Outside linebacker

[RobertWeathers]

Crable doesn't get a free pass. I don't think many are counting on him for great things this year. For example, I think that Banta-Cain is ahead of Crable on the depth chart. As a developmental player, Crable does get one more year to prove himself.

Agreed. Crable shows promise. If at the end of 2009 season you told me he was 255 lbs and notched 4-6 sacks and a bunch of hurries I think many of us would be pretty pleased with that production.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I don't think that Belichick thinks the need is anywhere as great as many here do. I certainly agree that we would be much stronger with Taylor or Peppers. I certainly would like to see Taylor play for us. Peppers would just cost too much. But in the end, I'd rather use much of our precious cap money to extend Wilfork, Mankins and Gostkowski. If we are to sign a high-profile player, I'd prefer Holt.

Personally, for 2009, I think that Belichick is comfortable with his three man rotations at OLB and ILB, with Crable as a developmental player, and even Redd as possibility for the future rotation. Given the players available in the draft, I expect to see us draft one or even two front seven defensive players early. These player might look great in 2009, or they might take a year to develop. We COULD move up and draft a stud if Belichick sees the player he wants. For example, he might want Matthews badly.

Mgtiech,

I agree with your thoughts.

Patriots fans are like some generals always fighting the last war. BB decided to renovate his Defense in 2007 and addressed LBs and Cbs in the 2008 draft,after spending for S aand reserve Dlinemen in 2007. He has now scrapped a team leader, and I believe Tedy's position is somwhat precarious as well. If an ILB is acquired or Guyton shines, I think Tedy is allowed to walk into retirement, too completing the LB makeover.

I expect the CBs to be near repair as well. I suspect that the S still need another player, and a reserve NT is likewise needed. Otherwise all that is needed is a a little playing experience for a Defense that is already Top Ten.

 

[Ring 6]

I believe that Belichick is comfortable with Woods starting with TBC as the first one in off the bench (unless Crable has a great camp).

I disagree.
I dont think BB is comfortable with either of those guys starting except in the event of injury.
I expect an OLB is one of the top proirities right now, although, I think the priority is an OLB, not an all-world OLB. An aging player who can give us a couple of years may fit, or another Vrabel circa 2001 type.
I can't fathom BB paying big $$ for Tory Holt. We simply don't need to overkill the 3rd WR position. Look for more vet diamond in the rough type pickups there, ie Gaffney, Gabriel, kind of guys.
Corner, safety and OLB are priority IMO. Every other resource will be for wants rather than needs, in top of the full compliment of jags at all positions to compete/

 

[Brettlax3434]

I disagree.
I dont think BB is comfortable with either of those guys starting except in the event of injury.
I expect an OLB is one of the top proirities right now, although, I think the priority is an OLB, not an all-world OLB. An aging player who can give us a couple of years may fit, or another Vrabel circa 2001 type.
I can't fathom BB paying big $$ for Tory Holt. We simply don't need to overkill the 3rd WR position. Look for more vet diamond in the rough type pickups there, ie Gaffney, Gabriel, kind of guys.
Corner, safety and OLB are priority IMO. Every other resource will be for wants rather than needs, in top of the full compliment of jags at all positions to compete/

There are alot of really good young LB's that will be available from 20 to 35 in the draft. Bet your bottom dollar one of them will be contributing to our defence next season.

 

[iapatsfan]

I don't know how anyone can think we are fine at outside LB. What have Woods, Crable or Redd done to let anyone think they are the answer? If BB does not improve this position, we could have Champ Bailey and Deion Sanders (in their prime) playing CB for us, and we would still get picked apart.

 

[MetalBleachers]

I don't know how anyone can think we are fine at outside LB. What have Woods, Crable or Redd done to let anyone think they are the answer? If BB does not improve this position, we could have Champ Bailey and Deion Sanders (in their prime) playing CB for us, and we would still get picked apart.

I know this goes against the thread title, but what about inside linebacker? Mayo, Bruschi, and then what? If Thomas moves inside, the the above OLB situation gets worse.

We have to figure that BB has seen something in the above trio to warrant letting go of Vrabel and (another assumption) bringing in a rookie available at 34 (of which there are many). But it's tough to avoid panicking.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Agreed. Crable shows promise. If at the end of 2009 season you told me he was 255 lbs and notched 4-6 sacks and a bunch of hurries I think many of us would be pretty pleased with that production.

