Jason Taylor- Free agent of interest for the Pats?

[celts55]

Sorry, but I don't know how to link a page, but if you read the artical on Boston.com about the Bodden signing towards the end it talks about the Pats not being interested in resigning safety Lewis Sanders, and suggests it's because Springs will be playing some safety.

[Donoghus]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

[yall hate]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

[yall hate]

Sorry, but I don't know how to link a page, but if you read the artical on Boston.com about the Bodden signing towards the end it talks about the Pats not being interested in resigning safety Lewis Sanders, and suggests it's because Springs will be playing some safety.

I stand corrected.

The lack of interest in the 30-year-old Sanders could be a sign the Patriots do plan to use Springs some at safety. The Philadelphia Eagles pursued Springs as a safety, and the Patriots traditionally like to have a bigger corner who also can play some safety.

That was a role Chad Scott filled before Sanders, who made two of his four starts for the Patriots at free safety and also played there as a reserve, inherited it last season.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/patriots_passin.html

[Donoghus]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

[yall hate]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

[Donoghus]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I do look at Meriweather as a long term player.  However, looking at their current secondary, I don't see Bodden or Springs staying around too long.  Also, there's the issue of resigning Hobbs.  I'm guessing that he might command more money than the Pats might be willing to resign him for.  All of a sudden, you're looking at a secondary depth chart that isn't too deep.  Wheatly is coming off a season-ending injury so there are some question marks and I'm not positive that Whihite is a long term solution.  You're right about Sanders, he has developed quite nicely but right now, your #3 safety is Antwann Spann.   Isn't that a bit unsettling?

For the current season, things might look alright depth wise but you know Belichick always has one eye on the future.  With a first rounder and three second rounders, I wouldn't be shocked at all if he grabs someone for the secondary.

[celts55]

Sorry, but I don't know how to link a page, but if you read the artical on Boston.com about the Bodden signing towards the end it talks about the Pats not being interested in resigning safety Lewis Sanders, and suggests it's because Springs will be playing some safety.

I stand corrected.

The lack of interest in the 30-year-old Sanders could be a sign the Patriots do plan to use Springs some at safety. The Philadelphia Eagles pursued Springs as a safety, and the Patriots traditionally like to have a bigger corner who also can play some safety.

That was a role Chad Scott filled before Sanders, who made two of his four starts for the Patriots at free safety and also played there as a reserve, inherited it last season.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/patriots_passin.html

Sorry, I wasn't trying to correct you. I just thought you might be interested in the artical.

[yall hate]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I do look at Meriweather as a long term player.  However, looking at their current secondary, I don't see Bodden or Springs staying around too long.  Also, there's the issue of resigning Hobbs.  I'm guessing that he might command more money than the Pats might be willing to resign him for.  All of a sudden, you're looking at a secondary depth chart that isn't too deep.  Wheatly is coming off a season-ending injury so there are some question marks and I'm not positive that Whihite is a long term solution.  You're right about Sanders, he has developed quite nicely but right now, your #3 safety is Antwann Spann.   Isn't that a bit unsettling?

For the current season, things might look alright depth wise but you know Belichick always has one eye on the future.  With a first rounder and three second rounders, I wouldn't be shocked at all if he grabs someone for the secondary.

I agree that there always needs to be an eye on the future, I guess I just dont think they should (and I dont think the Pats will - time will tell) use a high draft pick on a player who would realistically be sitting for the next two years.

I think Hobbs stays.  my opinion only, but I think they get it done with him. 

as for 3rd safety, yes I agree that Spann would be bad news, but as mentioned, that would only come into play if there was an injury, in which case we have vets to play there (bodden, springs, maybe Rodney if he comes back).  I guess, I just feel they should fill the bench spot with vet players, or later round draft choices.

[yall hate]

Sorry, but I don't know how to link a page, but if you read the artical on Boston.com about the Bodden signing towards the end it talks about the Pats not being interested in resigning safety Lewis Sanders, and suggests it's because Springs will be playing some safety.

