So....the first week roster

[ivanvamp]

Looks like this:

Quarterbacks (2): Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett

Running backs (4): Brandon Bolden, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead

Wide receivers (4): Julian Edelman, Brandon Lloyd, Matthew Slater, Wes Welker

Tight ends (4): Daniel Fells, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Visanthe Shiancoe

Offensive linemen (8): Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, Nick McDonald, Donald Thomas

Defensive linemen (11): Jake Bequette, Ron Brace, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Deaderick, Marcus Forston, Justin Francis, Chandler Jones, Kyle Love, Rob Ninkovich, Trevor Scott, Vince Wilfork

Linebackers (6): Bobby Carpenter, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Mike Rivera, Brandon Spikes, Tracy White

Cornerbacks (6): Kyle Arrington, Marquice Cole, Alfonzo Dennard, Ras-I Dowling, Devin McCourty, Sterling Moore

Safeties (4): Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner, Steve Gregory, Tavon Wilson

Specialists (3): Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, punter Zoltan Mesko, long snapper Danny Aiken

- - - - -

Quick thoughts:
(1) Like everyone else, I'm surprised that Gaffney, Stallworth, *and* Branch were all cut. Like everyone else, I'm thinking they have a little shadow roster planning going on, but that really remains to be seen. I'm not excited about the WR depth.

(2) The 4 TE + 4 WR seems to indicate, as some of us had projected, that the Pats plan on using Hernandez a LOT out of a WR position. He did so plenty last year, but with only 4 WR on the roster, it probably means he'll do that even more this season. Deus, can we actually include Hernandez in the WR conversation now, or are we reduced to just the 4 guys listed here?

(3) I mean, back to (1), that's a thin WR group. Only 3 actual, for-real, textbook WRs on the team: Lloyd, Welker, and Edelman, and even Edelman is a bit of a stretch, because he's a special teams guy first and foremost. Slater as the #4 receiver? Holy cow.

(4) On the other hand, I *love* the TE group, even with Shiancoe hurt. When healthy, he's terrific. Fells is solid too. And Gronk and Hernandez? Best pair in the business. It means that we'll see a ton, and I mean a TON, of 2 TE sets, I would think. Which is fine with me.

(5) Really like the D-line group and think they can be pretty special this year. Cunningham's development is very exciting.

(6) Surprised that all 3 of Cole, Moore, and Dennard made the roster, but I guess when you only have 4 WR and 2 QB and 4 RB, you're going to have some roster space.

(7) I wish they added a 9th OL. Not sold on the depth there. And no Brian Waters. UGH. That's a huge blow, IMO. Shadow roster, or just done? And what about that report that they were doing his locker up?

(8) 30 of the 50 non-special-teams guys are defense. I don't know what it's been in the past, but that seems like a pretty lopsided ratio to me. Lots of guys in the rotation, should keep players fresh.

I wonder what other roster moves they have in store. I'm pumped for the year to start, but I have to admit being puzzled by some of what has transpired here.

 

[Ring 6]

No. That is todays roster. The one for week 1 will surely be different.

 

[mgteich]

It is wrong to assume that Waters will not be back and that we will not sign any free agents before Game 1.

There are several PS eligible players that are still very vulnerable: McDonald, Bolden, Rivera, Francis and Forston come to mind.

Also, after Game 1, I suspect that Shiancoe will be placed on IR and Gaffney signed. Shiancoe will then provide an insurance policy against injuries to one of our 3 roster TE's.

 

[ivanvamp]

To Andy and mgteich: Hence my statement at the end: "I wonder what other roster moves they have in store."

I assume this might not be the actual *game 1* roster, but it's what we have to work with at the moment.

 

[Ring 6]

To Andy and mgteich: Hence my statement at the end: "I wonder what other roster moves they have in store."

I assume this might not be the actual *game 1* roster, but it's what we have to work with at the moment.

