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Belichick is always developing young linemen. This year is no exception. And yes, there are usually a player or two over 30.
It does not follow that we should keep all 5 young prospects (rookies plus Kline and Devey). Any of them could be future starters. Some would even think that of Barker and Cave, last year's prospects at center. I think that Belichick disagrees or he wouldn't have drafted Stork.
Personally, I believe that since Belichick believed enough in Stork and Fleming to draft them in the 4th round, they will make team as every early draftee has for a dozen years. Andy disagrees with Belichick's approach; I don't. In any case, I don't see this year as the year of the great change.
You present somewhat of a smokescreen. All of us want to keep at least 3 youngsters. We have lots to choose from: Stork, Fleming, Devey, Kline, Hilapio, Cave and Barker. I think a prospect at each position is fine: Stork, Fleming and Devey (or Kline or Hilapio).
You seem to want Hilapio over Kline or Devey. Most of us disagree. It would seem that we would try to have either Hilapio and/or Devey on the Practice Squad if they don't make the team.
You seem to think that Hilapio won't pass waivers. Perhaps you're right. However, I wouldn't cut a better OL prospect to keep Hilapio.
BOTTOM LINE
I think that you would have Cannon as a starter and have no veterans as backups, keeping four young backups. I disagree with that approach. In the end, we are really discussing ONE difference between us. I would keep Wendell instead of Hilapio.
It does not follow that we should keep all 5 young prospects (rookies plus Kline and Devey). Any of them could be future starters. Some would even think that of Barker and Cave, last year's prospects at center. I think that Belichick disagrees or he wouldn't have drafted Stork.
Personally, I believe that since Belichick believed enough in Stork and Fleming to draft them in the 4th round, they will make team as every early draftee has for a dozen years. Andy disagrees with Belichick's approach; I don't. In any case, I don't see this year as the year of the great change.
You present somewhat of a smokescreen. All of us want to keep at least 3 youngsters. We have lots to choose from: Stork, Fleming, Devey, Kline, Hilapio, Cave and Barker. I think a prospect at each position is fine: Stork, Fleming and Devey (or Kline or Hilapio).
You seem to want Hilapio over Kline or Devey. Most of us disagree. It would seem that we would try to have either Hilapio and/or Devey on the Practice Squad if they don't make the team.
You seem to think that Hilapio won't pass waivers. Perhaps you're right. However, I wouldn't cut a better OL prospect to keep Hilapio.
BOTTOM LINE
I think that you would have Cannon as a starter and have no veterans as backups, keeping four young backups. I disagree with that approach. In the end, we are really discussing ONE difference between us. I would keep Wendell instead of Hilapio.
For all those who want to cut Stork, Fleming and Halapio I think it is important to keep in mind that Mankins is 32, Connolly is in the final year of his contract, and Cannon is in the final year of his contract. So sure you free up some roster spots cutting these players but then what happens next year?
Despite what some like to believe team building is not a year to year process, there is long term planning involved, and just because a player is not great day 1, month 1, year 1, or even year 2 does not mean that his ticket is stamped and his career is determined.