Leroy Hill

by beantownboy171 on Apr 27, 2009 12:50 AM EDT

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4101934

His franchise tag was rescinded sunday by the Seahawks now that they drafted LB Aaron Curry.

Analysts were wondering if it wise to invest that much money into the linebacking core.

Would he be a good fit for the pats? To be honest i don't know much about the player. I imagine he is of decent talent getting a franchise tag. But at this point, besides Jason Taylor what other options are there?

I'm still very unconvinced that this linebacking core as is, even with Tyrone Mckenzie, will be enough. There are still talks between Leroy and the seahawks about an extension, and its my assumption that its his preference to stay put. But I think we'd make a mistake not atleast pursuing him. Especially with the chance of Jason Taylor opting to go to Miami.

Any thoughts?

P.S.- One more thought, the trade of ellis hobbs takes another 2.545 million of the cap. Not sure on how the cap number looks now. Especially with the number of draft picks we have to sign. Should be interesting though.

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Interesting player

Hill is an interesting player. He is probably the best linebacker to hit the open market this year, including Bart Scott. I believe Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated had him on his All-pros in 2007, but he regressed some last year when the Seahawks fell apart. He is a good blitzer, though, so with the pass rush a concern, he should be worth exploring.

The question is whether he is a system fit. He plays outside in a 4-3 and I don’t know if he’ll be able to translate to a 3-4. There are also some character concerns, including an arrest from january.

Since he will NOT come cheap he has to be an everydown player, whereas a Jason Taylor signed to a reasonable contract could be used as a situational rusher. All things considered, I would expect a 4-3 team to outbid us, because he would be easier to plug in there.

Check out this scouting report on him: http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Features/Free+Agency/2009/hill022509.htm

by hythlodaeus on Apr 27, 2009 3:47 AM EDT reply actions

I've wondered about him also

As for negatives, he’s gonna be pricey and as hyth says above, there would (at the very least) be some adjustment to playing in a 3-4. As for positives, he’s a pass rusher (which we need badly), he could be an every down player (not something Jason Taylor would be), and the guy is still pretty young at 27.

Would love to hear someone from the Patriots brass actually address the possibility.

by JohnPaul on Apr 27, 2009 8:04 PM EDT reply actions

Another report

Buffalo have their eyes on Hill as well, and they have made a pretty good report on him: http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2009/2/6/751059/potential-bills-olb-leroy

by hythlodaeus on Apr 28, 2009 3:18 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe a better fit is.

Larry Foote who was just released by the pittsburgh stealers, he wouldn’t be a pass rusher, but i think we might be able to afford both Foote and Taylor, depending on how much taylor wants

by beantownboy171 on Apr 28, 2009 10:04 PM EDT reply actions

Foote hasn't actually

been released as of yet. I guess they’re waiting until this weekend to see if they get any trade bites. He also has said that he wants to play for Detroit, his hometown, even though the Lions have not made any indications that they’re interested. That said, Foote would actually come very cheap if the Patriots decide to look at him.

by James L on Apr 29, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

I didn’t look closely at the story i guess. Still think he’ll get cut. And if the patriots can’t get him, I’d rather him go to the lions then anyone.

by beantownboy171 on Apr 29, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Foote

Foote will be a starter on any of the other 34 defenses in the NFL. He is still in his productive years and has tworings to showcase his experience as a veteran. NO NO he will not be cheap. He will get starter salary but not, pro bowl salary because he is not that good. FYI Foote will only go where he wants to go though maybe not his first choice. It’s just the steeler style.

I did wonder why you got rid of Vrabel as you are short on LB’s? On the outside looking in it is a rather curious move.

by steelerstyle on Apr 30, 2009 9:21 PM EDT reply actions

Last legs

We have wondered the same thing. Obviously the Pats want to get faster and younger on defense. Belichick must also have decided that Vrabel was loosing a step. in that light letting him go is not so strange, not getting help through the draft is. To me, at least, that is a major concern going in to next year.

by hythlodaeus on May 1, 2009 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions