Ogor's 20 cent linebacker analysis for 2008

First the disclaimer... I am not a paid writter, and you didn't pay 20 cents for this.  This is simply 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!

Linebackers:
Mike Vrabel:  What can be said about this guy.  He has done everything the Pats have asked of him, lined up inside, outside, as TE, and has a perfect 11 for 11 catch to touchdown record.  While outside is definitely his more natural position, he can fill into either spot well.  He finished 2007 with a pro bowl spot, 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks and has been a team captain since 2005. He was consistently in the backfield all season long pressuring the QB when not getting a sack.

Adalius Thomas:  The first big FA signing of the BB and Pioli era.  His first season at NE wasn't spectacular, but he was trying to learn a complicated defense first at ILB, then at OLB.  He performed solidly all season long, and should be even better next season with a year of the defensive scheme under his belt.  He finished 2007 with 78 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 8 passes defended and 1 interception for a touchdown.

Tedy Bruschi:  One of the biggest fan favorites and has a motor that doesn't seem to quit.  Tedy is a very solid ILB and does well against the run in the Pat's 2-gap scheme.  His speed has diminished over the years and he isn't as good in coverage as he once was, but he is still a smart, savy vet who can make plays.  He finished 2007 as the team leader in tackles with 99 (69 solo)^, 2.5 sacks and 2 passes defended.

^Patriots.com and NFL.com have different numbers for this, I used patriots.com numbers

Larry Izzo:  Captain and core special teams member.  Izzo has filled in on occasion in the middle, but his strength is clearly special teams, which he is one of the best in the NFL at.  Izzo has led his team or tied for the team lead in special teams tackles seven of his last eight seasons, dating back to the 1999 (2007 was the first time he failed to lead the team in ST tackles - See Piere Woods), and been to 3 pro bowls as the special teams player.  He could fill in occasionally, but is not a starter for the pats.

Back-ups
T.J. Slaughter:  He had 2 good years when he first entered the league with jacksonville, then his production dropped and he bounced between a few teams, mainly serving as a backup.  He definately showed some potential as a rookie, and could be another Mike Vrabel in the making once BB gets his hands on him.  For now, he seems to be just a capable backup projected at the OLB position.

Eric Alexander:  Signed as a rookie FA in 2004, he has been mainly a special teams contributor and backup ILB.  He has been exceptional on special teams, leading the teamin ST tackles in 2 regular seasons, and all 3 post season games in 2007.  Most Pat's fans remember him as the one Dallas Clark ran all over during the 2006 AFC Championship game, but he is improving yearly.  Look for him to break into the starting rotation this year as well as be

Pierre Woods:  Signed as an undrafted FA in 2006, and has mainly been a special teams contributor and reserve OLB.  Lead the team with 22 ST tackles in 2007.  He is another young homegrown linebacker in the Patriots system, but hasn't shown enough to break into the starting line-up.  With Thomas and Vrabel ahead of him on the depth charts, look for him to be another core ST member and possibly rotating in for some snaps when the game is in hand.

Free Agents
http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=31078&pcid=41
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nfl/freeagentsLB.html

Junior Seau could be back after double shoulder surgery, and would definately make a contribution both in the locker room and on the field.

Teddy Lehman is probably the best available FA for the Patriots.  He has the versitility they like, and has played MLB for the 4-3 system and ILB for the 3-4 system.  If the Pat's are really thinking about changing the defensive front, look for them to make a run at this guy.

Victor Hobson or Clark Haggans are other possibilities, with the thought they they could cover the outside opposite Vrabel, while Thomas moved back to the inside.

Analysis
Linebacker is both one of the weaker positions and one of the stronger positions for the Pats.  The outside linebacking core has great pass rush ability and can set the edge against the run very well.  The inside group had great success stopping the run, but the pass coverage was a sore spot over the middle.  There were too many 5-10 yard passes over the middle of the field last year for my liking.  Woods and Alexander are solid ST contributors, but might not be ready to start at the NFL level.  This group can get it done, but it would be nice to inject some highly talented youth at the position.  Look for the pats to pick up a ILB with the second or one of the 2 third round picks.