Column: Sizing up the competition to replace Ninkovich

FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots have practiced seven times since the start of training camp. OK, maybe six-and-a-half, considering the fact that Thursday’s session was basically an off day for many veteran starters with injuries and fatigue becoming a real factor. Five have been real football with full pads.

Throughout our Live Q&A chats here at BSJ, Chris Price and I constantly hear one question over and over again: What are they going to do on the edge of the defense opposite Trey Flowers now that Rob Ninkovich has retired?

There is still a long way to go, and things can (and will) change in football on a daily basis, but we’ve at least been able to discern the players in the mix. Let’s take a look at who they are, their strengths and weaknesses and likelihood of them grabbing the job.

DONT’A HIGHTOWER
Skinny: This one is definitely a projection because Hightower is still on the PUP list. But there are three things you want from that end/strong-side linebacker: strength to hold up against tackles in the run game, enough agility to deal with backs and tight ends going out for passes, and, of course, pass-rush ability. Hightower has, by far, the best combination of those three traits on this team. In fact, he would be an upgrade over Ninkovich. And Hightower is the same height, heavier and (a little) stronger than Ninkovich. Of course, the x-factor in this is someone, or a group of players being good enough at linebacker to allow the Patriots to do this. David Harris could be that person if he keeps making progress learning the system. Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy could also be in the mix with Harris.
Odds: 2-1

GENEO GRISSOM
Skinny: Certainly looks the part with an impressive physique, length and flexibility. Is certainly in the mix and might be the favorite if this was just a straight end position. But the Patriots ask this player to do so many things. Is he capable of doing that? We haven’t seen it to this point, but things can change.
Odds: 4-1

DEATRICH WISE, JR.
Skinny: The fourth-round pick has been the early sensation of camp, as he’s lined up all over the place, from standup outside linebacker to shading the center. Doesn’t look overly athletic, but he finds the way to get to the edge of blockers and beats them to the punch. His long arms have already caused issues for all of the quarterbacks in practice. The biggest question with Wise is whether he can drop into coverage and make plays, even in a zone. Seems to be more of a straight-ahead player and strictly an end, but he’s handled everything else to this point.
Odds: 4-1

SHEA MCCLELLIN
Skinny: Was a tweener coming out of college and has been for his NFL career in Chicago and New England. No one is sure where to play him. He can do a little bit of everything, but doesn’t do anything really well. Has the length and some pass-rush ability, but biggest question mark would be whether he can hold up in the run game. Seems to be a better off-the-ball linebacker.
Odds: 6-1

KYLE VAN NOY
Skinny: Another player without a defined position. He's stronger than McClellin, but doesn’t have the same athletic ability in coverage or rushing the passer.
Odds: 8-1

HARVEY LANGI
Skinny: Undrafted linebacker out of BYU played a lot of different position in college. Many scouts thought he would be an off-the-ball linebacker, but the Patriots have seen enough to throw him into the mix of late. Reminds a lot of Tully Banta-Cain, who was successful in the edge role during his two stints with the Patriots. Similar size and athletic ability. Langi admitted he’s swimming a little bit with all the things the Patriots have asked him to do, but he also said that there isn’t anything he can’t handle about the job. Might end up in the mix as a role player.
Odds: 10-1

DEREK RIVERS
Skinny: The third-round pick got off to a very slow start but is starting to come on. Certainly has the athletic ability for the position, but doesn’t look strong enough for the run components. And can he handle all the different responsibilities?
Odds: 15-1

KONY EALY
Skinny: A real long shot after getting off to a bad start in training camp. Plus, we’ve only seen him as Flowers’ backup at right end. Doesn’t look like he can play in a two-point stance. Best chance for Ealy is showing enough as a rusher to get in on passing downs and Flowers kicking inside to rush tackle.
Odds: 25-1

PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER
Skinny: It would be just like the Patriots to find some veteran player floundering on another roster or waiting for a job (Dwight Freeney?), bring them in late and that player winds up with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles. As the preseason begins, be on the lookout for those guys in other places.
Odds: 3-1

BY COMMITTEE
Skinny: This is the Patriots, after all. If they don’t have one guy at a position, they often carve up the job into different pieces based on opponent, down, distance and find a way to get it done. You know this is the way it’s going.
Odds: 1-2.