My Blueprint for the Defense

[everlong]

I still think\hope that Hightower becomes the hybrid LB\Rotational DE. If they play a run heavy team or if there's an injury he can play LB and a pass heavy team he rotates in to give Jones and Nink a blow. I don't see picking up one or two LBs in this draft being an issue. It's getting another DE unless BB feels Buchannan is going to make the jump. The other option is adding both Hightower and Collins to the DE rotation situationally. Perhaps Hightower is the early down DE and Collins the late down. Hightower should be stout enough to play LDE and really what Hightower gives up in length vs Nink he should be able to compensate with speed. With Collins I think he's a great change up from Jones. I still say the DE's in this draft suck.

 

[mayoclinic]

I still think\hope that Hightower becomes the hybrid LB\Rotational DE. If they play a run heavy team or if there's an injury he can play LB and a pass heavy team he rotates in to give Jones and Nink a blow. I don't see picking up one or two LBs in this draft being an issue. It's getting another DE unless BB feels Buchannan is going to make the jump. The other option is adding both Hightower and Collins to the DE rotation situationally. Perhaps Hightower is the early down DE and Collins the late down. Hightower should be stout enough to play LDE and really what Hightower gives up in length vs Nink he should be able to compensate with speed. With Collins I think he's a great change up from Jones.

I agree with most of this, though I still think LB depth and better coverage ability is a high priority. With the kind of hybrid scheme we've been discussing above, I think there are a lot of moving parts. Guys like Collins, Hightower and Nink will line up at LB on one snap and DE on another.

I still say the DE's in this draft suck.

That's the problem.

Realistically, I could see using a bandaid approach this year to scrape by, given the lack of talent in the draft. Maybe sign Will Smith as a one year stopgap, add some UDFA developmental guys, plus the stuff you've described above. I have hopes for Buchanan, but I'm not willing to bet the bank on him. But I think BB will figure out how to spread guys around, and then perhaps target a DE next year.

 

[BelichickFan]

I have hopes for Buchanan, but I'm not willing to bet the bank on him.

I guess Buchanan has taken up Chandler's offseason boxing regimen, we'll see how he comes back. Like Beauharnis, athletically he should have been a high draft pick - but he wasn't - so we'll see if he can turn athleticism into play. Hopefully a bigger, thicker, upper body while maintaining his ridiculous three cone time will do the trick.

 

[mayoclinic]

The lack of depth at LB really does concern me. Even though I thought Beauharnis was a great pick coming out of Rutgers, the thought of him being the #4 LB at this point is pretty scary. (and yes and I understand Ninko and Jones can also play LB). So I'd love to add both a draft pick (or 2) and FA vet to that mix before camp.

As far as safety goes. I'm 100% behind the concept of LB/S hybrid pick ups, to the point where I'd be OK with Shazer at 29, and even happier with KPL or the others mentioned on day 3. I think that "position" is going to become very important in the coming years.

On the other hand, I'm not so excited about adding any more S's this draft, unless they are very late on day 3. Even though Exum sounds very interesting, I think I'd rather another DB with CB skills as opposed to another S.

I really think we are going to be OK at the other S this season. for the following reasons.

1. You forgot to mention Harmon in your S analysis. I know he's limited by his athletic abilities, but he's got the smarts, the hips, and the anticipation to be a fine S. Maybe he's not going to be an all pro or an impactful one, but a very solid guy. I know some people may hate the analogy, but think about a healthy, young Steve Gregory.

I haven't forgotten about Harmon. I'm fine with McCourty-Ryan as the safety tandem when you want 2 guys with maximal range and coverage ability, and Harmon as a backup to both. That's a decent 3 man rotation. I also assume that Browner will play a hybrid CB/S at times. But I still see the need for at least one more safety, and I'm not yet willing to bet on Chung, Tavon Wilson, or Ebner being that guy.

2. Think about this. If you read the measurables on Nate Ebner coming out of college, and added 2 years of actual playing experience at the S position, wouldn't you have him as one of your top S picks. That's where Ebner is right now.

