Defensive tackle

[Fencer]

Unless I'm missing something, the Patriots have cut every DT on the roster who isn't Wilfork or Kelly, as well as anybody at other positions who's taken significant regular season DT snaps (mainly Cunningham).

What now? Is anybody above JAG level likely to be available from other teams?

Edit: It's not quite that dire -- I was conflating Vellano and Vallone.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

Who are our backup DT's now?

Justin Francis AND Marcus Forston cut. Francis was more of a big DE, but could fill in the 3rd down DT role. He had 3 sacks as a rookie in very limited time.


I'm shocked. I thought both had decent potential as backups, and Francis saw increased playing time towards the end of last year.

We also don't have Kyle Love or Myron Pryor on the roster anymore, as they were released a few months back.

Armond Armstead will be out for at least the first 6 weeks of the season, and didn't get a chance to prove himself in camp or pre-season.


Who will our backup DT's be?

 

[Mack Herron]

BB is only playing ends on the line this year to lure them up the middle to feed Spikes. (Joe Vellano-DT)

 

[DocHoliday]

Seymoaaaaaaaaaaar

Yeah, it's a pipedream, but it would be sweet. 3 years ago, Kelly, Wilfork, Seymour would be the best 3-4 front in the league.

 

[Brady6]

Unless I'm missing something, the Patriots have cut every DT on the roster who isn't Wilfork or Kelly, as well as anybody at other positions who's taken significant regular season DT snaps (mainly Cunningham).

What now? Is anybody above JAG level likely to be available from other teams?

We’re in direr need of help at defensive tackle, I have been less than impressed with Vellano and the fact he currently our primary backup for both spots is highly concerning. Also with the releases of Cunningham, Francis, and Benard we do not have anyone to fill the role of pass rusher at the 3Tech position in sub packages; Buchanan played 2-3 snaps inside in the final preseason game but at 6’6 255 pounds I do not know if he can play inside consistently. Considering the injury to Armstead I was very surprised to see Francis and Cunningham be shown the door.

I have been watching the league wide cuts closely and I do not see anyone yet that peaks my interest personally, I do hope the team has a plan, but I must say the release of Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love stands out as questionable at given the current state of the defensive tackle corp. That said, I have complete trust in Belichick, he always seems to have a plan or vision that I am unable to anticipate.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

Some real head scratchers.

I don't get it at all.

 

[andrewgarrr]

back to a base 34?

im confused...

 

[MTM558]

53 man roster for Week 1 is nowhere near complete. Come tomorrow, there will be many players eligible to be claimed on waivers, as well as veteran free agents capable of being signed, or players remaining on the trade block.


Bill released many of his Defensive Line because of the confidence he had in certain players, as well as the belief that he can find better on the market. Just because a player is among the "best available" at their position currently on the roster does not guarantee them a spot.


I fully expect veteran additions at Tight End (Injured Gronk, Hoomananwaui and Sudfeld won't cut it), Offensive Line (Chris McDonald's spot is tenuous), Defensive End (Jones, Ninkovich, a rookie, and a redshirt seems very thin), Defensive Tackle (Wilfork, Kelly, and an UDFA).

In regard to who will likely be cut to fill these holes, I think Bolden, Develin, Tarpinian and Ebner are the top candidates.

 

[mgteich]

I don't see the issue. We all have recognized that only one (at most) of our DT's were going to be on this roster for Game 2. So, the choice is Vellano. So, why is so terrible that Belichick chose Vellano over the others?

We have known for weeks (well, really months) that we needed to add a DT or even two. Belichick didn't find any during free agency. So now, as expected, he will choose one or two from among the final cuts.

So, for Game One, the backup DT is Vellano.

I simply don't understand the surprise.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

I don't know how anyone can try to justify this right now.

If BB has something in mind (trade?) or has his eye on picking up a FA, that's one thing.

But as of right now, how can you not be scratching your head at these moves?

