Like mock drafts in January, it’s way too early to legitimately project how things will shake out for the Patriots 53-man roster in September, but with so many draft picks once again and so much talent on this roster, it’s a good exercise to figure out where the tightest position battles will be.
Here’s an optimistic (and way too early) stab:
QB (3) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo, J.Brissett: No major surprise here, though if Brady sits the first four games and the Pats have a roster exemption for him, it will at least help avoid a painful cut elsewhere on the roster.
RB (5) D.Lewis, L.Blount, T.Gaffney, J.Develin, B.Bolden: I’m taking the optimistic route here with Gaffney, that he emerges and can take a significant early down role that I hoped would be filled in the draft. Lewis’ recovery timetable is a huge unknown. James White is my shocker cut, but if Lewis is healthy and Gaffney emerges I think White is just too one dimensional and never quite rose to the occasion last year, especially in the AFC Championship. Still, I’d bet they find a way to keep him, but for right here right now he’s hitting the bricks.
WR (6) J.Edelman, D.Amendola, C.Hogan, M.Mitchell, D.Lucien, M.Slater: Tough call here on Keyshawn Martin, who the Pats gave a new deal to last year, but I’d be much more excited to see Lucien sneak into that spot. Otherwise, this group is already looking better than last year. Aaron Dobson is finally put out to pasture.
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Bennett, C.Harbor: The lack of a pure blocking tight end here is a bit concerning, but with Bennett in the mix it changes things because he can do it all. They can use one of their OL for the heavy sets if necessary. Crazy amount of talent at the top and Harbor can move around in a number of roles.
C (2) B.Stork, D.Andrews: Wouldn’t be opposed to trading one of these guys, preferably Andrews because of my Stork crush. Two very good young centers.
G (4) S.Mason, J.Kline, J.Thuney, J.Cooper: Again, taking an optimistic view with Cooper, that he re-finds the magic that made him a first round pick. Pencilling him in to start with Kline. Had to choose between Mason and Jackson, just liked Mason’s athleticism a bit more though his size continues to concern me a bit.
T (4) N.Solder, S.Vollmer, M. Cannon, L.Waddle: Could see Cannon getting cut if Waddle beats him out but for now keeping four for depth sake and I think Scarnecchia likes Cannon more than any of us. Fleming isn’t an easy cut, but a necessary one.
DE (4) R.Ninkovich, J.Sheard, C.Long, T.Flowers: Tough cut here of Geneo Grissom, I just like Flowers more and see him as a better physical fit at defensive end while Grissom seems too much of a tweener. Expecting Flowers to have a significant role even in the 4th string spot.
DT (4) M.Brown, T.Knighton, A.Branch, V.Valentine: Holy shit, look at the beef on this line! Feel good about these four. Brown should be the one DT in pure passing situations. Kearse/Kuhn/Vellano are easy cuts.
ILB(2) S.McClellin, J.Freeny: Thank the Hoodie Freeny has been bumped down the depth chart! McClellin will fit in well when the Pats are in their regular (fka “base”) defense, but also rotate in as he has a similar skill set to Hightower/Collins. Rookie Elandon Roberts isn’t an easy cut, and I’m interested to see if Bostic has anything in the tank now that he should be fully healthy.
OLB(2) J.Collins, D.Hightower: Two badass ninjas.
CB (5) M.Butler, L.Ryan, C.Jones, J.Coleman, D.Roberts: Gotta love this group and I’m very excited to get Roberts back into the mix. Wonder if they could use a vet since it’s such a young group, but all five are tough and can play.
SS (3) P.Chung, J.Richards, B.King: Richards’ role could increase this year with the departure of Tavon Wilson, both on special teams and on defense. King is an excellent special teamer and extremely under the radar for many casual fans. Chung just got extended again and could be in for a Pro Bowl-esque season.
FS (3) D.McCourty, D.Harmon, N.Ebner: Very good group, same kind of rotation with McCourty and Harmon as last year.
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona: Hopefully Cardona doesn’t have any Navy responsibilities to attend to. Otherwise rock solid group.
Hardest cuts: James White, Cameron Fleming, Tre Jackson, Geneo Grissom, Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Surprises: Tyler Gaffney, Darryl Roberts, Devin Lucien.
Make your own with Pats Picker and share in the comments if you’re not scared. It’s really, really tough at this point. But of course, injuries will make things a bit easier, unfortunately.
