Patscap's 53-man roster projection for the Patriots

mgteich said:

I would rather have a 3rd blocking TE, who would be useful if Gronk or Bennett were out.

It seems that your suggestion is more likely. Of course, such a player would likely be inactive in favor of our 4th or 5th WR (or even an additional receiving RB).

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Still a bit puzzling why blocking TE and backup emergency OT Mike Williams was released, unless I'm not remembering correctly.

It would appear as though Belichick and McDaniels are okay with allowing Devlin, Derby and Harbor battle it out for that last spot.

supafly said:

Still a bit puzzling why blocking TE and backup emergency OT Mike Williams was released, unless I'm not remembering correctly.

It would appear as though Belichick and McDaniels are okay with allowing Devlin, Derby and Harbor battle it out for that last spot.

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He got injured & was placed on IR

New England Patriots injury news: TE Michael Williams tore ACL in minicamp, done for season (Report)

wpdougie2180 said:

He got injured & was placed on IR

New England Patriots injury news: TE Michael Williams tore ACL in minicamp, done for season (Report)

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Oh, that's right. We took a shot at placing him on IR if he cleared waivers, but unfortunately, he was claimed by someone else. Thanks, man.

supafly said:

Oh, that's right. We took a shot at placing him on IR if he cleared waivers, but unfortunately, he was claimed by someone else. Thanks, man.

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He went unclaimed & was put on the Patriots' IR

Patriots TE Michael Williams goes unclaimed on waivers; is placed on injured reserve

wpdougie2180 said:

He went unclaimed & was put on the Patriots' IR

Patriots TE Michael Williams goes unclaimed on waivers; is placed on injured reserve

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Oh, shoot. How embarrassing.

I thought someone else had claimed him for some reason. Thanks for the refresher, buddy. Much appreciated.

I would think that Nate Solder is in jeopardy. His salary hit so high, but maybe a lot of it is guaranteed.

So everyone is keen on Jonathan Jones, eh? We shall see if he can beat out Roberts and LeBlanc; it should be interesting.

FredFromDartmouth said:

I would think that Nate Solder is in jeopardy.

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With their lack of draft picks and moves (not to mention Vollmer's injury history, too), I would find this to be highly unlikely. There's no one to fill the role.

Why would they get rid of their best offensive lineman when there's already doubts and concerns about the OL?

supafly said:

With their lack of draft picks and moves (not to mention Vollmer's injury history, too), I would find this to be highly unlikely. There's no one to fill the role.

Why would they get rid of their best offensive lineman when there's already doubts and concerns about the OL?

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Well one reason is that he sucks at pass blocking; smaller, fast guys steal his lunch money. 10 mill for run-blocking tackle, hmmm, seems dubious.

For me the most intriguing story will be the CBs. The Patriots do not have a solid number two. Will it be Ryan, Roberts, or Cyrus? Jonathan Jones might be the fastest guy on the team but can he cover and tackle?

Leblanc is the best tackler among the rookie CBs, but can he cover? Looks that way on the college tape, but who knows how he will do in the NFL. I would love to see him get a chance at FS.

Right now there are only two people that believe in Leblanc, his mother and me. We shall see what happens; I assume he will go the way of almost all the binky-s on this board, alas, and the Turk will get him, alas.

supafly said:

One has to wonder if the addition of TE Bennett helping out as a blocker may help to mask the assumed defincencies that we may have on the outside tackle spots?

It certainly can't hurt.

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We don't have deficiencies at OT if everyone is healthy

FredFromDartmouth said:

I would think that Nate Solder is in jeopardy. His salary hit so high, but maybe a lot of it is guaranteed.

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It is. All of his 2016 salary is fully guaranteed.

Everyone keeps forgetting that before the season last year, Nate Soldier was diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer. Then to top it off, his infant son was found to have kidney cancer requiring 19 chemotherapy treatments.

How would any of you do at your job if, in one years time, you were diagnosed and treated for cancer and you had to watch your infant son go through 19 chemotherapy treatments?


Patriots lineman Nate Solder says infant son has cancer | Fox News

I think the usual suspects are assuming the worst, and dreaming about no-bodies and never-weres becoming instant all Pros. Cannon suffered from turf toe all last season. When healthy he is a respectable swing right tackle. Sea bass and Waddle when healthy, are more than adequate swing LOTS. Solder is a good starting LOT with more run blocking ability that the majority of Left tackles. For a change there is real talent available in the interior Offensive line.

The usual suspects are busy once again fighting the LAST war, and not the next. Still its interesting to view the world through their warped visions.

FredFromDartmouth said:

For me the most intriguing story will be the CBs. The Patriots do not have a solid number two. Will it be Ryan, Roberts, or Cyrus? Jonathan Jones might be the fastest guy on the team but can he cover and tackle.

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Logan Ryan is a solid #2. If he has a season like last see how how much he gets in free agency. If it's not a season like last, barring disaster, he will still command a lot in free agency.

Miguel said:

It is. All of his 2016 salary is fully guaranteed.

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ok, scotch that. He is not going anywhere

FredFromDartmouth said:

ok, scotch that. He is not going anywhere

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Okay, we'll scotch that.

(Raises glass) cheers!

AndyJohnson said:

We don't have deficiencies at OT if everyone is healthy

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Fair enough, although I think that there is some legitimate concern for the depth/talent after Solder and Vollmer. Personally, I was a bit surprised that the position of OT wasn't addressed.

Of course, Belichick runs this team very well so we shouldn't question him too often, but neither Cannon nor Waddle did much to set any minds at ease.

Kraft really screwed us, if he didn't bend over and suck the NFL's *** we wouldn't have to make roster projections.

supafly said:

Fair enough, although I think that there is some legitimate concern for the depth/talent after Solder and Vollmer. Personally, I was a bit surprised that the position of OT wasn't addressed.

Of course, Belichick runs this team very well so we shouldn't question him too often, but neither Cannon nor Waddle did much to set any minds at ease.

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Everyone forgets that these two were both playing injured in 2015. Indeed the only reason that BB was able to secure an experienced ex-starting tackle from the Lions, was because he was injured and likely couldn't play in 2015. BB acquired him as a swing tackle for 2016 and beyond.

Cannon had a turf toe in 2015, hardly making him a twinkle toes playing Left tackle.

fnordcircle said:

Kraft really screwed us, if he didn't bend over and suck the NFL's *** we wouldn't have to make roster projections.

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Your comments are getting stupid