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July 20, 2007
LB snapshot
With training camp set to begin July 27, we'll take a snapshot look at each position on the Patriots' roster, starting with a quick chart, then following that up with a list of each player at the position. The defensive line (Wednesday) and offensive line (Thursday) led things off. Today, we look at the linebackers:
| STRENGTH | The top five. With Adalius Thomas in the fold and capable of playing a variety of roles, it should make Tedy Bruschi, Rosevelt Colvin, Junior Seau and Mike Vrabel that much better. | | WEAKNESS | Unproven second layer. If any of the top five players are injured, there is not a lot of starting experience between the likes of Eric Alexander (3rd year), Pierre Woods (2nd), Corey Mays (2nd), Justin Rogers (rookie) and Oscar Lua (rookie). | | TOP QUESTION | How will prized free-agent signing Adalius Thomas, whose versatility opens up various possibilities, be employed in the team's 3-4 alignment? | | FUTURE | Colvin (2008), Vrabel (2009) and Thomas (2011) have multiple years left, but with Bruschi (2007) and Seau (2007) up after this season, the future in the middle is a bit more uncertain. |
Linebacker personnel:
Eric Alexander (3rd year) -- Started at ILB in the AFC Championship game -- his first career start -- and will look to expand his role from special teamer to more frequent defensive contributor. He has been limited this offseason, not taking part in June's on-field portion of minicamp (shoulder).
Kyle Bissinger (rookie) -- Signed as a free agent after the draft, he faces long odds for a roster spot. He could be a candidate for the practice squad.
Chad Brown (15th year) -- Savvy veteran has experience at each linebacker spot. After not making the club last year, he provides insurance if injuries strike or if youngsters don't develop as desired.
Tedy Bruschi (12th year) -- Inspirational leader of defense at ILB gutted out a 2006 season in which a wrist injury nagged him throughout. He led the team with 124 tackles.
Rosevelt Colvin (9th year) -- Pure OLB had a team-high 8.5 sacks and 26 quarterbacks hits last season, and the Patriots will be counting on him to continue bringing it off the edge.
Larry Izzo (12th year) -- Special teams captain rarely sees time on defense, except as part of the team's goal-line package.
Oscar Lua (rookie) -- Seventh-round draft choice out of USC, a future prospect at ILB, knows his ticket to a roster spot starts on special teams.
Corey Mays (2nd year) -- After signing as a rookie free agent last year, he started on the practice squad before being promoted and playing in the final 11 games (8 regular season; 3 playoffs), mostly on special teams. He now looks to take the next step to more frequent defensive contributor at ILB.
Justin Rogers (rookie) -- Sixth-round draft choice is making the challenging transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Like any rookie, special teams performance will be key.
Junior Seau (18th year) -- Longtime veteran was playing well at ILB last season when he broke his arm in his 11th game. He doesn't project to play as many snaps this year, which should preserve him over the long haul.
Adalius Thomas (8th year) -- Blue-chip addition to the group, he mostly played OLB with the Ravens but was lining up at ILB in June's Patriots minicamp.
Mike Vrabel (11th year) -- Athletic and versatile, Vrabel is at his best at OLB rushing the passer. But if the team needs him at ILB, he's shown he's capable of answering the call.
Pierre Woods (2nd year) -- Made the roster last year as a rookie free agent, showing promise at OLB in the preseason. Played in 11 games (8 regular season; 3 playoffs), mostly on special teams. He now looks to take the next step to more frequent defensive contributor.
Posted By: mreiss | Time: 08:00:06 AM | E-mail | Link
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