Reiss projects the 53

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england...patriots-53-man-roster-projection-version-3-0

This time he's going with:

• 2 QBs
• 4 RBs not counting the suspended Blount
  
• 10 OL, because he fears Andrews wouldn't make it to the PS
  
• 4 TEs
• 4 WRs plus Slater
• 4 DTs, hoping 2 make it to the PS, and noting Chr. Jones is on PUP
  
• 5 DEs, which he calls the deepest position on the team, bemoaning the lack of room for Rufus Johnson
• 6 LBs, which he suspects of being high
• 6 Safeties, which he suspects of being high, except that there are only ...
• ... 4 CBs

Reis should stick to reporting 4 CB's yeah right.

PatsFan2 said:

Reis should stick to reporting 4 CB's yeah right.

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I wouldn't mind keeping 4 to start and signing a 5th a week or 2 from now after seeing what drops. Honestly I think we can do better than McClain or Ryan if we just wait.

OMG! I can't believe that Reiss would have _____________ making the team while he's got _________ getting cut!

The pre-season move for McCourty to CB may have been done with the idea of exploring options should we find ourselves short at CB. I think Wilson sticks but not sure we keep both Wilson and Ebner.

Do you guys think Gronk will make it? He hasn't played at all yet.

Mack Herron said:

The pre-season move for McCourty to CB may have been done with the idea of exploring options should we find ourselves short at CB. I think Wilson sticks but not sure we keep both Wilson and Ebner.

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If thats the case Id rather keep Ebner. Richards looks like hes gonna replace Chung sooner or later. Wilson looks more replaceable.

PatsFan2 said:

Reis should stick to reporting 4 CB's yeah right.

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Not that unreasonable if safeties are the nickle and dime backs. I agree that the odds are better CBs are going to become available after cutdown.

My bigger headscratcher is why he thinks Andrews won't get through to the PS. Or why the team would be all that bothered if he doesn't.

I don't see 6 LBs happening, and I also doubt Kline and Andrews both make it. Lastly, I think one of Wilson/Ebner is gone.

In their place, I'd expect to see one more WR, one more corner, and another QB if Brady's suspension is upheld, vs. maybe an extra gameday-inactive RB (Cadet?) otherwise.

BradyFTW! said:

I don't see 6 LBs happening, and I also doubt Kline and Andrews both make it. Lastly, I think one of Wilson/Ebner is gone.

In their place, I'd expect to see one more WR, one more corner, and another QB if Brady's suspension is upheld, vs. maybe an extra gameday-inactive RB (Cadet?) otherwise.

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The QBs will be two either way since Lindley won't make it past Brady's return. I also think RBs are maxed out at five (including Blount), particularly if four TEs are kept.

I agree 4 WRs is probably light, if not Andrews, I'd probably cut one of the LBs. Either way, whichever of the two make it will be gone once Blount returns.

I think this Andrews kid is a key piece here, Stork has a history of missing games and is currently with what appears to be a minor injury but anyway we don't have Connoly anymore, and Wendell at center well, it's not adequate.

Oswlek said:

The QBs will be two either way since Lindley won't make it past Brady's return. I also think RBs are maxed out at five (including Blount), particularly if four TEs are kept.

I agree 4 WRs is probably light, if not Andrews, I'd probably cut one of the LBs. Either way, whichever of the two make it will be gone once Blount returns.

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I don't think there's enough depth at WR. That's why I still feel that Cadet should double as a WR. Guy has a great football IQ and is very versatile as a receiving option.

Chiuba E. Obele said:

I don't think there's enough depth at WR. That's why I still feel that Cadet should double as a WR. Guy has a great football IQ and is very versatile as a receiving option.

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I was high on Cadet when he was signed, even going as far as saying I viewed him as the top option to replace Vereen, but until he shows me something on the field I can't justify keeping him. Give me Chris Harper instead.

Deus Irae said:

OMG! I can't believe that Reiss would have _____________ making the team while he's got _________ getting cut!

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Great idea Deus, I love it! Think of how much time we can save by using this handy template for discussing a final 53 projection.

We could also add the other following handy templates: (I'll stick to football related posts as opposed to Deflategate, etc):

" [Insert player] sucks!"
"no, he doesn't"
"yes he does"
"We need to trade for a decent [insert position]"
"BB can't draft [insert position]"
" Our [insert position group] sucks"
"We can't defend the [insert type of play]"
"We need to try to trade [insert marginal player] for [insert fabulous player on other team]"
"We need to trade [insert current backup Patriot player] for [insert high draft pick]"
"[Insert Player] is made of glass"

Have I left any templates out?

You know those fantasy football addicts who join like 12 different leagues, have basically every player in the league spread out through all their teams, then brag when one of those teams happens to win?

That's basically what journalists do with pre-season roster predictions. By the time the season rolls around they've "predicted" every possible scenario over 18 different projected 53's.