Guilty of reading your headline and ignoring the rest

 

[Fencer]

Some thoughts of my own:

1. Thinning out at WR is a lot like saying Fells is a better backup than the WRs are. Starters are:

Brady
An RB
Lloyd
Welker
Gronk
Hernandez

If Lloyd were hurt or gassed, Fells would presumably be the next man up.

2. Top shadow roster guy is Waters. After that, unless I'm forgetting somebody, it's the WRs as a group. Warren and, yes, Faulk are greater stretches.

3. Nobody was predicting both Koutivides and Tarpinian to be cut while both White (guaranteed contract!) and Rivera stay.

4. The rookie safeties both have SS potential. The CBs have FS potential. I.e., safety depth isn't a problem unless DB depth turns out to be a problem in general.

5. 10 DBs, but few of them have more than a 1 year track record of playing well and staying healthy in the pros. Chung, Gregory, and Arrington are the closest to that ideal.

6. Good for Fortson. But he may be headed to the PS when an addition is made. A similar story could be told about various CBs. Ebner may have too much buzz to cut.

7. Demps nears a year taking upper-body reps in the weight room anyway. But I'm optimistic about him longer term.

 

[patsfan13]

That is 52 on the roster, Waters will be 53.


Bill is managing the roster to bring back some guys and allow him to get others on the PS.

I don't see the need for 37 on D. Branch and or Gaffney will be back.

 

[patfanken]

Looks like this:

Quarterbacks (2): Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett

Running backs (4): Brandon Bolden, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead

Wide receivers (4): Julian Edelman, Brandon Lloyd, Matthew Slater, Wes Welker

Tight ends (4): Daniel Fells, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Visanthe Shiancoe

Offensive linemen (8): Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, Nick McDonald, Donald Thomas

Defensive linemen (11): Jake Bequette, Ron Brace, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Deaderick, Marcus Forston, Justin Francis, Chandler Jones, Kyle Love, Rob Ninkovich, Trevor Scott, Vince Wilfork

Linebackers (6): Bobby Carpenter, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Mike Rivera, Brandon Spikes, Tracy White

Cornerbacks (6): Kyle Arrington, Marquice Cole, Alfonzo Dennard, Ras-I Dowling, Devin McCourty, Sterling Moore

Safeties (4): Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner, Steve Gregory, Tavon Wilson

Specialists (3): Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, punter Zoltan Mesko, long snapper Danny Aiken

Instant reactions.

1. Surprised by the imbalance of the 2 squads. I can't remember there being a time where there were only 22 offensive players and 28 defensive ones.

2. I get the lack of WRs and plethora of TE's, but I think 8 OLmen are too few by at least one.

3. Please explain to me what Tracey White did to earn a roster spot. Why Mike Rivera and not Tarpinian. I can even justify Rivera over White. Tarp,.Rivera and Koudavidis are ALL better LBs than White and White is NOT that much of a better special teamer enough to justify keeping him on as a LB

4. When Brian Waters arrives by the end of labor day weekend, start making your guesses as to who is going to be the defensive player cut. My guess is Mike Riviera. My hope would be Tracy White

5. The other Offensive player that will be coming will be a WR. so for the first game we will wind up with 24 offensive players and 26 defensive ones. The loser with this one will likely be a DLman and probably Forston or Francis.

6. I like the way the DB's set up. Lots of numbers and position flexibility

7/Herandez is still a TE, but he will be one used all over the formation. In essence our base offensive formation is going to be 1 RB 2 WRs 1 standard TE and a mismatch receiver. A position that is just a b!tch for a DC to defend. and probably needs a name

8. This isn't over by a long shot as we know from past experience; We will add 2 more offensive players very shortly and 2 of those defensive players who are celebrating with their families tonight are going to be on the PS very soon (my guess are Rivera and Forston.)

BTW- I'd trade a way a lot to have shared the feeling of making an NFL roster, even if it were only for a few days.

 

[mgteich]

I believe that we have a 52 player squad with 27 defensive players. Waters would make 53.

1) I would like to see Waters show up and for us to add an OT. We could keep McDonald as the #10 OL or not.

