Linebacker Paris Lenon joins Patriots

This doesn't make sense to me. If the Patriots were going to sign a linebacker... why not look for an OLB, since that's what they need?

Hi Chris. They still could sign, or trade for, an OLB. But they also had the depth issue at ILB with Tyrone McKenzie's injury, so this was a need as well. Lenon will compete for a roster spot and could push Bruschi/Guyton if he adapts to the scheme.
--Mike

Mike, the reported knock on Tinoisamoa is his size (6'1, 235 according to pro football reference)....but Lenon is 6-2, 235 according to your post.....what gives?

Rob, Tinoisamoa played around 220 last year, according to those who watched him in St. Louis. The other issue to consider is contract-related. Let's say Tinoisamoa was deemed a fit, they still have to work out the contract. Tinoisamoa has also visited with the Bills and Bears, so he might have some negotiating leverage and the Patriots might not want to extend themselves that much.
--Mike

I thought players under 245lbs were to small to be in a patriots type system?

Yikes, first Bodden now Lenon. It concerns me that the Pats picked up two guys from a Lions team that went 0-16. Hopefully he'll pick up the Pats system quickly. We need LB's!!!

Mike -

Which ILB position would Lenon project at? Is he depth at both? Or is he too small to backup/rotate with Bruschi on the strongside?

Lenon was playing at around 230 in Detroit because that's what Rod Marinelli, the former coach, wanted. Marinelli employed a smaller defense. Lenon is probably a natural 237/240 type player. I think he could potentially be a downhill type player who could be a factor on the strongside or weakside. He'll probably learn both. I think he's a tough player.
--Mike

FOLKS, "FORGET PARIS" AS THEY SAID IN CASABALANGA. THIS GUY IS A STIFF AND ANOTHER RETREAD LIKE BRET SABREHAGEN OFF THE SCRAP HEAP. THE PATRIOTS ALL READY HAVE THEIR YOKO OH-NO IN GAZELLE BUNCHEN THEY DON'T NEED THEY'RE LENON NOW.

Nice pick up. According to CNNSI, it looks like Greg Ellis is also up for grabs now. Let's keep this ball rolling!

Mike--you keep forgetting to pencil in Tank Williams as possible ILB depth. Unless, you've made some independant conclusions regarding his eligibility for that role.

Mike, how do you think this signing will affect the shape and substance of the linebacking corps? I like Antonio Appleby, especially coming out of Al Groh's 3-4, but somebody has to go, I should imagine--especially if we DO make an OLB signing. Who's closest to the chopping block? Appleby? Eric Alexander?

What's Casabalanga? Sounds like a Brazilian chain restaurant.

HEY HUGE PATSFAN

WHY ALL CAPS? DID YOU SIT AROUND ALL MORNING THINKING ABOUT THE LENNON/YOKO THING?WHAT INFO DO YOU DO HAVE TO PROVIDE US THAT LENNON IS A STIFF?? CAN"T WAIT TO GET YOUR EXPERT ANALYSIS.

Mike,
What's the deal with Colvin?

I do keep forgetting Tank Williams, Ghoset of Lombardi. I think that's because his role is a specific niche, not a full-time type of situation. Mark, as for the shape of the linebacking corps, I think a guy like Lenon hurts someone like Eric Alexander more than anything. Lenon basically fills the Tyrone McKenzie spot in my mind. Still think an OLB addition is on the radar at some point.
--Mike

Funny how school let's out and there's a sudden increase in moronic comments. Could you people please state your school so people like me won't make the mistake of hiring idiots? And yes, Tony we're all looking at you.

Chris Radez --- It's alot easier to pickup a depth quality ILB (that may push for a starting role), than it is to pickup a starting quality OLB.

SSDD

I WENT TO THE SCHOOL OF HARD NOCKS. LENNON IS A BUM. IF HE WAS ANYGOOD I PROLLY WOULD HAVE HEARD OF HIM BEFORE TODAY, RIGHT? LIKE YOU SAY "LEWIS CASTTILLA?" AND I KNOW WHO THAT IS HE PLAYS FOR THE CHARGERS. BUT SOME OF YOU MIGHT HAVE SAID "OH YEAH THAT FORMER THIRD BASE GUY FROM THE ROCKIES." BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU'D BE WRONG.

It is Luis Castillo, so you are wrong HugePatsFan. The rockies guy was spelled Castilla, not sure the first name but it wasn't Lewis or Louis. You should really calm down. Everyone should calm down with the OLB problem, this is the NFL, you can't have probowlers at every position.
I am sure you guys wouldn't have said anything if Vrabel was still around, even though he sucked last year as a rusher. A problem he has had since he second half of the 2 seasons ago. Vrabel was not the solution. Just like Milloy couldn't stop the run after the 02 season. Let's see what the young guys can do.

