Roster thoughts based on Mike Rodak's practice notes

[JSn]

Patriots practice 14 observations - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

So here's a scenario: do we drop one RB and keep a WR who can run the ball?

Second-year wide receiver Julian Edelman was a participant in select running backs drills, continuing a trend seen over the past few days of practice. “I’ll do whatever they tell me to do,” Edelman said after practice. “I like running that ball. Everyone can carry the ball out here. It’s something I’m comfortable doing.” With a crowded wide receiver position, this will be one area to watch during the preseason.

And how about dark-horse Kyle Arrington?

The team’s defensive backs went one-on-one against the running backs, similar to the drill run between the linebackers and running back earlier in training camp. Cornerback Kyle Arrington was far and away the best performer in this drill, beating running back Fred Taylor twice and Sammy Morris once. Unlike other defensive backs who attempted to bull rush the pass protector, Arrington used a quick spin move to get to the “quarterback.”

Interesting things, which may not ever be significant. But where would we be, as a forum, if we didn't blow some things out of proportion?

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?
Can an ST DEMON make the team as a DB with a pretty killer (on paper) stable already on the field?

 

[Calciumee]

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?

Josh Cribbs doubles as a WR and RB, but he truly is mainly an ST player, whereas JE is actually a WR.

 

[mgteich]

Re: Roster thoughts based on Reiss practice notes.

I am not sure of your point.

Almost all of us have Edelman and Arrington as locks. Most of us have us carrying four running backs.

It is not unusual for wide receivers to run the ball occasionally, as well as TE's. This is certainly something to try a couple of time in practice.

BTW, who has the player who ws arguably our top special teamer last year (Arrington) as a dark horse to make this team? The question whether he is good enough as an emergency CB so that we do have to carry more than four others, saving a roster spot.

Patriots practice 14 observations - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

So here's a scenario: do we drop one RB and keep a WR who can run the ball?



And how about dark-horse Kyle Arrington?



Interesting things, which may not ever be significant. But where would we be, as a forum, if we didn't blow some things out of proportion?

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?
Can an ST DEMON make the team as a DB with a pretty killer (on paper) stable already on the field?

 

[JSn]

I have Arrington as a dark horse due to the numbers issues. I'm not seeing room for more than 3 ST only guys - the specialists.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?

I'm wondering if maybe they're seeing if Edelman can be not just a Welkstitute,** but also a replacement for Faulk, too. . . .

**Or, if you prefer, a Welkersatz. . . .

 

[mgteich]

I agree that that we will carry no more tha 3 ST only guys.

Right now (for me) those would be Arrington, Aiken and Slater (beating out Murrell, Lockett, Williams and Alexander). Other choices are certainly reasonable. However, Arrington tied for the top number special teams tackles in only 9 games. He is likely to be our #1 special teams only candidate.

This presumes that we only need 6 DL's, 9 LB's, 4 CB's and 4 S's. I have the offense with 2 QB's, 4 RB's, 6 WR's, 3 TE's and 9 OL's. Any additional use of a roster spot for depth at a position (DL? CB?), reduces the roster spots available for special-team-only players. Arrington can save a roster spot for another special teamer if he is able to eliminate the need for a 5th corner other than him.

I have Arrington as a dark horse due to the numbers issues. I'm not seeing room for more than 3 ST only guys - the specialists.

 

[sbpatfan]

BJGE seems to be a hard worker, but he sucks. Drop him and have Edelman fill the 5th RB, emergency, "gadget" back role. 5.5 receivers and 4.5 backs, saves a roster spot.

 

[JSn]

Arrington can save a roster spot for another special teamer if he is able to eliminate the need for a 5th corner other than him.

And it's not inconceivable for him to bump Wheatley, imo.

 

[mgteich]

Bodden, Butler, McCourty, Wilhite are the four.

The question is indeed whether we need a 5th other than Arrington. If Arrington is the #5, then Wheatley can be waived.

And it's not inconceivable for him to bump Wheatley, imo.

 

[patriotscpfc]

Interesting factoid from practice is that at one point, the starting defense had this Secondary:

Chung, Meriweather, McGowan and Butler. 3 Safeties and a Corner. I'd be interested to see who was the CB in that formation, but it negates the need for Wheatley if Chung, or McGowan can be the back-up CB and S along with Sanders and Wilhite as backups and Arrington as the ST guy.