I stand corrected.

The lack of interest in the 30-year-old Sanders could be a sign the Patriots do plan to use Springs some at safety. The Philadelphia Eagles pursued Springs as a safety, and the Patriots traditionally like to have a bigger corner who also can play some safety.

That was a role Chad Scott filled before Sanders, who made two of his four starts for the Patriots at free safety and also played there as a reserve, inherited it last season.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2009/03/patriots_passin.html

Sorry, I wasn't trying to correct you. I just thought you might be interested in the artical.

no worries, I missed that somehow, so wanted to further point it out, in case anyone else had as well.

[celts55]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I do look at Meriweather as a long term player.  However, looking at their current secondary, I don't see Bodden or Springs staying around too long.  Also, there's the issue of resigning Hobbs.  I'm guessing that he might command more money than the Pats might be willing to resign him for.  All of a sudden, you're looking at a secondary depth chart that isn't too deep.  Wheatly is coming off a season-ending injury so there are some question marks and I'm not positive that Whihite is a long term solution.  You're right about Sanders, he has developed quite nicely but right now, your #3 safety is Antwann Spann.   Isn't that a bit unsettling?

For the current season, things might look alright depth wise but you know Belichick always has one eye on the future.  With a first rounder and three second rounders, I wouldn't be shocked at all if he grabs someone for the secondary.

I agree that there always needs to be an eye on the future, I guess I just dont think they should (and I dont think the Pats will - time will tell) use a high draft pick on a player who would realistically be sitting for the next two years.

I think Hobbs stays.  my opinion only, but I think they get it done with him. 

as for 3rd safety, yes I agree that Spann would be bad news, but as mentioned, that would only come into play if there was an injury, in which case we have vets to play there (bodden, springs, maybe Rodney if he comes back).  I guess, I just feel they should fill the bench spot with vet players, or later round draft choices.

What about Tank Williams? Is he suposed to be back? I don't know much about him, other than he's a big hitter.

[Chris]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I think they see Sanders and Meriweather as their future at the safety spots (although I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft one or two safety's to add some more young depth).

I think Bodden and Springs are basically stopgaps for the secondary in general to help provide some depth and experience to put around the young guys like the aforementioned safeties, as well as Wheatley, Wilhite, and Hobbs.

I am sure they would love for Bodden to stick around if he plays well, but that contract screams of a guy who was looking for a big payday, didn't find one, so wants to showcase himself on a contender and try again next year (see: Posey, James)

Either way, I love what the Pats have done with their secondary so far.  I think they could still use one more veteran (Harrison?) to compliment the young guys, but they have really improved on the weakness.

Now I just hope they can find some reinforcements at inside linebacker.  I think that is a much bigger need than outside (where they have Thomas, Banta-Cain, and the young guys of Woods, Crable, and the undrafted FA from last year, who I can't remember the name of), since I really don't think Bruschi has much of anything left.

[the_Bird]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I think they see Sanders and Meriweather as their future at the safety spots (although I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft one or two safety's to add some more young depth).

I think Bodden and Springs are basically stopgaps for the secondary in general to help provide some depth and experience to put around the young guys like the aforementioned safeties, as well as Wheatley, Wilhite, and Hobbs.

I am sure they would love for Bodden to stick around if he plays well, but that contract screams of a guy who was looking for a big payday, didn't find one, so wants to showcase himself on a contender and try again next year (see: Posey, James)

Either way, I love what the Pats have done with their secondary so far.  I think they could still use one more veteran (Harrison?) to compliment the young guys, but they have really improved on the weakness.

Now I just hope they can find some reinforcements at inside linebacker.  I think that is a much bigger need than outside (where they have Thomas, Banta-Cain, and the young guys of Woods, Crable, and the undrafted FA from last year, who I can't remember the name of), since I really don't think Bruschi has much of anything left.

Tully left a year ago, didn't he?

