Guys who pretty clearly deserve roster spots

I like the distinction between who has earned a spot and who will get one, Fencer. There are always roster management decisions at the back end of the roster that find us fans scratching our heads.

It seems that, this year, there are a few considerations that might lead to such a decision:

The impending loss of three running backs in free agency. Finch could land a job in place of Ridley or Bolden or in place of some other well-stocked position.

The injury situation at DT. Every DT of note except Vellano is injured or coming off a major injury. This could lead to an unfortunate IR designation, to Vellano beating out a better player, or to an extra DT on the roster and a corresponding cut elsewhere.

Salary issues often seem to play a role here, too. The Pats' value philosophy might find Belichick deciding that Connolly is not worth $2M more per year than Wendell. I really hope this doesn't happen, but it wouldn't be unprecedented.

I think this Brady fella has a good chance of making the roster. I liked what I saw in the last game. Good mechanics, solid poise in the pocket, great vision.

PP2 said:

I think this Brady fella has a good chance of making the roster. I liked what I saw in the last game. Good mechanics, solid poise in the pocket, great vision.

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Promising young man for sure, but still some rookie mistakes, as the pick 6. A year or 2 behind Jimmy G learning might do Wonders.

Well, now that we can get a first round pick for Mallet again in a trade there will be room on the roster that will ease the decision trauma.

Malcolm Butler has played surprisingly well this pre-season. One of the things I like most about him is that he's a playmaker and the Patriots need as many of those guys as they can get. He made a great hustle play against the Eagles when he caused a fumble with help from Hightower and then recovered it. He also looks to be a strong tackler.

Finch is an interesting prospect, although I don't think he has the team made yet. He is quick and explosive and looks like he could possibly be a playmaker as well.

Boston Boxer said:

for me, i think Ridley is out. We can have another season of fumbles and he does not look like he has fixed the problem. Talented runner but if he continues to put the ball on the turf then there is no place for him on the Patriots IMO

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He's easily the best RB here, plenty of running backs over the years have had fumbling problems, it's curable. Read a story long ago about how K. Faulk had to carry a football around where ever he went and people would randomly try to smack it out of his arms, he had fumbling problems in the beginning, they went away.

Nitro said:

He's easily the best RB here, plenty of running backs over the years have had fumbling problems, it's curable. Read a story long ago about how K. Faulk had to carry a football around where ever he went and people would randomly try to smack it out of his arms, he had fumbling problems in the beginning, they went away.

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Sure, it's curable. But he's been on notice for what, three years now? And he goes out and puts the ball on the ground first thing in preseason.

He isn't likely to get cut but he's headed towards a serious curtailing of playing time.

I really want to see Tyms and Butler make the team. I love the way both these guys play. Tyms looks like he's been studying Randy Moss and not just because of his TD celebrations.

I really like what I've seen of Finch. He looks explosive in the return game, and scary fast out of the backfield. I say he makes it over Bolden.

FreeTedWilliams said:

I really like what I've seen of Finch. He looks explosive in the return game, and scary fast out of the backfield. I say he makes it over Bolden.

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I agree. Finch looks like a kick return specialist and change of pace back. He was an excellent KR with Oklahoma. If he proves to have good hands as a pass catcher, he could develop into a Danny Woodhead-type player. Bolden does not appear to have his versatility.

Keep in mind that this is coming from someone who was and has been high on the pick, but I have to ask: What exactly has James White done to deserve a roster spot?

I think Finch makes it. He has improved every time out and he is working his butt off. He is good at kickoff and punt returns. Put him back there so Edelperson doesn't have to do it. Plus I think BB likes the kid.

I'm thinking Develin has all but guaranteed himself a spot.

dales804 said:

I'm thinking Develin has all but guaranteed himself a spot.

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Indeed.

The guys with the most solidly guaranteed spots are "the sure starters",* Gost/Allen, some depth at WR and CB, and this year's top 2 picks. Develin is in the next tier of roster safety after that.

*In which I include for convenience the obvious Front 7 assuming a 4-3, and Vereen, all considerations of scheme variety notwithstanding. Note also that I weasel-worded about CB and WR.

KontradictioN said:

Keep in mind that this is coming from someone who was and has been high on the pick, but I have to ask: What exactly has James White done to deserve a roster spot?

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something something you dont just cut a 4th rounder something something something

was the excuse i was given when i said i didnt see any of the rookies making the squad.

chasa said:

something something you dont just cut a 4th rounder something something something

was the excuse i was given when i said i didnt see any of the rookies making the squad.

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I can see that as the reason for not being cut. But that doesn't really answer my question. IMO, White has done nothing to DESERVE a roster spot in the preseason. Without looking it up, I believe he's averaging under 3 YPC.