I think we forgot that, while being a core ST'er, Ebner has the kind of size and speed we are looking for in this draft Ebner logged a 4.55 40-yard dash, 4.04 shuttle and 6.50 three-cone drill coming out of college. These are all good numbers for a 6'1 210 S. A guy who just maybe might be ready to actually play in the regular defense this year.

I haven't forgotten that, and I've made that argument many times. I had hopes for Ebner developing as a SS, and have noted that he had almost identical size and athleticism to Kenny Vacarro. However, after getting some early safety reps by necessity in 2012, Ebner really didn't get on the field last year other than in his core ST capacity. I haven't given up hope, but I'm not willing to bank on his developing into more at this point. If it happens, it's a huge bonus.

3. I'm not ready to give up on Tavon Wilson yet either. I thought he had a great rookie year, even with his mistakes. I have no idea why he slipped so badly his sophomore season. But I know bad seasons happen, and to write him off so quickly would be bad management by the Pats. Granted I have low expectations, but he has shown some talent, and I think he's more worth a shot than a 4-7th round pick who isn't going to be better athletically. Don't forget that he has gotten 5 picks over the last 2 years in very limited playing time.

I haven't given up on Wilson, but I'm not willing to bet anything on him developing at this point, either.

4. Pat Chung - What can i say. Chung was a guy who had a solid 2010 season with almost 100 tackles. He was a guy who's injury plague 2011 season ended up with him being the best DB the Pats had right through the playoffs and superbowl. He was the guy who many "experts" thought would be a "breakout player" in 2012. So we aren't talking about a guy who has no talent here.

Inexplicably in 2012 Chung imploded and moved on to having another bad season with the Eagles. Yet again at 26, Chung is young and cheap enough to easily be worth the risk that Pats took on him, and ANOTHER reason why drafting a low round S would really be redundant. If you aren't going to take one of the top S's, a guy who is a better athlete than what you already have, then don't waste the pick. What you can get 4th to 7th, you already have here.

Again, I'm fine giving Chung a chance, but I'm not willing to bet on him. The Chung of 2009-2010 would be a good addition. But Chung has regressed for 3 years, and he flat out stunk in 2012 with us, and last year with Philly. Abysmal. His contract reflects that the Pats aren't counting on him as anything more than roster competition at this point. If he can find his old form, fine, but I'm not willing to bet a rusty nickel on that.

Summary-

Where we agree - Get me more top end DL talent early - Get one of the top 4 TE's - add a hybrid LB/S type - add a speed LB type - Find the future starting C

Where we disagree - I think adding S help in this draft is a waste of a pick. Whoever we can get there isn't going to be any better athletically than what we already have. You think otherwise.

It won't bother me if we picked an Exum-type even in the 4th. He's an intriguing athlete. I just don't see the point.

We disagree. I understand every point you make (see some of the comments in red above), but the bottom line is that I think we need another safety besides McCourty, Ryan and Harmon, and I'm not willing to bet on any of Chung, Wilson or Ebner becoming that player. Any of them could, and I'm fine with giving them a shot, but I want competition. Make them work for their roster spots, and if they are still standing at the end of TC, fine. I wouldn't prioritize it over the DL - which is part of why I would prefer a DT to someone like Ryan Shazier - but that it still needs to be addressed.

I would load up on as many athletic, versatile guys who can play in space on the back end of a hybrid scheme as possible. That includes LBs, LB/S hybrids, and CB/S hybrids. The more versatility, the better. My list includes the following:

- LBs: Christian Jones (3rd/4th round), Jordan Tripp (3rd/4th round), Kyle Van Noy (2nd/3rd round), Ronald Powell (late round).
- LB/S hybrid: Ryan Shazier (1st round), Kevin Pierre-Louis (late round), Lonnie Ballantine (late round/UDFA), Terrance Bullitt (late round/UDFA).
- CB/S hybrid: Antone Exum (day 3), Dez Southward (late round), Dontae Johnson (late round), Jonathan Dowling (late round/UDFA).

