Linebackers down the Road

[RayClay]

I only see Vrabel. Seau and Bruschi will be retired in the next few years.

Colvin? I'm not sure of his contract but he'd need to be very reasonable or renegotiated.

TBC? Hope he keeps learning, but I'm not seeing a devastating pass rusher in him or Colvin.

Our line is holding up 5 guys, we should be getting to the QB without blitzing at least occasionally.

Compare them to the pass rushers on other teams, or even to last years McGinest.

We've got picks and money, we need athletes at LB.

 

[Handel]

One of the PFW guys said that our defense lost some speed over time. We need to give it some young blood.

 

[RayClay]

One of the PFW guys said that our defense lost some speed over time. We need to give it some young blood.

I'd like to see them give Woods some snaps. There's no other young blood available this year.

He's played with confidence and enthusiasm pre season and STs, why not let him rush a couple times?

 

[Remix 6]

TBC is a pretty good pass rusher..he has the moves and quickness to get to QB. BB has given him a bigger role this year in nickel as a pass rusher and such to replace Seau on some passing down

 

[DarrylS]

I Corey Mays strictly a ST player, or is he someone we can develop?? Looks like he is good sized for this D.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

TBC is a pretty good pass rusher..he has the moves and quickness to get to QB. BB has given him a bigger role this year in nickel as a pass rusher and such to replace Seau on some passing down

I think TBC is alright. The Pats need a Demarcus Ware or Merriman which I know is asking for alot. And they need an Al Wilson type at middle lb. I don't see them being able to get a DW or SM type but they could get someone like Mathias Kiwanuka and convert him over two seasons if they could scoop him in the 2nd or 3rd rnd.

I do hope they just invest those two number 1's in a lb and cb or safety. The defense is good now. Imagine if they had a few more bug time playmakers.

A Mathias type would be immediate help in the pass rush.

 

[RayClay]

TBC is a pretty good pass rusher..he has the moves and quickness to get to QB. BB has given him a bigger role this year in nickel as a pass rusher and such to replace Seau on some passing down

Pretty good seems to be the ceiling, unfortunately. I don't see much of a rush until the line has totally worn them down in the second half.

I don't think TBC is better than or even average compared to pass rushers around the league. No more than a JAG right now IMO.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I'd like to see them give Woods some snaps. There's no other young blood available this year.

He's played with confidence and enthusiasm pre season and STs, why not let him rush a couple times?

I don't know if he was active last week, but they should give him a chance at the end of the next blowout when the opportunity presents itself. Detroit is down the road.

 

[RayClay]

I don't know if he was active last week, but they should give him a chance at the end of the next blowout when the opportunity presents itself. Detroit is down the road.

I agree with your idea, though I haven't seen Merriman much, we need a monster, especially as age will take it's toll soon.

People forget that Willie was a 4th overall pick. Of course it doesn't matter where you're drafted, but a guy with the strength to bull rush, outside speed and smarts to play linebacker isn't easy to come by.

I think they have enough this year, but I don't think plugging in a bargain FA here or there will do it for the future.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I agree with your idea, though I haven't seen Merriman much, we need a monster, especially as age will take it's toll soon.

People forget that Willie was a 4th overall pick. Of course it doesn't matter where you're drafted, but a guy with the strength to bull rush, outside speed and smarts to play linebacker isn't easy to come by.

I think they have enough this year, but I don't think plugging in a bargain FA here or there will do it for the future.

I agree. They need to bite the bullet and invest a high draft pick. Last year there was Manny Lawson, Mathias, and Tamba Halli(KC). Someone of that caliber who has the smarts would seem within reach. I think Belichik knows that he needs to upgrade the speed of the team. He did it last year with Maroney and Jackson. I think next year will be at least half defense, but I would not be suprised if they added an o-lineman or wr obviously. I'm just praying for one defensive starter at the very least with a #1 pick.

 

[Remix 6]

I agree with your idea, though I haven't seen Merriman much, we need a monster, especially as age will take it's toll soon.

People forget that Willie was a 4th overall pick. Of course it doesn't matter where you're drafted, but a guy with the strength to bull rush, outside speed and smarts to play linebacker isn't easy to come by.

