Long Patriots.com article on Gunner Olszewski

[mgteich]

How do you figure that there is "no room" on the roster? Especially since Taylor hasn't wowed at RB to this point? It's much more likely that the Pats put Taylor on the PS than risk losing Gunner. Gunner is sure to be picked up off waivers.

Bolden was the primary kick returner last season. The Pats didn't use Gunner there though Gunner had a 26.4YPR on kick-offs in pre-season against the Giants. Bolden played on the end for Punt Units. Gunner did kick returns in college.

Ebner being gone leaves a big hole on kick coverage and as the personal Protector on Punt units. With Chung also gone, the Pats don't have a person for this. No, I don't believe that it will be Gunner. I believe it's likely to be one of Dugger, Davis or Maluia. And I honestly believe that Brooks is going to be cut. I think he was terrible last year when he had to sub for Chung.

King was a Gunner on the Punt Coverage Units but also was on the kick coverage units. He was injured last year and is starting on the Inactive/PUP for this year. That's a big hole to be filled. I could see Gunner being given a chance at Gunner unless he's the goto guy for Kick and Punt Returns.

Roberts was also a big factor on special teams kick and punt coverage. However, the size disparity makes it more likely that someone like Copeland will take that spot.

First, I said that was room, not that there was "no room". However, Gunner needs to win a roster spot. Just calling him a gunner is just plain silly IMO. If we need a gunner, Belichick will sign one, one that has actually played the position.

BOTTOM LINE, I agree with you that we have needs to fill on ST's. Where we differ is that I prefer STer's who have played those roles in the past. Your approach seems to be that if Gunner can't make it on the roster as returner, then we should expect him to make it somewhere else. I suspect that you suggest gunner for Gunner as a play on words, rather than a real suggestion.

 

[mgteich]

Is Harry really showing enough to be a lock?

He's walking. Seriously, Belichickdoesn't cut 1st round draft choices without giving them 2 or 3 years to develop.

 

[mgteich]

I think the losses of Bolden, Ebner, King, and Roberts make it more likely Gunner will make the team room a Special teams standpoint. .

I read this a couple of more times. It still makes no sense. Gunner does not play the positions of Bolden, Ebner, King or Roberts. We do need folks to take those roles.

I'm fine with Gunner making the team as a player with several roles. I just don't see it.

 

[Ross12]

I really hope Gunner makes it, he seems to be doing well for himself in camp so far, but it'll be tough. I think the team would prefer their last WR to be a Thomas/Byrd type but we will see...

 

[ctpatsfan77]

First, I said that was room, not that there was "no room". However, Gunner needs to win a roster spot. Just calling him a gunner is just plain silly IMO. If we need a gunner, Belichick will sign one, one that has actually played the position.

BOTTOM LINE, I agree with you that we have needs to fill on ST's. Where we differ is that I prefer STer's who have played those roles in the past. Your approach seems to be that if Gunner can't make it on the roster as returner, then we should expect him to make it somewhere else. I suspect that you suggest gunner for Gunner as a play on words, rather than a real suggestion.

Before he went on IR, Gunner was playing >40% of ST snaps. That's a lot more than just PR. Among the "mostly-ST guys," that would be the 5th highest total on the team. In other words, he was one of the 4 or 5 mostly/only-ST guys (beyond K/P/LS) that Belichick keeps on the roster.