 

[JSn]

Chung, Meriweather, McGowan and Butler. 3 Safeties and a Corner. I'd be interested to see who was the CB in that formation, but it negates the need for Wheatley if Chung, or McGowan can be the back-up CB and S along with Sanders and Wilhite as backups and Arrington as the ST guy.

Meriweather's bloody fast. Maybe it's him, or maybe it's a weird formation.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

I'm wondering if maybe they're seeing if Edelman can be not just a Welkstitute,** but also a replacement for Faulk, too. . . .

**Or, if you prefer, a Welkersatz. . . .

I see peeps comparing Edelman as our new Troy Brown....Let's just hope that we are not all out of RBs half way thru the year and depending on Edelman to run the ball behind our left guard of the week.

sorry couldn't help myself. backing away from the ledge.

 

[lostjumper]

I agree that that we will carry no more tha 3 ST only guys.

Right now (for me) those would be Arrington, Aiken and Slater (beating out Murrell, Lockett, Williams and Alexander). Other choices are certainly reasonable. However, Arrington tied for the top number special teams tackles in only 9 games. He is likely to be our #1 special teams only candidate.

This presumes that we only need 6 DL's, 9 LB's, 4 CB's and 4 S's. I have the offense with 2 QB's, 4 RB's, 6 WR's, 3 TE's and 9 OL's. Any additional use of a roster spot for depth at a position (DL? CB?), reduces the roster spots available for special-team-only players. Arrington can save a roster spot for another special teamer if he is able to eliminate the need for a 5th corner other than him.

yeah, those are the 3 I have. I see this year as the year that eric alexander finally gets cut. We've got at least 3-4 that are better as special teams players, and with McKenzie, spikes and cunningham added to the roster at the LB positions, I don't see any room for him

 

[N.Eman]

I just see them as solid backups just in case needed. And why not test them now and during preseason when it dont count against our Win/Loose standings. Bring on the preseason and lets see if it can be pulled off!

 

[363839]

Whoever it is, I hope they can pick up the blitz.

 

[DaBruinz]

Prior to Lockett's injury, he was the best special teamer we had. When he went down and Arrington replaced him, Arrington was even better than Lockett.

I see Arrington, Lockett and Slater as the 3 special teamers with Aiken on the outside since he's horrible as a WR and the Pats have plethora or WR currently.

Of the 6 WR, Tate and Edelman will probably be our return men. Price could possibly do it as well.

It's going to be interesting to see how it shakes out.

 

[sbpatfan]

This new innovation with Edelman possibly in the lineup in some sort of wildcat formation changes my opinion as to whether he might have been the unfortunate odd man out as a WR.

Now, it appears, he will be there and will offer a lot more.

Lined up as a Running back, he now would be considered a threat to run the ball, go to the flat as a receiver and, seeing as he was a quarterback, to even throw the ball after a pitch from Brady, or even taking a direct snap.

Interesting strategy.

Seriously? You have to be trolling.

 

[Headcase]

I see Arrington, Lockett and Slater as the 3 special teamers with Aiken on the outside since he's horrible as a WR and the Pats have plethora or WR currently.

Interesting, especially since Slater is also horrible as a WR, on top of being a terrible Safety, and a not very good return guy. I could easily see both of them going, but if one stays I would bet it would be Aiken.

SSDD

 

[DaBruinz]

Interesting, especially since Slater is also horrible as a WR, on top of being a terrible Safety, and a not very good return guy. I could easily see both of them going, but if one stays I would bet it would be Aiken.

SSDD

Slater was actually a very good return man.. Not to mention that he plays in formations that Aiken doesn't.

 

[mgteich]

I think that the important thing to note is that the decision on the top 2 special teamers will be made on their special teams play. It is not relevant how poorly Aiken and Slater are as wide receivers.

I think that Wheatley has a roster spot if he can perform reasonably well in camp and the preseason. If not, there is room for a 3rd special teamer.

Your opinion is that Lockett is our #2 special-teams only player, and perhaps he is. We'll see. I don't see much agreement from anywhere with regard to your assertion that Slater is
a very good return man. Your point with regard to his playing in other formations than Aiken is a good one. I believe that Slater is one of our best upfield blockers on punt returns.

MY BOTTOM LINE

1) WHEATLEY gets a spot or the #5 corner spot goes to Arrington.

2) We then choose 2-3 special teamers based on their special teams play.

Slater was actually a very good return man.. Not to mention that he plays in formations that Aiken doesn't.