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We always talk about how critical the bottom of the roster players are for the THIS season. I think that keeping 1-3 developmental players is often more valuable than some the 5th WR, 5th Rb, 3rd TE, 8th DL, 8th LB, 5th CB, 6th CB or 4th OT. If course, this positions can change from year to year.
SOME EXAMPLES FOR DISCUSSION
MAFI - I doubt that he is ready to contribute. Thankfully, being inactive is fine. Our three starters plus Andrews and Sow is just fine. And yes, there will be guard and a center on the Practice Squad.
BOLDEN - I believe Sanders. Bolden may have a future at CB. Perhaps, a year of development is a good investment.
DOUGLAS - He could make the 53 as a developmental player and as a backup punt returner. I can't see this happening, but it is certainly possible if there are injuries at WR. I'd hate to see us use an active roster spot on a backup punt returner. And yes, if we end up choosing between Bryant and Douglas, then Douglas is the choice. We have 8 solid defensive backs plus Bolden as the 9th.
SPEED - I do NOT consider Speed a developmental player. He could have a 10-year career as a solid ST. To be, he is an addition similar to Schooler last year. To me. he either will beat out someone for one of the STO positions or he will be on the Practice Squad.
BOUTTE - I do NOT consider Boutte a developmental player. He is a 1st round talent who was demoted to a 3rd round talent because of injury, and further because he couldn't deal with rehab. If it takes hiring a sports psychologist and a personal assistant for him for 3 months, that would be fine. HOWEVER, if he can't make the team as a 5th WR, then he is probably done. The alternate could be IR for recurring ankle problems or even because of mental health issues. Paying him 6th round pay for a year is a small price to pay. And yes, I could see him beating out either Parker or Bourne.
MAPU THE WILDCARD
OK, I've said it. I don't see Mapu as a linebacker to replace inside players like Tavai or Bentley, or outside EDGE players. I suppose he could beat out McMillan and Wilson, But I just don't see it. I see him as a Dugger clone, but virtually everyone says no. They say that Belichick is ready to change his understanding of what a LB looks like.
In any case, Mapu may not be ready to a LB in the NFL this year. And we have no need for him at bi nickel or SS/LB this year. HOWEVER, apparantly he is a talent that is worth developing for a year. After all, this is usually the way for most draftees. They are expected to contribute after a year in the NFL.
We have FOUR players who may very well start THIS year: the Gonzales, White and the two kickers. And more from a draft is really gravy. But, we do indeed have more. Our two Gameday backups at IOL will hopefully be rookie draftees. Also, Belichick has likely found another top STer in Speed.
SOME EXAMPLES FOR DISCUSSION
MAFI - I doubt that he is ready to contribute. Thankfully, being inactive is fine. Our three starters plus Andrews and Sow is just fine. And yes, there will be guard and a center on the Practice Squad.
BOLDEN - I believe Sanders. Bolden may have a future at CB. Perhaps, a year of development is a good investment.
DOUGLAS - He could make the 53 as a developmental player and as a backup punt returner. I can't see this happening, but it is certainly possible if there are injuries at WR. I'd hate to see us use an active roster spot on a backup punt returner. And yes, if we end up choosing between Bryant and Douglas, then Douglas is the choice. We have 8 solid defensive backs plus Bolden as the 9th.
SPEED - I do NOT consider Speed a developmental player. He could have a 10-year career as a solid ST. To be, he is an addition similar to Schooler last year. To me. he either will beat out someone for one of the STO positions or he will be on the Practice Squad.
BOUTTE - I do NOT consider Boutte a developmental player. He is a 1st round talent who was demoted to a 3rd round talent because of injury, and further because he couldn't deal with rehab. If it takes hiring a sports psychologist and a personal assistant for him for 3 months, that would be fine. HOWEVER, if he can't make the team as a 5th WR, then he is probably done. The alternate could be IR for recurring ankle problems or even because of mental health issues. Paying him 6th round pay for a year is a small price to pay. And yes, I could see him beating out either Parker or Bourne.
MAPU THE WILDCARD
OK, I've said it. I don't see Mapu as a linebacker to replace inside players like Tavai or Bentley, or outside EDGE players. I suppose he could beat out McMillan and Wilson, But I just don't see it. I see him as a Dugger clone, but virtually everyone says no. They say that Belichick is ready to change his understanding of what a LB looks like.
In any case, Mapu may not be ready to a LB in the NFL this year. And we have no need for him at bi nickel or SS/LB this year. HOWEVER, apparantly he is a talent that is worth developing for a year. After all, this is usually the way for most draftees. They are expected to contribute after a year in the NFL.
We have FOUR players who may very well start THIS year: the Gonzales, White and the two kickers. And more from a draft is really gravy. But, we do indeed have more. Our two Gameday backups at IOL will hopefully be rookie draftees. Also, Belichick has likely found another top STer in Speed.
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