Hey HugePatsFan,

I think you spelled "Jets" wrong in your name. Close, but two letters off.

I remember lots of star studded linebacker teams that didn't win much. Start with Chicago and Miami recently. How about the Pats D line? No complaints? I didn't think so.

With more teams going to spread offenses and the pass/run percentages continuing to swing in the direction of the pass, the big run-stuffing ILB may be a thing of the past, in favor of more mobile LB's who can drop into coverage and pursue sideline to sideline. I don't think we'll see the Pats sign another Ted Johnson anytime soon.

Hey HugeJetsPiglet Shut your face!

He's a good pick up considering the depth issue losing McKenzie. But what does it mean for Appleby? Practice team?What about OLB?? I hope if Greg Ellis is canned in Dallas, BB & co. do their due diligence, and see if he could contribute in a role similiar to the one J.Taylor would have played.

Posted by Joe >

"Funny how school let's out and there's a sudden increase in moronic comments. Could you people please state your school so people like me won't make the mistake of hiring idiots? And yes, Tony we're all looking at you."

Ok, THAT comment was pretty vicious and insulting...and absolutely appropriate! Yowza, yowza! :o)

Seriously! Any chance of IQ - based vetting process, here??? I'm not looking for anyone to expand my grasp of the Theory of Relativity, or anything, mind you...I'm just saying that it'd be just SWELL if some of these clowns on here could distinguish between an ILB and an OLB, for instance...or clue into the fact that with McKenzie out and Teddy Ice Cold rapidly approaching Mandatory Retirement, it is INSIDE LineBacker where, until yesterday, we had the REAL depth problem.

Just another Chad Brown or Monty Beisel. I would have prefered Pisa Tinoisamoa , but he may have wanted too much $$$.

WHEW! Ok, color me RELIEVED.

For those of us who are thinking "Guyton II" when Appleby's name comes up ~ and I ABSOLUTELY count myself among you! ~ then we are now 5 deep at ILB, in terms of guys from whom, if healthy, we can expect a solid contribution, this year:

Jerrod Mayo

Gary Guyton
Paris Lenon
Antonio Appleby
Teddy Ice Cold Bruschi

Kick ass! THAT is decent depth, because let me tell you Lenon may be the 3 Time Defending Winner of the award for Most Unremarkable Middle LineBacker...but he is a SCRAPPER.

He shows up every day, he makes plays EVERY DAY...and he keeps talented youngsters like Dizon, over there, on the BENCH.

Sounds EXACTLY like a Patriot to ME.

And of course that makes us actually SIX deep, what with the Imperial Guard in Reserve, surfing with his Cell handy, out in Sunny San D! ;o)

PERFECT move, Coach Bill. AGAIN.

Another question: what was his last contract like in Detroit? What sort of a contract (length-wise) are you hearing we've signed him to? How much cap space will Lenon take up this year?

Another example of Belichick "spreading the wealth" in the middle of the depth chart. Smart move, as solid ILBs can really let the DEs explode to the QB without worrying as much about run stopping

Mark D >

"Another example of Belichick "spreading the wealth" in the middle of the depth chart. Smart move, as solid ILBs can really let the DEs explode to the QB without worrying as much about run stopping..."

Ahhhhh,,,NICELY put, on both accounts.

Very underated and solid signing here. Lenon is coming off back-to-back 100 tackle seasons (118 and 121), in 2007 he was the 2nd leading tackler and in 2008 the 1st for the Detroit defense. He's big/strong well put together player who is a good athlete. Runs well and has good range to go along w/closing speed. He slips blockers well and can also take on, although not asked to do so in Detroit's D all that often. Uses his hands well and takes good angles to get to the ball. Solid fundamental tackler. Has a good football instincts and is effective in man. Smart, tough, durable player with a great work ethic who should fit in nicely inside
with the Pats. Doesn't have the name recognition but he will be a solid controbutor.

Whatever it is that Belichick sprays on Average Joes to make them perform like studs he'll spray on Lenon too.

Everybody just needs to get a grip. The Pats have one of the best teams in the game - it's not exactly like FML or anything here.

Paris Lenon is a faster, younger version of Zak Thomas. It is a good signing but I'd still like to see if a decent, pass rushing LB becomes available after the first roster cutdown in June. Someone will become a cap casualty, somewhere...

