There were quite a few happenings at this weeks minicamp, but before I delve into that I'd like to cover a topic I missed on my last post. The trade of Bethel Johnson for Johnathatn Sullivan. Once again, the Pats have made a brilliant move. By all indications, Johnson probably would have been cut this year anyway. In return for nothing then, they got former #6 overall pick Sullivan who played at Georgia and was a teammate of Seymours. While all he's done is EAT since he was drafted (he hasn't produced much at all on the field and has no work ethic) he has the size and ability to be very good in the Pats' system. In this week's minicamp Sullivan actually showed pretty good effort and the team was able to put together D-line with FOUR first round picks. (Seymour #6pick Sullivan #6 pick Warren #13pick Wilfork #21pick) I'm not saying that Sullivan is the next coming of Seymour, but the trend in the NFL is to play a nickel package (4 Dline, 2 LB and 5 DB's) and putting those four on the line is formiddable. Not to mention the likes of Jarvis Green and Marquise Hill. Even if Sullivan can just be a back up to Wilfork, enabling Wilfork to get off the field for 12 or 15 plays, he will be worth it because Wilfork will be that much more effective.
On to the minicamp and the events that occurred:
-As predicted by ALL, Branch was an "unexcused absence".
-Brady was the unquestioned leader on the field, demanding 100% from everyone at all times.
-Ellis Hobbs started taking on some leadership in the secondary which lacked Harrison AND Wilson. At one point Hobbs told veteran Eric Warfield to, "make the @#$%ing play or get the #&%@ off my field" Good for him.
-Gostkowski demonstrated a powerful and accurate leg. His biggest play was when Belichick lined him up for a 40 yarder and told the whole team practice is over if the kid makes the kick. He did and the team went nuts.
-Corey Dillon has actually taken Maroney under his wing and shoewn him the ropes. While he's not ready to acceed the position to Maroney, it is a good sign that he's got the right attitude - so far.
-The 'star' of minicamp was Ben Watson. Evidently he's going to get a lot of catches this season, as he was te primary receiver on many offensive plays. He lined up at TE, WR and H Back, ran great routes and dropped NONE.
-Not much was said about 2nd rounder Chad Jackson, but there was a quiet excitement in the way he was spoken about. He's like a BIG Deion Branch as far as cuts and hands, AND he is faster down the field than Branch. I'm trying not to get too carried away about him.
-When you see Reche Caldwell, you're going to think he's David Givens. Same size, build, NUMBER, and skin tone. Let's hope he produces like Givens.
Hope I didn't miss anything....
Next on the Pats' list should be adding some veteran depth, hopefully in the form of Ty Law and another Linebacker.
On a side note, my 'friend' of a friend on the inside has revealed to me that Belichick and Pioli are more excited about this year's draft class than any of the previous 6 they've had together. Watch the rookies!!!
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A Weekly Column About The New England Patriots.
2 comments:
Well, with the way the Sox have been playing, I guess it's time to start getting excited about the Pats! My big concern this year is the DB's. Harrison's return should help that, but we don't know when he'll be back or if he'll be back to the same Rodney he was before the injury. Let's also hope that Eugene Wilson can step it up, we really need him to be a presence back there. If Ellis Hobbs can avoid the whole sophomore slump thing, we won't have to worry about that side, but the other side?? Who will step up and perform? Warfield? Samuel? Gay? possibly Law?? Only time will tell.
I'm with CJ on this one, secondary is the question. I think the linebacking corps will be MUCH better this year with a healthy Bruschi, Vrabel back on the outside, and Beisel having a year of the system under his belt (and not constantly wondering when he's going to get yanked to the bench). Ty Law would help, even if it's a one year deal. The player I most want to see step it up is Samuel, he always seems to be ready to read coverage perfectly and run a few back; instead he not only doesn't make the big play, he gives UP a big play to the receiver he's covering. I still have high hopes for him, along with Hobbs and Gay.
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