Linebackers, linebackers, linebackers.  Losing Vrable sucks; he's getting older, but he's got more left in the tank than Bruschi.  It's so frustrating watching them just not be able to match up against more athletic teams; there's a lot to be said for having a lot of really smart players who are in the right position and don't screw up, but there's also a lot of value in being able to run and tackle!

[Chris]

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I think they see Sanders and Meriweather as their future at the safety spots (although I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft one or two safety's to add some more young depth).

I think Bodden and Springs are basically stopgaps for the secondary in general to help provide some depth and experience to put around the young guys like the aforementioned safeties, as well as Wheatley, Wilhite, and Hobbs.

I am sure they would love for Bodden to stick around if he plays well, but that contract screams of a guy who was looking for a big payday, didn't find one, so wants to showcase himself on a contender and try again next year (see: Posey, James)

Either way, I love what the Pats have done with their secondary so far.  I think they could still use one more veteran (Harrison?) to compliment the young guys, but they have really improved on the weakness.

Now I just hope they can find some reinforcements at inside linebacker.  I think that is a much bigger need than outside (where they have Thomas, Banta-Cain, and the young guys of Woods, Crable, and the undrafted FA from last year, who I can't remember the name of), since I really don't think Bruschi has much of anything left.

Tully left a year ago, didn't he?

Linebackers, linebackers, linebackers.  Losing Vrable sucks; he's getting older, but he's got more left in the tank than Bruschi.  It's so frustrating watching them just not be able to match up against more athletic teams; there's a lot to be said for having a lot of really smart players who are in the right position and don't screw up, but there's also a lot of value in being able to run and tackle!

Tully did leave, but they signed him last week I believe.

I really don't have that much of a problem with losing Vrabel, since his production no longer matches his salary.  I think they really need to remake this defense in the offseason, and unfortunately, he wasn't part of the plans.  Hopefully they put his salary spot to good use.

[Donoghus]

 

I still think that you'll see the Pats take a CB or S in the first two rounds of the draft.  I love the Bodden signing and I think Springs can still contribute but they are going to continue to go younger in the secondary and will address at least one of the positions early on in the draft.

But how much younger do you really want?  they have wilhite and wheatley at cb.  both young.

they have sanders and meriweather at s. both young.

You don't see them addressing a need for a long term safety?  If Springs does end up playing some S, its a stop gap measure to bide time for development of someone else. 

EDIT:  Bodden could also be one and down here.

Do you consider Meriweather a 'long term player'? 

With them signing Sanders (james) to a 3 year deal worth about 10 million, I tend to think they see him as more then a short term player.

Yeah, I think they see Sanders and Meriweather as their future at the safety spots (although I wouldn't be surprised to see them draft one or two safety's to add some more young depth).

I think Bodden and Springs are basically stopgaps for the secondary in general to help provide some depth and experience to put around the young guys like the aforementioned safeties, as well as Wheatley, Wilhite, and Hobbs.

I am sure they would love for Bodden to stick around if he plays well, but that contract screams of a guy who was looking for a big payday, didn't find one, so wants to showcase himself on a contender and try again next year (see: Posey, James)

Either way, I love what the Pats have done with their secondary so far.  I think they could still use one more veteran (Harrison?) to compliment the young guys, but they have really improved on the weakness.

Now I just hope they can find some reinforcements at inside linebacker.  I think that is a much bigger need than outside (where they have Thomas, Banta-Cain, and the young guys of Woods, Crable, and the undrafted FA from last year, who I can't remember the name of), since I really don't think Bruschi has much of anything left.

Tully left a year ago, didn't he?

Linebackers, linebackers, linebackers.  Losing Vrable sucks; he's getting older, but he's got more left in the tank than Bruschi.  It's so frustrating watching them just not be able to match up against more athletic teams; there's a lot to be said for having a lot of really smart players who are in the right position and don't screw up, but there's also a lot of value in being able to run and tackle!

Banta-Cain is back with the Pats.

There's some interesting LB prospects out there in this year's draft.  It'll be interesting to see if Belichick goes LB early on two years in a row after years of basically ignoring the LB position in the draft entirely or grabbing them late.