LaAdrian Waddle vs Cameron Fleming

[Biffins]

So we're paying Waddle $1.1m this year and he's a FA next year. And we signed Fleming for a 1 yr $1.8m contract this year. They are both FA next year.

Are either of these guys a priority? Anyone do a film breakdown of Waddle in game 3? He played 72 snaps. We've seen what garbage Fleming can be. Do we keep either of them. Solder's situation (and frankly his play) remains in flux as well. We already lost Conor McDermott on cuts.

Anyone have an opinion on these two guys, and how Waddle jumped ahead of Fleming and whether Waddle can improve further?

 

[oldrover]

Anyone have an opinion on these two guys?

The kids seem to love 'em...

 

[PatsFan2]

So we're paying Waddle $1.1m this year and he's a FA next year. And we signed Fleming for a 1 yr $1.8m contract this year. They are both FA next year.

Are either of these guys a priority? Anyone do a film breakdown of Waddle in game 3? He played 72 snaps. We've seen what garbage Fleming can be. Do we keep either of them. Solder's situation (and frankly his play) remains in flux as well. We already lost Conor McDermott on cuts.

Anyone have an opinion on these two guys, and how Waddle jumped ahead of Fleming and whether Waddle can improve further?

Obviously Dante Scar have the final say but I thought Waddle played his best game last Sunday. I think he's a couple of years now removed from a knee injury when we first got him from Detroit. I was surprised he made the final cut but I guess his hard work payed off this Offseason and the Pats are finally cashing in on their investment. Again I thought he looked really good in pass protection not perfect but good enough.

 

[PatsFan2]

So we're paying Waddle $1.1m this year and he's a FA next year. And we signed Fleming for a 1 yr $1.8m contract this year. They are both FA next year.

Are either of these guys a priority? Anyone do a film breakdown of Waddle in game 3? He played 72 snaps. We've seen what garbage Fleming can be. Do we keep either of them. Solder's situation (and frankly his play) remains in flux as well. We already lost Conor McDermott on cuts.

Anyone have an opinion on these two guys, and how Waddle jumped ahead of Fleming and whether Waddle can improve further?

On Flemming he's serviceable don't think he's a long term starter. Though I appreciate his years as starting LT I think Solder's days might be numbered in this league or on the Patriots. Solder gives up the edge way too easily don't know if it's a lack of concentration but Dante doesn't seem to be able to fix this. Brady have taken some big time hits in just three games already. Maybe thats Solder's Achilles but Brady won't be playing to 45 with Solder as his LT.

 

[farn]

Both are fine if the $ remains comfortable.

NE could use another starter-type T to replace Solder, as there is a decent chance he is in his last year here.

 

[Tuck]

Waddle is underrated IMO. In addition to the knee problem he had when he came to us he suffered a shoulder separation shortly after coming here so we are just starting to see what he can do when healthy. I would also add that I noticed him hold his own on several plays Sunday and was pleasantly surprised at his size.

 

[patsinthesnow]

2018 NFL Free Agents Tracker

That FA list for tackles is an abomination. Solder is going to make bank somewhere & I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose both Fleming & Waddle.

The NFL has an OL problem and those two can play above trainwreck level. I would try to keep one.

 

[mgteich]

I expect one or both of these players to be extended before the end of the seasons. We will likely lose Solder. IMHO, we need both players competing in camp next offseason. We may have Garcia. If Garcis isn't fully healthy, we'll need to draft another OT.

 

[PatsFan2]

2018 NFL Free Agents Tracker

That FA list for tackles is an abomination. Solder is going to make bank somewhere & I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose both Fleming & Waddle.

The NFL has an OL problem and those two can play above trainwreck level. I would try to keep one.

Based on that list Nate Solder will make a pretty penny going into his twilight. I think we can keep both Fleming & Waddle we also have Garcia in the wings. Also the possibility of moving Marcus Cannon over to LT should be a Patriot possibility in 2018. I think Cannon is a Stronger player than Solder.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with every point except with regard to Cannon. Cannon is a fine RT, and is better than Solder. HOWEVER, Cannon is NOT a LT. It would weaken 2 positions if Cannon were moved to LT.

