17 Almost Locks On Offense

[jmt57]

I don't see Tebow getting cut. Maybe they start listing him as OW like Dennard Robinson in Jacksonville. But he'll be here.

Has anyone seen or heard anything about Donald Jones? I have hopes for him. I don't know if they're high hopes, but hopes nonetheless. I'm thinking Amendola, Dobson, Jones, Edelman, and Boyce. I have absolutely nothing to base that on.

Jones is no superstar but he wasn't being counted on to be one - at least not before Gronk's surgery, and subsequent events. On the plus side for his sake Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick have been replaced by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

This was very good article on Jones, a very detailed look back at his time in Buffalo, and a (very optimistic) look at his possibilities with the Patriots:

Donald Jones, New England Patriots and the Importance of Finding Your Fit | Pre Snap Reads

 

[Sciz]

Has anyone seen or heard anything about Donald Jones? I have hopes for him. I don't know if they're high hopes, but hopes nonetheless. I'm thinking Amendola, Dobson, Jones, Edelman, and Boyce. I have absolutely nothing to base that on.

Jones took part in the "opportunity" work after practices this summer, which isn't a good sign for a fourth year player. Although, that could just be him back in the swing of things after ending up on IR with some unknown (although I know I read what it was somewhere) medical condition last season. One thing that really helps Jones is that if he isn't in the top few WRs, then his ST play should help his case. He had 10 ST tackles in 2010 before taking a bigger role on offense the past two seasons. I think your list looks good, with my presumed top 3 of Amendola, Dobson, and Edelman, the developmental guy in Boyce, and Jones as a do-everything backup. The big thing that would drastically change that is if Jenkins is one of the top 3 receivers, in which case I think either Jones would be gone or they'd keep 6 real WRs. If Jenkins beats out Jones for the #4 spot, I still think they keep Jones due to his ST play.

 

[mgteich]

Two from each group works for me.

Thinking about the receivers, I wonder if there will be some delineation based on size, to fill in a specific role or style of play.

I'll be very curious to see how much of a shift there may be away from the so-called smurf receiving corps that the Pats have had in the past when the final roster cuts are announced.


6'4", 215 - Michael Jenkins
6'3", 230 - Mark Harrison
6'3", 200 - Aaron Dobson
6'2", 215 - Kamar Aiken

6'0", 210 - Matthew Slater
6'0", 205 - Donald Jones
5'11", 205 - Josh Boyce

6'0", 195 - Kenbrell Thompkins
5'11", 195 - Danny Amendola
5'11", 195 - Lavelle Hawkins
5'10", 198 - Julian Edelman

 

[Deus Irae]

Jones is no superstar but he wasn't being counted on to be one - at least not before Gronk's surgery, and subsequent events. On the plus side for his sake Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick have been replaced by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

This was very good article on Jones, a very detailed look back at his time in Buffalo, and a (very optimistic) look at his possibilities with the Patriots:

Donald Jones, New England Patriots and the Importance of Finding Your Fit | Pre Snap Reads

Go look at Jones' numbers. Then, take his numbers against the Patriots out and look again.

Unless he's been playing one hell of a game of possum against pretty much every team not named the New England Patriots to this point in his career, he's not going to be making the team.

 

[supafly]

Well, if Cannon wins the starting RG spot and if the younger interior linemen perform well enough to be trusted as backups, cutting Connolly would save $1M this season and then $4M next season. Outside of Boyce (who would be the popular choice but I think would end up on IR before being cut), my pick is Connolly.

I think that's a whole lot of "ifs" to count on to be able to move on from Connelly (coincidentally just about everyone's "lock" to be our center of the future last season) prior to the 2013 season.

I do however, think that Connelly could be replaced prior to next season--especially since they may be due for a higher round offensive lineman pick in the draft, not to mention possibly waiting to see if Wendell is resigned first.

 

[Nunchucks]

I don't think Tebow is a lock at all, he has little chance to make the team, IMO. We probably will see Sudfield and Hoomanamanwowai(sp) as the other two TEs (Gronk and Ballard).

Jenkins looks like he is going to get every opportunity to win a roster spot, so he is probably in as well. That would give us Amendola, Jenkins, Dobson, Bryce, Edelmen.................slater. Maybe Jones comes in and fights for a spot or one of the other guys that I can't remember. not enough coffee yet.

RBs will see Ridley, Vereen, Washington as definite locks. Blount and Boldin will battle it out for the 4th spot and the Patriots could keep 5.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

I'm bored.
Let's discuss the roster at this point, between camps.

If all these players are healthy and producing, I wouldn't expect a lot of reps from others. Of course, depth, ST and development is what the end of the roster is about. For example, I certainly expect significant production from wide receivers not on this list.

OFFENSE (17)
QB (1) Brady
TE (2) Gronkowski, Ballard
RB (3) Ridley, Vereen, Washington
WR (3) Amendola, Dobson, Bryce
OL (6) Solder, Mankins, Wendell, Connolly, Vollmer, Cannon
ST (2) Slater, Edelman

So, we have room for 6-9 additional positions on offense.

