Ogor's 20 cent defensive line analysis for 2008

First the disclaimer... I am not a paid writter, and you didn't pay 20 cents for this.  This is simplly a fan's attempt to take a look at the team and what we have left and what is still out there as of noon EST on 4 March.  Some of this information is blatently copied from http://www.patriots.com for easy reference; other research sites include http://www.nfl.com and http://www.espn.com.  I added some of my own thoughts to some of the analysis there.

Please comment and add your thoughts about FA, trade or draft picks out there!

Linemen:
Overall this is a definate strength for the Pats and has been for many years.  They are the cornerstone of the "bend but do not break" philosophy the Pats have adapted since BB took over the franchise

Richard Seymour:  He has been a beast ever since we drafted him #6 overall in 2001.  Seymour has been to 5 pro bowls, and is concidered one of the best DLs in football.  He lost a bit last year coming back from surgury, and never seemed to get into the flow of things only having 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks.  He also didn't eat up double teams this year like he has in past years.  Look for him to rebound back to form this year with a complete offseason and preseason to get into playing shape. Signed through 2010

Ty Warren: Another homegrown talent, taken #13 overall in the 2003 draft, Warren has been a solid DT on the other side of the line from Seymour.  While not as prolific a player, he is solid and dependable, and getting better every year.  He racked 53 tackles and 4 sacks with 3 fumble recoveries in 07.  Look for him to improve next year, and make a run at a pro bowl nod. Signed through 2014

Vince Wilfork:  One of the best active 3-4 NTs in the game. Vince is a beast up the middle and can provide enough of a rush, that many teams feel the need to double team him.  He is in the prime of his career and well worth the #21 pick overall we spent on him in 2004.  He had his first prowl bowl nod in 2007 after a great season in which he ended with 48 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. Signed through 2010

Jarvis Green: With a backup like this, NE doesn't worry too much about resting injured players.  Green filled in admirably for Seymour at the start of the season.  He was drafted #126 overall by NE in the 2002 draft.  He played all 16 games last season, starting in 10 games.  He finished the season with 57 tackles, and 6.5 sacks.  Signed through 2010

Backups
Le Kevin Smith: #206 pick overall in the 2006 draft.  Played in 10 games in 2007, is the team's reserve nose tackle.  Young player and a decent backup.  He is no Vince, but he can get the job done.  As long as he is the only reserve on the line, it shouldn't be much of a factor.  Signed through 2010

Santonio Thomas: Undrafted free agent in 05, practice Squad member in 05 and 06, played in 4 games in 2007. Thomas hasn't seen much action with the team as of yet. Signed through 2011

Rashad Moore:  Signed as a FA in 07, has been on and off a bunch of teams.  Moore has played in 43 career games with 18 starts, posting 87 tackles (60 solo), 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries.  Again a reserve backup, but has decent game experience. Moore is a RFA and was not tendered this year, leaving his return in question, signed through 2009.

Mike Wright:  Undrafted free agent in 05, has played a limited role as a reserve lineman, nose tackle, and special teams player.  His versatility has helped him get some playing time, and he has 55 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his 3 year career.  He has ended all 3 seasons on injured reserve however, leaving questions about his durability.

Free Agents
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nfl/freeagentsDL.html
Smith has already signed with the 49ers, so the list of talented DL isn't very deep.

Analysis
The Defensive line is one of the Patriot's strongest positions.  The starting trio of Wilfork, Warren, and Seymour is among the best in the NFL, and Green could start on most NFL teams.  All 3 starters and most of the backups have contracts with the pats until 2010. With 4 high caliber players, the Pats have the ability to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive set, and we have seen them switch it up many times under BB.  Of the other backups, Smith and Wright seem to have the most upside, and may see more playing time, rotating in to give the line a breather when the game is in hand.  Look for Smith, Wright and Thomas to play a lot during the preseason as they evaluate the future of these 3 young players.