Greg Ellis in 2008

[BadMoFo]

From Ask PFW on Patriots.com:

What two or three quality players that are unrestricted free agents do you Andy, Tom and Paul think take a reduction in salary to play in NE?
Mark L

One player to keep an eye is Cowboys OLB Greg Ellis. Following Dallas’ loss to the Giants, Ellis basically said he didn’t want to be a Cowboy anymore, suggesting Anthony Spencer should start next year in his place. I also had a source down in Big D tell me that Ellis wants to go to a Super Bowl contender and mentioned the Patriots as a team he would like to play for. Ellis would be a logical Belichick addition, a hungry veteran who will take less money to come to New England because he wants to win a Super Bowl. Not to mention that Ellis can still play and would really help the team at outside linebacker. Watch out for Ellis this offseason because he doesn’t want to play for the Cowboys anymore. That I know for certain.
-Tom Casale

 

[Fixit]

I certainly don't hate the idea.

 

[BradyManny]

Isn't ILB the more pressing need though? I guess it depends on Colvin, it's hard to imagine them not working out the cap hit and bringing him back, whether its an extension or some re-structure.

 

[Keegs]

Isn't ILB the more pressing need though? I guess it depends on Colvin, it's hard to imagine them not working out the cap hit and bringing him back, whether its an extension or some re-structure.

yes, but getting this guy would help out huge.

Getting any linebackers would help out.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

we already have Vrabel and Colvin, and signed AD. If BOTH Bru and Seau retire, then I could see it happen, with Rosie and Ellis on the outside, and Vrabel and AD inside.

Though, I dont like the idea of another 30+ entire LB corps for 2008. Injuries can take their toll. Need to start blending some youth into LB Corps.

Maybe Pierre Woods is ready to make a jump as a rotational guy next yr. That would be his 3rd yr I think

 

[Pats726]

also Alexander and Lua...who is ON IR...they have Bissinger on the PSqd..so???...they do need ILBs more..BUT I think he would be a good addition...

 

[Watson's IQ]

My issue with that is that if Bruschi and Seau retire, and they acquired Ellis, that would leave them with 4 quality linebackers who are all more suited to play outside. I know Vrabel and Thomas have played on the inside and had success, but I like them both better on the outside.

Certainly Ellis' experience in the 3-4 helps, but he would seem redundant to me (unless Colvin is a cap casualty). Not that I'm against the idea in principle, but I think ILB has to be a priority.

That said, you can never have too many good defenders.

 

[NEfan32]

Greg Ellis
Randy Moss
Asante Samuel

Sign em up for 08

 

[patsox23]

We rotate LBs. Anyone suggesting we shouldn't sign Greg Ellis IF WE CAN because somehow we don't have room for him is out of his freakin' mind.

 

[wahwho]

My issue with that is that if Bruschi and Seau retire, and they acquired Ellis, that would leave them with 4 quality linebackers who are all more suited to play outside. I know Vrabel and Thomas have played on the inside and had success, but I like them both better on the outside.

Certainly Ellis' experience in the 3-4 helps, but he would seem redundant to me (unless Colvin is a cap casualty). Not that I'm against the idea in principle, but I think ILB has to be a priority.

That said, you can never have too many good defenders.

I think Thomas was more valuable inside than he has been out. If they pick up Ellis to get a (very) solid 3-man rotation going at OLB and Thomas can move back inside permanently then that's one less ILB they need to find. If both Bru and Seau are gone they're going to need somebody with at least some time in the system inside to run things...I'm not sure the Pats can just go pick somebody up off the street to take on that responsibility no matter how much talent they have.

 

[Watson's IQ]

We rotate LBs. Anyone suggesting we shouldn't sign Greg Ellis IF WE CAN because somehow we don't have room for him is out of his freakin' mind.

My issue wasn't that we wouldn't find playing time for him, I'm just saying if they're going to go out and get a solid veteran, I'd prefer it be an ILB.

That said, I'm always in favor of bringing in more defensive talent, so if he'd come here on the cheap, I would definitely want him.

 

[karran_s]

We rotate LBs. Anyone suggesting we shouldn't sign Greg Ellis IF WE CAN because somehow we don't have room for him is out of his freakin' mind.

I think Seau and Tedy definitely have retirement on their minds and it's always good to get some more quality on defense... I would definitely like the move if Ellis is willing to take a big pay cut and become a Pat...

After all, he's going to have a much better shot at a ring with this team than most others...

 

[DonBlackmon55]

I think Thomas was more valuable inside than he has been out. If they pick up Ellis to get a (very) solid 3-man rotation going at OLB and Thomas can move back inside permanently then that's one less ILB they need to find. If both Bru and Seau are gone they're going to need somebody with at least some time in the system inside to run things...I'm not sure the Pats can just go pick somebody up off the street to take on that responsibility no matter how much talent they have.

Agree, AD is better inside in our scheme. Ellis will be 33 come start of 2008 season. While he has been injury free most of his career, he maybe nearing the end....just have to wonder how much he has left in the tank despite 12+ sack season this yr

I'd take him on a 2 yr cheap deal at max.

Funny part is that both Ellis and Vrabel share the same DOB and year ! Vrabel has less wear since he was a bench player first few years at Pitt. And Adalius and Rosie share DOB within two weeks of each other, both 1977.

Weird. Anyhow, if this happens, our starting LB corps would be 31, 31, 33, 33 for the 2008 season. Acceptable, but we better have good backups

 

[mosi]

My issue wasn't that we wouldn't find playing time for him, I'm just saying if they're going to go out and get a solid veteran, I'd prefer it be an ILB.

That said, I'm always in favor of bringing in more defensive talent, so if he'd come here on the cheap, I would definitely want him.

Yes, but how many quality inside LB are there? Can we live with Rosie and Ellis on the outside with Thomas and Vrabs in the middle?

 

[DonBlackmon55]

Yes, but how many quality inside LB are there? Can we live with Rosie and Ellis on the outside with Thomas and Vrabs in the middle?

I suppose we could. They both are too tall for inside, but if they adapt to the scheme, I could see BB going that route for 2008 while Lua and Woods get coached up.

They could draft Gholston with #7 as the rotational rush guy ! and pick 2 CB's with #2 and the Oakland #3 :rocker:

GE could kill a few birds with one stone from roster flexibility standpoint. Of course this is all predicated on TB and JS retiring

 

[Watson's IQ]

Yes, but how many quality inside LB are there? Can we live with Rosie and Ellis on the outside with Thomas and Vrabs in the middle?

Yes, I could live with that. I still think they're likely to take a look at ILB in the draft, although that's much less likely in the first round given the guys that are returning to school.

I've also wondered whether Rosie might end up as a cap casualty this offseason, I guess we'll see.

 

[Wildo7]

But he's a malcontent! Malcontents don't tend to do well on the Pats

 

[primetime]

Greg Ellis and Victor Hobson would be my first two goals. Karlos Dansby will cost way too much. Either way, those are two wily vets with experience in 3-4 defenses who have looked good playing against the Patriots in the past.

 

[everlong]

Greg Ellis and Victor Hobson would be my first two goals. Karlos Dansby will cost way too much. Either way, those are two wily vets with experience in 3-4 defenses who have looked good playing against the Patriots in the past.

I agree and I'd love to steal one from the Jets for once. Hobson would fit right in day one.

 

[JustWinBrady]

They could draft Gholston with #7 as the rotational rush guy ! and pick 2 CB's with #2 and the Oakland #3 :rocker:

IIRC, Gholston is not declaring this year. He is going back to ohio state.