What is our plan for ILB?

[JayNM]

While looking at our roster and MG's super early 53 squad, one positions seems jumps out to being really weak compares to all others.

For ILBs, we are basically relying on Spillane and Elliss.

I really like Spillane, and he was sorely missed when injured. Which makes me question why we didnt go after either a future replacement in draft or someone to really share the burden of being in the heart of the Defense.

Elliss, on the other hand, is someone I dont like. He did played better than I expected, at points, but he is generally a step behind, and doesnt really stand out as a run stopper or a coverage man.

Obiazor was selected in the 5th round, so regardless of our opinions, its safe to say he isnt expected to contribute right away. Kj Britt is a borderline players, and neither replacd Gibbens on defense was not even THAT good (I did like him more than Elliss)

In Vrabel's scheme, we cant really put a hybrid S like in the BB days, so I think this could be a major weak point for us this season, against the run and against good TEs/Slots. If Spillane goes down again (tbf he doesnt have the history, but he has hit the dreaded 30 yo wall)

Idk what can be done to remedy this Maybe converting an OLB inside? Is there any decent FA available? Trade? All of these seem unlikely now

What are your guys thought on this?

 

[RxJock1120]

The plan should have been Anthony Hill Jr last Friday, but I guess we are a bit stuck with Spillane and Ellis for now. They weren't bad last year, especially Spillane, but def left some tackles on the field.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

I wonder if they will sign veterans to fill holes at back up backer, run stopping DT, and maybe back up interior lineman.

Matt Milano would look pretty good in a Pats uniform and would be an upgrade from Ellis imo.

 

[JayNM]

I wonder if they will sign veterans to fill holes at back up backer, run stopping DT, and maybe back up interior lineman.

Matt Milano would look pretty good in a Pats uniform and would be an upgrade from Ellis imo.

He's been injured a lot lately... but I do like him. And it would piss off the Bills

 

[Joey007]

FA seems a little dry unless they want to go old veteran route for a guy like Wagner. I’m not sure if that’s the route they want to take.

I can get behind the thought that they want to run it back with Spillane/Ellis at LB. But the depth behind them feels like it’s not making sense. I can’t see a scenario where they feel KJ Britt is a viable option to take significant defensive snaps. It feels like another body needs added to the room.

 

[p8ryts]

End of training camp pick up

 

[Joey007]

End of training camp pick up

I will say that off ball LB is the easiest thing to trade for late in camp/start of the season.

We saw Bill do it several times with guys like Casillas, Van Noy, Ayers.

 

[Grogan14]

Devon bush, Devon white, zach cunningham or jerome baker would help

 

[Joey007]

Wonder if Bobby Okereke is an option. Struggled decently in run support last year. However still good in coverage. He was still playing pretty well all around before last year and is just turning 30.

Shaq Thompson, Germaine Pratt and Jerome Baker are all also out there. All 3 played manageably decent last year. Would rather not mess with Matt Milano’s injury record.

Bobby Wagner is the best option left above these guys, but again the age may be a little too thick for us.

 

[Joey007]

Devon bush, Devon white, zach cunningham or jerome baker would help

Bush signed with Chicago. Also no interest in Devin White’s freelancing nonsense.

 

[Grogan14]

Bush signed with Chicago. Also no interest in Devin White’s freelancing nonsense.

OK thanks and noted
Slim pickings at ILB unless willing to go with someone over 33

 

[Joey007]

OK thanks and noted
Slim pickings at ILB unless willing to go with someone over 33

I think Shaq Thompson is technically 32, but I’d say that’s still the same idea.

Kinda why I liked Okereke, Pratt and Baker. All 3 are turning 30 later this year. Still somewhat young.

 

[Ring 6]

While looking at our roster and MG's super early 53 squad, one positions seems jumps out to being really weak compares to all others.

For ILBs, we are basically relying on Spillane and Elliss.

I really like Spillane, and he was sorely missed when injured. Which makes me question why we didnt go after either a future replacement in draft or someone to really share the burden of being in the heart of the Defense.

Elliss, on the other hand, is someone I dont like. He did played better than I expected, at points, but he is generally a step behind, and doesnt really stand out as a run stopper or a coverage man.

Obiazor was selected in the 5th round, so regardless of our opinions, its safe to say he isnt expected to contribute right away. Kj Britt is a borderline players, and neither replacd Gibbens on defense was not even THAT good (I did like him more than Elliss)

In Vrabel's scheme, we cant really put a hybrid S like in the BB days, so I think this could be a major weak point for us this season, against the run and against good TEs/Slots. If Spillane goes down again (tbf he doesnt have the history, but he has hit the dreaded 30 yo wall)

Idk what can be done to remedy this Maybe converting an OLB inside? Is there any decent FA available? Trade? All of these seem unlikely now

What are your guys thought on this?

Backups are Britt and Muma. Team seems to feel comfortable with that because the did nothing else in FA or the draft

 

[palialka]

Obviously the Pats feel more comfortable with Muma and Britt in a back up role that some do on this board. The kid we drafted out of TCU will also be in the mix.

Having said that, I believe they’ll bring in some more ILB FAs as we get closer to camp. The second FA phase is about ready to start now that the draft is over.

 

[Joey007]

Obviously the Pats feel more comfortable with Muma and Britt in a back up role that some do on this board. The kid we drafted out of TCU will also be in the mix.

Having said that, I believe they’ll bring in some more ILB FAs as we get closer to camp. The second FA phase is about ready to start now that the draft is over.

I really don’t feel comfortable with either of those guys taking defensive snaps. They feel like ST only options.

 

[palialka]

I really don’t feel comfortable with either of those guys taking defensive snaps. They feel like ST only options.

I understand your concerns. We’ll how things play out between now and TC.

I gotta believe they’ll bring in a couple of vets that get cut loose in the upcoming weeks.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Looks like they are sticking with spillane and ellis as the main ilb’s again. The only additions we’ve made are depth pieces likely to replace gibbens and mapu while leo chenal was available for a very fair price. I was hoping to upgrade here but apparently Vrabel and company are ok with those 2 for this year

 

[Pape]

There should be an option or two available after otas or the more likely training camp... Some vets will get cut early before cut down day, so there should be some options available... LB is no is kinda going the way of the RB in a sense that the supply out paces demand for the position (unless the player is an elite performer)...

 

[rkarp1]

I thought they wanted their LB's to play sideline to sideline last year. east-west, rather than north-south. yet they really did not have the personnel to do so. They gave it a try with Mapu, but he was out of position too often, although he did make some plays.
from what I have seen on film, Britt, Muma and Obiasor can all run really well. They may get picked on against the pass, but all 3 can run and tackle east to west

 

[p8ryts]

SB Nation posted this list of available linebackers

1. Bobby Wagner
2. Chris Board
3. Germaine Pratt
4. Shaq Thompson
5. Matt Milano