What positions won't be filled by the current roster?

Definitely think they'll add something at DE - even if they add Will Smith its still a pretty light group.

I hope Buchanan can step up - he is quite the physical specimen - if he can add some discipline to his upfield rushing then he could be our top reserve at RDE.

I would expect a DT to be signed (c'mon Mr. WIlliams) and anticipate somebody else at TE, but not Keller. It doesn't make sense to have two would-be starters who are not ready to start in Week 1. Finley would make more sense, as he'll be ready to go and might last until Gronk gets back, but I expect somebody else will offer him more money. The Steelers team doctor was his surgeon, so they probably have the inside track on figuring out his price.

I do not expect any other DB on the 53, as we have adequate backups and good STers there. However folks feel about our S play, I think BB is pretty happy with what he has and will remain so after TC, barring injury.

supafly said:

Interesting that former Broncos safety Mike Adams claimed today that he and his agent have been approached by both the Patriots and the Jets. Apparently, Belichick is still looking for adequate depth at the position of safety, as he should be.

TE is obviously the main position that we still need to add a better talent at.

I'd then go front seven--since that's always up for grabs in terms of adding better depth and talent, should the right player come around.

ST only players would probably be pretty high on the list as well.

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The Pats spent a second rounder on a special teams only player just two drafts ago.

Mike the Brit said:

One of the great things about BB is that he's predictably unpredictable. We know that he sees training camp as a triage -- some people will fail, get cut, retire in camp, and so on. So it's pretty much a certainty that the roster that starts camp won't be the one that finishes it. The interesting question is whether any of the new guys will make the 53. (And then, of course, we know too that BB will tell us on cut-down day that the 53 isn't the last word on the roster, that there'll be transactions afterwards -- and, of course, there will.)

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TE and possibly one more back up LB. I could also see him bringing in another WR if a good one becomes available.

I just find it unlikely that they will go with a UDFA behind Hooman and Gronk

meatface said:

I just find it unlikely that they will go with a UDFA behind Hooman and Gronk

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We've gone with 2 TE's before. As posters, we are now used to an increased role for the TE position. As the prisoner was labeled a TE (and Graham for the saints), we might consider calling LeFell a TE. In any case, we are likely to have many, many more 3 WR sets.

The reality is that Hooman IS the backup to Gronk as he was last year. Adding a TE probably won't change that. Also, a lineman is often the 3rd blocking TE in short yardage situations.

The issue is no longer the backup to Gronk. We just can't afford to have him injured. The question is the value of a move TE. Williams now is that incumbent, not a rookie. I agree that we are likely to carry such a player on the roster, although this is certainly not a lock to happen.

Deus Irae said:

Did you try multiple choices when voting? You should have been able to do so. That's what I'd clicked on.

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I was tempted to also vote for DB, but felt that SS was its own category; that's how badly I feel about the position's current state of competence.

In other words, where do we have holes currently? I would say backup TE and that'd probably be it for me. Doesn't mean the team is flawless otherwise but I don't see any real holes elsewhere.

I would've liked seeing one more prospect or quality signing at S2 and OLB, but I believe we can do with what we have. With what seems like a surplus at CB and the lack of resources used at S this offseason, looks like BB has something in mind for S with what we have. Same with OLB, if some of our DT/DE moves pan out Nink could always slide to OLB for a few snaps in case the depth is really that bad.

BTW Deus who is in your avatar?

PATSYLICIOUS said:

BTW Deus who is in your avatar?

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Aishwarya Rai.

Ivan said:

TE and possibly one more back up LB. I could also see him bringing in another WR if a good one becomes available.

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It'd be something if another vet option at WR became available, although I think it'd have to be done sooner rather than later. Belichick typically prefers his WR options to be here for as much of the mini camp/OTA sessions as possible, due to the tremendous learning curve alone. I think the latest example of a guy being brought in during the summer (Ochocinco) proves that it's rather difficult.

I also think we're having a hard enough time as it is trying to predict who may make it in terms of Josh Boyce vs Kenbrell Thompkins, so although we'd all be excited for another decent WR, I wonder how realistic it actually may be?

Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Dobson, and Slater are already giving us 5 solid options--although I'm always one for improved depth/competition

mgteich said:

We've gone with 2 TE's before. As posters, we are now used to an increased role for the TE position. As the prisoner was labeled a TE (and Graham for the saints), we might consider calling LeFell a TE. In any case, we are likely to have many, many more 3 WR sets.

The reality is that Hooman IS the backup to Gronk as he was last year. Adding a TE probably won't change that. Also, a lineman is often the 3rd blocking TE in short yardage situations.

The issue is no longer the backup to Gronk. We just can't afford to have him injured. The question is the value of a move TE. Williams now is that incumbent, not a rookie. I agree that we are likely to carry such a player on the roster, although this is certainly not a lock to happen.

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I think Gronk coming back from injury makes it unlikely they will carry only two TE but more of a blocking TE is a definite possibility and probbaly the best idea.