A lot of these guys are going to be available day 3 and in UDFA. It won't take a lot of draft capital to load up. Some of these guys already have experience in hybrid roles, some have freakish size and athleticism. Load up on them, give them a chance to compete in training camp, and if Wilson, Chung, Ebner and Beaharnais turn out to still be the best guys, so be it.

 

[mayoclinic]

A couple of profiles on Dominique Easley. From Oliver Thomas:

2014 NFL Draft Close-Up: Florida Defensive Lineman Dominique Easley | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2014 NFL Draft

And from Nick O'Malley:

The prospect of adding Easley to the Patriots defense does present a unique opportunity. It's been some time since the team has had any sort of significant interior pass rush presence. ... It's one thing to have a pair of solid defensive ends like Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich, but having a legitimate threat inside is what turn good pass rushes into elite ones.

Easley's still a tweener, which would either result in him having to bulk up a bit or having Belichick move him around the defensive front as a chess piece. Either way, he could bring a whole new dimension to a defense.

New England Patriots 2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Florida DL Dominique Easley could transform a pass rush from the inside | masslive.com

 

[mayoclinic]

I really think we are going to be OK at the other S this season. for the following reasons.

1. You forgot to mention Harmon in your S analysis. I know he's limited by his athletic abilities, but he's got the smarts, the hips, and the anticipation to be a fine S. Maybe he's not going to be an all pro or an impactful one, but a very solid guy. I know some people may hate the analogy, but think about a healthy, young Steve Gregory.

2. Think about this. If you read the measurables on Nate Ebner coming out of college, and added 2 years of actual playing experience at the S position, wouldn't you have him as one of your top S picks. That's where Ebner is right now.

I think we forgot that, while being a core ST'er, Ebner has the kind of size and speed we are looking for in this draft Ebner logged a 4.55 40-yard dash, 4.04 shuttle and 6.50 three-cone drill coming out of college. These are all good numbers for a 6'1 210 S. A guy who just maybe might be ready to actually play in the regular defense this year.

3. I'm not ready to give up on Tavon Wilson yet either. I thought he had a great rookie year, even with his mistakes. I have no idea why he slipped so badly his sophomore season. But I know bad seasons happen, and to write him off so quickly would be bad management by the Pats. Granted I have low expectations, but he has shown some talent, and I think he's more worth a shot than a 4-7th round pick who isn't going to be better athletically. Don't forget that he has gotten 5 picks over the last 2 years in very limited playing time

4. Pat Chung - What can i say. Chung was a guy who had a solid 2010 season with almost 100 tackles. He was a guy who's injury plague 2011 season ended up with him being the best DB the Pats had right through the playoffs and superbowl. He was the guy who many "experts" thought would be a "breakout player" in 2012. So we aren't talking about a guy who has no talent here.

Inexplicably in 2012 Chung imploded and moved on to having another bad season with the Eagles. Yet again at 26, Chung is young and cheap enough to easily be worth the risk that Pats took on him, and ANOTHER reason why drafting a low round S would really be redundant. If you aren't going to take one of the top S's, a guy who is a better athlete than what you already have, then don't waste the pick. What you can get 4th to 7th, you already have here.

Oliver Thomas tries to "make sense" of the Chung re-signing and the depth at safety:

For two seasons, Chung was a focal point in New England’s defensive backfield. His 2010 campaign netted 96 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass deflections. And his 2011 campaign, albeit limited and paired with the likes of Josh Barrett, Nate Jones and Sergio Brown, amassed 62 tackles, one sack, and interception and four pass deflections.

But even when Chung was a bright spot in an uncertain Patriots secondary, there were bouts of inconsistency. He missed 14 contests over his last three years with the team. There were issues with his instincts in space and the angles he took to the ball. And in 2012, those aspects boiled over in Steve Gregory assuming a starting role in his place, relegating him to more sub-package snaps.

Whether it was due to injuries, a bad fit, or regression, it all came to a head last year in Philadelphia.

