AzPatsFan
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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- Sep 15, 2004
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Has Bill Belichick completed his rebuilding of a new generation of Super Bowl contender? Consider that there are only 6 players who have reached the age of 32 left on the roster.
These are Bruschi, 36, Neal, 33, Taylor, 33, Hansen, 33, AD 32, and Hochstein, 32. Only Bruschi is over-aged. Of these six only Neal, and AD are now starters, although I guess Punter Hansen also qualifies.
If BB drafts a LB, Tedy may be invited to retire; there are already 10 LBs on the roster, all young, save for Bruschi and maybe AD.
Hansen might be replaced by Malone, but punters play into their mid-thirties.
Neal will continue as a starter and Offensive linemen frequently play until their mid-thirties, too. Hochstein as a swing reserve can play a few more years, for the same reason. It is also possible that the Pats will draft an OL high.
Taylor is a swing RB and merely a member of the cabal of RBs.
With 6 picks in the first three rounds, it is possible that several of the six will no longer be Patriots. I would suggest that BB is nearing the end of his third team reconstruction during his time here with the Patriots. But don't forget that any team needs a few older players to serve as role models. These six all fit that mold of senior team leaders.
NFL Beware...
These are Bruschi, 36, Neal, 33, Taylor, 33, Hansen, 33, AD 32, and Hochstein, 32. Only Bruschi is over-aged. Of these six only Neal, and AD are now starters, although I guess Punter Hansen also qualifies.
If BB drafts a LB, Tedy may be invited to retire; there are already 10 LBs on the roster, all young, save for Bruschi and maybe AD.
Hansen might be replaced by Malone, but punters play into their mid-thirties.
Neal will continue as a starter and Offensive linemen frequently play until their mid-thirties, too. Hochstein as a swing reserve can play a few more years, for the same reason. It is also possible that the Pats will draft an OL high.
Taylor is a swing RB and merely a member of the cabal of RBs.
With 6 picks in the first three rounds, it is possible that several of the six will no longer be Patriots. I would suggest that BB is nearing the end of his third team reconstruction during his time here with the Patriots. But don't forget that any team needs a few older players to serve as role models. These six all fit that mold of senior team leaders.
NFL Beware...