A blocking TE? That's what HooHah is for. We need a damn pass-catching TE.

supafly said:

It'd be something if another vet option at WR became available, although I think it'd have to be done sooner rather than later. Belichick typically prefers his WR options to be here for as much of the mini camp/OTA sessions as possible, due to the tremendous learning curve alone. I think the latest example of a guy being brought in during the summer (Ochocinco) proves that it's rather difficult.

I also think we're having a hard enough time as it is trying to predict who may make it in terms of Josh Boyce vs Kenbrell Thompkins, so although we'd all be excited for another decent WR, I wonder how realistic it actually may be?

Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Dobson, and Slater are already giving us 5 solid options--although I'm always one for improved depth/competition

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Austin Collie already knows the system, so as long as he remains unsigned he can come here at any time and contribute. By having him as a fall-back, Bill can then evaluate the current crop and make
a decision based on whether they continue to suck & get injured.

I also wouldn't include Dobson & Slater among the solid options. Dobson I believe will start the season on PUP, and I wouldn't include Slater among the WRs at all; just lump him with the PK, P & LS and think of our roster as having 49 players.

captain stone said:

I also wouldn't include Dobson & Slater among the solid options. Dobson I believe will start the season on PUP, and I wouldn't include Slater among the WRs at all; just lump him with the PK, P & LS and think of our roster as having 49 players.

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Dobson had a surgery in March that has a typical 3-month recovery - the same surgery that Edelman had before his breakout season of 2013. Dobson's absence now and late last season has led folks to assume that he will open the season on PUP, but there's no reason to believe that he won't start practicing in TC (although probably on a limited basis) and getting into some pre-season games. If he can practice, he will, because he needs it, and therefore he won't be eligible for PUP.

pencilneckgeek said:

Dobson had a surgery in March that has a typical 3-month recovery - the same surgery that Edelman had before his breakout season of 2013. Dobson's absence now and late last season has led folks to assume that he will open the season on PUP, but there's no reason to believe that he won't start practicing in TC (although probably on a limited basis) and getting into some pre-season games. If he can practice, he will, because he needs it, and therefore he won't be eligible for PUP.

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Let's hope so. We could really use him to step up and continue a positive progression.

captain stone said:

Austin Collie already knows the system, so as long as he remains unsigned he can come here at any time and contribute. By having him as a fall-back, Bill can then evaluate the current crop and make
a decision based on whether they continue to suck & get injured.

I also wouldn't include Dobson & Slater among the solid options. Dobson I believe will start the season on PUP, and I wouldn't include Slater among the WRs at all; just lump him with the PK, P & LS and think of our roster as having 49 players.

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As long as he remains unsigned, I would definitely agree. I was rather impressed with Collie, not just due to play, but moreso his dedication with showing up early, leaving late, and being dedicated to learning the new verbiage and nuances of our system. He was a dependable professional while here in my opinion, and as a fan I would welcome him back in an instant.

Gotta go with LB and TE... a WR is a possibility, however we have not had a lot of luck for late WR additions to this complicated offense.

As much as it looks like a lot of depth, can never have enough...

I went with TE, as most did. Comes down to the health of Keller and Finley and the competition as I don't see us extending ourselves for either with big money. If they are healthy, other teams probably get involved.

I also picked DB thinking about safety though I think Duron Harmon is adequate based on last year and he should be improved over that.

I wouldn't mind if they brought back Andre Carter and there are a couple of veteran LBs still out there Vilma and Groves who may have something left in the tank. Though Vilma is coming off both injury and Bounty-gate.

Too many transplants can disrupt the culture of the locker room so I'd be careful about bringing in too many, but at positions of need you have to look to see if there are better players available.

micronin127 said:

I went with TE, as most did. Comes down to the health of Keller and Finley and the competition as I don't see us extending ourselves for either with big money. If they are healthy, other teams probably get involved.

I also picked DB thinking about safety though I think Duron Harmon is adequate based on last year and he should be improved over that.

I wouldn't mind if they brought back Andre Carter and there are a couple of veteran LBs still out there Vilma and Groves who may have something left in the tank. Though Vilma is coming off both injury and Bounty-gate.

Too many transplants can disrupt the culture of the locker room so I'd be careful about bringing in too many, but at positions of need you have to look to see if there are better players available.

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All fine points. As a whole, I think we're in decent shape at this point in time. Of course some will disagree. If we still have the questions at TE/S at the end of July in 6 weeks from now, then I will start to be more concerned.

Not so sure I'd agree in re: Andre Carter though. I think he looked kind of slow and old last season, to be completely honest.

Unless Duron Harmon or Tavon Wilson step up big time I fear SS (or the S spot opposite McCourty if you want to call it that) is going to be giant hole. Steve Gregory was a weak spot on this D last year. And now the spot is being manned by guys that couldn't even beat him out. Unless we want to pin our hopes on a reject from the Eagles (who previously was a disappointment here).

Hopefully Jemea Thomas turns out to be the steal of the draft.

On edit: I may have misunderstood the question. I took the thread title to mean "What position won't be filled adequately"