At least 19 openings
 

I know there are many who would cut some of the players that I think already have jobs. But even if all of my list made the team, there are NINETEEN openings to be filled through free agency, trades and the draft. Given the normal say three injuries before the first game, that gives us TWENTY-TWO spots to be filled.

I will list the number of openings and the current candidates. I have assumed that Ventrone, our only ERFA, will make the team, an inexpensive #53 with no choice. I have not presumed the signing of any of our RFA's. Those are decisions still to be made.

OPENINGS AND CANDIDATES (19)
Curiously, of all the candidates, I am not really attached to any, except perhaps for Spann, who has always stepped in when needed. I have listed Cassel as a candidate but I expect that he will long gone before the season starts. There is plenty of room for 10 competing rookies, 10 competing free agents and a few more for additional camp fodder.
------------------------
OFFENSE (10)
QB (1) Cassel, Gutierrez
RB (1) BJGE
FB (1)
TE (1) DeVree, Listorti
OT (2) LeVoir, O'Callaghan
OG/C (2) Connolly, Wendall
WR (2)
-----------------------------
DEFENSE (7)
DL (1) Adams
LB (2) Redd, Ruud, Robertson, Craig
DB (4) Spann, Richardson
-----------------------------
SPECIALISTS (2)
P (1) Malone
DS (1)
==========================
LIKELY ROSTER PLAYERS AS OF FEBRUARY 25th PER MG
--------------------------------
OFFENSE (14)
QB (2) Brady, O'Connell
RB (3) Maroney, Faulk, Morris
WR (2) Moss, Welker
TE (2) Watson, Thomas
OT (2) Light, Kaczur
OG/C (3) Mankins, Koppen, Neal

DEFENSE (16)
DL (5) Wilfork, Seymour,Warren, Green, Smith
LB (7) Thomas, Vrabel, Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, Crable, Banta-Cain
DB (4) Hobbs, Wheatley, Wilhite, Meriweather

SPECIALISTS (4)
K (1) Gostkowski
ST (3) Aiken, Slater, Ventrone

Re: At least 19 openings
 

Where's Yates?

Re: At least 19 openings
 

I don't think Yates has officially re-signed yet...but I DO think he will be in the mix.
I also thought Ventrone was not signed for 09...according to Reiss in an i/0 blog, his contract expired as of 08. I have not read that he has re-signed although I THINK that will happen.
I also think there might be only 3 OL positions open..that is if they keep 8...but they could keep 9...but that is an option.

Re: At least 19 openings
 

Here's a summary of some of the available free agents that could have impact.

I'll be honest, Housh still gets my attention.
Also, I hadn't even heard about Ron Bartell - he should be a target of the Pats.

The Top 5 Bargains and Risks of the 2009 NFL Free Agent Class

Re: At least 19 openings
 

Where's mike wright?

Re: At least 19 openings
 

Mike Wright is an unsigned unrestricted free agent.

Re: At least 19 openings
 

I wonder if they're going to let those guys hit the market before doing anything... interesting if they do. All upgradeable, but maybe not in one off-season.

If Gaffney isn't coming back, they better be putting Housh in a Pats uniform.

Re: At least 19 openings
 

1) I don't think that Yates has re-signed yet. I expect him to re-sign, but he could theoretically sign elsewhere. I don't think that he is more likely to re-sign that Evans, who I didn't list wither, since he has not yet signed.

2) Ventrone is an ERFA. He has no choice but to accept a minimum offer from the patriots.

3) I think that Belichick has always started with 9 OL's, although it is possible that we started with 8 one year because of injury. We keep 5 inside linemen and four tackles. Almost always, seven are active, including an inside and outside backup.

Re: At least 19 openings
 

Ventrone is an ERFA, so he can't go anywhere else if the Pats want him.

Re: At least 19 openings
 

How highly do you guys value him? I know he's a good ST'er, but worth a roster spot? It would be nice to upgrade him with an honesty safety project who is a good Special Teams player.

O'Brien will have an effect on which guys stick around. I imagine we would like more "starter" capable guy on ST's, and in that sense Larry and Ray (and maybe even Slater) could be expendable. Not that they don't contribute, but can we get guys who contribute more? With a couple more picks this year, we could conceivably have near-starters at every position on the team, especially if last year's MASH unit is back in-tact.