MalaysiaPatsFan

Yes, I know I missed a week. I was too busy and at least we had minicamp to talk about. This whole "Building your own Patriots’ roster depth chart" thread is just to keep me going through the offseason.

Current Roster: C: Brian Barthelmes (6’6”, 288), Dan Koppen (6’2”, 296), Gene Mruckowski (6’2”, 305) G: Russ Hochstein (6’4”, 305), Logan Mankins (6’4”, 307), Stephan Neal (6’4”, 305), Nick Steitz (6’3”, 315), Dan Stevenson (6’5”, 300), Ross Tucker (6’4”, 316)), Billy Yates (6’2”, 305) T: Wesly Britt (6’8”, 314), Jon Doty (6’7”, 300), Brandon Gorin (6’6”, 308), Randy Hand (6’6”, 305), Nick Kaczur (6’4”, 319), Matt Light (6’4”, 305), Ryan O’Callaghan (6’7”, 344), Jeff Roehl (6’4”, 300)

We could look at the OL roster depth a few different ways. I am going to try to look at each of the five positions separately. Some players are in contention for depth at multiple positions. The starters might be pretty well set other than RT and injuries, but there could be interesting competition for the backup positions.

LT – Light seems to be recovering well and I think this job is still his. Kaczur filled in OK last year, but I don’t think he replaces Light as the starter. Kaczur remains the primary backup LT with Britt maybe providing some competition. Even if Kaczur wins the starting RT role he might be the backup LT if Light is injured. I believe Roehl and Doty are also LTs, but I don’t think either one has much chance of making the roster.

LG – Mankins has already shown signs of why he was a first round draft pick. The primary backup is likely to be Hochstein. Tucker might provide some competition for the backup role.

C – Koppen is the starter if healthy, but I am not sure he will be ready at the start of the season. If Koppen is not ready, then Hochstein will likely be the starter. Tucker and Mruckowski may provide some competition and depth if Koppen or Hochstein is injured. Stevenson and Barthelmes can also play center.

RG – The Pats managed to keep Neal and I believe he will remain the starter. There could be some interesting competition for the backup RG spot. Do we use a backup interior OL in this spot or could a backup RT be moved to RG if Neal is injured?

RT – Probably the most open competition of any of the 5 OL positions. Gorin is the incumbent, but I look for strong competition from Kaczur, Britt and O’Callaghan.

I expect the Pats will carry 8 or 9 OL with backups who can play any of the 3 interior OL positions (Hochstein, Mruckowski, Tucker or maybe one of the rookies) and backup tackles who can play either LT or RT (Kaczur, Britt) getting the edge. I do not see Gorin or O’Callaghan as having as much position flexibility so they may have to win a roster position based on being one of the top RTs alone. O’Callaghan does stand out as being a big man among big boys. Maybe BB wants to get bigger to improve the running game?

We may not have a dominant OL, but I think we are deeper than in previous years.

patsox23

My starters (and primary backups):

LT - Matt Light (Nick Kaczur)
LG - Logan Mankins (Ross Tucker)
C - Russ Hochstein (Dan Koppen - flip-flop these two @week 4)
RG - Stephen Neal (Ryan O'Callaghan)
RT - Nick Kaczur (Wesley Britt)

Other - Dan Stephenson (OG/C)

Surprise(-ish) cut - Brandon Gorin

pats1

My starters (and primary backups)

LT - Matt Light (Brandon Gorin)
LG - Logan Mankins (Gene Mruczkowski)
C - Dan Koppen (Russ Hochstein)
RG - Stephen Neal (Ross Tucker)
RT - Nick Kaczur (Ryan O'Callaghan)

patsox23

Not a fan of MrcAlphabet, but it's as plausible a group as I put together.

mgteich

After arguing for several years why we should keep nine instead of eight, now I argue for nine instead of ten. I think we need five inside and four OT's. We couild keep a tenth if Koppen's projected availablity is unknown, but PUP is more likely in that case.

I don't think as much of Britt or Mruczkowski as some other posters.
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For me, there are four sets of players: 5 starters, 2 game day backups, 2 inactive backups and the practice squad.

STARTERS
Light/Kaycur,Mankins,Hochstein,Neal,Kaycur/Light

GAME DAY BACKUPS
Gorin and Tucker
These two can cover the entire OL, and are vets who can come in for a few plays without preparation.

TO BE ADDED WHEN READY
Koppen
(moving Hoch to backup and Tucker to inactive.

NUMBER NINE
O'Callaghan
He is the sleeper on this team, and could press Neal. He was a tackle in college and is projected as a RG in the pros.

PRACTICE SQUAD
Stevenson
-------------------------------------------

LEFT OUT
Britt and Mruczkowksi
They certainly could win spots. Personally, I think it unlikely as of now.

5 Rings for Brady!!

Gorin stinks, cutting him will not be a surprise but a relief to me. However, they just might keep him as 'experienced' depth. But I doubt it, and that is why they got two O-linemen in the draft who are competent and will fit in as good back-ups.

Light
Mankins
Hochstein
Neal
Kazcur

Callahan, Koppen, Stevenson back-ups

Gene M-ski, Tucker, Gorin fight for one spot.....

5 Rings for Brady!!

Unless Koppen starts the first week, I don't think he automatically replaces Hochstein. If Hochstein does his job, Belichick will go with the 'hot hand'. Remember, Hochstein is under contract for years to come, and it may be his job to lose. If he struggles, in comes Koppen.....

5 Rings for Brady!!

Gorin gets traded to either Mike Martz (Lions) or Green Bay for a 'conditional' seventh round pick!

mgteich

If Callaghan is the Game Day backup, they will have to shift Kaycur to LT if Light is out even for one play, since neither Callaghan or Koppne can backupm at LT. Dante usually perfers to have the two backups being able to step in at each positon, so that two switches aren't necessary. We have gone with two switches in the past though.

I suspect that you have Stevenson (as the #8 OL) higher than anyone else.

BTW, if Koppen isn't ready to start, I suggest that wither Tucker or Mruc needs to make the team as backup center.

Finally, you forgot Britt, many people's favorite to beat out Gorin for a roster spot.

5 Rings for Brady!!

Or I have Gorin lower than everyone else....

I think if Kaszur plays LT, than Callahan plays RT.

Like I said, they may keep Gorin for 'experienced depth'.

Stevenson is learning gaurd and center, and sounds to me like one of these lunchpail types like Koppen, Andruzzi, Kaszur, Hochstein, who can step in and play okay in a pinch.