Mallett will be on the team, no way they go into the season with only Tebow to back up Brady. Connolly could be a possible cut. You never know what you're getting with a 30 yo and over FA so I wouldn't consider Washington a lock but he should make it. I also wouldn't consider Boyce a lock and Bryce has no chance.

QB: Brady, Mallett
RB: Ridley, Vereen
WR: Amendola, Dobson, Edelman
TE: Gronk, Ballard
OL: Solder, Vollmer, Wendell, Mankins, Cannon,
ST: Slater (WR)

 

[Brady6]

Every player the Patriots have drafted in the first four rounds under Belichick has made the payroll Week 1 of his rookie season (some on IR, but nevertheless on the payroll).

The only fourth rounder the Patriots cut in his rookie season was Kareem Brown, but that was in the sui generis year of 2007.

Didn't they cut the TE with the last name Smith? I forget his first name but he was a 4th rounder wasn't he?

 

[Uncle Rico]

Didn't they cut the TE with the last name Smith? I forget his first name but he was a 4th rounder wasn't he?

I think that was Lee Smith, fifth rounder.

Lee Smith (American football) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Brady6]

Go look at Jones' numbers. Then, take his numbers against the Patriots out and look again.

Unless he's been playing one hell of a game of possum against pretty much every team not named the New England Patriots to this point in his career, he's not going to be making the team.

I have to disagree with this. I think Jones makes the team. He reminds of a younger Jabar Gaffney capable of playing inside, outside and occasionally getting down field.

He would make a very good 4th WR on this roster because he can backup at X, Y or Z. Can't think of another WR on the current roster you can say that about.

 

[Brady6]

I think that was Lee Smith, fifth rounder.

Lee Smith (American football) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yeah that was him, thank you for clarifying the round.

 

[Deus Irae]

I have to disagree with this. I think Jones makes the team. He reminds of a younger Jabar Gaffney capable of playing inside, outside and occasionally getting down field.

He would make a very good 4th WR on this roster because he can backup at X, Y or Z. Can't think of another WR on the current roster you can say that about.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games in 3 seasons. He has a total of 82 catches for 887 yards receiving, and 6 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots 4 times in 3 seasons. He has a total of 18 receptions for 319 yards and 2 TDs.

If you take the New England games out of the equation, Donald Jones has played in 29 NFL games in 3 seasons, and has 64 catches for 568 yards and 4 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots in approximately 1/8th of his NFL games (12.5%). He's made 22% of his catches, 36% of his yardage and 33% of his TDs against them. Against the rest of the league, he's mostly been garbage.

Could Donald Jones make the team? Unless you think Belichick is cutting one of the rookies, there are already 3 WR spots spoken for (Amendola taking the 3rd spot), and Jones is competing with a lot of "meh" for the remaining 2-3 spots. He's got a shot, particularly given that competition he's facing as of now. But that won't make his past numbers suddenly change, and sucking at more than one position, which is what he's done to this point in his career, doesn't make you particularly valuable, which is why he took the contract he did.

Edit: I just want to add a couple of other things in case I ever need to revisit this:

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and gone over 70 yards receiving 3 times. All three times (101, 90, 74) have been against the Patriots.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and gone over 50 yards receiving 7 times. 4 of those 7 times (57%) have been against the Patriots.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and had 5 catches or more in 8 of them. 3 of those 8 games (38%) came against the Patriots.

 

[Brady6]

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games in 3 seasons. He has a total of 82 catches for 887 yards receiving, and 6 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots 4 times in 3 seasons. He has a total of 18 receptions for 319 yards and 2 TDs.

If you take the New England games out of the equation, Donald Jones has played in 29 NFL games in 3 seasons, and has 64 catches for 568 yards and 4 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots in approximately 1/8th of his NFL games (12.5%). He's made 22% of his catches, 36% of his yardage and 33% of his TDs against them. Against the rest of the league, he's mostly been garbage.

Could Donald Jones make the team? Sure, anything can happen. But that won't make his past numbers suddenly change, and sucking at more than one position, which is what he's done to this point in his career, doesn't make you particularly valuable, which is why he took the contract he did.

I agree the numbers aren't great, he is young and did come into the league as an UDFA. I don't see him as a star or even a starter but he could fit as a 4th WR very nicely IMO.

 

[Deus Irae]

I agree the numbers aren't great, he is young and did come into the league as an UDFA. I don't see him as a star or even a starter but he could fit as a 4th WR very nicely IMO.

I don't know if anyone's 'sad' this to you yet, so...

:welcome:

 

[Brady6]

I don't know if anyone's 'sad' this to you yet, so...

:welcome:

Thanks man! That was very nice of you.

 

[supafly]

I also wouldn't consider Boyce a lock and Bryce has no chance.

They are one in the same, ACQB.

Some here are confusing Josh Boyce with some unknown player named "Bryce" who does not exist. They all mean "Boyce...as in Josh Boyce," our draft pick from TCU.

For what it's worth, I've have a hard time believing that our 4th round pick wouldn't make it. What's the use of even drafting him into a complex offense if you're not even going to give him a reasonable opportunity to learn the system/playbook and perform in some way via practice through progression etc?

