Who Will Fill Mike Vrabel’s Shoes?

The New England Patriots came away from last week’s draft with some of the top college players in the nation, but when all was said and done (as of now, at least,) one area was left unfilled: that which Mike Vrabel previously conquered. The Patriots, unless still in the process of a trade, have a weak spot now when it comes to a pass-rushing outside linebacker, and this could pose a problem as the 2009 NFL season ensues.

As of now, the Patriots have Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd and Tully Banta-Cain that could help fill the void that Mike Vrabel’s departure left, but that would likely mean a big vote of confidence on Belichick’s part. The Patriots have also been courting free agent Jason Taylor, but that deal seemingly hinges on whether or not Taylor rejoins the Dolphins.

Why didn’t the Patriots, then, do the obvious and draft a linebacker in the draft? Bill Belichick didn’t think there were any worthy of seeing playing time on his watch. Belichick recently said, “I think the outside linebacker group this year was a little bit different. Generally speaking, I’d say there were more shorter players, maybe a little less speed than what we’ve seen, but maybe a little more power with good production. There weren’t a lot of 4.6, 4.65 guys in the [40-yard-dash], and not a lot of 6′4″, 6′5″ guys. There was a much smaller pool of those players.” For now, then, Woods, Crable, Redd and Banta-Cain will have to do.

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