Patriots Set Initial 2018 Roster

At long last, the New England Patriots 2018 roster has been trimmed to 51 players and though there will continue to be moves made over the next couple days, the core pieces out of preseason are in place for another Super Bowl run.

Let’s start with the surprises — Riley McCarron was cut after sitting out the final preseason game. Usually, that means you’re safe and now the Pats don’t really have a punt returner. But ultimately, McCarron never showed much, his roster spot on my last projected 53-man was more by default than anything else.

The team also kept just two backup offensive linemen, Ted Karras and LaAdrian Waddle. Having only seven is light, especially when they had guys like Cole Croston in house. Adding depth on the OL could be an unexpected spot to watch Sunday and Monday.

A year removed from departures and injuries at defensive end, the Pats have re-stocked, welcoming back Derek Rivers and Keionta Davis from injury. With Trey Flowers, Adrian Clayborn and Dietrich Wise, the Pats have a good mix at an important position, one they were undermanned at last year.

The depth at wide receiver is scary, especially with Edelman not allowed near the building until October. I think an addition at the position (Leonte Caroo was always a favorite) makes a lot of sense, especially if they can return punts.

Three rookie cornerbacks made the team which is good news both on the outside, where Eric Rowe is in a contract year, and in the slot where both Duke Dawson and Jonathan Jones have had injury issues. Crossen or Jackson could still end up on the practice squad, it will just be easier to get them there with them on the initial roster. Still, I think the Pats will need at least one of them this season in a significant role.

Most excited about… The Defense

Dont’a Hightower is back, there’s a new defensive coordinator with an array of pass rush options that should remake the defense. The veteran secondary can’t wait to start the season until November. They started bad and ended back last year and the personnel changes this offseason had a clear focus.

Elandon Roberts remains the key guy who could make or break the defense. As I wrote this offseason it’s about getting better on first down. Shelton and Clayborn are big steps in the right direction, but unless Roberts steps up the Pats will still have a weakness in the middle of the field, especially in coverage. Can Bentley surpass him this season? It will be something to monitor. What’s clear is that Bentley is just one injury from playing a lot.

Most concerned about… Offensive Depth

Across the board, the Pats don’t have anyone really waiting in the wings at any position on offense. James White, Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan can make this offense effective enough in September, then it’s a question of who emerges and, unfortunately, who gets hurt. Philip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson and Jacob Hollister will all have to help carry the load in the passing game. That includes the newly-discounted Dwayne Allen who might have to chip in with a key catch here or there.

If the core stays healthy — Brady, Gronk, Edelman, White, Hightower, D. McCourty, Chung — they’re Super Bowl favorites no matter who else does or doesn’t emerge. The x-factors — Dorsett, Shelton, Brown, Roberts — will set the ceiling and the basement.

With just 51 roster spots to be open on Sunday, the Patriots will likely address their offensive depth concerns at wide receiver, linebacker and offensive line.

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