First, the FA's: Victor Hobson - I think that the Patriots see in him good back up material, possibly even someone who could start or play significant minutes. He's played in the defense and done well in it. The biggest question is why the Jets weren't able to sign him for more then the minimum that the Patriots got him for. Fernando Bryant, CB - Everyone speaks so highly of him, why was he cut? Salary cap reasons is the answer given. Yet it is my opinion that they didn't think it was worth trying to get him back. I don't see him as a great CB, but he certainly can be good, and the Patriots don't play a ton of man-to-man at CB. Tank Williams, S - tough call, his time with the Patriots could depend heavily on whether or not Ty Law gets signed. If Law is signed, Williams could be a casualty. Marcus Pollard, TE - still not sure why Kyle Brady was cut, but I have to believe it was because they felt they could get a little more bang for their buck. I'm not sure that they can with Pollard, but there is little in the way of experience outside of him. Much of his playing time will depend on David Thomas.
Draft picks: Jerod Mayo - that's a gimme. First round pick, should be sufficient to keep him around this year. How good he is and how quickly he learns will determine whether or not he can start. With the ones in front of him being Tedy Bruschi, Victor Hobson, and Junior Seau (should he return), there's a good shot for him to start.
Terrance Wheatley - very likely. Second round pick gives him a year. Starting might be a stretch, but it's possible he sees significant minutes. There's not a ton in front of him - Bryant, Ellis - so the door is not locked.
Kevin O'Connell - Looking for a good backup, the Patriots slid in there with a 3rd round pick. I think he'll bounce back and forth from practice squad, but they'll keep him around. Shawn Crable - Strong kid, good mobility, long arms, and a seriously intense work ethic. I really think that this kid could be a surprise, and not only make the team but get significant minutes. He could be a fantastic pickup. Jonathan Wilhite - He is the surprise of the rookie camp according to reports. It could be interesting; he might push Wheatley. He seems eager and intelligent and motivated. Matt Slater - now how many times do I cheer for the 5th round pick? Well, not often, but I'm doing that now. The Patriots value diversity in skillsets, and Slater brings that. Look for him to do make the team because he does all special teams, returns well, and plays safety as well.
Yes, you read right, I'm looking for six of the Patriots' picks to make the team, or at least stick with the team. Mayo, Wheatley and/or Wilhite could be starters by years' end. Crable could see major minutes in addition to that. I know I'm being optimistic, but I have hopes.
You've done a good job in researching these guys and you've put yourself out on a limb. Cool but, now I'm going to shoot down the parts I disagree with. Tank Williams has nothing to do with Ty Law. We won't sign Law but, even if we do he doesn't provide depth at Strong Safety because he isn't big enough. Marcus Pollard will not make the team unless Benjamin Watson or David Thomas is not healthy at the start of the year. We have some other guys who could provide a blocking tight end to replace Kyle Brady better than Marcus. (I think Kyle got cut because he was a bit lazy regarding his rehab and training). Kevin O'Connell will not be put on the Practice Roster because he will not clear wavers if he is cut. He may be inactive a couple times in favor of Matt Gutierrez. I think Matt Cassel gets cut. Matt Slater will be a Practice roster guy who will win many black jerseys for working hard. I don't think he'll be anything more than a practice guy who gets to dress a couple times as reward for working hard.
You know what? I can't "have at" you when you've made a couple of valid points.
You're right, Tank & Ty (gotta love those short "T" names) are on opposite sides. Chalk that up to a midnight posting. (Please?) I do think that the Patriots will keep three TE's. (You're probably right about Kyle Brady, btw.)
I obviously didn't think through a few comments like I should have, like Kevin O'Connell. He is mostly likely not going on the practice squad, don't know what I was thinking there. I did mean being inactive, but I'll blame it on midnight posting again.
I do think that Matt Slater will make it, just something about it. Intuition, I guess, even though I'm not female.
I think Slater will make it as a safety or CB. Dont think he will make the team as a WR. But they may use him in both...kinda like the opposite of Troy Brown.
Let's see...last year only the 1st rounder made the team, and he was a disappointment. I'm gonna say that Mayo makes the team, but fails to win a starting spot or earn much playing time. Wheatley goes on the IR with a wrist injury. Crable is cut and put on the practice squad. And everyone else is gone by final cuts.
