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Archives for April 2014

Edge of Development: Patriots Defensive End Michael Buchanan | NEPatriotsDraft.com – 2014 NFL Draft

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Edge of Development: Patriots Defensive End Michael Buchanan | NEPatriotsDraft.com – 2014 NFL Draft

Good read from Oliver Thomas on a player who has become more and more focal as the offseason has gone on. I thought the Pats would go after a high-end defensive end free agent to round out their rotation, and there’s still a very good chance they sign Will Smith (for better or worse), but it would appear Buchanan will have every chance to prove he can make a Year 2 jump as a pass rusher.

Can he be a rotational defensive end on every down? Well this article certainly leads us to believe it could be a long shot. But perhaps coming off the edge situationally, Buchanan could provide some spark.

Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Patriots’ Top 3 Picks

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Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Patriots’ Top 3 Picks

And now here’s my piece from this morning, breaking down the best and worst case scenarios for the Pats. Little bit of a projection going on here, but one thing is for sure, the Pats have had far more success when they’ve taken a player at the bottom of the first round than when they’ve taken one at the top of the second.

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€œI think Will Smith could fit any defense,”€ Belichick said of Smith in 2009 when asked about what he thought about Smith coming out of college. “€œI can’€™t imagine there being a defense that he wouldn’€™t be able to help. He’€™s certainly a guy that we had a lot of interest in. (He’€™s) a big guy that can run, rush the passer, pursue well, strong play at the point of attack, athletic, plays on his feet. He’€™s got a good group of skills. (He) plays hard. He’€™s been productive. I think he’€™s been about the player, where he was drafted, and what people thought he would be, including us.

It Is What It Is » Sunday NFL Notes: For Patriots, it’s a roster-building tradition unlike any other

Not holding my breath if the Pats do sign Smith that he’ll be the impact player he once was, but at this point I’ll take what I can get at defensive end.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-will-smith/

Rob Gronkowski ACL Update

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Good news on the Gronk front, though we’ve kind of come to expect that with ACL injuries. Gronk was hurt a month before Welker was in 2009 and he still made it back for the start of 2010. Granted he needed a full year to be back to 100% but it seems possible that Gronk could be ready for the opener.

Who could you see losing their starting job next year if any

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Offense:

  • Wendell/Connolly – For reasons stated this entire offseason. I hope they draft both a high-round center and guard to push them.
  • Ridley – Depends on how the draft goes. Technically there is no “starter” at running back, but he could lose the lead running down snaps status to a rookie, especially if he fumbles.
  • Dobson – I’m really not as sold on Dobson as some people are and his offseason foot surgery hasn’t made me feel any better about him. I could see LaFell taking the starting X spot if Dobson doesn’t take significant steps forward.

Defense:

  • Harmon – Not even sure he can really be called the starter at this point, but I’m pencilling him in there, though I could see an open competition with a rookie in camp. Lot of quality “robber” types in this draft.
  • Arrington – I consider the nickel corner a starter but I think Arrington will be pushed by Logan Ryan. I think it’s more likely Ryan starts at nickel than he does strong safety.

At defensive tackle I certainly hope Wilfork and Kelly don’t get their spots taken from them, because if they do they’ve really gone downhill fast. We’ll leave that alone until we see if they’re out there at OTAs.