With the Patriots recently applying the exclusive exclusive rights free agent tender on Kyle Love, what does this mean for Ron Brace? In my opinion, this is the end of a short road.

Ron is a Massachusetts kid. I am a Massachusetts kid. I want him to succeed more than anything and prove to the nation that players could come from somewhere outside of Florida, California or Michigan. But let's apply our New England sensibility - he is not cut out for the Patriots.

Ron had been drafted the same year as Myron Pyror prior to Pryor's season ending injury, Brace has seen less reps in 2011 Additionally, Kyle Love has only played two seasons but clearly has been getting more reps than Ron Brace. To further amplify Ron's diminishing role, he did NOT play in the 2011 post season - which means after spending 3 years with the Patriots, Bill Belichick nor Pepper Johnson DO NOT trust when it matters most.

Ron Brace is currently listed at defensive end but fits more of defensive tackle. Considering that 2012 defensive tackles/ends are showing some very good promise and are showing a commitment to the 4-3 defense, the Patriots will be searching for contributing members. With a sub-par defense that could be losing Mark Anderson and Andre Carter, two the of the Patriots best pass rushers, I just don't see the Patriots over committing to their defensive tackles.

Only including the players that remain under contract - Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love, Myron Pryor, Sean Ellis & Brandon Deaderick - Ron Brace is not better than any of them. Unless Ron Brace shows us what a 3 year veteran with 2nd round physical talent, we won't see Ron Brace in 2013 and possibly 2012.