Who stays and who goes - DL Edition

With training camp just around the corner, it is time to look (yet again) at some of the positional battles.  Alot of this has been covered, but here I get my say.  Click here for a look at the Linebackers.

The Nose Tackles:

Last year we had 2 guys that filled the Nose Tackle spot: Vince Wilfork and Mike Wright.  Mike is serviceable on passing downs, but he isn't the widebody Vince is that demands extra attention.

If they get something done with his contract Vince is, of course, the #1 guy here.  If they don't, and the unthinkable happens, Ron may have to grow up a little quicker.  The positional battle here isn't so much about what happens on the field as what happens in the front office.  I don't see us carrying more than 2 guys on the active roster.  Ron Brace could go to the practice squad, but I think he would be snatched away quickly with all of the teams pushing for the 3-4.

Now the Patriots are primarily 3-4, but not exclusively 3-4.  They ran predominantly 4-3 against the Chargers last year to improve their run stopping.  Can you imagine Vince and Ron side by side in the middle - nuts.  The only way I see us carrying 3 NTs is if we are running more 4-3.

That said, here are the outcomes:

1) They get it done with Vince, keep Ron as a project/backup, and Mike looks for other opportunities.

2) They fumble the ball, trade Vince for many draft picks.  Ron and Mike pick up the pieces.

My Prediction: #1 Vince and Ron

The Defensive Ends:

Last year we had 4 DEs active, Kenny Smith on IR, and Titus Adams on the practice squad.

Richard Seymour is looking for a new contract.  He could ride out the season here, take the franchise tag, or get a new deal by next year.  I'd like to see him on the line, but alot of that depends on what happens with Vince.  So again, the front office has a huge part of this positional struggle.

Since we have the franchise fallback, and I've got to pick something.  I'm going with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren are still be the starters.  Jarvis Green has been a serviceable backup, but hasn't started in 8 seasons.  I think his job may be up for grabs.

My Prediction:  Le Kevin Smith hangs on.  Of the last 5, guys Titus Adams, Darryl Richard and Myron prior could be on the practice squad.  The last slot is too close to call.

Who do you think our run stoppers are this year?  Will Vince and Richard stay?  I'd love to hear your opinions.