Wilson, Bequette, Boyce, and Finch

Is there a strong case for any of these making the 53 man squad?

WILSON
I think that Ebner is a better special teamer than any of the other safeties. I think that Chung may be almost a lock as the 3rd safety, understanding that one of the corners might play safety. So, McCourty, Harmon, Chung and a corner may be all we need to play the position. Ebner would be an emergency 5th safety in this scenario. Perhaps, we'll carry Wilson as a special teamer. I suspect that the choice will eventual be made between Butler and Wilson. Of course, by the time Game 5 comes, there will likely be room for both. In any case, 10 defensive backs is enough.

BEQUETTE
I just don't see how he makes the 53.

BOYCE
I just don't think that he can beat out LaFell or Thompkins. As long as Dobson is healthy enough to be expected to play sometime in the first few games, I see no reason for carrying Boyce. Tyms would be available as an emergency addition after Game 4, if we really need another player.

FINCH
For me, Finch would need to beat out Bolden. I don't see that happening.

There is still time, but I think the window is closing on these four.

I think the same is true with regard to Thomas, Gallon, and Swanson.

The good thing for Swanson there is definitely a spot for the practice squad for him. If he clears waivers that is.

I suppose they would be better served holding on to Bolden. Finch and Gray will probably fight it out for a spot on the practice squad as well. Can't see them both being on the ps squad as someone else had mentioned earlier.

Ebner over Wilson? lol, no.

Ebner might be a better ST guy, but he is worse at S. Don't see him making the 53.

deters said:

Ebner over Wilson? lol, no.

Ebner might be a better ST guy, but he is worse at S. Don't see him making the 53.

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The question is the skill set need for the 4th safety position, given that at least 2 corners can play safety (Ryan and Arrington). My position is that special teams is not a laughing matter. The emergency safety will be chosen more on ST skills than on skills as a safety.

For the past 2 years, Ebner has beaten out players who were better than he was as a safety. I don't see this year as needing a change.

I agree with you about Boyce and Bequette not making it.

I think Finch is an excellent PS candidate, and may end up making a strong case for the 53. I think he's shown something for sure, but will still have to continue to battle for that spot on the 53.

I think Gray is nothing more than a pleasant preseason story, but not ready for an actual NFL spot. I could be wrong. I still have a feeling that Bolden has the upper hand, but another impressive showing by Finch (along with some improvement) and he can make the choice much harder.

Wilson vs. Ebner--I have no idea. I still can't get a read on that one.

Finch looks good at times (nice TD run). BB might see some Danny Woodhead in him and give him a chance.

If we consider Devlin a TE (reasonable enough), then maybe the decision is really between Devlin as the TE3 vs DJ Williams as the TE3....

In that case, we could keep 5 RBs, since many had 4 + Devlin as the FB. If that's the case, then we could keep Ridley, Vereen, White, Bolden, and Finch.

I wouldn't call any safety a lock if he can't cover a pass.

Bolden won't make the roster because Develin is slated for reps at TE. Bolden will make the roster, if at all, because of Ridley's unreliable ball security.

I think Chung at minimum becomes a week 1 cut. With the injury history Patriots will take the procussions with him. Beside that, then I still beleave he's fighting Wilson for the spot, and Wilson got the inside track. BB wont admit, he failed on 2 safety picks in the second round, less then 2 years apart.

mgteich said:

WILSON
I think that Ebner is a better special teamer than any of the other safeties. I think that Chung may be almost a lock as the 3rd safety, understanding that one of the corners might play safety. So, McCourty, Harmon, Chung and a corner may be all we need to play the position. Ebner would be an emergency 5th safety in this scenario. Perhaps, we'll carry Wilson as a special teamer. I suspect that the choice will eventual be made between Butler and Wilson. Of course, by the time Game 5 comes, there will likely be room for both. In any case, 10 defensive backs is enough.