This was the first mention I'd really heard during the off season about Gary Guyton. I thought he looked outstanding last year. I think Briuschi may have a hard time getting snaps by mid-season

Luis Castillo, part-time 2nd Baseman for the Mets (similar to JETS)
Vinny Castilla, former 3rd Baseman for the Rockies
you would think a 300+ homer guy would be easier to remember...

Classic Patriots pickup. Lenon is from an 0-16 team, so most GMs assume he's equally responsible for the 16 losses along with the rest of the team. Shades of Randy Moss! The stupid Lions had him playing at the wrong weight. On top of this he plays special teams. Versatile! (We'll see if he makes the team).

Awful name, like Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue".

This guys was the best linebacker on a bad team, so probably a middle of the road guy, good, but not great. But he has some special teams value, which we all know BB likes. Don't know much about the player himself though, sorry, didn't watch too much Lions football last year! :)

Oh, and Huge Pats Fan, I'm not one to call people out online, but turn the caps lock off and please get a dictionary, or at least run your post through spell check first! Thanks!

Mike- What would you say Lenon's odds are for making the team?

like i said before this guy had 121 tackles last year for the Lions, thats gotta be worth something especially just to provide good depth.

Vinny Castilla to answer any future questions about Rockies third basemen. And even if Lenon sucks, which he really doesn't, he's just there for depth anyways. We're not counting on huge results from him

The season is still a few months away. I wish all the experts (on here) would just sit back, relax and let Bill do his thing. I'm quite sure he will put out a quality product come Sept.

The 121 tackles are legit since none were registered against the Lions.

ENOUGH ALREADY ABOUT THE OLB POSITION. PEOPLE, WE R GOOD. LET THE KIDS PLAY. WERE TALKING ABOUT 3 ATHLETIC, FAST, STRONG, WITH GREAT SIZE YOUNG MEN(CRABLE, REDD, CRAIG). NOT ENOUGH EXPERIENCE? COMON, CAN U THINK OF A BETTER TEACHER. THE PATS NEED TO GET YOUNGER N FASTER, NOT OLDER N SLOWER. HAVE FAITH IN THE KIDS. LENONS A NICE FILL IN. PROBABLY NOTHING MORE. I HOPE APPELBY OUT PLAYS HIM.

Nikos - Way to just come short of cutting and pasting the Scouts Inc. report on Lenon. You should at least give them credit.

BB is now planning to field 2 of the 11 players from the worst defense in NFL history on the latest Patriots defense. Since we aren't planning to stop anyone, I hope the over-hyped offense can score like they did when Brady was healthy, and in his prime. Seeing as now he is older, gimpy, and out of practice, I doubt it.
By the way a real linebacker Derrick Brooks is available!

I'm starting to understand that injuries are inevitable and you need to look at situations without certain people. I like this move.

Look at the Celtics or last year's Patriots, two likely championship contenders that had a couple of key injuries... Man I hope Maroney fulfills his potential this year...

While Lennon will be forced to learn a new system, which might take some time, you have to assume that he is thrilled to join the Pats. Lennon has plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments so I'm overly concerned. Plus he will be mentored by Bruschi and play next to Mayo and behind Big Vince. The guy is a tackling machine and IMO will make solid contributions, on defense and special teams. Great addition at this point in the off-season...very little risk involved.

For the 2008 Lions, most tackles were made 9 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

As long as this guy has more Roman Pfeiffer than Monty Beisel in him, then I'll be happy.

And about the tackles: I wouldn't get too excited that he's been the leading tackler of the Lions the last couple of years. After all, the guy played MLB in a 4-3-- he had most of the plays coming right at him. Isn't the leading tackler on a team supposed to be the inside linebacker?

Hey,

Not bad. I couldn't hurt us. I think we all think that that Pats were going to get a linebacker that had a name for himself but yet the Pats are famous for bringing in other guys and letting them make a name for themself. Not to meation Lenon played on the PACKERS when they were a good team, so what he came from 0-16 Lions, give it up folks. This sin't a bad addition to our team.

The Pats defense has had a problem getting off the field on third down because the offense can spread them out and create personal mismatches. Bill B is changing the defense from big and physical to fast and flexible. This signing is in line with his new defensive strategy. Good move with little risk!

Quite frankly I think we should leave HugePatsFan alone; you don't get that kind of insightful commentary just anywhere, yanno.

i like the signing. Lions or not, the guy was a starting MLB in the NFL for a reason.

I just tested my own theory that inside/middle linebackers are usually the leading tacklers on teams by checking last year's league-leading tacklers. Of the 25 players with the highest number of tackles last year, this is the breakdown in terms of what position they played:

MLB / ILB = 16
OLB = 6
FS / SS = 3

This would seem to suport what you would expect--that the leading tacklers are usually inside linebackers anyway.

