The above 6 guys were all drafted in the first 3 rounds of the draft and the Patriots got almost nothing from them this year. I know my own hopes for 2009 were contingent on a few of these players becoming significant contributors. Obviously, injuries had a lot to do with Crable, McKenzie, and Tate not contributing, but the other 3? I expected the 2nd pick of the 2nd round to be a better player than James Sanders at some point in his rookie year. I expected to see the Terrence Wheatley who's quick twitch and fast feet was so impressive against the Colts in 2008. I didn't expect Brace to dominate, but I felt like he could be a key piece on short yardage and goal line situations.
When thinking about next year, I think the progression of the above 6 is key. I don't want to speak for everyone, but I get the feeling that most PatsFans have written off Crable. I am not willing to do that yet, but feel like any production we get from him will be a bonus. I actually feel like Wheatley is an even longer shot than Crable at this point. If Wheatley was not a 2nd round pick, I can't imagine him making it out of training camp after the performance he put on in the preseason games. What we saw from Brace at the end of the year wasn't encouraging and Tate's rumored 2nd ligament injury certainly isn't good news for someone who's game is based on explosion and quick cuts.
Who do you feel good about among this group of 6? Can any of them fill a need in 2010?
When thinking about next year, I think the progression of the above 6 is key. I don't want to speak for everyone, but I get the feeling that most PatsFans have written off Crable. I am not willing to do that yet, but feel like any production we get from him will be a bonus. I actually feel like Wheatley is an even longer shot than Crable at this point. If Wheatley was not a 2nd round pick, I can't imagine him making it out of training camp after the performance he put on in the preseason games. What we saw from Brace at the end of the year wasn't encouraging and Tate's rumored 2nd ligament injury certainly isn't good news for someone who's game is based on explosion and quick cuts.
Who do you feel good about among this group of 6? Can any of them fill a need in 2010?