Well there are 3 components to assembling a roster were are at the start of phase 1. We still have more free agency before and after the draft and trades. We need 1 or more LB's. I would however point out that we are running in nickle and dime sub packages > half the snaps. I also suspect we may be running more 4 man fronts, both these reduce the number of LB snaps.
Exactly. The entire process is what? 4 or 5 months long and we are but a handful of days into it. I know that the first week of FA is the time for the big name, big splash purchases that put bunches of fans on a pseudo chemical high, however, relative quality can/will still be had. Even with the obvious changes the draft will bring to the roster, the Patriots' roster still, likely, will not be set. Trades, cuts, unknowns will come into the mix.
On the specific subject of LB depth, I see it as a fairly obvious need (though BB isn't exactly known for following conventional wisdom). Mayo is the man, so the middle is solid. While Hightower and Collins provide good reason for optimism, I think the jury remains out to some degree. Further, Injury is a certainty, unfortunately. So I see, at minimum, serviceable LB(s) being needed for injury depth not to mention some sub flexibility.
To this depth point, and I may be off base on this, I think Vince's status (health and roster status) affects this equation. If Vince/Patriots get things worked out and he stays, we look largely good on the DL and Secondary (not perfectly set but looking pretty good). Whatever cap $$$ are available that BB has 'generally' allotted for defense, I hope the priority for that $$ is LB (with the draft as the equation wildcard). But if Vince is gone, we have got to, please!, make DT a priority. Put another way, with Vince gone we are currently/as of now one Kelly twisted ankle away from a repeat of the 2013 DT rotation :bricks.