One more thing-- Lenon's 121 tackles in the regular season ranked him 10th among linebackers throughout the league.

That seems to be more revealing rather than the fact that he was the Lion's leading tackler. As usual, time will tell if the Pats made a good move here...

Re Fanatical Yankee:

The key to understanding special relativity is to focus on the one thing that is not relative - the speed of light. Regardless of the frame of reference, light always travels at the same speed.

The only other thing in the universe as constant is the high ratio of idiotic to informative message board comments in an unmoderated forum. Sort of like driving by an accident scene, you know you shouldn't look, but just can't help yourself.

Bob,
Think they would have been real happy with 9 yards behind the line of scrimmage.
So would we.
It's the ones beyond the line of scrimmage that are a problem.

Paris Lemon will change the world!!!!!

UncleRolly,
Straight text from friend in Baltimore who is a scout, I don't have access to Scouts, Inc site but good plug for them on your part.

cant wait to hear all the pats fans make up excuses after Miami wins the division with Buffalo right behind em, and the Pats looking up....
cant win if you arent cheatin huh?

Signing the leading tackler on a 2-14 team would have been far better than signing the leading tackler on an 0-16 team. It's so simple, even the fans can see it.

You people are all nuts. This is Belichick we are talking about. If he signed a player, I'm sure he had a good reason!

IN BELICHICK WE TRUST.

Everyone's worried about getting an OLB. Keep your eye on Shawn Crable. 6'5"". 245, has a year under his belt with the Pats system. I think he'll have a big year as an OLB. .

Notice how a signing of a minor component to the team causes (up to now) 60 responses!

Any more arguements about Boston being a football first town?

Nikos writes >

"Very underated and solid signing here. Lenon is coming off back-to-back 100 tackle seasons (118 and 121), in 2007 he was the 2nd leading tackler and in 2008 the 1st for the Detroit defense. He's big/strong well put together player who is a good athlete. Runs well and has good range to go along w/closing speed. He slips blockers well and can also take on, although not asked to do so in Detroit's D all that often. Uses his hands well and takes good angles to get to the ball. Solid fundamental tackler. Has a good football instincts and is effective in man. Smart, tough, durable player with a great work ethic who should fit in nicely inside
with the Pats. Doesn't have the name recognition but he will be a solid contributor."

NICELY written, sir. NICELY written. Lemon is a SCRAPPER. He'll make plays, and he's tough.

Miami wins the division? Thanks for the laugh!

Uncle Rolly writes >

"Nikos - Way to just come short of cutting and pasting the Scouts Inc. report on Lenon. You should at least give them credit."

Did he REALLY??? I was thinking that, but it seemed WAY too blatantly obvious! Hah!

Posted by Albert Weisassenstein >

"Re Fanatical Yankee:

The key to understanding special relativity is to focus on the one thing that is not relative - the speed of light. Regardless of the frame of reference, light always travels at the same speed.

The only other thing in the universe as constant is the high ratio of idiotic to informative message board comments in an unmoderated forum. Sort of like driving by an accident scene, you know you shouldn't look, but just can't help yourself."

Holy SHEEYOT.

That may, in fact, be the funniest thing I've ever read in this publication.

I am NOT kidding.

Signing the leading tackler on a 2-14 team would have been far better than signing the leading tackler on an 0-16 team. It's so simple, even the fans can see it.

I guess the fans now have more insight and can judge talent better than coaches!
Scott, stick to what you know...nothing!

Hey Dave;
We will expect your apology in February - right after the SB.

>

Is there any other old news you'd like to resurrect, Hoover losing to Roosevelt for example?

Hey Mike, how do you stand working with that arse-clown Shaughnessy? his article today took every opportunity to knock the Pats... is this guy on our side or what? he's such a tool... I normally don't even read his crapola, but I didn't see that it was his article until I was halfway through it and picked up on all the negativity. Stopped reading shortly thereafter. Comments?

I love the fact that every Pats fanatic loves Shawn Crable.

He played zero games in 2008 due to injury.

In pre season, he was ok, he made one great play in pre season and everybody thinks he's an all pro.

They need an OLB --- FACE THE FACTS and I love the patsies and BB.

You've got to be kidding : 6'2", 235 lbs. - at inside linebacker - in the pros??? And he played for the absolutely worst team in the NFL (uh, FYI - if he was any good at that position the Lions wouldn't have sucked so much) ???? C'mon I was born on a Tuesday, but not last Tuesday.....

