#5 Beauharnais/Cameron Gordon - This is subject to change if they bring in a vet. But even if they use primarily two linebackers, one of these two guys very well could see quite a bit of snaps. I'm hoping that one of them really establishes himself really early in camp to make me feel slightly better about depth situation. At the moment, it looks like the team's biggest weakness to me.
#4 Roy Finch - I know he is an extreme long shot to make the roster, but man he is fun to watch. I probably should put someone like Will Smith, or Michael Buchanan, but I can't wait to see him execute some ridiculous run in a preseason game, and then have everyone who calls in to sports radio try to figure out a way to fit him on the roster. Should make for great commutes home in August.
#3 Dobson - His development is vital to the offense this season. He had a pretty decent rookie season, at least when you compare them to other Patriot rookie pass catchers (third best numbers for a rookie pass catcher since Belichick arrived). He needs to become more reliable though, and I'm hoping an offseason
#2 Easley - He's the first round draft pick. And more importantly he adds something to the table that we haven't seen the Patriots display with a penetrating interior pass rusher. I would think that either one of these two reasons would be enough for me to put him at number one ... but ...
#1 Garappolo - Let's face it: if he's really the successor of Brady then there is no one who will be more important or interesting to watch. It's by far the most important position on the team, and everything he does for the next few seasons will be under a microscope.
*If and hopefully when they sign a veteran linebacker, Armond Armstead would replace Beauharnais/Cameron Gordon. I'm not holding my breath for him to come as he was advertised over on the ESPN board (may it rest in peace) last offseason. But to add two interior pass rushers when really haven't seen the pats defense have one would be fantastic.