 

[supafly]

I have to disagree with this. I think Jones makes the team. He reminds of a younger Jabar Gaffney capable of playing inside, outside and occasionally getting down field.

He would make a very good 4th WR on this roster because he can backup at X, Y or Z. Can't think of another WR on the current roster you can say that about.

I initially agreed with you back when he first came here. Now, I'm not as sure. There are a lot of unproven players at the position, and if they only keep 5 real WRs + Slater = 6 total, then we can assume that they are all fighting for the last 2 spots.

In other words, I'd have to see DA, Boyce, Dobson, and Slater as locks, unless maybe Boyce goes to IR or something of that nature.

That would only leave 2 spots remaining, and Edelman is likely the frontrunner to take one of those unless someone really dazzles in the next 2 months.

Either scenario of Boyce spending year one on IR, or Belichick deciding to go with 6 real WRs + Slater (not likely, but not impossible) would greatly improve D.Jones' chance of sticking around in my opinion.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games in 3 seasons. He has a total of 82 catches for 887 yards receiving, and 6 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots 4 times in 3 seasons. He has a total of 18 receptions for 319 yards and 2 TDs.

If you take the New England games out of the equation, Donald Jones has played in 29 NFL games in 3 seasons, and has 64 catches for 568 yards and 4 TDs.

Donald Jones has played the Patriots in approximately 1/8th of his NFL games (12.5%). He's made 22% of his catches, 36% of his yardage and 33% of his TDs against them. Against the rest of the league, he's mostly been garbage.

Could Donald Jones make the team? Unless you think Belichick is cutting one of the rookies, there are already 3 WR spots spoken for (Amendola taking the 3rd spot), and Jones is competing with a lot of "meh" for the remaining 2-3 spots. He's got a shot, particularly given that competition he's facing as of now. But that won't make his past numbers suddenly change, and sucking at more than one position, which is what he's done to this point in his career, doesn't make you particularly valuable, which is why he took the contract he did.

Edit: I just want to add a couple of other things in case I ever need to revisit this:

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and gone over 70 yards receiving 3 times. All three times (101, 90, 74) have been against the Patriots.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and gone over 50 yards receiving 7 times. 4 of those 7 times (57%) have been against the Patriots.

Donald Jones has played 33 NFL games and had 5 catches or more in 8 of them. 3 of those 8 games (38%) came against the Patriots.

Sciz pointed out yesterday that Donald Jones had been receiving some looks in the period at the end of practice normally reserved for those who aren't seeing many looks otherwise. I forget what the more formal name of this period is, but you obviously know what I'm referring to.

That can't be seen as too good of a sign towards his chances of making the team in my opinion, especially with both of the draft picks not taking part in anything too much to this point.

 

[blackglass3]

The stuff I have read on Jenkins has all been positive, he's come off like a high character guy who would be very helpful to our younger receivers.

Am I correct in assuming if at least one of our rookie WR's don't pan out this season we're in for a long year?

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

They are one in the same, ACQB.

Some here are confusing Josh Boyce with some unknown player named "Bryce" who does not exist. They all mean "Boyce...as in Josh Boyce," our draft pick from TCU.

For what it's worth, I've have a hard time believing that our 4th round pick wouldn't make it. What's the use of even drafting him into a complex offense if you're not even going to give him a reasonable opportunity to learn the system/playbook and perform in some way via practice through progression etc?

OK, thanks for clarifying. What are your thoughts on Boynce, Bounce and Breeze and Beans? Locks or not?

 

[Brady6]

I initially agreed with you back when he first came here. Now, I'm not as sure. There are a lot of unproven players at the position, and if they only keep 5 real WRs + Slater = 6 total, then we can assume that they are all fighting for the last 2 spots.

In other words, I'd have to see DA, Boyce, Dobson, and Slater as locks, unless maybe Boyce goes to IR or something of that nature.

That would only leave 2 spots remaining, and Edelman is likely the frontrunner to take one of those unless someone really dazzles in the next 2 months.

Either scenario of Boyce spending year one on IR, or Belichick deciding to go with 6 real WRs + Slater (not likely, but not impossible) would greatly improve D.Jones' chance of sticking around in my opinion.





Sciz pointed out yesterday that Donald Jones had been receiving some looks in the period at the end of practice normally reserved for those who aren't seeing many looks otherwise. I forget what the more formal name of this period is, but you obviously know what I'm referring to.

That can't be seen as too good of a sign towards his chances of making the team in my opinion, especially with both of the draft picks not taking part in anything too much to this point.

I'm not that knowledgable about Jones so I could be off. What I've read has all been positive and he seems to have solid size and athleticism. In all honesty I maybe using his signing so early in FA as an indicator of value which is likely invalid.

I do think should they decide to move away from a the two TE offense they'd keep 6 true WR's. In 2011 they had Gronkowski and Hernandez as their only TE's with the other Gronkowski on and off the roster as the 3rd TE and also Solder as blocking TE.

I would not be at all surprised to see them keep just 3 TE's with Gronkowski, Ballard and either Hoomanawanui, Fells or Sudfeld.