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McCourty could line up at safety in some sub packages, as he did at the end of 2011 to create more flexibility for the coaching staff, but a full-time switch to the position seems like a panic move at this point. Put better safety play behind him and maybe there is a trickle-down effect that raises his level of play.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/mccourty-could-line-up-at-safety-in-some-sub/
Patriots All Access – 5/4/2012
New Pats All Access from last night with looks inside the draft warroom.
5. New England* GPA: 3.41 Highest Grade: A (Iyer, Czarnecki, Cole, Davis (4)) Lowest Grade: B- (Kiper, Prisco, Burke) Comments: This grade seems completely based on the Patriots trading up to acquire both Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower in the first round. All four analysts who gave A’s focused almost solely on these two players. Kiper liked the other picks the Pats made, but thought that most (Tavon Wilson in particular) were taken too early. Prisco and Burke also seemed to reflect Kiper’s sentiments on Wilson, with Burke claiming he has the potential to be a “total flub.”
https://www.patspropaganda.com/5-new-england-gpa-341-highest-grade-a-iyer/
Chad Ochocinco faces uphill battle to make Patriots roster – NFL.com
Last night’s 53-man roster projection exercise made this abundantly clear. It really comes down to a battle royale between the guys below.
The question marks: Deion Branch, Jabar Gaffney, Donte’ Stallworth, Chad Ochocinco Anthony Gonzalez There simply isn’t room for more than 2-3 of the players above to make the team. We’d guess that only two would make the final cut. Gaffney is probably the safest bet because of his recent production and the fact that Tom Brady loves the guy. Branch would be next for similar reasons, although he’s slowed down a step or two. He’s not a lock.
It Is What It Is » Mayock: Addition of Jones and Hightower to Patriots’ defense ‘a huge win’
I went on the record before the draft in saying I thought that the defensive end from Syracuse, Chandler Jones, who was number nine on my board – three years from now he might be the best defensive end in football. I believe that strongly: he might be the best defensive player that comes out of this draft. I love that pick and the [Dont’a] Hightower thing was a no-brainer. You want to talk about somebody who is right up Bill Belichick’s alley it’s this kid. Anytime you can get two starters in your front seven on a defense that needs help, that’s a huge win.”
Make your own Patriots 53-man roster projection!
PatsFans has put together another 53-man roster builder and holy hoodie is it a tough one this year.
Post your 53-man projection below and we’ll see who gets the closest. Of course since it’s only May feel free to post a few different tries. I’m sure things will look a lot different in August.
But there are some really hard choices especially at DB, WR and DE. One thing this makes me believe is that Mankins could very well be on the PUP to start the season.
Good luck dealing with this tandem this year, NFL. (via Patriots Mini-Camp – Thursday, June 12, 2012)