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Full DE/OLB Position Breakdown and Depth Chart Analysis
A real question to consider, does Sheard overtake Ninkovich? Nothing against Ninkovich, he’s one of the blog mascots, but I don’t think it’s crazy to think Sheard could outplay Ninkovich. There should be plenty of snaps for both of them and it will be smart to ease off on riding Nink into the ground, but this could be a great head-to-head position battle. At the very least I’ll be curious to see how the snaps breakdown on the edge.
The thing that makes Malcom such a good player is he just loves football. He loves to practice. He loves to work, train and learn the game plan,” Strong said. “And he just gives everything he’s got on every play. Malcom has everything you want and is a fun guy to coach. He’s got a lot of talent and ability. He’s big, fast, athletic and smart. Those things are all critical, but the fact that he gives relentless effort in everything he does is what makes him a special player.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-thing-that-makes-malcom-such-a-good-player-is/
Chandler and Collins are the two that jump immediately to mind and obviously McCourty. I wonder how much Hightower and Mayo will split time, and I think we’ll see more of a rotation with NInkovich and Sheard. On the inside the rotation should be even more pronounced without Wilfork, but hopefully one of those guys can step up and be a stalwart force.
Oklahoma DC Mike Stoops: DE Geneo Grissom has versatility needed to succeed with Patriots
Very curious to see how the rookie trio of Grissom, Flowers and Dickson play out in camp.
The preparation. Definitely one of the smartest, not just coaches but one of the smartest people I’ve ever been around, putting you in a position to succeed, knowing and understanding all the players’ strengths and weaknesses and not leaving any detail unturned,” McGinest said. “There’s been more times than not where he’s sat in the meeting room and told us what exactly was going to happen and that Monday morning guys are turning around looking at each other because some of the things he said would happen definitely happened and took place.
Willie McGinest on Bill Belichick
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-preparation-definitely-one-of-the-smartest/
Biggest strength I would say defensive front seven. You’ve got a number of first rounders – Mayo/Chandler/Hightower/Easley/Brown and a second rounder in Collins, also veteran Ninkovich and strong free agent Jabaal Sheard. Then mix in some very solid vets like Branch/Spikes/Siliga/Chris Jones/Siliga. It’s a very talented bunch and I am excited to see what their ceiling is if they can all stay healthy.
Not a surprise what the weakness is, it’s the cornerbacks. But the good news is that the safeties are pretty strong, so it just comes down to finding corners who can play the system and know what’s going on. Fletcher and McClain are the only two with any starting experience, and I think everyone is hoping the Butler and Ryan can take big steps forward this year. Plenty of wild card depth behind them, but who knows how it will all play out. I think every Patriots fan is nervous about this group.
Still, every team has spots of uncertainty right now. But uncertainty means opportunity and that’s when new gems are found. Let’s just hope that’s what happens.