Over the course of 12 games, Chung was supplanted by Kurt Coleman on multiple occasions. He allowed five touchdowns and a 124.7 quarterback rating on 32 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. And he also ranked last at the position with a 3.6 tackling efficiency in the passing game.

In contrast, Patriots free safety Devin McCourty ranked first and third, respectively, with 10.1 and 43.0 marks.

Those numbers reflect the tempered expectations for Chung. New England isn’t re-acquiring a savior at strong safety, nor is that Chung’s outlook.

“I don’t have any expectations,” Chung said in last Thursday’s conference call. “Whatever Bill [Belichick] needs me to do, this team, I’m going to do it. Regardless if it’s special teams or it’s defense, whatever my role is here, I’m OK with that. This is where I want to be, so that’s good for me.”

Regardless of his long-term future, Chung provides speed, system familiarity, special-teams experience, in-the-box ability and an edge to the Patriots defense. He doesn’t coincide with a Cover-2 defense so much as he does with a Cover-1, but there’s reason to believe that his previous tenure will help mold a serviceable use for him.

And with the departure of Gregory and Adrian Wilson – who was let go the day after Chung was brought in – he also figures to supplement the collection of youth.

2013 third-rounder Duron Harmon, 2012 second-rounder Tavon Wilson, 2012 sixth-rounder Nate Ebner and the undrafted Kanorris Davis have seven career starts between them. The latter three were utilized primarily on special teams last season, while the 6’1”, 205-pound Harmon started three games and looked the part.

With those forces in play, it would be short-sighted to say Chung fills New England’s needs at safety. It is difficult to rely on a player who hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year in 2009, let alone a player who hasn’t played at their highest level for two seasons. Yet at the same time, Chung is a player who brings more than capable competition to the group.

Much will hinge on how the team’s brass views Harmon, who looks in line to be the starter in 2014. But based on New England’s reported consideration to move second-year cornerback Logan Ryan to the back end, it wouldn’t be a surprise if safety was addressed in May’s draft.

Making Sense of Patrick Chung?s Surprise Return to the Patriots | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2014 NFL Draft

 

[everlong]

I don't see picking up one or two LBs in this draft being an issue.

I agree with most of this, though I still think LB depth and better coverage ability is a high priority. With the kind of hybrid scheme we've been discussing above, I think there are a lot of moving parts. Guys like Collins, Hightower and Nink will line up at LB on one snap and DE on another.

I was saying they will be able to and should pick up a LB or two. I just think Hightower will stil be part of the picture on top of that.

 

[Big-T]

Adewale Ojomo cleared waivers, 6'4" 270lbs DE. He was released for getting arrested for soliciting a prostitute.

He could be worth a look for TC/pre-season games. Thought the Pats might have been interested when the Giants released him during final cut downs last year.

 

[JayNM]

I'm not a fan of drafting Shazier in the First round. When I see the Pats 4 years from now, I'm expecting to still have Mayo, Hightower and Collins, so having a 4th great thing now and then is worse than having a great 3rd thing now and maybe a 2nd thing then.

I'd rather get a DE, so he could go up the depth chart and play across Jones in the future.

 

[mayoclinic]

With some of the above discussion about the shift from a 3-4 2-gapping defense to a multiple-front hybrid defense, the need to increase the ability to play in space, and the evolution of the college game driving the recruitment and development of more players that fit this mold, I found the following read quite intriguing:

It's pretty clear that Alabama wants to get lighter and faster along the defensive line. Nick Saban has mentioned this on multiple occasions .... The reason our ears should perk up at this is because you can't change personnel to this extent without adjusting the scheme.

Saban has, on more than one occasion, adapted his defensive scheme in order to stay ahead of the curve. The constant evolution of new offensive strategies demands these adaptations. Furthermore, Bill Belichick, a huge influence on Saban, has moved away from his 3-4 defense (a defense that he has used even longer than Saban has) in favor of a 4-3 defense. No coach is above change, if he believes that change will help win football games.