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No offense but I think you are way off on this one. The only reason Wilson did not start yesterday is because he was out with an injury, he has had the most impressive offseason of any of the safeties in the mix for the starting spot, and has seen the majority of the first team reps in practice over the past 2 weeks (when healthy). Kyle Arrington getting reps with the starting unit at safety over Harmon is an indication that they are not thrilled with Harmon so far this camp in my opinion. Not only will Wilson make the team, but he has a legit shot to be the starting strong safety.

mgteich said:

The question is the skill set need for the 4th safety position, given that at least 2 corners can play safety (Ryan and Arrington). My position is that special teams is not a laughing matter. The emergency safety will be chosen more on ST skills than on skills as a safety.

For the past 2 years, Ebner has beaten out players who were better than he was as a safety. I don't see this year as needing a change.

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I really think you need to rethink your position on Wilson, you are living in the past with him, not the present. The Patriots consistently keep 11 DBs on the roster, so like I said in another thread recently I see the following players making the team as DBs.

1. Revis
2. McCourty
3. Browner*
4. Dennard
5. Ryan
6. Arrington
7. Wilson
8. Harmon
9. Butler
10. Thomas
11. Chung
12. Ebner

With Browner suspended the first 4 games, that is 11 DBs.

mgteich said:

The question is the skill set need for the 4th safety position, given that at least 2 corners can play safety (Ryan and Arrington). My position is that special teams is not a laughing matter. The emergency safety will be chosen more on ST skills than on skills as a safety.

For the past 2 years, Ebner has beaten out players who were better than he was as a safety. I don't see this year as needing a change.

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When did chung pass Wilson? Did Wilson's good camp get obliterated because he missed this game?

MrNathanDrake said:

Finch looks good at times (nice TD run). BB might see some Danny Woodhead in him and give him a chance.

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I really want to get on the Finch bandwagon, but I'm just not seeing it. Woodhead was precise and disciplined and surprisingly effective in pass protection. Finch still seems to make most of his impact improvising in the chaos that comes with preseason 2nd & 3rd team defenses -- and even when he makes a good play, it looks to me like he's holding the football out for grabs.

I missed parts of last night's game, though. If others saw more in Finch, I'd love to be persuaded!

patchick said:

I really want to get on the Finch bandwagon, but I'm just not seeing it. Woodhead was precise and disciplined and surprisingly effective in pass protection. Finch still seems to make most of his impact improvising in the chaos that comes with preseason 2nd & 3rd team defenses -- and even when he makes a good play, it looks to me like he's holding the football out for grabs.

I missed parts of last night's game, though. If others saw more in Finch, I'd love to be persuaded!

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Woodhead played his rookie season with the Jets, and was picked up early in his second season. Finch would benefit from a season learning what's needed from him.

Finch was terrific against the Eagles. I liked that he rebounded from putting the ball on the ground twice against the Redskins, and had a big night when one more mistake would probably seal his fate. It's a numbers game for him, but I hope he sticks.

Finch has always been dynamic with the ball in his hands and a liability without it. Not sure I want him between JJ Watt and The Franchise. Definite playmaker though.

mgteich said:

BOYCE
I just don't think that he can beat out LaFell or Thompkins. As long as Dobson is healthy enough to be expected to play sometime in the first few games, I see no reason for carrying Boyce. Tyms would be available as an emergency addition after Game 4, if we really need another player.

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Agree. Most of the conjecture on this board about the possibility of Boyce being cut ties it to the emergence of Tyms. As you point out here, Boyce is in severe danger even if Tyms never showed up in Pats training camp.

Luxusdk said:

I think Chung at minimum becomes a week 1 cut. With the injury history Patriots will take the procussions with him. Beside that, then I still beleave he's fighting Wilson for the spot, and Wilson got the inside track. BB wont admit, he failed on 2 safety picks in the second round, less then 2 years apart.

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Patrick Chung or Tavon Wilson

IMO

with smith not really standing out......we need bequette.....BB has been coaching him up......he's a late bloomer......but he's gonna pay huge dividends

Everyone who thinks Chung is getting cut are crazy, imo. He has played nearly every game with the 1's and 2's and has looked pretty good outside of the TD last night. Wilson looks decent too, and Harmon is in the rear. All three of them can play special teams and are a superior safety than Ebner. It would be foolish to cut Chung or Wilson for Ebner and I don't see them giving up on Harmon yet.

Safeties
Dmac
Wilson
Chung
Harmon

Reserves
Arrington
Ryan