2) Bolden should be at risk. There may upgrades available.

3) Perhaps Shiancoe will be on IR next week, with Gaffney being signed.

4) White has been injured. Belichick understands that he is a very valuable STer.

5) We could get an upgrade for Forsten (Warren would be reasonable next week).

6) I guess that either Francis or Rivera will be on the squad when we have the "final" 53 for game 2. Obviously, there will be many changes after that.

Instant reactions.

1. Surprised by the imbalance of the 2 squads. I can't remember there being a time where there were only 22 offensive players and 28 defensive ones.

2. I get the lack of WRs and plethora of TE's, but I think 8 OLmen are too few by at least one.

3. Please explain to me what Tracey White did to earn a roster spot. Why Mike Rivera and not Tarpinian. I can even justify Rivera over White. Tarp,.Rivera and Koudavidis are ALL better LBs than White and White is NOT that much of a better special teamer enough to justify keeping him on as a LB

4. When Brian Waters arrives by the end of labor day weekend, start making your guesses as to who is going to be the defensive player cut. My guess is Mike Riviera. My hope would be Tracy White

5. The other Offensive player that will be coming will be a WR. so for the first game we will wind up with 24 offensive players and 26 defensive ones. The loser with this one will likely be a DLman and probably Forston or Francis.

6. I like the way the DB's set up. Lots of numbers and position flexibility

7/Herandez is still a TE, but he will be one used all over the formation. In essence our base offensive formation is going to be 1 RB 2 WRs 1 standard TE and a mismatch receiver. A position that is just a b!tch for a DC to defend. and probably needs a name

8. This isn't over by a long shot as we know from past experience; We will add 2 more offensive players very shortly and 2 of those defensive players who are celebrating with their families tonight are going to be on the PS very soon (my guess are Rivera and Forston.)

BTW- I'd trade a way a lot to have shared the feeling of making an NFL roster, even if it were only for a few days.

 

[ATippett56]

I believe that we have a 52 player squad with 27 defensive players. Waters would make 53.

1) I would like to see Waters show up and for us to add an OT. We could keep McDonald as the #10 OL or not.

Nick McDonald has practice squad eligibility. If the New England Patriots were to add another offensive tackle, Nick McDonald could be placed on waivers and hypothetically added to the practice squad. Whether McDonald would clear waivers is another story.

 

[The Scrizz]

I believe that we have a 52 player squad with 27 defensive players. Waters would make 53.

1) I would like to see Waters show up and for us to add an OT. We could keep McDonald as the #10 OL or not.

2) Bolden should be at risk. There may upgrades available.

3) Perhaps Shiancoe will be on IR next week, with Gaffney being signed.

4) White has been injured. Belichick understands that he is a very valuable STer.

5) We could get an upgrade for Forsten (Warren would be reasonable next week).

6) I guess that either Francis or Rivera will be on the squad when we have the "final" 53 for game 2. Obviously, there will be many changes after that.

I agree that Shiancoe goes on IR but I think Branch is back seeing how he is healthy, and then someone else going when Gaffney is healthy.

I indeed believe we will see Warren again this season but maybe not as soon as last year.

I assume Waters as a given and the reason that we are at 52 now. Seems like a lot of teams are looking for that swing OT. Is there a team with OT depth or has anyone of interest been cut?

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

I believe that we have a 52 player squad with 27 defensive players. Waters would make 53.

1) I would like to see Waters show up and for us to add an OT. We could keep McDonald as the #10 OL or not.

2) Bolden should be at risk. There may upgrades available.

3) Perhaps Shiancoe will be on IR next week, with Gaffney being signed.

4) White has been injured. Belichick understands that he is a very valuable STer.

5) We could get an upgrade for Forsten (Warren would be reasonable next week).

6) I guess that either Francis or Rivera will be on the squad when we have the "final" 53 for game 2. Obviously, there will be many changes after that.

2)Who exactly do you have in mind that would improve over Bolden?

