A Month Ago

[Steve102]

A month ago, many here were discussing the total rebuilding of this team, because of its very serious needs at so many positions.

Now, my modest suggestion is that this team will be one of the top 5 again in 2019 after
1) re-signing our free agents
2) bringing back our injured
3) using our draft well (at least 3 front six defensive players, a TE, a QB, and a couple of more.

Obviously, some players will go, being replaced by the additions from the IR and the draft, UDFA's and perhaps a mid-range free agent or two. My BOTTOM LINE is that this team is a top team for at least another year.

I was one of those guys that said we have a lot of holes to fill this off-season. I still think we've got a lot of issues, but the last 4 games has really changed a lot of opinions, mine included. Belichick's ability to use everything before Thanksgiving as a glorified pre-season is crazy. I think as long as the rest of the AFC East sucks, he will continue to do that. I think we should be concerned about replacing Gronk, resigning Flowers and Brown, getting High off the field in speed situations, and what to do at WR. But it's not nearly as dire as a lot of us thought after the Pittsburgh game.

 

[Wordsmyth]

You even had people on here all year wanting to get rid of Elandon Roberts, can you imagine that?

I don't understand all the hatred for ER. Seems like he always steps up in limited action.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

AB if he pulls a Randy....goes to a sucking team, gets frustrated and they are willing to unload him for a 4th or 5th, comes here and wants to redeem himself....but otherwise, no thanks.

 

[Patjew]

OK, I'll bite.

LB
This group has been very, very good. Hightower was OK. Van Noy has been lights out. Roberts has been very good, and much improved.

Their coverage skills have been so good that both Hightower and Van Noy played 100% of the reps on Sunday.

McClellan has been excellent on ST's. Humber has contributed on ST's.

We will add Bentley next year, who should be good; he certainly had a good start. We even have an additional u=youngster in Sam.

SURE, we could use a stud to eventually replace Hightower (Bentley may already be that player). So, yes, we should spend a high pick on a linebacker.

That is hardly a huge NEED.
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DL

Here there is more need, since players are free agents. We have some players returning: Guy, Butler, Wise, Clayborne and Rivers.

Let us presume that we re-sign Flowers, Simon, Brown and perhaps Kamalu. Of course, we might sign a free agent equivalent of Flowers, and/or Brown and/ or Simon. We would expect to draft at least 2 DL's in the first 3 rounds. Hopefully, one of this would beat out Clayborne.

Is the situation on the DL the is a crisis? I think not.
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WR
Yes, we have the annual hunt for WR's. This is CERTAINLY business as usual. We have our slot receiver (Edelman) and his backup Berrios). Hogan, Patterson and Dorsett are all free agents.

You're biting on your own thread? That's big of you.

 

[mgteich]

Yup. We've been looking for receivers every year for a decade. Why should this year be any different?

Seriously, I agree that the receiver corps is the unit that needs the most rebuilding work over the next year, 2 years, and 3 years. Other than the unspoken position, no other unit needs this kind of work.

As an aside is too expensive because of the draft capital required. I don't think that his $12M a year salary is an issue. I would take with our 1st in a short second.

For the 2019 season, I am not too concerned about the defense. Sure, I'd love to have a hybrid LB/safety that can cover mismatches at receiver, another DE as good as Flowers and a rock solid DT in the middle to shore up the run D too. But IMO, we need more offensive firepower...someone to really replace Gronk/Edelman within the next 1-2 seasons. No, I am not interested in AB...too expensive....but moving up in the draft would help, IMO. Unsure what is out there in FA yet...but people just don't let explosive pass catchers go.....

 

[Snooky97]

You even had people on here all year wanting to get rid of Elandon Roberts, can you imagine that?

Yeah wonder who that was

 

[Deus Irae]

A month ago, many here were discussing the total rebuilding of this team, because of its very serious needs at so many positions.

Now, my modest suggestion is that this team will be one of the top 5 again in 2019 after
1) re-signing our free agents
2) bringing back our injured
3) using our draft well (at least 3 front six defensive players, a TE, a QB, and a couple of more.

Obviously, some players will go, being replaced by the additions from the IR and the draft, UDFA's and perhaps a mid-range free agent or two. My BOTTOM LINE is that this team is a top team for at least another year.

What players that needed to be moved on from a month ago now don't need to be moved on from?

 

[mgteich]

What players that needed to be moved on from a month ago now don't need to be moved on from?

none

But that isn't the issue, is it?

Obviously, there are many players that some folks would move away from that will likely be on the 2019 squad.

 

[ViperGTS]

12 draft picks this year. Lots of ammo to make moves etc. Team was fair most of the season. With that draft capitol and FA, they may retool without losing. Which they always have.

 

[Deus Irae]

none

But that isn't the issue, is it?

Obviously, there are many players that some folks would move away from that will likely be on the 2019 squad.

Of course it's the issue. You have it right there in your O.P.:

A month ago, many here were discussing the total rebuilding of this team, because of its very serious needs at so many positions.

So what players needed to be replaced a month ago, but don't need to be replaced now?

 

[ViperGTS]

Are their any Wilforks in this draft? They miss their Wilfork type athlete.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Resign flowers and its not such a tall task next offseason. We have alot of picks and of course fa options so plenty options and not a ton of critical needs.

1. Dt
2. Upgrade to the de rotation
3. Wr

Then preferably

4. Developmental s
5. Ol depth, possibly t if wynn’s injury will affect him ongoing and cannon aint getting any younger.
6. Future qb if there is one we like

If flowers leaves the d takes a huge hit, big void to fill.