AzPatsFan
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2004
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At the conclusion fo the Draft and early Vet FA, fans said the Pats still needed a reserve TE and a couple of reserve Linebackers.
I don't know what will happen with the reserve TE, or even if it is a real need, (they may simply de-emphasize TE receiving), but here is a report on what is developing as the Pats FO continues its Quest for LB Depth. They have signed several UDFAs. The best is probably James Morris Iowa, although Devon Skinner from Miss State and Cameron Gordon from Mich were signed as well.
In addition, the Pats signed several young vets who never produced for one reason or another. James Deering, an ex 5th from ND by the 49ers; and Stevan Sylvester from the Steelers is another such.
The Pats FO also signed James Anderson, a 30 year old, 3rd round vet starter from the Bears, who is a veritable coach on the field. If he has anything left, he automatically becomes the 4th Pats LB.
They also signed 29 year old Marvin Mitchell a swing starter from the Vikings out of Tennesee. He too is an experienced vet ex starter, but not as distinguished as Anderson.
There is also the Pats LB holdovers, and Beauharnis a 7th rd ex-captain from Rutgers is probably the bet there. The others seem to be only ST players.
In summary, I think the Pats have found their first and second reserve LBs in James Anderson and James Morris/Beauharnis/Mitchell. Someone else like Deering/Sylvester could break through though.
Any posters can amplify and spread some light on these candidates if you wish.
I don't know what will happen with the reserve TE, or even if it is a real need, (they may simply de-emphasize TE receiving), but here is a report on what is developing as the Pats FO continues its Quest for LB Depth. They have signed several UDFAs. The best is probably James Morris Iowa, although Devon Skinner from Miss State and Cameron Gordon from Mich were signed as well.
In addition, the Pats signed several young vets who never produced for one reason or another. James Deering, an ex 5th from ND by the 49ers; and Stevan Sylvester from the Steelers is another such.
The Pats FO also signed James Anderson, a 30 year old, 3rd round vet starter from the Bears, who is a veritable coach on the field. If he has anything left, he automatically becomes the 4th Pats LB.
They also signed 29 year old Marvin Mitchell a swing starter from the Vikings out of Tennesee. He too is an experienced vet ex starter, but not as distinguished as Anderson.
There is also the Pats LB holdovers, and Beauharnis a 7th rd ex-captain from Rutgers is probably the bet there. The others seem to be only ST players.
In summary, I think the Pats have found their first and second reserve LBs in James Anderson and James Morris/Beauharnis/Mitchell. Someone else like Deering/Sylvester could break through though.
Any posters can amplify and spread some light on these candidates if you wish.