I think they have enough this year, but I don't think plugging in a bargain FA here or there will do it for the future.

if we want a 3-4 OLB..a guy like Gaines Adam is great..hes fast..great size and smart..has dropped back into coverage

remember..all our LBs are former DEs...as is Ware/Merriman/McGinest

there are some good true LBs in draft that could fit..Patrick Willis is a good fit for a 3-4 ILB..reminds me of Jeramiah Trotter a bit. the DEs like Adams, Moses, Woodley, Spencer, Abiamiri might be good fit.


we definatley need a guy like Ware..watching him last 2 weeks .. hes fast and athletic. we could use that but if we want the best one..we might need to trade up for Adams

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

if we want a 3-4 OLB..a guy like Gaines Adam is great..hes fast..great size and smart..has dropped back into coverage

remember..all our LBs are former DEs...as is Ware/Merriman/McGinest

there are some good true LBs in draft that could fit..Patrick Willis is a good fit for a 3-4 ILB..reminds me of Jeramiah Trotter a bit. the DEs like Adams, Moses, Woodley, Spencer, Abiamiri might be good fit.


we definatley need a guy like Ware..watching him last 2 weeks .. hes fast and athletic. we could use that but if we want the best one..we might need to trade up for Adams

If the pats could get him that would be great, but I think he's gonna cost alot to move up unless he drops. Let's hope seattle loses and loses.

 

[shirtsleeve]

It has been said before that BB doesn't draft LB's. While that is too big a blanket to cast, the last time one of our starters was drafted was by the Tuna. It seems that BB doesn't want to invest the time and energy to create that special type of LB needed here just to see him leave at the end of his rookie contract for the "big payday". Nor does the FO seem eager to take someone elses successful project and throw that monster contract at him, either. It is my opinion (and fear) that we will see 3rd or 4th rounders expended at this position, at best next spring. And any FA's we bring in will be at least pushing 30, will already have collected the big payday, and will come here for the chance at a ring. Most of the time BB/SP take the best player available (unless it is yet another OT or TE ).

All that said, the guy is so unpredictable, who knows?

 

[Remix 6]

It has been said before that BB doesn't draft LB's. While that is too big a blanket to cast, the last time one of our starters was drafted was by the Tuna. It seems that BB doesn't want to invest the time and energy to create that special type of LB needed here just to see him leave at the end of his rookie contract for the "big payday". Nor does the FO seem eager to take someone elses successful project and throw that monster contract at him, either. It is my opinion (and fear) that we will see 3rd or 4th rounders expended at this position, at best next spring. And any FA's we bring in will be at least pushing 30, will already have collected the big payday, and will come here for the chance at a ring. Most of the time BB/SP take the best player available (unless it is yet another OT or TE ).

All that said, the guy is so unpredictable, who knows?

its also been said BB doent draft a RB in first round..what happened? He doesnt no draft a position..just looks for the right player that fits

 

[RayClay]

It has been said before that BB doesn't draft LB's. While that is too big a blanket to cast, the last time one of our starters was drafted was by the Tuna. It seems that BB doesn't want to invest the time and energy to create that special type of LB needed here just to see him leave at the end of his rookie contract for the "big payday". Nor does the FO seem eager to take someone elses successful project and throw that monster contract at him, either. It is my opinion (and fear) that we will see 3rd or 4th rounders expended at this position, at best next spring. And any FA's we bring in will be at least pushing 30, will already have collected the big payday, and will come here for the chance at a ring. Most of the time BB/SP take the best player available (unless it is yet another OT or TE ).

All that said, the guy is so unpredictable, who knows?

He was handed Bru, TJ and Willie. Besides older vets, he got lucky with Vrabel, (and smart) and paid for Colvin.

We don't know how he's going to replenish the LB corps and I'm not sure he does either.

It's either pay BIG for free agents or draft IMO.

Beisel shows that stealing a backup isn't a reliable way to go. In other words, you can't build solely by stealing under appreciated players like Vrabel.

