Competition Is Stiff For Final 5 Roster Spots

[mgteich]

Much can change in the next three months. More free agents are likely, but the roster is fine as of now, now that we have added a backup linebacker. For example, I don't expect Green-Ellis to make the Game Two 53-man roster. I also still hope for a veteran #3 quarterback. To me, the weakest players on my current guess at a roster are Green-Ellis and Hoyer/Gutierrez.

MG’s ROSTER AS OF MAY 27

THE FINAL THREE ROSTER SPOTS (3) actually there could be 0-5 roster spots here

These roster positions also could be used for other positions or for developmental players.
Also, there could be one or two more of these “final roster spots” if we don’t carry a 3rd QB and/or a 5th RB.

There could be one less roster spot available if we choose to carry seven defensive linemen and/or a 10th offensive lineman. There would only be one spot available for special teamers if we carried both seven DL’s and ten OL’s. Finally, all spots could be gone of we carry 7 DL's, 10 OL's and Tate is ready for Game 1.

ST/WR (1) Aiken/Slater/Ventrone
ST/LB (1) Ciurciu/Redd/Alexander
ST/DB (1) Williams/Spann/Richardson

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Hoyer/Gutierrez
RB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, BJGE
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Smith
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson/Hochstein, Ohrenberger

DEFENSE (23)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour, Warren, Wright, Brace, Green/Smith
OLB (4) Thomas, Crable, Banta-Cain, Woods
ILB (4) Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) Butler, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel/Ingram

STARTING THE SEASON ON THE PUP LIST (1)
WR (1) Tate

STARTING THE SEASON ON IR (1)
LB (1) McKenzie

 

[AzPatsFan]

Much can change in the next three months. More free agents are likely, but the roster is fine as of now, now that we have added a backup linebacker. For example, I don't expect Green-Ellis to make the Game Two 53-man roster. I also still hope for a veteran #3 quarterback. To me, the weakest players on my current guess at a roster are Green-Ellis and Hoyer/Gutierrez.

MG’s ROSTER AS OF MAY 27

THE FINAL THREE ROSTER SPOTS (3) actually there could be 0-5 roster spots here

These roster positions also could be used for other positions or for developmental players.
Also, there could be one or two more of these “final roster spots” if we don’t carry a 3rd QB and/or a 5th RB.

There could be one less roster spot available if we choose to carry seven defensive linemen and/or a 10th offensive lineman. There would only be one spot available for special teamers if we carried both seven DL’s and ten OL’s. Finally, all spots could be gone of we carry 7 DL's, 10 OL's and Tate is ready for Game 1.

ST/WR (1) Aiken/Slater/Ventrone
ST/LB (1) Ciurciu/Redd/Alexander
ST/DB (1) Williams/Spann/Richardson

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Hoyer/Gutierrez
RB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, BJGE
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Smith
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson/Hochstein, Ohrenberger

DEFENSE (23)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour, Warren, Wright, Brace, Green/Smith
OLB (4) Thomas, Crable, Banta-Cain, Woods
ILB (4) Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) Butler, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel/Ingram

STARTING THE SEASON ON THE PUP LIST (1)
WR (1) Tate

STARTING THE SEASON ON IR (1)
LB (1) McKenzie

Bill has been building his DL ever since he started with drafting SeyMonsta. He has now found seven that fit. Bill will keep them.

I think Gutz/Hoyer ends up on the PS. Also I think the days of dedicated ST players is drawing to a close, IMHO. We had dedicated ST players when there was not enough quality depth, but this team is very deep everywhere.

 

[gzathepat]

Much can change in the next three months. More free agents are likely, but the roster is fine as of now, now that we have added a backup linebacker. For example, I don't expect Green-Ellis to make the Game Two 53-man roster. I also still hope for a veteran #3 quarterback. To me, the weakest players on my current guess at a roster are Green-Ellis and Hoyer/Gutierrez.

