patfanken

We are much closer now that previously. Mine would be EXACLY like yours EXCEPT, I give Walter's spot to a special teams guy who can back up at a position, preferably defense.
(McGowan, Lenon, Alexander, Ninkocvich, Ventrone, Slater) I'd be happy picking 3 from this group

Some of the posts on this thread have given me pause to think I can create ANOTHER roster spot,, by going with just 8 OLmen. I'm not ready to fully agree with that concept, but they've got me thinking.

Lewis and Galloway are LOCKS. I can't believe anyone is looking toward Peter King for football evaluations.

BJGE only makes this team as a pure core special teamer. His inclusion as a RB is a luxury we can't afford. Bad luck for him, because he DESERVES a spot in the NFL and will probably find it...elsewhere.

With the trading of LeKevin Smith, I'm warming to the idea of trading one of the TEs for a future draft pick (3rd-5th). I'd even go as far out as 2011 to get to the high end of that. There a couple of teams that are in DIRE need of a legit TE. The Jets have absolutley NO ONE after Keller. IIRC a couple of teams have had mulitple injuries at the position, and we are sitting here with 5 guys (don't sleep on Dyvree) capable of making an NFL roster.

My roster philosophy is based on the concept that we have the potential for a top 3 offense going into the season. BB has invested MOST of his offseason efforts to improving the defense and special teams. I think the roster should reflect that commitment. That's why think only 23-24 roster spots should got to the offense, and 26-27 to the defense, along with the 3 specialists. That means 2 QBs, 4 RBs, and 3 TEs...and perhaps 8 OLmen. My only concession is in keeping 6 WRs, since 2 of them will play a big roll in STs, and we look to be a pass happy team in a pass happy league

upstater1

I agree on 4 TEs. I'm not confident about it, but I'd put more money on 4 than on 3.

Box_O_Rocks

You and your iron maiden.

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mayoclinic

I think that a lot will depend on how BB sees the ST corps shaping up. As MgTeich mentioned above, those who are able to play STs will see a lot of playing time, whereas a 3rd QB, 6th WR, 4th ILB and 5th S will be very unlikely to see significant playing time outside of special teams. That does tend to favor only going with 2 QBs instead of 3, which we have done before, though I still tend to think we will end up with 3. My guess is that we will end up more like 25-25 on offense and defense (or at worst 24-26) than 23-27: 2-3 QBs, 4 RBs, 3 TEs, 6 WRs, 9 OLs on offense; and 7 DLs, 8-9 LBs, and 9-10 DBs on defense.

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StraightCashHomey81

Mgteich, I think your a little light on two fronts. One, i think one more ST guy, ala Ciurci makes it, unless BB really likes a ST guy from another team that gets cut. I also think we keep at one of either a 5th RB (BJGE) or a 4th TE.

Near Locks:

OFFENSE (24)
QB: Brady, O'Connell
RB: Maroney, Taylor, Faulk, Morris
TE: Baker, Thomas, Watson
WR: Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken
OL: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur,Vollmer,Britt, Orhnberger
DEFENSE(23)
DL: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Wright, Brace, Pryor
DE/OLB: Burgess, TBC
OLB: Woods, Crable, Thomas
ILB: Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton
CB: Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S: Sanders, Meriweather, Chung
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Gostkowski, Ingram, Hanson

Thats a total of 50, leaving room for three:
-1 spot goes to BJGE or A.Smith/DeVree. I think it goes to BJGE for his ST play
-1 spot goes to Ciurci. Would seem odd if BB brought the Izzo clone in for nothing and i think he provides better ST value than Lenon, who has shown no ability on D.
-The last spot is a tough call between McGowan/Ventrone. I'll go with McGowan, only because he plays good ST (not Ventrone level) but with the ability to be a good stopgap at safety.

PushnPencils

My favorite torture is making you read my posts.

"Is it safe...?"

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PYPER

It think you nailed 49/50 but Aiken could be vulnerable. I think he'll make it but I'd definitely list him amongst the bubble players.

My finalist for the final four roster spots consists of eight players. Aiken, Ninkovich, Ciurciu, McGowan, Lenon, Walter, BJGE, and Smith.

- It doesn't seem like Smith has done enough to warrant inclusion and 4 TE's is a luxary we can't afford. Cross him off and we're down to seven candidates.

- We just signed a RB which I believe is preparation for the expectation and likely fact that BJGE will be signed off our PS by another team, probably KC or Den. That obviously means that he's not part of the 53. Cross him off and we're down to six candidates.

- If O'Connell can step up and restore confidence in his ability to handle the #2, then I think BB would prefer to carry a player at another position. I'm going to go this route and remove Walter. Now I'm down to five candidates for the final four spots.

Aiken, Ninkovich, Ciurciu, McGowan, and Lenon.

I think McGowan and Lenon make it based on their ability to supply much needed depth to the base defense at their respective positions.

The final two spots will go to Sp. Teamers. IMO, Aiken, Ninkovich, and Ciurciu are battling for those final two spots (or one spot if we keep 3 QB's).

I really like Aiken and BJGE but don't see how we can keep both of them. We need a SP Teams stud. In a perfect world, we'd be able to at least keep both on the PS but I'm sure Den or KC will grab them. I'd put Ciurciu as the favorite but it sounds like Ninkovich has looked good as well, plus he is a capable long snapper which is a nice insurance, especially if we end up going with the rookie at long snapper.

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mgteich

We agree on 51 and disagree on two. BTW, McGowan could actually start at safety if needed. He certainly is an adequate backup at safety, making him a relatively easy pick over Ventrone.

I chose Walter and Lenon. You chose Ciurciu and either BJGE or Smith.

I do believe that Belichick brought in Walter in order to keep a veteran backup on the squad. We'll see. A fourth TE is a valid alternative. In the end, I expect one of the top four tight ends to be traded, making the choice of three tight ends easier.

I am fine with an emphasis on special teams in the choice of the last three roster spots. I would note that Lenon is a fine special teamer, as is McGowan. However, I am also fine with Ciurciu or Jones or even both. I can't see choosing BJGE as a special teamer. There are many better choices. There are those above. Also, I would add Slater before special teamer BJGE.

Box_O_Rocks

So my divergent opinions cause you pain and you like that...interesting.

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PushnPencils

Actually I was hoping my posts caused pain......minor discomfort at least.

I've already discovered they create anger and blind rage....

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