Pretty pleased? If that happened, I'd throw a Crable party, with Crable cake and Crable cookies, drink Crable cola (with a Crable colada or two for the grown-ups) and give out Crable crock pots as parting gifts.

and I'm not even exaggerating. I would actually do that.

 

[mgteich]

I'm fine with adding a starting OLB. I just don't think we'll find one. Obviously, we'd like another Vrabel or Thomas for little money.

Let's look at your high priorities and some of mine

1) LB
Find a starter if you can. I don't see it. Maybe a jag backup will be found. I suspect that means that we will draft a linebacker on Day One. As you well know, it rare that a non-top10 rookie starts or contributes a lot for us at linebacker. We certainly will hope for improvement from last years FOUR rookie linebackers. I'm not sure getting younger is really that good of an idea.

2) S
I think that this is a want. We just paid $3M a year for our starter. We now have two starters under contract for the next three years. I'm fine with drafting a safety early. I like the talent. I think that we will sign a free agent or two, perhaps Lew Sanders and Tank Williams.

3) CB
Yes, we will sign a corner or two or three in free agency, as we always do. Clearly the defensive backfield needs some veteran leadership and improved performance. Belichick knows best about how he now evaluates our youngsters. He will likely add another corner in the top 100.

==============================
SOME OF MY NEEDS
You will say these are wants since you seem to assume that contract issues take care of themselves in the year that the players become free agents. I disagree, and also note that players often take time to develop.

A) DE
We have Warren signed for 2010. Personally, I am NOT worrying about Wilfork, who can be franchised if necessary.

B) OG
Neither starter is signed for 2010 and the backups are not potentail starters. In fact, Miguel indicates that he expects that the contracts for the backups are one-year contracts.

C) WR
Someone is kidding here. Aiken is our #3. Signing a JAG #3 just won't do. What would we do if there was an injury to either Moss or Welker, ignoring the obvious problem of opponents focusing on them if we have no other deep threats. It is somewhat sad to have to count on Faulk and Watson to be the deep threat opposite Moss.
============================================
So, we see six needs. It is good that we have six picks in the top 100. All these needs should be tentatively "solved" before the draft (perhaps with JAG's), giving us maximum draft flexibility.
=============================================

I disagree.
I dont think BB is comfortable with either of those guys starting except in the event of injury.
I expect an OLB is one of the top proirities right now, although, I think the priority is an OLB, not an all-world OLB. An aging player who can give us a couple of years may fit, or another Vrabel circa 2001 type.
I can't fathom BB paying big $$ for Tory Holt. We simply don't need to overkill the 3rd WR position. Look for more vet diamond in the rough type pickups there, ie Gaffney, Gabriel, kind of guys.
Corner, safety and OLB are priority IMO. Every other resource will be for wants rather than needs, in top of the full compliment of jags at all positions to compete/

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Jason Taylor, DE. 6'6", 244 lbs, 34 y.o. plays bigger when healthy and 3 years younger.

 

[Clonamery]

Jason Taylor, DE. 6'6", 244 lbs, 34 y.o. plays bigger when healthy and 3 years younger.

Holy crap, he's a man among buildings.

 

[NoCal Patriot]

I don't think that Belichick thinks the need is anywhere as great as many here do. I certainly agree that we would be much stronger with Taylor or Peppers. I certainly would like to see Taylor play for us. Peppers would just cost too much. But in the end, I'd rather use much of our precious cap money to extend Wilfork, Mankins and Gostkowski. If we are to sign a high-profile player, I'd prefer Holt.

Personally, for 2009, I think that Belichick is comfortable with his three man rotations at OLB and ILB, with Crable as a developmental player, and even Redd as possibility for the future rotation. Given the players available in the draft, I expect to see us draft one or even two front seven defensive players early. These player might look great in 2009, or they might take a year to develop. We COULD move up and draft a stud if Belichick sees the player he wants. For example, he might want Matthews badly.

I think You're right as I see Clay Matthews Jr. as versatile ,a Belichick Legacy, smart and ready to play.

 

[Nunchucks]

After watching Woods last year, I am not comfortable with ihm as the starting OLB, they need somebody who is going to be more productive at the spot than him.

Sure, maybe the guy is Crable or TBC, but really I would like to see somebody who can hold up to the run and I am not sure either of those guys is up to that task just yet.