BB's drafting as HC runs counter to Joyner's theory. If LB is the key to the Pats defense, why has BB never devoted a first day pick to LB, yet has invested 3 #1's on the DL and 2 #2's at CB? He also allowed a LB talent drain over the past 2 years of McGinest (a #1 pick pre-BB, 4th overall), TJ (a #2, pre-BB), Phifer, Brown and Chatham. He lived without Rosie and Bruschi for extended stretches. The replacement talent that was added doesn't approach their level, and projects Claridge and Mincey are a year away from significant contributions. Does BB seem concerned? Clearly not.
BB had several opportunites in the '06 draft to replace the losses at LB, yet passed. I can only conclude that Joyner places a greater value on the LB position in the Pats scheme than BB does. BB values flexibility, not simply LBs. That's why you see Davis at either S or LB, you see schemes with 6 or 7 DBs, and you see 3-4 or 4-3, depending on the opponent and situation.
If Joyner is right, then the weakening of the Pats at LB could spell doom. If BB is right, we'll be back in the playoffs in Jan '07. Who do you think is right? Yeah, me too.