RayClay
Hall of Fame Poster
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- Nov 14, 2005
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Let's be clear. Reiss listed 49 locks or near locks. I reduced it to 48 by excluding Moore.
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ARE THERE LOCKS FOR THE LAST FIVE POSITIONS (SIX for four weeks)?
Personally, I believe that fourth linebacker is an absolute lock. I believe that a long snapper is an absolute lock.
The other 3-4 positions could arguably come from anywhere. Personally, I don't think that we will have only 23 defensive players on the 53. Perhaps you disagree.
The patriots will LOOK at everyone, including Gallon. I agree with Reiss that the competition is very tough for anyone not on his list, especially on offense. After all, he already has 25 (including Slater).
I do NOT think that a 3rd TE is a GIVEN. I expect that it is a given that we will carry a TE on the Practice Squad.
It's possible, but I really doubt it, myself. I did criticize Reiss's locks, but my position is, outside of players like Brady and Reiss, calling someone a lock at this point is purposeless.
I will agree that it would be very hard to crack the roster at most positions, but also think that six current WRs and an added TE are more likely than picking the backups at DE for instance. I could see any combination of Buchanan, Smith, Moore, mystery meat Bequette, or a talented cut from another team.
To sum up, I don't believe 95% of the team is locked before any camp, but if it was, Reiss didn't do a great job ranking them. Just my opinion.