Dominique Easley - what it could mean.

[Nunchucks]

Zach Moore to the practice squad.

 

[PP2]

I can see the Pats maybe parting ways with Siliga if Vince shows he hasn't slowed down because of injury, which would be unfortunate considering Siliga really showed great progress at the end of last year.

Siliga is just coming into form, and Wilfork is at the tail end of his career, so I don't really see that happening.

 

[Mack Herron]

Still time for reporters to get to the airport....

 

[mgteich]

Your analysis is fine. You have 11 defensive linemen. One is likely to be injured before the season starts, so you are set.

If ALL are healthy, IMHO, it is Armstead that has to find a role and roster spot. Siliga is Wilfork's needed backup, even if he is not active on Game Day. As folks have pointed out Chris Jones is likely the one to go if Armstead shows anything.

If they release Bequette and Vellano, and let's not forget we just recently cut Sopoago, and Andre Carter retiring. Easily, Armstead, and the rookie Moore replace Bequette, Sopoago, and Vellano spots on the roster. Smith replaces Carter... That leaves us with a depth chart like this.

DE: Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Will Smith, Michael Buchanan, Zach Moore.

DT: Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Sealver Siliga, Chris Jones

Hybrid DE/DT. Armond Armstead, Dominique Easily.

I can see the Pats maybe parting ways with Siliga if Vince shows he hasn't slowed down because of injury, which would be unfortunate considering Siliga really showed great progress at the end of last year.

Also Ninko in a pinch if needed can slide back to LB. That's a good, deep line!

 

[Portfolio1]

Response to a couple of points:
1. About calling this a "reach": (a) Seattle was about to pick him at 32 so clearly we got him just in time if we wanted him (b) there was something like universal agreement that this guy was a top 5 or top 10 pick if not for his second knee injury. Reports have been that he is looking very good and should be ready

2. About the comment that Vinny and Kelly should both be off the field on 3rd downs: sometimes it is not speed that collapses the packet. In fact, from the inside it is good to have some muscle that can just collapse it. A guy like Vinny has needed to be double teamed often in order to keep him from being too effective that way. Add a guy like Easly and it is harder to double team Vinny and also harder to double team Jones. And if Vinny is getting rest on rotations he should be more effective. Same for Kelley.
I will add to this that when you have tighter coverage and so the recievers need more time to try to get open then collapsing the pocket can be that much more effective. One part of the D helps the other.

 

[JMC00]