What is our plan for ILB?

[DaBruinz]

For me.. I actually like Ellis.. he's a physical thumper and a guy that's still getting better.. he's not perfect but he plays well in the defense.. I'm actually thinking we should be looking at Devin White a free agent... Obiazor I like his skill set and he can cover sideline to sideline play the ball and do it all.. he should be able to carve out a role.. muma and Brit are likely Depth and STs guys..

We should be adding a Free agent (Devin White) , and coaching up Obiazor to factor in the LBs corps.. also Spillane is 30 so allowing him to be fresher down the stretch would be beneficial to him..

The only physical thumping that Elliss did was when he hit Jaxson Dart near the sidelines. He was the worst Pats LB against the Run and in coverage. The only time he was a plus player was rushing the passer.

We're stuck with Elliss because there is no one else. The Front 4 are going to be relied upon heavily to cover the weakness of the LBs beyond Spillane. Taking Raridon was a luxury I feel the Pats couldn't afford with the current composition of the team.

 

[Real fan 02]

The only physical thumping that Elliss did was when he hit Jaxson Dart near the sidelines. He was the worst Pats LB against the Run and in coverage. The only time he was a plus player was rushing the passer.

We're stuck with Elliss because there is no one else. The Front 4 are going to be relied upon heavily to cover the weakness of the LBs beyond Spillane. Taking Raridon was a luxury I feel the Pats couldn't afford with the current composition of the team.

 

[Real fan 02]

agree. there is no interest in White, or maybe White has no interest in the Pats.

We've seen this plenty over the years.. for example was anyone beating down the door for Tonga last season? White is out there he probably is waiting closer to camp to choose a team.. he's only 28 most of the other options are 30 plus..

 

[mgteich]

We've seen this plenty over the years.. for example was anyone beating down the door for Tonga last season? White is out there he probably is waiting closer to camp to choose a team.. he's only 28 most of the other options are 30 plus..

Taking a 30+ NT to a one-year contract shouldn't be a big deal.

The issue for some is health and injury history.

 

[Real fan 02]

Taking a 30+ NT to a one-year contract shouldn't be a big deal.

The issue for some is health and injury history.

Tonga was 28. White would be on a likely 1 year deal.. we just need depth. I like him because he's proven and has played at a high level in the league.. he would be a great veteran addition at LB IMO.

 

[Wozzy]

I always assumed the defense the team wanted to play in "base" incorporated 3 S's.
Byard, Woodson and who?
I believe Obiazor is a converted S. do we see more Pettus?

That was Belichick, Vrabel utilizes smaller quicker
LB’ers so the need for more speed (3 safeties) is lessened. His two safeties are also hybrids, strong safety sized with free safety speed. Same scheme, different philosophy.

 

[Wozzy]

Many people made silly evaluations last year when this team was coming off a disappointing 4 win season… like “Ellis is bad.”

Now it’s easier I guess to double down on a dumb take than admit they were wrong when he was a starter on one of the best defenses in the NFL and in the postseason.

 

[mgteich]

Tonga was 28. White would be on a likely 1 year deal.. we just need depth. I like him because he's proven and has played at a high level in the league.. he would be a great veteran addition at LB IMO.

fair enough

I just don't think that Vrabel thinks that we need a veteran LB.

Vrabel MIGHT believe that we need a veteran NT.

Vrabel brought in several ILB/OLB/EDGE players and no NT's to replace Tonga.

Gregory COULD be the answer at NT. I still would prefer to have two fatties to plug up the DL (a starter and a backup).

 

[Real fan 02]

Many people made silly evaluations last year when this team was coming off a disappointing 4 win season… like “Ellis is bad.”

Now it’s easier I guess to double down on a dumb take than admit they were wrong when he was a starter on one of the best defenses in the NFL and in the postseason.

Absolutely Wozzy!! Perfectly stated. A starter on a top 10 defense last season.. who's gotten better and still growing his game. It's easy for me to root for a player like Elliss.

 

[p8ryts]

Devin white is the best option out the list.. I can't stress enough on how we should be in on him... stretch has gotta be telling this to Vrabel.. guys a proven winner with championship pedigree and still only 28..

I thought White was great in Tampa. Don’t know what happened to him. Jerome Baker played well against us in Miami. Take a flyer on those.

 

[Real fan 02]

fair enough

I just don't think that Vrabel thinks that we need a veteran LB.

Vrabel MIGHT believe that we need a veteran NT.

Vrabel brought in several ILB/OLB/EDGE players and no NT's to replace Tonga.

Gregory COULD be the answer at NT. I still would prefer to have two fatties to plug up the DL (a starter and a backup).

It's tough to say.. because we truly never know what a coach is thinking. Guys go down, injuries, retirement, ect, ect..so now is the roster elevation time.. post draft- to training camp.

I like Gregory. We have a handful of guys that csn fulfill Tonga role. Vrabel has a 90 man roster to evaluate over the the next 3 months..

 

[Real fan 02]

I thought White was great in Tampa. Don’t know what happened to him. Jerome Baker played well against us in Miami. Take a flyer on those.

I remember he got injured and that likely is what affected his career trajectory.. sure baker as well is he available?