you mock
Smith>Crump b/c
Youth, Price, Longevity, Taller 6'6 v. 6'2 crump. Height is huge imo
hands are about the same.
in time he will be an impact player. Crump 1 year, Smith 4 years. hmmm?
who do I take? Not the Old Teacher
I get what you're saying, but it's all about who is best for this year's current team--and that would easily be Alge Crumpler.
If Lee Smith actually ends up doing anything, and can prove himself as a future TE here, then I imagine Belichick will find a place for him. Until then, we cannot assume anything.
I am fine with keeping 4 TE's, but that also may be a little realistically challenged, so to speak.
There are indeed spots as to where we can make room from, so if BB wants to go the route of keeping 4, then more power to him.
As far as Slater being released, I doubt that will happen, particularly since he does play a vital role here on ST as a gunner. Coincidentally, we just changed the other gunner from Aiken to Arrington last yr, so I am not sure that BB would make 2 changes at such an important area of ST's. Not only that, but Slater does provide some versatility at ST, offense, and defense--even though it is mostly used only for depth purposes. He has still learned a knowledge of the systems, and would be one-up on someone new coming in.
I agree with slashing a ST-only position, in favor of having a regular contributor play that position, but I do not think it will happen with Slater, to be honest with you.
I think there is at least a possibility of moving from 3-4 ST only positions to 2-3 ST only positions. I wouldn't hold my breath for Slater leaving though.