
It has been Belichick's goal to go into a draft with no immediate needs that must be filled. He doesn't always succeed. However, he has succeeded with going into draft with only one critical need. In 2009, I don't think that there was a critical need.
OFFENSE
MANKINS will be an RFA and given top tender. He'll stay or we'll have picks to replace him.
NEAL will be a UFA.
FAULK will be a UFA
WATSON sill be a UFA
DEFENSE
WILFORK can be franchised but if he balks, he would end up being traded for a high pick.
GREEN is a UFA who played over 50% of the defensive reps.
BURGESS is a UFA who played more than 50% of the defensive reps.
THOMAS is under contract but could be cut.
BODDEN is a UFA
SPECIAL TEAMS
GOSTKOWSKI will be an RFA and give a 2nd tier tender. He'll stay or we'll have a 1st.
HANSON is a UFA.
The front office decisions on these players and free agent additions will determine priority of draft needs. I don't see how it wouldn't. We could absolutely NEED an OG, DE, RB, TE, LB or two or NOT. For example, how high a priority need is DE if both Green and Burgess are re-signed? It would seem that Belichick would have made the decision with regard to how to fill these positions. As with SS and OT in 2009, a re-signing needn't mean that the position won't be filled, it just moves the position off the critical list.
It has been Belichick's goal to go into a draft with no immediate needs that must be filled. He doesn't always succeed. However, he has succeeded with going into draft with only one critical need. In 2009, I don't think that there was a critical need.
OFFENSE
MANKINS will be an RFA and given top tender. He'll stay or we'll have picks to replace him.
NEAL will be a UFA.
FAULK will be a UFA
WATSON sill be a UFA
DEFENSE
WILFORK can be franchised but if he balks, he would end up being traded for a high pick.
GREEN is a UFA who played over 50% of the defensive reps.
BURGESS is a UFA who played more than 50% of the defensive reps.
THOMAS is under contract but could be cut.
BODDEN is a UFA
SPECIAL TEAMS
GOSTKOWSKI will be an RFA and give a 2nd tier tender. He'll stay or we'll have a 1st.
HANSON is a UFA.