The Patriots were extremely active in the first week of free agency, especially compared to their past standards. They have made an effort to retain some of their core special teamers and center Dan Connolly, but they also have signed a usually high number of players from the outside.
WR- Brandon Lloyd (STL), Donte' Stallworth (WAS), Anthony Gonzalez (IND), Matt Slater (NE)
The Patriots added two receivers on the outside which the Patriots were in desperate need of in Lloyd and Stallworth. Lloyd is easily their most important acquisition of the offseason thus far after his previous success under Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels in both Denver and St. Louis. They also brought in Gonzalez who was a threat on the outside occasionally as well as in the slot in his first few season with the Colts. However, Gonzalez has been unable to stay on the field the past few seasons, which is why he was available for next to nothing. He is the perfect example of low-risk, high-reward. Special teams captain Matt Slater was also re-signed. These moves could potentially lead to the release of Chad Ochocinco, if nothing else, Chad will need to have a good training camp to be a part of the offense.
TE- Daniel Fells (DEN)
Fells is a players who the Patriots have looked at in the past and is a solid signing as the third tight end. He is a decent blocker and receiver, but is not dominant at either. The team will be less troubled in the event of a Gronkowski or Hernandez injury and will be able to use an extra offensive lineman as a tight end less of the time.
OL- Dan Connolly (NE), Robert Gallery (SEA)
Connolly was a necessary re-signing as former starting center Dan Koppen will likely leave via free agency and Connolly’s versatility along the offensive line is something Bill Belichick loves. Gallery, previously the 2nd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, is also a player the Patriots have had previous interest in and will likely provide depth at guard unless current right guard Brian Waters retires, in which case Gallery would be the likely starter.
DL- Jonathan Fanene (CIN) Trevor Scott (OAK)
Fanene will be able to line up in a variety of spots along the defensive line especially if the Patriots once again deploy both the 4-3 and 3-4 defense. He has a chance to start, but will likely be used mostly as an interior rusher on passing downs. He was able to secure 6 and 1/2 sacks in that role in limited playing time for the Bengals last season. Scott also will add some pass rush ability to the Patriot defense. He will be more of an edge player similar to the way Mark Anderson was employed a season ago. Scott has had some success early in his career and is the defense’s version of Anthony Gonzalez. He was signed for a cheap one-year deal and the Patriots are risking next to nothing on him. If the team brings back Anderson and/or Andre Carter, Scott may have a hard time seeing the field.
LB- Tracy White (NE), Niko Koutouvides (NE)
The Patriots retained two core special teamers in White and Koutouvides, both of who also played reserve roles on defense a year ago. However, the Patriots would likely prefer to keep them exclusively on special teams.
DB- Steve Gregory (SD), Marquice Cole (NYJ)
Gregory is another “Belichick-type” player who is has some versatility. First and foremost he is a free safety, which the Patriots obviously needed to sign to keep players like Matt Slater and Sergio Brown out of the secondary. He also has the ability to line up as a nickel-corner. Even if he is not a full-time starter, he should still see plenty of snaps. Cole will likely have to earn himself a roster spot with his special teams ability. At best he would seem to be the team's 5th corner.
No comments:
Post a Comment