From your perspective rank the remaining patriots needs
- Center – at this point I’m fine re-signing Wendell, but I’d look long and hard at the centers (and guards) at the top of the draft to compete for a starting spot.
- Defensive End – not sure what Free Agency options are left that still work. This is very surprising. Is Buchanan ready to make a jump? But just Nink and Chandler at the top? A little scary.
- Tight End – Gronk is progressing, Hooman is returning, but definitely need more depth, preferably a big inline blocking Y. And if they want to grab an F like Owen Daniels that works too.
- Running Back – Think LeGarrette Blount returns now that Moreno landed, but another guy who can catch would be good. I think they could add that guy in the draft.
- Linebacker – a coverage guy who can play special teams. Maybe Beauharnais can step up. Looking at Wills in the draft.
Those are the general ones, I think otherwise they’re in pretty good shape to go into the draft without major needs if they fill those spots. Would still be fine adding another interior OL, some DT depth, and a big safety as well but I don’t see those as red alert needs.
Time to get Blount back in the fold?
New England Patriots – LeGarrette Blount Montage (by SportsEditsHD)
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-legarrette-blount-video/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHbeTLds_J8
Vince Wilfork | New England Patriots Highlights | Big Vince | HD (by ThePatriotWayMixes)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
Vince Wilfork Stays a Patriot!!
Great news and not entirely unexpected given the tone of the last few days. This really solidifies things at the defensive tackle position. Now let’s go get some pass rush and call it an offseason!
Vince Wilfork’s new deal with Patriots really is a one-year, $8M deal that includes $3M guaranteed and deal has an option for 2 more years.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2014
My thoughts pic.twitter.com/MUW3I3ml4Y
— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) March 27, 2014
I know its a ways away, but can you bring back the defensive analysis next year? I always loved reading not just a breakdown of sub vs base or whatever, but exact formations they used and who was where and who subbed for who when, and how these formations generally worked, or didn’t work, throughout the course of the game. It was always a lot of different and interesting information in a small amount of space. 2011 and 2012 defensive analysis was great! Bring it back for 2014!
I appreciate the encouragement. That was as much for me as it was for anyone else to read it. But I think I’ve got some good ideas on how to do it a little better and make it a little more easy on myself, because it was a lot of work.
Could you see the pats taking a defensive end who could play three downs and make ninkovich the third defensive end
No, I think Ninkovich is here to stay as a three-down DE and I’m happy with that. He’s so versatile and very good against the run. And really, pass rushing is probably the weakest link of his game, though I’d still put him as better-than-average.
For that third DE role I think you want a pass rush specialist or as it’s called a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR). If I ever got the chance to ask BB a question it would be about the evolution of this role. The nickel cornerback has essentially become a starter and I think DPR is right behind him in terms of necessity and value.
I really think they nailed it in 2011 with Andre Carter and Mark Anderson. Anderson was the perfect DPR, but when Carter when down Anderson’s snaps went up and he wasn’t quite as effective. Though I will say he had a very good playoffs and Super Bowl.
Ideally, I’d love to return to that model.