Another Fletcher Article

[JDoub]

good press for Dane ...

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/co ... id=6579466" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fletcher surprise contributor in 2010
When a team posts a 14-2 regular-season record like the New England Patriots did in 2010, there are no shortage of feel-good stories along the way. One of the best was authored by Dane Fletcher.

First, he beat long odds to make the team as a rookie free agent. Then he appeared in 14 games, his primary contributions coming on special teams. Along the way, Fletcher showed flashes of promise in making the challenging Tedy Bruschi-style transition from college defensive end to NFL inside linebacker, his performance against the Green Bay Packers in late December standing out as one of his best.

[bpcats]

If there is one reason that I really want the lockout and new CBA deal to be done quickly is so that a player like Dane can get into camp and make that typical jump in production from year one to year two. Most write-ups think that if Fletcher can put on 5-10 lbs and get better at holding the point of attack then the Patriots could use him at all four linebacker spots in Patriots system.

It might take him a year or two but I think that Dane could work himself into a ton of playing time if not starting. He really made a lot of progress last year and I can't wait to see how much he progresses.