Earlier this week the Patriots further streamlined the linebacking corps by releasing rookie free agent ILB Antonio Appleby. Released before the University of Virginia product was OLB Angelo Craig. That leaves Eric Alexander, Tedy Bruschi, Tully Banta-Cain, Vinny Ciurciu, Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, Jerod Mayo, Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, Paris Lenon, and Adalius Thomas as the roster LBs (rookie Tyrone McKenzie is on injured reserve for the year). In the short term, I sense one more veteran addition before the season starts. But I believe New England is thinking further than that. There are two things on my mind. First off it’s those two 2010 second round picks they traded for during the NFL Draft. If I’m right, that gives N.E. three second round picks along with their first rounder. With all those early picks in stock, they have at their disposal the tools needed to trade up in the draft if need be.Continue reading "Deep Thoughts"