At first I thought Brady6's OP was full of hyperbole, but the more I think about it the more I think he could have a point
Guys like Quin are pass rush specialists. Jones' versatility to play 3-4 OL, 4-3 DE, and DT in pass rush situations overwhelms one dimensional guys like Quinn. Add to that the fact that Jones is playing next to 2 UDFA DT's and has no help outside of Ninko adds to the impressiveness of his Pass rush stats. IMHO only Von Miller rates up there with Jones as an all round DE (that cheating bastard)
I tell you guys, next season the Pats are going to have a top ten defense to go along with what is likely to be a top 10 offense. Think about it.
On the inside the Pats will have Vince and Kelly back along with an improve Jones and Vallano, plus the potential of Armstead and what I believe will be a first or 2nd round pick. That is OUTSTANDING talent and depth inside.
Ninko and Jones are as good a pair of DE's as their is in the league, with both able to play OLB - Then I have no doubt that one of either Buchanon, Hightower, or Collins will develop into OLB/DE pass rush depth depending on the role BB gives them.
BTW- I think part of Hightower's problem is too much too soon. He misses Mayo badly. I also think he's had TOO big a role. I believe he needs to be asked to do less, but do it better. To that end I see him replacing Spikes in the middle and being additional pass rush depth on both the outside and middle blitzes. Collins could really develop into a Swiss army knife of a player who could do it all, and ultimately Mayo's replacement in about 3 years. Buchanon desperately needs a year in the weight room and he could be a nice surprise as a rusher.
The LB's are very strong with Mayo back along with Hightower, Collins, Fletcher, and all the DE's who also play LB. (Spikes I see as an excellent one dimensional player as a run stopper, but will want too much money for a one ore 2 down player)
Then we come to the secondary- Talib is gong to be here next season, either with a contract or by franchising him. But in the secondary its all about the depth that makes a defense great. Talib, is a top 5 shutdown CB, who excels at playing against the big WRs that so dominate the game. However Dennard, and Ryan look like they can be 2 solid #2 outside guys. And Arrington is a good slot guy who can play the outside CB position in a pinch.
Safety, which has always been a real weakness is now a strength. McCourty is a top 5 FS, who can also play CB, Gregory has been more than just solid, while Harmon has been excellent as a rookie, and I wouldn't be surprised if Wilson rebounds and battles Harmon for the 3rd S job, giving us at least 4 good guys
I think Vince and Kelly are both going to have to take a pay cut coming off of 2 serious injuries, but I don't think it will be massive cuts and they will stay to play on defense that IMHO is going to be the kind of D that will be among the tops in the league. Plus all this doesn't even count what BB picks up in FA and the draft. With 12 rookies on this year's 53, this might be a year when BB concentrates on quality rather than quantity and moves up a couple of times.
Man I can hardly wait.
BTW - JJ Watt is STILL the most impactful DL in the league.
