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Now, before anyone goes ape, please read and think about this.
I don't think that this is a transistion year in the "TRADITIONAL" sense where the Pats would go 8-8. But, I've been wondering if this might not be a transition year for the Pats. Where they release some of the older vets and bring in younger players and let them build within the system, while still putting a competative team on the field that could still contend for the SB. The Pats would also lock up their CORE young veterans players (Seymour, Branch, Graham, Koppen), long term, to assure the continued success.
Lets look at the real holes:
Receiver - Branch, Johnson, Childress, Musinski
Tight End - Watson, Graham
The Pats have, previously gone with a bunch of no names at this position and won a SB doing it. All they need is 1 decent WR who can catch the ball opposite Branch and they would have as productive a WR combo as they did in 2001. Their TEs would be significantly better and Watson could tear up the league as a Tony Gonzalez type TE.
I could easily see the Pats drafting 1-2 WRs in the middle to late rounds and letting them learn on the job. Look for them to have decent to good hands and decent to good route running ability. The Pats could also pick up a veteran like a Javon Walker via trade or a Quincy Morgan or Peerless Price. Someone who has something to prove.
Linebacker:
Colvin, Vrabel, Bruschi, Beisel, Claridge, Izzo, Davis, Alexander, Banta-Cain
The Pats getting a Manny Lawson or possibly a Mark Anderson could turn the OLB position around easily. Claridge stepping up and doing what Brown couldn't last year will be growing pains, but should be more productive. They could always have TBC at the OLB position with Colvin and Vrabel back at the ILB position and still be productive. A full off-season under Peppers, Pees, and Woicik will hopefully help Beisel.
Kicker:
The Pats have done well finding kickers in the draft and afterwards. Look at Robbie Gould. Was very good in camp and got himself the starting job with the Bears after their kicker went down for the season. AV could be back or someone else.
Cornerback:
Samuel, Gay, Poole, Hobbs
Pats could use another person here. Could be someone like Andre Dyson (unless his release was rescinded) or it could be a draft pick like Richard Marshall. This could all be thrown awry by the possibility of the Pats signing Tank Williams and the Pats moving Wilson to CB.
I don't think that this is a transistion year in the "TRADITIONAL" sense where the Pats would go 8-8. But, I've been wondering if this might not be a transition year for the Pats. Where they release some of the older vets and bring in younger players and let them build within the system, while still putting a competative team on the field that could still contend for the SB. The Pats would also lock up their CORE young veterans players (Seymour, Branch, Graham, Koppen), long term, to assure the continued success.
Lets look at the real holes:
Receiver - Branch, Johnson, Childress, Musinski
Tight End - Watson, Graham
The Pats have, previously gone with a bunch of no names at this position and won a SB doing it. All they need is 1 decent WR who can catch the ball opposite Branch and they would have as productive a WR combo as they did in 2001. Their TEs would be significantly better and Watson could tear up the league as a Tony Gonzalez type TE.
I could easily see the Pats drafting 1-2 WRs in the middle to late rounds and letting them learn on the job. Look for them to have decent to good hands and decent to good route running ability. The Pats could also pick up a veteran like a Javon Walker via trade or a Quincy Morgan or Peerless Price. Someone who has something to prove.
Linebacker:
Colvin, Vrabel, Bruschi, Beisel, Claridge, Izzo, Davis, Alexander, Banta-Cain
The Pats getting a Manny Lawson or possibly a Mark Anderson could turn the OLB position around easily. Claridge stepping up and doing what Brown couldn't last year will be growing pains, but should be more productive. They could always have TBC at the OLB position with Colvin and Vrabel back at the ILB position and still be productive. A full off-season under Peppers, Pees, and Woicik will hopefully help Beisel.
Kicker:
The Pats have done well finding kickers in the draft and afterwards. Look at Robbie Gould. Was very good in camp and got himself the starting job with the Bears after their kicker went down for the season. AV could be back or someone else.
Cornerback:
Samuel, Gay, Poole, Hobbs
Pats could use another person here. Could be someone like Andre Dyson (unless his release was rescinded) or it could be a draft pick like Richard Marshall. This could all be thrown awry by the possibility of the Pats signing Tank Williams and the Pats moving Wilson to CB.