The truth is that college offenses have begun to make Saban's 3-4 a thing of the past. His defense is designed to stop a traditional, pro-style offense, that favors running the ball between the tackles. That's what any 3-4, two gapping defense does. The nose tackle controls both A gaps while each defensive end controls one of the B gaps and one of the C gaps. This allows the linebackers to read their keys and make a play on the ball carrier, without having to worry about controlling a gap. But these defensive schemes tend to struggle against spread offenses, if the talent level is somewhat even, because the defense just doesn't play fast enough. Instead of attacking gaps and matching the speed of the offense, 3-4 defenses tend to play at a slower pace, one that isn't ideal for combatting spread offenses. One of the biggest issues in the Auburn game, for example, was that the linebackers simply weren't playing fast enough. Instead they were spending too much reading their keys and getting caught up in trash once they diagnosed the play.

I know that after the losses to Auburn and Oklahoma many of you were/are concerned with the prospect of Alabama stopping talented, spread offenses. Well, I think it's safe to say Nick Saban acknowledges this problem exists, and I'm certain he's already hard at work at finding a solution. Maybe this is it.

The Future of the Alabama Defense - Roll 'Bama Roll

Saban's been recruiting guys like 6'6" 230# DE Mehki Brown, who originally had a basketball background but then turned to football. A guy who is long and mobile, and excels at playing in space - possibly the next Dion Jordan.

Regardless, it's an interesting read from the perspective of a traditional 2-gapping 3-4 defensive guru adapting to a more pass-oriented and spread out game.

 

[Luxusdk]

Wonder if a NT is really a need in a 5-2 where you have NT vs C - 8/10 DTs should be able to handle a C, so mayby the "NT" is getting replaced with a Hageman type instead?

AND if you really want a SS/OLB as your ILB?

Something like: DE-DT-DT-DT-DE

 

[BobDigital]

Speaking of Easley. If the Patriots do draft him then I would be very much against him putting on weight. I would rather use him for 60% of the snaps with his current abilities than be able to use him for 85% with him gaining 15-20LBs but also perhaps losing half a step.

Not to mention the knee issues. I don't think he needs to put on more weight and risk aggravating that even more.

 

[mayoclinic]

Doug Kyed echoes a "report" by Mike Florio that the Pats are the favorites to sign DE Will Smith:

Report: Patriots Viewed As Favorites To Sign Defensive End Will Smith | New England Patriots | NESN.com

Florio's original "report" doesn't list any source or reason for that opinion, so it may just be speculation, though no other team has been rumored to have shown interest in Smith. If he can recover from his 2013 injury and has anything at all left, Smith would be a very good rotational end to compete with (and probably replace) Jake Bequette. I could live with Jones-Ninkovich-Smith-Buchanan, especially with guys like Hightower, Collins and Armstead probably also getting some reps at DE depending on the particular scheme and package. Given the lack of base DE talent in the draft, I'd be fine with a short-term stopgap.

 

[BobDigital]

Doug Kyed echoes a "report" by Mike Florio that the Pats are the favorites to sign DE Will Smith:

Report: Patriots Viewed As Favorites To Sign Defensive End Will Smith | New England Patriots | NESN.com

Florio's original "report" doesn't list any source or reason for that opinion, so it may just be speculation, though no other team has been rumored to have shown interest in Smith. If he can recover from his 2013 injury and has anything at all left, Smith would be a very good rotational end to compete with (and probably replace) Jake Bequette. I could live with Jones-Ninkovich-Smith-Buchanan, especially with guys like Hightower, Collins and Armstead probably also getting some reps at DE depending on the particular scheme and package. Given the lack of base DE talent in the draft, I'd be fine with a short-term stopgap.

Will Smith be okay but I don't see it as a solution. I would still hope we could do better with our 3rd DE than him. He comes off to me as a 4th DE/Emergency DE. He is not a player I want in any regular rotation.

