Apologies then, my friend. Didn't mean to nitpick. I've just seen a lot of posters suggesting that "next spring" (2016) we'll need to address Hightower + Collins, when all actuality it is Hightower + Jones. As you've noted, Collins could technically wait one more year into 2017.
Of course, as we've seen, Belichick could pull the trigger on an early deal, as J.Collins is eligible for a new pact after this upcoming season. In the end, I'm not quite as sure as many others about potentially keeping all 3, but we'll have to see how it plays out. The wildcard of course, is the reasoning behind the Rolando McClain visit, and what inside info or concern that Belichick has regarding the injury situations. That situation alone could point to a hint about the addition of another LB.
Good post. I think there is concern at LB with injuries and age rearing it's ugly head. If Mayo and Hightower are not ready, all you have just Collins of any quality. They should never have left Ayers go. Good player.
I Think WR and RB are luxury picks if a highly rated kid drops. CB is obvious but a LB makes sense and with McCarthy, Gachkar and McClain (all ILB types) in, something's up.
As I have mentioned, and underneath LB presence can surely help the DBs. Conversely, if you blitz some with a super fast LB it helps our DBs. I am going with the school that a LB is going to be added either via trade or high pick. McClain was a good deal if they could sign him.
I think the Pats will Draft a CB at some point. But after the first few talent, the value drops down the board. The risk of starting a rookie CB who at some point is on his own, is an adventure. I am not going to jump on the Bradley Fletcher band wagon, but this is typical BB reclamation project. The Safeties at Philly were so bad perhaps it made his CB play look worse. BB got the inside info from Chip for that decision.
Looking at McClain, BB might have seen him as a reclamation project "almost" completed and only 25. To give him his due, he has matured greatly. He is six years younger than Mayo. He is less than a question mark going into camp and was signed at almost half of Mayo $ (unfortunately not by us) Watch for another LB who is a RFA but had very similar numbers to McClain. The 49ers are reportedly looking to get a sixth-or-seventh round pick in return for Michael Wilhoite. They might not let him go now that Borland is retired but Navaro Bowman is going to be ready and they have youngsters Lynch (six sacks) and Moody. They also resigned LB Desmond Bishop.
"Michael Wilhoite had to start all year because of all the injuries to the linebackers. He handled himself better than expected; he was pretty solid in coverage. "
Wilhoite can also play Special Teams. Mayo or Hightower not so much. Speaking of the Niners, Brooks could be had but he is Mayo's age.
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