ILB Additions

[zippo59]

There are only 11 linebackers on the roster right now, so I think chances are they add a couple more.

It seems unlikely they will sign Ed Hartwell, but if they did I would support it. Apparently the Pats contacted his agent early in free agency and I think if something were going to happen it would have happened already.

I hope they resign Seau. He far exeeded my expectations and proved that despite his age he can still play. Even if we only use him part time, he is worth having.

What about Barry Gardner? I think he had a shot of making it into the ILB rotation last year (a least occasionally) before he broke his leg in preseason. He is free agent. Does anyone know anything about what his plans are? He could be worth resigning.

Can anyone think of other possibilities?

 

[BelichickFan]

In Reiss' chat he said Gardner's rehab is focused more on "quality of life" than football. Sounds like it was a tough break with complications.

 

[zippo59]

In Reiss' chat he said Gardner's rehab is focused more on "quality of life" than football. Sounds like it was a tough break with complications.

Yeah it looked pretty Joe Theisman.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

In Reiss' chat he said Gardner's rehab is focused more on "quality of life" than football. Sounds like it was a tough break with complications.

I was sorry to read that yesterday, I thought he showed well last season. Barry, I'm praying for you! :rocker:

 

[thecrazyeye]

Trade Marquise Hill to the Browns for Chaun Thompson. He is further down their depth chart, and Romeo needs some depth on that defensive line. Perhaps Romeo see's Hill as a big body he could develop that would get more playing time then he is going to get here.
I dont really think they would do it but it would add depth where both teams need it

 

[zippo59]

Another name I forgot is Randall Godfrey.

 

[pats1]

In Reiss' chat he said Gardner's rehab is focused more on "quality of life" than football. Sounds like it was a tough break with complications.

Yeah...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

- I think it's premature to say Bruschi lost a step, but some would disagree.
- I think it's premature to say Vrabel lost a step, but some would disagree.
- I think Rosey's 8.5 sacks in the NEP defense is comparable to his 10.5 at Chicago.
- I think Adalius is a pretty decent signing.
- I think the Coaches are happy with Alexander's development.
- I think Woods is further along than TBC was at the same point in his career.
- I think Mays is a stud ST'er, and may even be a bit ahead of Alexander at the same point in his career.
- I think Rogers, Lua, and Warren are good signings and players to keep an eye on.
- I think Seau can be had.
- I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pats bringing in additional UDFA LB prospects for tryouts as clubs weed through their rookie camp rosters.
- I expect at least one more veteran signing as clubs trim down for training camp.
- I think things aren't as bad at LB as some would believe, especially if Troy Brown's knee is doing well.

 

[RayClay]

Seems like rosey spectacles all the way for you, Box.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Seems like rosey spectacles all the way for you, Box.

I haven't washed them in a while either! A consideration folks might want to make is looking at the difference between WR and LB as the Pats have dealt with those units this off-season. Both were considered sub-par by the fan base and punditocracy, yet LB had one aggressive, and shockingly budget friendly move vs. 4 WR moves...it makes one ponder just how worried the staff is about LB.

 

[jczxohn1]

Before the acquisition of AD and the WR's, I would have thought Jr. Seau's impulse would be to wait and see if there was any interest in him at home in San Diego. Now, the scales seem to be tipped back this way. The guy wants a ring. That's why he came in the first place. If BB wants him, IMO, he can be had.

 

[zippo59]

I haven't washed them in a while either! A consideration folks might want to make is looking at the difference between WR and LB as the Pats have dealt with those units this off-season. Both were considered sub-par by the fan base and punditocracy, yet LB had one aggressive, and shockingly budget friendly move vs. 4 WR moves...it makes one ponder just how worried the staff is about LB.

I thought about this too. Another example is after the 2002 season Belichick realized that the secondary was just not cutting it. He replaced every starter except for Ty Law. Rodney and Tyrone Poole were signed, while Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel were drafted. If Belichick recognizes a problem, he will do a lot to try to fix it. He won't ignore it.

 

[Dragda]

I thought about this too. Another example is after the 2002 season Belichick realized that the secondary was just not cutting it. He replaced every starter except for Ty Law. Rodney and Tyrone Poole were signed, while Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel were drafted. If Belichick recognizes a problem, he will do a lot to try to fix it. He won't ignore it.

If BB didn't recognize the problem at receiver last year, he wouldn't recognize the difference between a football field and his own toilet. (Which would still make him twice the coach as Herm Edwards.)

 

[BelichickFan]

If BB didn't recognize the problem at receiver last year, he wouldn't recognize the difference between a football field and his own toilet. (Which would still make him twice the coach as Herm Edwards.)

Belichick just miscalculated the Branch thing, thinking he'd play last year. Him and Caldwell would have been fine. Unfortunately Branch through a wrench into the plans.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Trade Marquise Hill to the Browns for Chaun Thompson. He is further down their depth chart, and Romeo needs some depth on that defensive line. Perhaps Romeo see's Hill as a big body he could develop that would get more playing time then he is going to get here.
I dont really think they would do it but it would add depth where both teams need it

I hadn't thought of that but that's worth a shot for both teams - but I've felt a trade was one of the best routes we could go for awhile now.

Rookies usually need time to learn our system. Much better to trade for an established veteran (yes I know about Beisel) that already has some of the fundamentals.

Look for BB to pick up some training camp roster cuts to try them out here too

Generally we're OK at LB but having another guy or two for depth and to rotate, giving BB the fleixibility he needs to move AD around. We get that and I think we've got a helluva shot at a perfect season.

 

[zippo59]

If BB didn't recognize the problem at receiver last year, he wouldn't recognize the difference between a football field and his own toilet. (Which would still make him twice the coach as Herm Edwards.)

But he has really gone above and beyond in fixing it. Welker AND Stallworth AND Moss AND Washington. Most knew the WRs needed improvement but few expected him to take it this far.

 

[dryheat44]

Belichick has spoken highly of Godfrey in the recent past (along with every other player in the NFL except for Fred Mitchell, I guess). I don't know if he sees him as a good fit. I guess Seau would be preferred, as Godfrey is approaching his mid-30s, and doesn't have the benefit of a year in the system, or the locker room presence Junior does.

 

[Patriotic Fervor]

But he has really gone above and beyond in fixing it. Welker AND Stallworth AND Moss AND Washington. Most knew the WRs needed improvement but few expected him to take it this far.

Someone on this board had a sig (it was a quote) that said something to the effect, "Giving Bill Belichick $30 million in cap space is like giving Shawn Merriman an empty syringe. Expect massive results."

A very prescient observation, I think you'll agree.

 

[patchick]

Trade Marquise Hill to the Browns for Chaun Thompson. He is further down their depth chart, and Romeo needs some depth on that defensive line. Perhaps Romeo see's Hill as a big body he could develop that would get more playing time then he is going to get here.
I dont really think they would do it but it would add depth where both teams need it

Swapping out a Pats DL for a Browns LB has been on my mind too. Same D, opposite areas of depth.

 

[BelichickFan]

Swapping out a Pats DL for a Browns LB has been on my mind too. Same D, opposite areas of depth.

Don't discount a RT going there either as they have no good RT and the old LT wants to be traded rather than move.

Whether we'd trade a Kaczur leaving us with just O'Callaghan, Britt and the draft choices for RT and to backup Light at LT is another question entirely but I could see it if we got a LB we liked.