I'm sure they'll still hope Gardners turn into Vrabels, however.

 

[shirtsleeve]

its also been said BB doent draft a RB in first round..what happened? He doesnt no draft a position..just looks for the right player that fits

I did state that was a big blanket to cast. And he may not no draft a position, but he also rarely drafts a position either. As I stated above he drafts the best player available regardless of position, TE's excepted.

 

[cstjohn17]

As much as I want to see something sexy I don't think it will happen but we should see a gradual tranformation over the next couple of years. BB loves those vets....

2007
Returning Starters (under contract)
- Bruschi, Colvin, Vrabel
Returning STers (under contract or under control)
- Mays, Alexander, Woods
Changes
- TBC - gets a 3 year deal (I would love to see a play making DE\OLB be drafted in rounds 1 or 2 to replace TBC, someone like Spencer from Purdue but I think the Pats will go with the devil they know)
- ILB drafted in rounds 3 or 4
- Veteran FA brought in to replace Seau
- some fodor / ps candidates drafted in round 6 or 7

Guesses at depth chart
OLB - Colvin, TBC (3 year deal)
ILB - Bruschi, Alexander, Mays
ILB - Veteran FA (EJ Henderson - Min or Matt Wilhelm - SD or Kawika Mitchell - KC), Draft round 3 (Harris - Michigan or Warren - Texas A&M or Waters, Clemson)
OLB - Vrabel, Woods

Adalius Thomas would be nice but he is too young (30) and too fast...

2008
- Bruschi signs for one more year

OLB - Colvin, TBC, Round 2 DE/OLB
ILB - Bruschi, Alexander
ILB - Matt Wilhelm, Waters
OLB - Vrabel, Woods

 

[AzPatsFan]

He was handed Bru, TJ and Willie. Besides older vets, he got lucky with Vrabel, (and smart) and paid for Colvin.

We don't know how he's going to replenish the LB corps and I'm not sure he does either.

It's either pay BIG for free agents or draft IMO.

Beisel shows that stealing a backup isn't a reliable way to go. In other words, you can't build solely by stealing under appreciated players like Vrabel.

I'm sure they'll still hope Gardners turn into Vrabels, however.

I assert that you are wrong; you can and Bill DID build successfully, the LB corps by "... stealing under appreciated players..."

Your memory is very selective. Belichick brought in Cox. Phifer, Seau Gardner and Pleasant (as a partime DE/OLB behind Willie.) and yes he also brought in Beisel and Brown to less success.

Colvin was a FA as was Izzo, Davis, Alexander and Woods. TBC was drafted.

Succeeding on 9 of 11 is hardly a poor percentage and indicative of failure.

There is no reason he can't continue to do so. I would like to sign Adalius Thomas as a FA OLB; and trade, like he did for Dillon, for Takeo Spikes, who will be long retired befroe the Bills are fully competitive again. If he did those two things he ahs a LB corps that can paly at a high level fro half a decade or more and significantly YOUNGER than the one with which he STARTED winning with the Patriots.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Why would the Bills trade Spikes to the Pats and help them?

 

[RayClay]

I assert that you are wrong; you can and Bill DID build successfully, the LB corps by "... stealing under appreciated players..."

Your memory is very selective. Belichick brought in Cox. Phifer, Seau Gardner and Pleasant (as a partime DE/OLB behind Willie.) and yes he also brought in Beisel and Brown to less success.

Colvin was a FA as was Izzo, Davis, Alexander and Woods. TBC was drafted.

Succeeding on 9 of 11 is hardly a poor percentage and indicative of failure.

There is no reason he can't continue to do so. I would like to sign Adalius Thomas as a FA OLB; and trade, like he did for Dillon, for Takeo Spikes, who will be long retired befroe the Bills are fully competitive again. If he did those two things he ahs a LB corps that can paly at a high level fro half a decade or more and significantly YOUNGER than the one with which he STARTED winning with the Patriots.

"Besides older vets" Did you miss that part? Re read, it's there.

"paid for Colvin"? didn't read that either?

Since you obviously quoted my post without reading it I won't bother refuting.

I stand behind what I wrote.