2014

There are sure to be some more moves coming over the next day or so, but the New England Patriots initial 53-man roster has taken shape with no major surprises (yet).

The biggest thing appears that the Pats wanted to protect 10 offensive linemen. Not all 10 will likely be on the roster by Tuesday, but the Pats prevented another team from swooping in an taking one of their guys at this point. Clearly with much uncertainty upfront, it makes sense to try and hang on to as many guys who are experienced in the system as possible.

Still, Barker or Devey is likely next to go once a long snapper is signed, but it will be easier to get them on the practice squad today/tomorrow than if they had been released on Saturday.

I’ve seen the reports on Sebastian Vollmer potentially moving to guard and I’m not really buying it considering the sole place the report came from and that Vollmer has never played guard before. We’ll see…

I am a little surprised the Pats played it cautious with Ryan Mallett and as Mike Reiss pointed out this morning, perhaps the comp pick they would get for him after he departs next season might’ve factored into it.

Jerel Worthy’s release points to Easley and Chris Jones being ready sooner than later I think. Schematically I think you’ll see Wilfork with Siliga or Jones depending on the game as the inside guys. Vellano rotates in, and Easley is the passing down specialist.

Big question will be who the top DPR (designated pass rusher) is. Might be Buchanan to start but I think it could be Easley before long.

I really hope Wilfork gets a more healthy rotation with Siliga looking primed for a breakout season. They just can’t go back to running Wilfork for 90%-plus of the snaps.

Still not positive how Hightower figures into everything. Yes, he’ll be in the run-stopping defense, but with Mayo and Collins in the mix I don’t know how much he’ll play on passing downs, at least as a linebacker.

Many in the media continue to talk about the 34 defense like it’s a big deal. We’re talking 15% of the snaps tops and I’m still pretty confident we’ll see the same hybrid defense we’ve seen since 2011, with one side playing a one-gapping attacking defense, and the other side of the defense playing a two-gap 34 principal. Chandler/Ninkovich are the edge guys whether they’re standing up or have a hand down. I’d love to stop beating this dead horse, but I guess a lot of observers are lured by simplicity.

Congrats to undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler for making the squad. Now the question is how much he actually plays? Is he above Ryan and Dennard on the depth chart to start opposite Revis? I have my doubts. He could be a gameday inactive until injuries strike, still an impressive story.

Zach Moore really snuck up on me this preseason. I had him pencilled in as a practice squad developmental defensive end, but it looks like he’s got more than that to offer. His dimensions are a lot thicker than someone like Buchanan and he looks a little more capable of (eventually) holding up in the run game. Maybe this is too lofty of a prediction but I don’t think it’s crazy to think we’ll see him get some snaps in relief of Ninkovich at times.

The depth at linebacker is a bit scary and we saw what happened last year when the depth was way thin at defensive tackle and injuries hit hard. Really hope that doesn’t happen this year.

Along those lines Darius Fleming is an interesting player to watch. I’d expect to mostly see him on special teams to start, and how much spelling will Hightower need. Also wondering how many LB spots Fleming can play? Maybe he’ll even be used as an edge rusher.

It’s a lean and mean team and if they can stay healthy they’re one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. But a lot can change from September to January. Can’t wait for the campaign to start next weekend.