New England Patriots' Defensive Breakdown: Cornerback Is the Only Concern

Expected Cuts: Steve Fifita. He will most likely be re-signed to the practice squad.

Linebacker 

Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, Bo Ruud, Gary Guyton, Shawn Crable, Jerod Mayo, Tedy Bruschi, Larry Izzo, Mike Vrabel, Victor Hobson, Adalius Thomas, Eric Alexander, (Junior Seau)

The Patriots have consistently stockpiled a very strong, smart LB corps. Linebackers are the field generals for Belichick’s defense, and the intricacies of their roles caused the team to start experienced veterans at the spot.

However, the previous two postseasons showed that LB was one of the Pats’ biggest weaknesses—notably, their age and speed. Belichick & Co. decided to address this issue in the offseason.

Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel don’t need much of a discussion. Bruschi is one of the most respected football players in the league, and is admired even by those who don’t watch the sport. Mike Vrabel, released by the Steelers out of necessity (they just had too much talent at the spot), has been consistent throughout his career in New England. Both players look to start this season, with Bruschi spending a bit more time on the bench than last year.

Adalius Thomas came to the Pats last offseason and didn’t deliver the type of results fans expected. Make no mistake about it, Thomas is an amazing football player. He was less effective because the Patriots were forced to use him at MLB, rather than his natural OLB spot.

In the few games he started at OLB, Thomas recorded several sacks and was clearly a threat on every down. With the release of Roosevelt Colvin, the Patriots will definitely use Thomas on the outside as his primary spot. Look for him to have a monster year.

Jerod Mayo, the Patriots’ first-round draft pick this year (No. 10 overall), will be a great NFL player. Most teams didn’t scout him thoroughly because he declared for the draft after his junior year.

This caused him to slide under the radar a bit. His stock was rising at the combine, and many NFL analysts rated him higher than Keith Rivers, the ninth-overall pick in the draft.

He has great speed and instincts and has been spending most of his time learning the intricacies of the defense. Look for him to become a starter by the end of the season, and he may be starting on opening day.

Victor Hobson was signed by the team in the offseason after spending the past few years in the Jets’ organization. He will most likely line up as an inside linebacker, as his height and size could be exploited on the outside. He will definitely make the roster and will have a good (if not great) year. Look for him to be backing up Bruschi and Mayo by the end of the year.

Pierre Woods, Bo Ruud, Shawn Crable, and Eric Alexander will make the roster and serve as backups for the strong LB corps. Alexander saw playing time in the 2006 playoffs, specifically in the loss against Indianapolis. Bo Ruud could be a great player, as his brother (who plays for Tampa Bay) has been getting praise for his strong play in the NFL.

Larry Izzo won’t serve at LB unless the Pats are winning by a large amount. He will continue to be one of the team’s best special-teams contributors.

Needs: Not much. The Patriots have addressed their speed and age deficiencies this offseason and could have one of the best LB corps in the NFL with their recent additions. 

Expected Cuts: Gary Guyton. Woods, Alexander, or Ruud may be released if Junior Seau comes back, but don’t count on it.

Cornerback 

Lewis Sanders, Fernando Bryant, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite, Antwain Spann, Mike Richardson, Ellis Hobbs, Jason Webster

Cornerback is arguably the biggest question mark for the Patriots. With the departure of All-Pro CB Asante Samuel, and nickelback Randall Gay, the team is clearly lacking in talent.

Ellis Hobbs has served as a starter for the past two seasons, though he hasn’t proven that he can hold his own against a No. 1 WR. Quarterbacks seemed to prefer throwing to his side of the field, but that may have been a product of Samuel’s dominance on the opposite side.

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