MG’s ROSTER AS OF MAY 27

THE FINAL THREE ROSTER SPOTS (3) actually there could be 0-5 roster spots here

These roster positions also could be used for other positions or for developmental players.
Also, there could be one or two more of these “final roster spots” if we don’t carry a 3rd QB and/or a 5th RB.

There could be one less roster spot available if we choose to carry seven defensive linemen and/or a 10th offensive lineman. There would only be one spot available for special teamers if we carried both seven DL’s and ten OL’s. Finally, all spots could be gone of we carry 7 DL's, 10 OL's and Tate is ready for Game 1.

ST/WR (1) Aiken/Slater/Ventrone
ST/LB (1) Ciurciu/Redd/Alexander
ST/DB (1) Williams/Spann/Richardson

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Hoyer/Gutierrez
RB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, BJGE
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Smith
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson/Hochstein, Ohrenberger

DEFENSE (23)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour, Warren, Wright, Brace, Green/Smith
OLB (4) Thomas, Crable, Banta-Cain, Woods
ILB (4) Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) Butler, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
LS (1) Hodel/Ingram

STARTING THE SEASON ON THE PUP LIST (1)
WR (1) Tate

STARTING THE SEASON ON IR (1)
LB (1) McKenzie

Nice work mgteich, out of that list I'll keep Aiken, Redd and Tank Williams. If Tate comes back off PUP, BJGE gets cut. Thats my roster.

 

[Jimke]

Bill has been building his DL ever since he started with drafting SeyMonsta. He has now found seven that fit. Bill will keep them.

I think Gutz/Hoyer ends up on the PS. Also I think the days of dedicated ST players is drawing to a close, IMHO. We had dedicated ST players when there was not enough quality depth, but this team is very deep everywhere.

What are the rules for practice squad eligibility? Can Gutierrez be

on the PS after being on the 53 man roster most of the year?

 

[jmt57]

What are the rules for practice squad eligibility? Can Gutierrez be

on the PS after being on the 53 man roster most of the year?

If he was active for nine or more games than he is not eligible for the Practice Squad. The other part of the rule is that a player cannot be on the Practice Squad for more than two years.

Not sure where Gutz fits in with regards to those two requirements.

I would think Hoyer may be a more likely candidate for the PS and Gutz the 3rd stringer.

 

[jmt57]

Vinny Ciurciu seems to have been a forgotten and overlooked potential member of the 53-man roster in discussions this offseason. Ciurciu may have an inside edge as he has played for special teams coach Scott O'Brien when they were with the Panthers.

Vinny Ciurciu aims to be special for Pats - BostonHerald.com

Ciurciu, who was with the Minnesota Vikings the past two seasons, just wants to contribute any way possible.

“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to come back and play football again,” Ciurciu said following Wednesday’s organized team activity session. “Sometimes you take it for granted, but then you’re sitting home without a job. So I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m here to learn and help any way possible. Wherever they need me, whether it’s special teams, backup linebacker, wherever it is, I’m there to try to help.”

Ciurciu played with the Carolina Panthers team that lost to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. In 2006, he led the Panthers with a career-best 19 special teams tackles. Current Pats special teams coach Scott O’Brien was with the Panthers then.

“I’ve known Coach O’Brien for a long time,” Ciurciu said. “It’s definitely helped. It makes the process a little easier when there’s someone you know on the team.”

Ciurciu was issued No. 50, last worn by linebacker Mike Vrabel.

 

[Pats726]

If he was active for nine or more games than he is not eligible for the Practice Squad. The other part of the rule is that a player cannot be on the Practice Squad for more than two years.

Not sure where Gutz fits in with regards to those two requirements.

I would think Hoyer may be a more likely candidate for the PS and Gutz the 3rd stringer.

Actually three..the Billy Yates rule...and there already have been cases of three years...I believe Gutierrez is eligible. I do think a vet QB will be part of things UNLESS they really feel O'Connell can carry the load as Cassel did for part of 06...until VinnieT was brought in.
AZPF---As far as I checked, special teams is still a bit less than a third of the plays and just as important, so I do not see that changing. What I am sure will be important is that some of the ST players are true backups..not all but some...like Aiken..who is fine as a wideout.

