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There has been much call for even more youth at linebacker. However, I would note that patriot system is difficult to learn.
We have Alexander, Woods, Mayo and Crable. That's enough youth for me, perhaps more than enough.
We have Vrabel, Thomas, Bruschi and Hobson. That's not enough experience for me.
This is a well-balanced mix. However, if I were to add a linebacker, it definitely would be a very seasoned veteran, one who might be able to help (or even start) in case of injuries and also give a couple of the starters some rest.
I would add Seau in a flash or any number of other LB's who might be available before Labor Day. If I couldn't add a roster spot, I would cut Alexander to get a veteran backup.
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I don't count Izzo because he is a very valuable STer who happens to be listed as a linebacker.
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For me, it seems that there is room for a limited number of UDFA's or late round prospects.
I would say that number goes down if there also rookies in the unit. Four youngsters seems more than enough.
But posters ask who are the next Bruschi and Vrabel! If the answer is from UDFA's, then the answer is players Alexander and Woods. Why should we expect this year's set of binkies to be any better than these two? And even if they are, how many years will it take?
A better answer might be Mayo and Crable. Another answer may be whatever free agents are available when these two can no longer start.
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Personally, I believe that the patriots have had a quality linebacking corps since Belichick got here and will continue to do so for the forseeable future. And the leaders did NOT and will NOT come from the ranks of the UDFA's and late round draft choices.
We have Alexander, Woods, Mayo and Crable. That's enough youth for me, perhaps more than enough.
We have Vrabel, Thomas, Bruschi and Hobson. That's not enough experience for me.
This is a well-balanced mix. However, if I were to add a linebacker, it definitely would be a very seasoned veteran, one who might be able to help (or even start) in case of injuries and also give a couple of the starters some rest.
I would add Seau in a flash or any number of other LB's who might be available before Labor Day. If I couldn't add a roster spot, I would cut Alexander to get a veteran backup.
-----------------------------
I don't count Izzo because he is a very valuable STer who happens to be listed as a linebacker.
-----------------------------
For me, it seems that there is room for a limited number of UDFA's or late round prospects.
I would say that number goes down if there also rookies in the unit. Four youngsters seems more than enough.
But posters ask who are the next Bruschi and Vrabel! If the answer is from UDFA's, then the answer is players Alexander and Woods. Why should we expect this year's set of binkies to be any better than these two? And even if they are, how many years will it take?
A better answer might be Mayo and Crable. Another answer may be whatever free agents are available when these two can no longer start.
-----------------------------------------
Personally, I believe that the patriots have had a quality linebacking corps since Belichick got here and will continue to do so for the forseeable future. And the leaders did NOT and will NOT come from the ranks of the UDFA's and late round draft choices.
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