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ILB snapshot

(Ninth in a series of position snapshots leading into Patriots training camp, July 28)

Inside linebacker

STARTERS (in 3-4 alignment): Tedy Bruschi (11th year), Monty Beisel (6th year)

RESERVES: Eric Alexander (2nd year), Ryan Claridge (2nd year)*, Don Davis (11th year), Barry Gardner (8th year), Larry Izzo (11th year), Corey Mays (rookie), Freddie Roach (rookie)

2005 INSIDE LINEBACKERS: Bruschi (9 games), Beisel, Mike Vrabel**, Davis, Izzo, Alexander (1 game), Chad Brown, Wesly Mallard (3 games)

2006 ROSTER LOCKS: Bruschi, Beisel, Davis, Izzo

OUTLOOK: Assuming Mike Vrabel returns to outside linebacker, that leaves Tedy Bruschi and Monty Beisel as the likely starters inside, with Bruschi playing the run-stuffing "mike" position and Beisel utilizing his speed at the "will" spot. Beisel's performance will be under the microscope after he experienced an up-and-down 2005. He finished strong, however, starting in the wild-card round playoff game in the Patriots' 28-3 win over the Jaguars. Much like the outside linebacker spot, it appears the most heated competition on the inside will be with the depth positions. Davis and Izzo should make the club as core special teams players (they were 1-2 in tackles in 2005), but they likely wouldn't be called upon in the event of an injury to Bruschi or Beisel. That's why Eric Alexander, who spent much of 2005 on the practice squad, has a golden opportunity to emerge. Ditto for Claridge, whether it's inside or outside. Gardner provides veteran insurance and possible depth on special teams, and Roach could be this year's version of Randall Gay (2004) and Mike Wright (2005) after receiving a lucrative $15,000 signing bonus as a rookie free agent. Mays is a longer shot for a roster spot, but could earn a spot on the practice squad.

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Last year was a challenge, with how the season unfolded for me. It was frustrating. But it doesn't change anything. Every offseason my job is to come back here and try to be the best I can be. If I don't do that year in and year out, I shouldn't be in this profession. I always come back with an open mind. It's a new season, a new group of guys, and you try to make it happen." -- Monty Beisel (Boston Globe, May 27, 2006)

* Claridge could also see time at outside linebacker, where he worked at times in June's minicamp.

** Vrabel could also see time at inside linebacker.