Our Defense is NOT Loaded; our BACKUPS are weak.

[Wozzy]

Which is why the depth here is considered weak.

Anyone dismissing rookie prospects because of draft status are either too lazy to do their own scouting or outright clueless.

NFL players come from from every round and even the undrafted ranks.

Matt Judon's 5th round or small Grand Valley State pedigree didn't make him a lesser player. Ponder looked great as an undrafted rookie.

Give me the unknown of 3-4 athletic prospects over a more expensive old guy who hasn't played in years because his body is toast all day every day.

I trust in the Patriots scouts and coaches. We won't know if the team is thin until we see what these backups have.

If by midway though camp it looks bleak, this team has money and means to sign a vet. They'll still be sitting there.

 

[Family]

Anyone dismissing rookie prospects because of draft status are either too lazy to do their own scouting or outright clueless.

NFL players come from from every round and even the undrafted ranks.

Matt Judon's 5th round or small school pedigree didn't make him a lesser player. Ponder looked great as an undrafted rookie.

Give me the unknown of 3-4 athletic prospects over a more expensive old guy who hasn't played in years because his body is toast all day every day.

I trust in the Patriots scouts and coaches. We won't know if the team is thin until we see what these backups have. If by midway though camp it looks bleak this team has money and means to sign a vet. They'll still be sitting there.

Yeah a few make it. But far less than drafted players.

Yeah I'd rather have one who works out over an expensive old guy. But most UFA who make it aren't ready to be even backups. Even your example, Jon Jones spent a few years strictly on special teams.

But if that's who you're counting to rely on as depth, good luck.

 

[rkarp1]

Which is why the depth here is considered weak.

I believe the word is "thin"
give it 3-4 weeks, I assume we see some additional depth arrive

 

[Family]

I believe the word is "thin"
give it 3-4 weeks, I assume we see some additional depth arrive

Wozzy's not wrong, but at this stage, an UFA is a lottery ticket to contribute as a position player. Yeah people hit, but rare.

A better example was of a real UFA success is Malcom Butler. But Bill had him playing beside Revis from the beginning of camp.

If they line up, and one of the UFA is getting some starter reps early in camp, then OK talk about him. Last year many posters were in love with Chism, but he really never got starter reps. A UFA becomes conversation when he gets consistent starter reps in camp. Ponder was recognized in camp early. Until that point, they are lottery tickets or possible special teams players.