The question of linebacker depth

Behind Mayo, Hightower and Collins, things look a bit thin to me. (I wish they would've found an affordable way to keep Spikes.) I really don't know all that much about White, Fleming, Beauharnais, Morris and Davis, just that Fleming and Beauharnais have flashed a bit this preseason. So, I'd like to hear from others here how they think things will shape up in general at LB and if there might still be options out there for bringing in veteran help.

I'd keep Beauharnais & Fleming plus whoever of the rest is better in coverage. I suspect that is
James Morris. Chris White should never play a meaningful snap on defense for us, so if Morris
can approach whatever level of proficiency on STs that White is said to have, then I think a change
should be made at #6 LB.
I would also take a long, hard look at the waiver wire from this point forward.

captain stone said:

I would also take a long, hard look at the waiver wire from this point forward.

Click to expand...

That's kind of my thinking, because heaven forbid if ANY of our top three goes down.

In my most recent Pats Picker 53, I have Fleming, Davis and my new binkie Taylor McCuller as the three backups. I love McCuller for his ability to play fullback and catch passes. There's something about guys like him - Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Year out of tiny West Texas A&M - that Belichick loves. He also looks like the kind of guy you'd love on special teams and the "hands" team to field onsides kicks. You'd get a backup linebacker, backup fullback, and special teamer in a guy who would do whatever is necessary.

The only thing I can remember about Beauharnais that caught my eye was the interception last Friday against the Panthers. Otherwise, nothing really. There must be a lot that I missed.

I came into camp not happy with our LB depth but as camp comes to an end I'm actually quite a bit happier about it. I actually hope there is a way we can keep all three of Beauharnais, Fleming and Morris. I think they can all help on special teams and in various backup roles. I also think a guy like James Morris could be a diamond in the rough if given a little time.

I'm also hopeful we can stash Cameron Gordon on the PS somehow. It's a bummer he was injured all camp. He's an interesting prospect. He played WR and Safety before ending up at LB. Maybe I just have a thing for Big Ten linebackers? Who knows. But he seems like he fits that Lavonte David/Zach Brown type of LB role. Or he could even end up as a speedy pass rushing LB.

Assuming the defense is 3-4:

ILB: Mayo, Hightower*, Collins*, Beauharnais
OLB: Jones, Ninkovich*, Fleming, Buchanan

* indicates players who can play inside or outside.