 

[spacecrime]

Really tight roster this year. Only change I would make is Edelman in place of BJGE.

As far as backup QB goes, KOC was #2 last year as a rookie, no reason why he can't do it this year as a sophomore.

Gute was #3 last year, no reason why he can't do it again this year unless Hoyer proves to be better than he is.

Bottom line: if Brady goes down, would BB bring in KOC? If so, then a vet serves no purpose.

 

[mgteich]

Yes, a veteran quarterback would indeed serve a purpose.

Why have a 3rd quarterback at all? Most teams have concluded that it is prudent to have three quarterbacks, to have an extra backup for the most important position on the team.

I think that KOC is the first player off the bench. I believe that Brady and KOC will be our 1-2 through at least 2011, the last year of KOC's contract.

OK, now the question becomes whether to fill the 3rd QB roster spot, and if we do, would a veteran be a good idea.

My preference would be to have a veteran #3, and to have Hoyer on the Practice Squad. This provides the best depth we can at a reasonable cost.

After all, if Brady were to go down for a game or two, wouldn't you rather have KOC and a veteran available rather than KOC and nobody, or rather than KOC and Gutierrez?

Bottom line: if Brady goes down, would BB bring in KOC? If so, then a vet serves no purpose.

 

[TeamPats]

I gotta think that David Thomas is at least battling for a roster spot and not already a complete after thought

 

[supafly]

Yes, a veteran quarterback would indeed serve a purpose.

Why have a 3rd quarterback at all? Most teams have concluded that it is prudent to have three quarterbacks, to have an extra backup for the most important position on the team.

I think that KOC is the first player off the bench. I believe that Brady and KOC will be our 1-2 through at least 2011, the last year of KOC's contract.

OK, now the question becomes whether to fill the 3rd QB roster spot, and if we do, would a veteran be a good idea.

My preference would be to have a veteran #3, and to have Hoyer on the Practice Squad. This provides the best depth we can at a reasonable cost.

After all, if Brady were to go down for a game or two, wouldn't you rather have KOC and a veteran available rather than KOC and nobody, or rather than KOC and Gutierrez?

Exactly why I wouldn't mind a veteran #3, just in case KOC somehow gets dinged up, or isn't doing too well. I think the #3 QB would be better served with a more experienced player--if we keep 3 deep at that position. It'd just be nice to have someone who's a little more experienced in the case of needing a drive/quarter/couple games in case of emergency.

I don't know if they'll end up signing a vet, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed.

 

[mgteich]

Thomas is not afterthought. He was given lots of thought before the team brought in Baker and Alex Smith.

David Thomas has shown nothing and is in his last year. However, if Watson is traded, or there is an injury, Wendy will likely make the team.

However, I cannot see Thomas taking a roster spot from a healthy Watson, Baker or Smith.

I gotta think that David Thomas is at least battling for a roster spot and not already a complete after thought

 

[Synovia]

I gotta think that David Thomas is at least battling for a roster spot and not already a complete after thought

Agree.

Alex Smith was bought with an undisclosed pick, which, chances are means its conditional. I don't think hes a guarantee to make the roster.

Baker was given a 5 year deal, IIRC, so I think he makes it.

Thomas.. maybe, maybe not. Who knows.


I don't think BJGE has a chance in hell of making the roster. He's just not good enough to warrant a roster spot when a guy just like him could be picked up off the street when someone goes down.

 

[Pats726]

Yes, a veteran quarterback would indeed serve a purpose.
Why have a 3rd quarterback at all? Most teams have concluded that it is prudent to have three quarterbacks, to have an extra backup for the most important position on the team.
I think that KOC is the first player off the bench. I believe that Brady and KOC will be our 1-2 through at least 2011, the last year of KOC's contract.
OK, now the question becomes whether to fill the 3rd QB roster spot, and if we do, would a veteran be a good idea.
My preference would be to have a veteran #3, and to have Hoyer on the Practice Squad. This provides the best depth we can at a reasonable cost.
After all, if Brady were to go down for a game or two, wouldn't you rather have KOC and a veteran available rather than KOC and nobody, or rather than KOC and Gutierrez?