This guy has as much chance of being on the final team roster as I do - no chance! At best - and I mean AT BEST - he's a special teamer. But he has no chance whatsoever to play inside LB for the Pats during the regular season. Or, if he does, we're REALLY screwed (sell the season tickets fellas!!!).

Real G, understand sarcasm, and THEN pop off.

What is it here today? Troll Wednesday? Either that or the old McLean Hospital has an unknown off-campus degree program for the cap-lock challenged and there is Dave with the more traditional delusional paranoia vent. Oh my ! It's gonna be a long season indeed....My parting thought is wouldn't it be fun if Paris Lenon ended up being a Jason Bay type acquisition for the Pats?

Why do you wait to see how Lenon plays for the Pats, before you start criticizing him?! I'm sure he has some talents, he's been in the league for 8 years now. And, just because you play for a losing team, doesn't mean you don't have talent.

Could someone tell me the name of the London football team that Peter Griffin was traded to?

Great addition. People really need to chill out on the OLB gripe. Adalius Thomas, Tully Banta-Pain, and a healthy Shawn Crable will more than fill the void. And I wouldn't be surprised if they throw one of the tabbed "inside" guys out there for the next few months... An addition would be nice, but definitely NOT "needed"...

As for the tool who considers himself a "HugePatsFan", yet hasn't ever heard of Paris Lenon (a more than serviceable NFL starter / rotation man, and leading Lions tackler last season)..... that says a hell of a lot more about your "fandom" than it does about Paris... just FYI.

This is a great pick-up, especially in that it will more than likely save half a roster spot (ST). Lennon will be great on special teams and could push Bruschi into the latter years "rotation" phase sooner than later!

By the way, Mike -- great spot on the NFL network! No smoke. Couldn't agree more with your closing assessment re: the OL. That's the only place where the wheels could get (and have gotten) a little shaky! Particularly Light and Neal... those two need to get back to top form ASAP!

"Troll Wednesday" Hah!

Thanks,

It was the London Silly Nannies.

Lenon is rangey, with room to add weight. He runs well.
I predict he will start. Bruschi is like Vrabel, we love him, but he is too slow now.

Nikko made a timely slip when he call Lenon, "Lemon". I hope Crable doesn't play like Craple!

Can we stop with Tully Banta Cain and Shawn Crable --- please I beg you.

Get a grip.

Lenon may push to be the starter by the end of the season and for another year or two ahead of Mckenzie. Lenon is a proven veteran LB who registered 121 Tackles (81 solo) with 1.5 sacks last season (118-88-2.0 in 2007). Mayo had 128 (100 solo) with no sacks and Bruschi had 75 total 38 with no sacks (13 games) last season. If picks up the defense he will be a force in the middle.

he is a cheap solid signing for the pats he adds depth , u dont have to a superstar to be good in 3 4 systom , and if tb stays healthy with 14 to 3 lead in 2 quarter un rush the passer in linebacker position ,

A top performing body presumably at a fair price. Bodies are sorely needed

No, we should listen to HugePatsFan, apparently he knows the names of only the "good" players in the league. So who should the Pats pick up that will fit under the cap? We'll keep a list and see how they do regardless of where they end up and we'll talk to you at the end of the season? So you must have known Welker, Brady, Faulk, Troy Brown all were good before they became starters.

So what, he was on the Lions! How did the Browns do with BB as head coach? How did the the Raiders do with Moss on their team? You have to know sports better then to judge an individual player by their team. We aren't being very Patriotic, "Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses." and we'll become the most powerful nation in the world.

So you guys would pass on Calvin "Megatron" Johnson because if he was any good the Lions wouldn't have been so bad, right? Who wouldn't want a player nicknamed Megatron!!!

Posted by Joe >

"Funny how school let's out and there's a sudden increase in moronic comments. Could you people please state your school so people like me won't make the mistake of hiring idiots? And yes, Tony we're all looking at you."

You Hiring?

Hey, that was a REAL Knee Slapper "HugePatsFan"! Making a connection to Yoko & Lenon and comparing him to Bret Saberhagen all in the same small paragraph? Wow... If this guy is durable, and he's another Bret Saberhagen, then this would mean he's a durable version of Bret which I'd take in a heart beat (if I was a 5 year old making idiotic comparisons like this.. But I won't)..

Why don't these people think it out before they write it out? Man! Unbelievable!

Leave this guy Paris alone, you do not know anything about him, he's a great player, a wonderful husband, father, son and uncle to his family!!!!!!!!!
Just give him a fair chance, and stop all you haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!