I would not be against signing him but I would still want to draft someone or hope Buchanan can take a step up this year cause if Smith is your 3rd DE I am worried he could turn out so ineffective you end up playing Jones/Nink 95% of the time again & your D falls apart cause your DEs are burned out by December.

 

[mayoclinic]

Speaking of Easley. If the Patriots do draft him then I would be very much against him putting on weight. I would rather use him for 60% of the snaps with his current abilities than be able to use him for 85% with him gaining 15-20LBs but also perhaps losing half a step.

Not to mention the knee issues. I don't think he needs to put on more weight and risk aggravating that even more.

I certainly wouldn't want Easley to put on weight. Besides, I want him to play at DE as well as the 3-tech, so his weight is perfect as far as I'm concerned. He could be eased in as a sub-rusher, and gradually worked in to a broader role, which would be consistent with BB's MO.

Again, I don't think you draft to fill immediate holes, I think you draft for the long term. We have Tommy Kelly right now, but he's 33 and also coming off an ACL (though one that didn't require surgery), Armond Armstead and Chris Jones. I don't much care if Easley is ready immediately - put him on PUP if necessary, though I suspect he'll be ready sooner - but I would love to see him brought along slowly the way Jamie Collins was last year, and then unleashed late in the season.

The Nick O'Malley report on Easley listed above also had this interesting observation, FWIW:

From what I can see, there appears to be a distinction in the way Easley shoots gaps. On some plays, he fires off the ball with reckless abandon. It's here when he either wrecks a play or takes himself out of it. On other occasions, though, Easley comes right off his blocker's hip and holds down his gaps while driving into the backfield. From what I've seen on film, Easley's very capable of maintaining fundamental responsibilities in the run game, it could just be a matter of scheme.

New England Patriots 2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Florida DL Dominique Easley could transform a pass rush from the inside | masslive.com

 

[mayoclinic]

Will Smith be okay but I don't see it as a solution. I would still hope we could do better with our 3rd DE than him. He comes off to me as a 4th DE/Emergency DE. He is not a player I want in any regular rotation.

I would not be against signing him but I would still want to draft someone or hope Buchanan can take a step up this year cause if Smith is your 3rd DE I am worried he could turn out so ineffective you end up playing Jones/Nink 95% of the time again & your D falls apart cause your DEs are burned out by December.

It's obviously not a long-term "solution", which is why I termed it a stopgap. But I'd prefer it to reaching for a rookie DE and expecting him to contribute immediately.

BB's MO seems to be to make low-cost signings and throw darts, hoping that one of them will stick. Contributors come from unexpected sources - Rob Ninkovich was signed as a training camp body and backup LSer in 2009, but played his way into a larger role and hasn't stopped getting better. I have high hopes for Buchanan, and if he develops into the #3 DE that's fine, but I wouldn't be averse to bringing in someone like Smith at low cost and letting him push the youngsters.

Consider the alternatives in the draft: Kony Ealy, Stephon Tuitt, Scott Crichton and Trent Murphy are the 4 day 1-2 guys who could potentially play a rotational base DE role. Maybe Demarcus Lawrence, though he's pretty undersized. Murphy would have to bulk up and get stronger, Crichton is athletically limited in what role he can play, Tuitt is coming off of surgery from a foot injury which could limit him. Maybe BB falls in love with Ealy, but I have my doubts about him, and wouldn't personally want to spend a 1st round pick on him. I personally like Dominique Easley as a DT/DE hybrid, but he's also coming off an injury. Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu and Dee Ford are all better suited as sub rushers and won't be terribly effective in terms of decreasing Jones' and Ninkovich's snap counts. Anyone drafted after those guys is essentially a crap shoot in terms of expecting them to contribute meaningfully in 2014.

I thought addressing DE should have been a priority early in FA. Obviously, BB disagreed.

 

[Big-T]

Ojomo would be cheaper and offer more upside than Will Smith. What Smith does have though is that vet presence.

 

[mayoclinic]

Ojomo would be cheaper and offer more upside than Will Smith. What Smith does have though is that vet presence.