THAT is certainly one option...and quite reasonable..What are the other options? Having two young QBs behind Brady? possible...or only 2 QBs as in 06..with another on the PSqd. I will let Coach decide how to do all that..but I also would like a vet in sometme.
I really doubt they will have 5 QBs in training camp..the only notable time was in 04, when they had 5 for a week or so of camp...as Miller was injured. I think it would help in general to have a vet in for camp...maybe having 5 now and cutting Hoyer/Gutierez depending on how they do.

 

[Pats726]

Agree.

Alex Smith was bought with an undisclosed pick, which, chances are means its conditional. I don't think hes a guarantee to make the roster.
Baker was given a 5 year deal, IIRC, so I think he makes it.
Thomas.. maybe, maybe not. Who knows.
I don't think BJGE has a chance in hell of making the roster. He's just not good enough to warrant a roster spot when a guy just like him could be picked up off the street when someone goes down.

Smith was traded for a 5th as far as what Reiss has said.
Thomas has a shot if he steps it up..BUT only has had glimpses and few and far between.
I do think BJGE has a shot at the 52..He's a youngster who could be used at times with others injured. He did quite well when needed last year...a keeper for the future..unless it's a real numbers crucnch, he doesn't show any development or other positions are deemed more important.

 

[Synovia]

Smith was traded for a 5th as far as what Reiss has said.
Thomas has a shot if he steps it up..BUT only has had glimpses and few and far between.
I do think BJGE has a shot at the 52..He's a youngster who could be used at times with others injured. He did quite well when needed last year...a keeper for the future..unless it's a real numbers crucnch, he doesn't show any development or other positions are deemed more important.

A 5th doesn't really guarantee him anything though, and thats the point. A 5th isn't going to keep him from getting cut if he sucks.

 

[spacecrime]

I see your point. What I meant was, that if KOC is going to come off the bench if Brday goes down, what purpose does the vet #3 serve? To back up KOC?

The spot is much better utilized with a developmental player.

After all, if Brady were to go down for a game or two, wouldn't you rather have KOC and a veteran available rather than KOC and nobody, or rather than KOC and Gutierrez?

I was happy with BB's arrangement last year, with KOC #2 and Gute #3. This year they each have another year under their belts, so I don't understand why they cannot do the job again.

If Brady hadn't gone down, and it was Cassel #2 and KOC #3, would you be calling for a vet backup for that situation?

 

[mgteich]

Many of us were indeed calling for a veteran last year in place of Cassel. Many of us believed that if Brady were injured that a veteran like Garcia might take us to the playoffs given our very weak division, and given our schedule.

Instead we had Cassel, a $6M a year quarterback, who led the team to 11-5.

I see your point. What I meant was, that if KOC is going to come off the bench if Brday goes down, what purpose does the vet #3 serve? To back up KOC?

The spot is much better utilized with a developmental player.

I was happy with BB's arrangement last year, with KOC #2 and Gute #3. This year they each have another year under their belts, so I don't understand why they cannot do the job again.

If Brady hadn't gone down, and it was Cassel #2 and KOC #3, would you be calling for a vet backup for that situation?

 

[Synovia]

Instead we had Cassel, a $6M a year quarterback,

What?.....

 

[AzPatsFan]

Actually three..the Billy Yates rule...and there already have been cases of three years...I believe Gutierrez is eligible. I do think a vet QB will be part of things UNLESS they really feel O'Connell can carry the load as Cassel did for part of 06...until VinnieT was brought in.
AZPF---As far as I checked, special teams is still a bit less than a third of the plays and just as important, so I do not see that changing. What I am sure will be important is that some of the ST players are true backups..not all but some...like Aiken..who is fine as a wideout.

Thanks, that is really what I meant. The ST players will increasingly be drawn from players who are ALSO legitimate backups/starters for regular positions.