 

[Get it shawtaay]

The roster is fluid. There's a lot of DT options out there, who, while not ideal, are just as good or better than Forston and Vellano. Give it time.

As for Francis... I would be shocked if he is not back when healthy. They by all accounts like him a lot, plus he is a good fit for the scheme and can back up several positions.

 

[Henroc]

Re: Re: Defensive tackle

53 man roster for Week 1 is nowhere near complete. Come tomorrow, there will be many players eligible to be claimed on waivers, as well as veteran free agents capable of being signed, or players remaining on the trade block.


Bill released many of his Defensive Line because of the confidence he had in certain players, as well as the belief that he can find better on the market. Just because a player is among the "best available" at their position currently on the roster does not guarantee them a spot.


I fully expect veteran additions at Tight End (Injured Gronk, Hoomananwaui and Sudfeld won't cut it), Offensive Line (Chris McDonald's spot is tenuous), Defensive End (Jones, Ninkovich, a rookie, and a redshirt seems very thin), Defensive Tackle (Wilfork, Kelly, and an UDFA).

In regard to who will likely be cut to fill these holes, I think Bolden, Develin, Tarpinian and Ebner are the top candidates.

Wouldn't say no where near complete but yes there will def be a few changes

 

[Fencer]

Oh. My original premise was a bit wrong. Addressed in an edit to the OP.

 

[p8ryts]

I don't know how anyone can try to justify this right now.

If BB has something in mind (trade?) or has his eye on picking up a FA, that's one thing.

But as of right now, how can you not be scratching your head at these moves?

I scratch my head when people scratch their head at BB"s moves. Get with it people, Bill builds a team and next week or next month it will make sense. Quit pretending you guys know more than BB.

Especially people that don't know the name of the remaining backup DT, Vellano, or suddenly think that BB is changing base defenses when he doesn't even have the personnel for it.

Don't try to figure it out, go with it and enjoy.

BTW, if he had kept TT I might have been complaining myself. Otherwise, please pass another helping of Kool Aid.

 

[Urgent]

Quit pretending you guys know more than BB.

Umm, isn't that exactly what we have to sign to get posting rights here? That's sort of our motto.

 

[broadwayjoe]

I feel BB and the front office will address that issue soon. Don't be surprised if the Pats get a DT from the Giants. After watching the last preseason game the GMen are loaded. I noticed a couple of good DT and I'm sure they can't possibly keep all of them. I have someone in mind that I would like for the Patriots to get but we will see what transpires.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

I scratch my head when people scratch their head at BB"s moves. Get with it people, Bill builds a team and next week or next month it will make sense. Quit pretending you guys know more than BB.

Draft Cunningham over Dunlap.

Draft Ras-I Dowling 33 overall.

Tavon Wilson in the 2nd round.

etc.

 

[Henroc]

Thank you for this thread. I was about to make it. So can someone tell me which dls we could possibly pick up trade for whatever. I heard some one mention the browns

 

[Ozymandias]

I expect the Patriots to add 1 DE and 1/2 DT(s) and 1 O-Linemen in the coming days. Last year they had 11 guys on the D-Line. This year, so far, they have 7. There's a zero percent chance they go into the season that light on the D-Line.

 

[mgteich]

I like to have 15 front seven players (including 2 STer's at LB). We are fine with our 6 linebackers.

For me, nine DL's is the right number.

BTW, this puts me in full agreement with you. We should add 1 DE and 1 or 2 DT's. If we add 2 DT's, Vellano can head to the Practice Squad.

I also expect us to add an OL. For me, it would be a replacement for Kline.

BTW, this equals TWO net additions.
======

We could also add a TE and cut a RB.

I expect the Patriots to add 1 DE and 1/2 DT(s) and 1 O-Linemen in the coming days. Last year they had 11 guys on the D-Line. This year, so far, they have 7. There's a zero percent chance they go into the season that light on the D-Line.