Trying To Figure Out the Patriots 53 Man Roster
First off, this is not a roster PREDICTION. I’m not even going to try climbing inside Belichick’s nogin. This is just how I would round it out, using the Patriots historical tendencies as a guide. Also, given those tendencies, its safe to assume Bill will go external for at least one roster spot, either signing a player cut from another team, or bringing in a free agent (*cough* Dwight Freeney *cough*). I was tempted to do a 52 man roster projection to factor that in, but where is the fun in that? Without further ado, my 53 man roster projection for the Patriots 2017 season opener.
Quarterbacks (3)
Tom Brady
Jimmy Garopollo
Jacoby Brissett
I was leaning out on Brissett going into the final preseason game, but he made it too difficult for Belichick to let him go with a 5 TD performance.
Running Backs (5)
In:
Red Burkhead
Mike Gillislee
Dion Lewis
James White
James Devlin FB
Out:
DJ Foster
LeShun Daniels
Glenn Gronkowski
The Patriots have needs at other positions that keeps DJ Foster off my roster. Lack of special teams ability hurts him here.
Wide Receivers (5)
In:
Danny Amendola
Brandin Cooks
Chris Hogan
Malcolm Mitchell
Austin Carr
Out:
Cody Hollister
Devin Lucien
KJ Maye
Tony Washington
There is virtually no way Austin Carr gets to the practice squad given his preseason performance, and just has too much potential for Belichick to let him go. Devin Lucien also played well enough to earn a roster spot, but there are too many players with a similar skill set. If Mitchell opens the season on PUP or IR, it could leave him with a spot.
Tight Ends (3)
In:
Rob Gronkowski
Dwayne Allen
Jacob Hollister
Out:
James O’Shaughnessy
Sam Cotton
Given Gronk’s injury history, give me a receiving third TE (Hollister) over a blocker (O’Shaughnessy). Similar to Carr, probably can’t get him on the practice squad either.
Offensive Line (8)
In:
David Andrews C
Marcus Cannon T
Shaq Mason G
Nate Solder T
Joe Thuney G
Cam Fleming T
Ted Karras G
Conor McDermott T
Out:
Antonio Garcia (IR)
James Ferentz
Jamil Douglas
Cole Croston
Andrew Jelks
Jason King
Max Rich
LaAdrian Waddle
Antonio Garcia hasn’t been able to get on the field most of the preseason, even going back to training camp, which leads me to believe he’s heading to IR. Opens a spot for McDermott. Ferentz is a prime practice squad candidate, given his versatility and football pedigree (his dad is the head coach at Iowa).
Interior Defensive Line (4)
In:
Alan Branch
Malcom Brown
Lawrence Guy
Vincent Valentine
Adam Butler
Out:
Josh Augusta
Woodrow Hamilton
Darius Kilgo
Butler was probably the most impressive UDFA this summer. Very agile and athletic for someone his size…sort of like Vince Wilfork.
Edge Rushers (4)
In:
Trey Flowers
Dont’a Hightower
Geneo Grissom
Deatrich Wise Jr
Out:
Michael Bart
Nick Usher
Keionta Davis
Hightower has been practicing with this group in recent weeks. According to PFF, Hightower’s pass rushing metrics were all top 5 last year, despite a limited sample size. With David Harris roaming the middle in 2017, look for him to be set loose at opposing QBs.
Linebackers (5)
In:
David Harris
Harvey Langi
Elandon Roberts
Kyle Van Noy
Marquis Flowers
Out:
Shea McClellin (IR)
Jonathan Freeny
Brooks Ellis
Trevor Bates
Shea McClellin seems destined for IR, if he ends up making it Langi is in trouble. Jonathan Freeny has a good history in Foxboro, but after missing all of last year it feels like they have run out of room for him on this team.
Cornerbacks (5)
In:
Malcolm Butler
Stephon Gilmore
Eric Rowe
Justin Coleman
Jonathan Jones
Will Likely
Out:
DJ Killings
Kenny Moore
Despite what I said in my column a few weeks ago, it was an unimpressive year from a UDFA corner spot. Assuming the worst regarding the Cyrus Jones knee injury, one spot should be open. If any of the trio make the team, it will likely be Will Likely (I’ll show myself out). Eric Rowe low-key had a great summer.
Safeties (4)
In:
Devin McCourty
Pat Chung
Duron Harmon
Jordan Richards
Out:
David Jones
Jason Thompson
Damarius Travis
It was an up-and-down summer for Richards, who needed to impress to stay on the team in the final year of his deal. Special teams ability puts him over the top and keeps him on the squad.
Special Teams (7)
Stephen Gostkowski
Ryan Allen
Joe Cardona
Brandon Bolden
Matthew Slater
Nate Ebner
Brandon King
The only thing that could upset a group that has been together for years is the edition of Marquise Flowers. If Belichick feels like he has enough special teamers, could swap out Brandon King for a James Ferentz or DJ Foster.
Thoughts? Questions? Let me hear ’em on Twitter @The_REAL_Alex_B
Written By: Alex Barth (@The_REAL_Alex_B)