5)Warren is not an improvement over Forston. Warren is not an improvement
over anyone at this point.

6) Rivera is the 5th LB, you need more than one backup, Tracy White cannot play LB and to me is the most expendable.

 

[patsfan13]

I think BB is playing the game to get a couple of the D rookies to the PS agree on Forston and likely Rivera.

With Demps out we will stay with the 4 RB 2 smaller backs and 2 big backs, so we maintain flexibility in the case of injury.

I

 

[RayClay]

Instant reactions.

1. Surprised by the imbalance of the 2 squads. I can't remember there being a time where there were only 22 offensive players and 28 defensive ones.

2. I get the lack of WRs and plethora of TE's, but I think 8 OLmen are too few by at least one.

3. Please explain to me what Tracey White did to earn a roster spot. Why Mike Rivera and not Tarpinian. I can even justify Rivera over White. Tarp,.Rivera and Koudavidis are ALL better LBs than White and White is NOT that much of a better special teamer enough to justify keeping him on as a LB

4. When Brian Waters arrives by the end of labor day weekend, start making your guesses as to who is going to be the defensive player cut. My guess is Mike Riviera. My hope would be Tracy White

5. The other Offensive player that will be coming will be a WR. so for the first game we will wind up with 24 offensive players and 26 defensive ones. The loser with this one will likely be a DLman and probably Forston or Francis.

6. I like the way the DB's set up. Lots of numbers and position flexibility

7/Herandez is still a TE, but he will be one used all over the formation. In essence our base offensive formation is going to be 1 RB 2 WRs 1 standard TE and a mismatch receiver. A position that is just a b!tch for a DC to defend. and probably needs a name

8. This isn't over by a long shot as we know from past experience; We will add 2 more offensive players very shortly and 2 of those defensive players who are celebrating with their families tonight are going to be on the PS very soon (my guess are Rivera and Forston.)

BTW- I'd trade a way a lot to have shared the feeling of making an NFL roster, even if it were only for a few days.

I think White is the de facto special teams captain, like Izzo.

 

[rookBoston]

The general expectation that Gaffney and/or Branch will be back feels like a lot of wishful thinking to me. They may be back, sure. But if they come back, it's because we cant do any better.

To start, Edelman earned the #3 spot. We've talked about him all pre-season and there was evidence weeks ago to make any objective observer believe that WR was competitive after Welker and Lloyd. For the haters who will only ever accept Edelman as a PR guy, you need to start wondering whether BB doesn't intend to play him at WR ahead of Gaffney and Branch. One reason to think that might be the case, as if strong pre-season play wasn't enough: Gaffney and Branch aren't on the team. Elvis has left the building.

You can believe that cutting Branch was a procedural move, if you like. What if it is not? He has not been consistent. Last year, he was only moderately effective and didn't command respect from opposing defenses. Gaffney showed very little in camp. Injuries may be part of it, but excuses are cheap. If Gaffney's release was procedural, why wouldn't BB have waited until the 2nd cut down? And among the 2nd team receivers, Edelman was the most productive player across the four pre-season games.

Let's remember that BB showed interest in Plaxico, just a few weeks ago. Opinion on this board was that BB was just doing his due diligence because Gaffney was a lock. Absurdly, some people speculated that he was scouting Plax in case he landed with a team in the Division (like he has the time to waste on something so speculative!). More plausible: he was frustrated by the fact that his receiving corp was stinking up the joint, beyond 2 players deep.

The way the roster is constructed today, our depth in the passing game comes in the form of Hernandez, Gronkowski, Vereen and Woodhead. If BB can land a WR before the season starts, who improves the roster, I'm sure he will. But until then, Edelman is the #3 receiver because he beat Branch and Gaffney pretty convincingly in camp. And that's what camp is for.

 

[mgteich]

I don't have anyone in mind. The team will review the 600 players who were released this week. Maybe they will find find an upgrade to Boldin, maybe not.

2)Who exactly do you have in mind that would improve over Bolden?