Shawn Crable ran out of chances before he ever hit the field.
A third-round pick of the Patriots in 2008, the converted outside linebacker never played a single snap for New England because of injuries. The Michigan product talked a good game this offseason, but he wasn’t physically ready for training camp this week and the Patriots grew tired of waiting, releasing him on Wednesday.
Crable spent his first two seasons on injured reserve. Considering the timing of the release, we expect one of the Belichick disciples to at least kick Crable’s tires during training camp.
The release highlights what has been a disappointing 2008 draft class for New England outside of Jerod Mayo. As Albert Breer of the Boston Globe points out, it’s entirely possible that come Week One only Mayo and reserve cornerback Johnathan Wilhite will remain from the team’s seven man draft class, which included four picks in the first three rounds.