Random Thoughts 8/29 - Camp Battles-WTW4, Next in line for Extension?

-I am starting to think there is a possibility that third round pick Jake Bequette may be cut from this team. Justin Francis has shown more in the preseason, and we know that Belichick will not hold onto a worse player just because of his draft status. It appears like they will only carry 5 DEs, and after C-Jones and Nink, there is a logjam of Scott, Cunningham, Bequette, and Francis. Of these 4, I think it goes without saying that Bequette has shown the least, so the question on keeping him comes down to this: does he have the potential to justify cutting a player that has been decidedly better during camp? However, if Bequette comes out with a good game tonight, he can end this debate and that will likely lead either Cunningham or Francis to the chop block.

-Another big position battle going are the end of the roster linebacker spots. After Mayo, Hightower, Spikes, and Carpenter (who are all locks) there seem to be two spots to be had by mostly special teams players. From what I can tell, we are looking at these four players for those two spots: Niko Koutivitis, Jeff Tarpinian, Mike Rivera, and Tracy White. White has been out most all of camp with an injury, so he seems to be on the outside looking in despite the fact that he was on the roster last year. So, it really comes down to those first three. It appears of the three, Rivera is the best linebacker, but the worst special teamer. Tonight's game is going to be big for these three. Does Rivera show he has some special teams value? Can Koutivits and Tarpinian show they can be a capable backup in the event of injuries to starters?

-One question that has popped up is, "who is next in line for an extension?" I have looked up and down the roster, and I do not think there is a single player on this team that is deserving of an extension. The closest candidates I can find are Chung and Vollmer. Both of these players are top tier players and guys you want to have at the core of your team. HOWEVER, neither has proved they can stay healthy. Chung has had a myriad of different issues over the course of his career and always seems to be battling something or other. Vollmer on the other hand, has only had one issue, but it is the worst kind for an offensive lineman, a chronic back injury. I think Chung, being younger (25 to Vollmer's 28), and without a chronic injury, will garner much more interest on the open market, but despite that, do not think it is worth it to extend him until he proves he can play a FULL season. McCourty is a possibility, but I think he has to string together two good years before they are going to extend him.