Wasn't Ojomo cut by Tennessee after being arrested for solicitation?

Titans waive DE Adewale Ojomo after arrest - NFL - SI.com

I'm fine picking up a kid like this on the cheap and seeing if he sticks, but I wouldn't count on him. He's a UDFA who has bounced around a couple of practice squads, and got cut after being arrested. Maybe he'll be a Sealver Siliga kind of diamond in the rough. He certainly shouldn't cost much. But I think he's an apples vs. oranges comparison with Will Smith - a proven veteran with leadership skills, productivity and versatility, but one at the end of his career and coming off of an injury. By all means pick up both at low cost and see who sticks. As I said, that seems to be BB's general MO.

 

[BobDigital]

It's obviously not a long-term "solution", which is why I termed it a stopgap. But I'd prefer it to reaching for a rookie DE and expecting him to contribute immediately.

BB's MO seems to be to make low-cost signings and throw darts, hoping that one of them will stick. Contributors come from unexpected sources - Rob Ninkovich was signed as a training camp body and backup LSer in 2009, but played his way into a larger role and hasn't stopped getting better. I have high hopes for Buchanan, and if he develops into the #3 DE that's fine, but I wouldn't be averse to bringing in someone like Smith at low cost and letting him push the youngsters.

Consider the alternatives in the draft: Kony Ealy, Stephon Tuitt, Scott Crichton and Trent Murphy are the 4 day 1-2 guys who could potentially play a rotational base DE role. Maybe Demarcus Lawrence, though he's pretty undersized. Murphy would have to bulk up and get stronger, Crichton is athletically limited in what role he can play, Tuitt is coming off of surgery from a foot injury which could limit him. Maybe BB falls in love with Ealy, but I have my doubts about him, and wouldn't personally want to spend a 1st round pick on him. I personally like Dominique Easley as a DT/DE hybrid, but he's also coming off an injury. Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu and Dee Ford are all better suited as sub rushers and won't be terribly effective in terms of decreasing Jones' and Ninkovich's snap counts. Anyone drafted after those guys is essentially a crap shoot in terms of expecting them to contribute meaningfully in 2014.

I thought addressing DE should have been a priority early in FA. Obviously, BB disagreed.

Oh I don't think anyone on this board looks at him as a long term solution. I just happen to not look at him as even a short term solution either. I think he is a decent enough backup plan if you absolutely can not get anyone else but I still think you need someone else for this year or the Pats are asking for trouble.

I would be happy to be wrong about this but my hopes are just not that high for this player. Also, like you I wanted them to address DE early in FA. It is too important a position to go in without a reliable 3rd option.

 

[Off The Grid]

Will Smith be okay but I don't see it as a solution.

I would still hope we could do better with our 3rd DE than him.

He comes off to me as a 4th DE/Emergency DE.

He is not a player I want in any regular rotation.

I would not be against signing him but I would still want to draft someone or hope Buchanan can take a step up this year cause if Smith is your 3rd DE I am worried he could turn out so ineffective you end up playing Jones/Nink 95% of the time again & your D falls apart cause your DEs are burned out by December.

Oh I don't think anyone on this board looks at him as a long term solution.

I just happen to not look at him as even a short term solution either.

I think he is a decent enough backup plan if you absolutely can not get anyone else but I still think you need someone else for this year or the Pats are asking for trouble.

I would be happy to be wrong about this but my hopes are just not that high for this player. Also, like you I wanted them to address DE early in FA. It is too important a position to go in without a reliable 3rd option.

Well said, Brother!! :rocker:

There is too much tendency among some, it seems to me ~ including Coach Bill himself!! ~ to ignore Reality when it comes to aging Veterans. We struck gold with 32 Year old Andre Carter in 2011, but Carter keeps himself in freakishly good shape, and even so, he broke down when we needed him most, perhaps due to Creeping Age.

Smith is going on 33, and 2014 projects as a Recovery Year from last August's ACL Injury: A Year where he gradually recovers what Agility, Power, and Explosiveness he might have left.

Pass.