Based on that list Nate Solder will make a pretty penny going into his twilight. I think we can keep both Fleming & Waddle we also have Garcia in the wings. Also the possibility of moving Marcus Cannon over to LT should be a Patriot possibility in 2018. I think Cannon is a Stronger player than Solder.

 

[oldrover]

LaAdrian Waddle vs Cameron Fleming

 

[Deus Irae]

Are either of these guys a priority?

No, not likely. I'd expect Fleming to be higher on any list, though.

 

[luuked]

Personally I see them both as backup tackles that are used for different kind of gameplans. If we went into the game against the Texans with the basic idea of running the ball then Fleming would have most probably started over Weddle. Since the gameplan wasnt particularly focused on running I think Weddle got the call as he seems to be a better RT in passing situations (i.e. can consistently block a bit longer).

 

[kennyb]

Cannon could play LT. Thuney could in a pinch.

Fleming is statuesque. Not in a good way.

Waddle waddles very effectively, i like him. He has great length too.

Solder has looked terrible at times, needs to go after this year. He'll probably retire.

So yes on cannon at lt, yes on waddle, no on fleming.

 

[mgteich]

Trying something over and over and expecting different results has a name.

Cannon has been tried at LT many times, with many failures. He is a fine RT. Let's leave him there!

Cannon could play LT. Thuney could in a pinch.

Fleming is statuesque. Not in a good way.

Waddle waddles very effectively, i like him. He has great length too.

Solder has looked terrible at times, needs to go after this year. He'll probably retire.

So yes on cannon at lt, yes on waddle, no on fleming.

 

[supafly]

We may have Garcia. If Garcis isn't fully healthy, we'll need to draft another OT.

They may need to spend another higher round pick at OT, whether Garcia is healthy or not. That seems reasonable to me, considering that Solder was the last first rounder in 2011, and it would be 7 yrs apart. Of course, if Solder stays and irons out his recent issues, a higher round pick may be kicked down the road another year or two.

 

[catent]

Somewhat tangential to this discussion...

does anyone have thoughts on starting Waddle at LT in lieu of Solder? I'm assuming Garcia will be starting at LT come next season, but in the meantime we could use an upgrade at that position. Waddle isn't a savior by any means, but he played very well last Sunday against a great front-4. I'd argue he was better than Solder last week, and by a considerable extent. What I found especially impressive was his work against Watt. The Texans attempted to exploit Cannon's absence by lining Watt up against Waddle, and save for a few plays early J.J. was quieted.

 

[luuked]

I'm assuming Garcia will be starting at LT come next season

What makes you think that ?

Right now it seems more likely to me that a rookie that spend his entire first year on IR and never had any exposure to what the NFL looks and feels like is closer to being a cut than a starter especially at LT.

Again I am not speculating he will be cut but to me the jump from IRd rookie to starter at LT is more unlikely than him not being on the roster.

 

[catent]

What makes you think that ?

Right now it seems more likely to me that a rookie that spend his entire first year on IR and never had any exposure to what the NFL looks and feels like is closer to being a cut than a starter especially at LT.

Again I am not speculating he will be cut but to me the jump from IRd rookie to starter at LT is more unlikely than him not being on the roster.

I base that prediction on where Garcia was drafted and his touted potential coming into the league -- in combination with Solder's struggles and expiring contract.

 

[PatsFan2]

What makes you think that ?

Right now it seems more likely to me that a rookie that spend his entire first year on IR and never had any exposure to what the NFL looks and feels like is closer to being a cut than a starter especially at LT.

Again I am not speculating he will be cut but to me the jump from IRd rookie to starter at LT is more unlikely than him not being on the roster.

Call 2017 a Redshirt year for Garcia but you have to think if he's healthy he will get every opportunity to prove himself next year. Injuries derailed this Draft Class especially our early selections. Good thing we weren't depending on them.