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Looking over some of the roster discussions, I see that hopes are high for Crable, while we are dismissing Vince Redd.
Redd is an intriguing prospect.
In the 2008 draft, he was a physical marvel. In the OLB class, he was both the tallest (6-5.5) and the fastest (4.5 40). Interestingly, he also had the highest passes-broken-up stat in his OLB draft class, plus two INT's. He spent two years at Virginia, then transferred to Liberty.
He played in five games with the Patriots last year on special teams and back-up OLB, collecting 8 tackles and 1 forced fumble in part-time duty.
Our assumptions from the draft included guesses that either the 2009 crop of OLB's was too small and too slow, or that Belichick likes the young players on the roster. Either scenario gives some support to Redd.
Imagine if Redd transferred from Liberty to Penn State or Michigan or Ohio State, and came out at 6-5.5, 263, 4.5 40, 39" vertical leap, 63 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 6 PBU's/2 INT's. He'd likely be a Day One draft candidate. Instead, Redd effectively transferred from Liberty to the Patriots, receiving even better coaching.
I'm not suggesting that he is penciled in opposite Thomas, and there is no need for Taylor. However, I think he is a more viable option than some are considering.
I didn't realize he was that fast in his predraft workouts!