Did we draft 4 starters?

[Ring 6]

Starter is a bad term, because playing time means more but;

I think McCourty is at least the nickel (starter in my book) and will compete with Butler to start in the base
Spikes has a fair chance to start alongside Mayo
Gronko may or may not pass the vet Crumpler by the start of the season, but I'd bet he plays the most snaps of any of our TEs.
Cunningham would seem to have a decent shot at earning a starting job if he come in and picks it up quickly.

 

[Fencer]

Cunningham seems like more of a conversion project.

But he's also has week competition for the role.

Maybe he could be a nickel rusher from the getgo, in which case he might get a similar number of reps to a nickel CB.

 

[Ring 6]

Cunningham seems like more of a conversion project.

But he's also has week competition for the role.

Maybe he could be a nickel rusher from the getgo, in which case he might get a similar number of reps to a nickel CB.

Yeah, he has the farthest to go, but the fewest road blocks.
If he is the full time sub package DE thats a starter in my book anyway.

 

[mgteich]

I think that 3 will get major numbers of 2010 reps: Gronk, McCourty and Spikes.

I agree that Spikes could get lots of reps.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

I can see both of our teams in the Super Bowl next year - Dallas 45, NE 6

 

[Ring 6]

It almost feels like we drafted 4 LBs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, because Spikes and Cunningham relieve the pressure of Crable and McKenzie staying healthy and coming through. And of course having those 2 relieve the pressure of Spikes or Cunningham having a rookie set back.
Kinda the same thing at WR with Tate and Price.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I can see both of our teams in the Super Bowl next year - Dallas 45, NE 6

If Bryant is the real deal (and I believe he is), the Cowboys have an excellent chance of going to the super bowl next season. In fact, they've shown they can match up the super bowl champs New Orleans Saints. However, I'm shocked they didn't use their 2nd round pick on a OT or S. I though the Sean Lee pick was a little weird because they just drafted Jason and Brandon Williams last year.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Spikes has the right attitude and passion, I say we give him jersey #54.

 

[Ring 6]

Spikes has the right attitude and passion, I say we give him jersey #54.

He just strikes me as the kind of guy who walks in day 1 claims his spot and never looks back. Tough guy linebacker.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

If Bryant is the real deal (and I believe he is), the Cowboys have an excellent chance of going to the super bowl next season. In fact, they've shown they can match up the super bowl champs New Orleans Saints. However, I'm shocked they didn't use their 2nd round pick on a OT or S. I though the Sean Lee pick was a little weird because they just drafted Jason and Brandon Williams last year.

I did too - however, knowing history under Jerry, the OL in the draft hasn't been exactly their strongpoint. Even Parcells didn't do a good job draftin the OL. Outside of Andre Gurode, our other pickups were from FA(they were gems - Davis, Kosier and Columbo - but we got LUCKY, VERY). As for our history of drafting safeties? Roy Williams..............

BTW - Congrats on your draft, it's been very impressive.

 

[mgteich]

Great insight!

We now have four developmental linebackers, five if you count Ninkovich. Whoever step up will get the reps, and the rest will have time to develop.

It almost feels like we drafted 4 LBs in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, because Spikes and Cunningham relieve the pressure of Crable and McKenzie staying healthy and coming through. And of course having those 2 relieve the pressure of Spikes or Cunningham having a rookie set back.
Kinda the same thing at WR with Tate and Price.

 

[IcyPatriot]

It will be 5 when we draft a punter.

 

[VOODOOZF]

Starter is a bad term, because playing time means more but;

I think McCourty is at least the nickel (starter in my book) and will compete with Butler to start in the base
Spikes has a fair chance to start alongside Mayo
Gronko may or may not pass the vet Crumpler by the start of the season, but I'd bet he plays the most snaps of any of our TEs.
Cunningham would seem to have a decent shot at earning a starting job if he come in and picks it up quickly.

At the moment I'm not sure you can say they got a single starter. I'm not saying that they didn't get quality players, but I'm not sure if any of these guys are ready to step in.

 

[DaBruinz]

Spikes has the right attitude and passion, I say we give him jersey #54.

I say give him the number he wore in college. 51, but then I remembered that was Mayo's number.

Don't be surprised if he ends up with #52 or the Pats "unretire" numbers like #57.. I think it's too early to give out #54.

 

[efin98]

I say give him the number he wore in college. 51, but then I remembered that was Mayo's number.

Don't be surprised if he ends up with #52 or the Pats "unretire" numbers like #57.. I think it's too early to give out #54.

No way in hell they unretire 57...

52 makes the most sense, giving Cunningham 55 as well.

 

[jefmblrd]

I know the knock on Spikes was his slow 40 time, but every time I watched video of him he was around the ball and making plays. Looks like a tough competitor with a mean streak- just what we needed.

I read a tweet that Wilfork wad excited about this pick because of Spikes' toughness and intensity.

 

[Ring 6]

I know the knock on Spikes was his slow 40 time, but every time I watched video of him he was around the ball and making plays. Looks like a tough competitor with a mean streak- just what we needed.

I read a tweet that Wilfork wad excited about this pick because of Spikes' toughness and intensity.

40 times is almost irrelevant when your job is to contol the line of scrimmage in between the C and the T.

 

[efin98]

40 times is almost irrelevant when your job is to contol the line of scrimmage in between the C and the T.

Someone else put it best- if he has to run 40 yards in game someone screwed up badly...

 

[WhiZa]

40 times is almost irrelevant when your job is to contol the line of scrimmage in between the C and the T.

There is no doubt Spikes is a 1st and 2nd down player. I truly hope he is able to work on his coverage skills. He could be a great player for years to come.

 

[bucky]

I would say 3 starters:

1. McCourty - will be interesting between him and Butler. Have to believe the Pats had a higher grade on McCourty. Either way, both get a lot of PT.

2. Gronkowski - might as well start him asap before he hurts his back again.

3. Spikes/Cunningham - essentially, Spikes is a 2 down player and Cunningham is a 3rd down pass rusher - at least for now. So between the 2 of them, that makes 1 starter.

I don't want to go into it this discussion yet again, but I think it's interesting that we drafted another ILB and a DE who I wouldn't really project to play standing up. McKenzie played 43 SAM in college and Guyton could play that position as well. Just saying that the personnel is there to play more 4-3 now.