I Suspect The Roster Is Almost Set

[QB12]

Love seeing your selections ...

Not sold on Ohrnbergers toughness and he is by no means a lock ... Could see us going with 8 OL and Wendell or Yates being kept until LeVoir is ready to come off PuP. I think I have seen enough of O'Callaghan.

I see the 4-3 being a bigger part of this Defense and Woods and Crable are not 4-3 LBs. I would keep Ninkovich as a DE/LB tweener over Woods with Crable a possibility at PS. Lenon is not needed if we go 4-3. Warren starts the year on PuP.

Keep BJGE and perhaps find a new home for Watson and Maroney. You have to find roster spots for STs Ventrone and Slater. Is a 3rd QB really neccessary if you keep Edelman? If I am going 4-3 then bring in Derrick Brooks, and Vonnie Holliday.

Warren is ineligible for PUP as he has already practiced.
Yates has played (or not) his way off the roster.

QB12

 

[mayoclinic]

Love seeing your selections ...

Not sold on Ohrnbergers toughness and he is by no means a lock ... Could see us going with 8 OL and Wendell or Yates being kept until LeVoir is ready to come off PuP. I think I have seen enough of O'Callaghan.

I see the 4-3 being a bigger part of this Defense and Woods and Crable are not 4-3 LBs. I would keep Ninkovich as a DE/LB tweener over Woods with Crable a possibility at PS. Lenon is not needed if we go 4-3. Warren starts the year on PuP.

Keep BJGE and perhaps find a new home for Watson and Maroney. You have to find roster spots for STs Ventrone and Slater. Is a 3rd QB really neccessary if you keep Edelman? If I am going 4-3 then bring in Derrick Brooks, and Vonnie Holliday.

Why not go 4-3 and convert to the Tampa 2, and replace the whole defense? I'm sorry, but I can't see Derrick Brooks fitting on this team, and we don't need more aging LBs. Holliday at least offers versatility to play both 3-4 and 4-3, though I think he is an unlikely option at this point.

I think Edelman has earned a spot as a WR, STer, multi-purpose threat, and to shadow the Wildcat, but I'm not sold on him as a backup QB at this point.

I can't see Crable being cut and making the PS. There are too many teams converting to the 3-4 who need LBs. He will end up on the Chiefs. Same goes for Woods if he is cut (obviously not PS eligible). I can't see either not making the final 53 at this point.

 

[PushnPencils]

Love seeing your selections ...

Not sold on Ohrnbergers toughness and he is by no means a lock ... Could see us going with 8 OL and Wendell or Yates being kept until LeVoir is ready to come off PuP. I think I have seen enough of O'Callaghan.

I see the 4-3 being a bigger part of this Defense and Woods and Crable are not 4-3 LBs. I would keep Ninkovich as a DE/LB tweener over Woods with Crable a possibility at PS. Lenon is not needed if we go 4-3. Warren starts the year on PuP.

Keep BJGE and perhaps find a new home for Watson and Maroney. You have to find roster spots for STs Ventrone and Slater. Is a 3rd QB really neccessary if you keep Edelman? If I am going 4-3 then bring in Derrick Brooks, and Vonnie Holliday.

Brave prognostication.

Now hold still while I strap this body armor on you.

 

[BPF]

For some reason I have a feeling it's going to be either Galloway or Lewis, not both.

In the past the Pats have been left light at the TE spot with injuries during the season and with 4 quality players at the position I can't see them being left light there, especially with more 2 TE sets. If they receive a good trade offer for Smith or Thomas I could see them going with 3 otherwise I feel they will go with 4.

There also has to be a spot for BJGE, he's too talented to be left off. Morris has been dinged up as well which might influence the decision here. If you think about, all the backs on the roster besides BJGE and Faulk have been injury prone their entire careers.

There will also be lots of trades before the final cutdown date. There are too many ex-BB disciples that will be competing for talent via the waiver wire so they will make trades for certain players rather than chance it especially since KC will be #1 on the list for waiver claims from that group.

If this keeps happening, Galloway will not stick. From today's PFW blog:
Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive From Hart: It?s all over (clap, clap?clappy, clap)

Brady and Galloway struggled to connect on a few deep balls down the left sideline, despite going against air.

 

[CrazedChariot]

Edleman as the third string qb is not a realistic option for a number of reasons. The top two being that he isn't physically qualified and would take at least a year or two to even learn how to run a pro offense. (nevermind the fact that it would stunt his WR / Special teams role if he was trying to learn the qb position)

Going with two QB is fine in my opinion with Hoyer stashed on the PS. In fact I would prefer it that way so we could keep another young talent somewhere.

 

[BPF]

Although Price had it going a little different as far as Galloway is concerned:
It Is What It Is Notes from Tuesday PM Practice

After what appeared to be an initial stumble on the part of Galloway, the two seemed to make a few nice deep connections. It was fascinating to watch the quarterback and the receivers work together.

 

[BPF]

Edleman as the third string qb is not a realistic option for a number of reasons. The top two being that he isn't physically qualified and would take at least a year or two to even learn how to run a pro offense. (nevermind the fact that it would stunt his WR / Special teams role if he was trying to learn the qb position)

Going with two QB is fine in my opinion with Hoyer stashed on the PS. In fact I would prefer it that way so we could keep another young talent somewhere.

3rd string QBs are never wanted until someone gets hurt. Walter is a pretty talented kid and I'd advocate keeping him around.

 

[mgteich]

I think that who is active depends on who we play. As a general proposition, I would suggest the following:
1) Only 7 OL's are active in any game. Only two game day backups are needed. Hochstein is one backups. The backup OT position is open.
2) Unless Edelman is our returner, he will be inactive. Aiken will never be inactive.
3) I would expect the OL roster spot to be used for a defensive back, probably McGowan, a reasonable special teamer.
4) When in doubt, active roster spots should go to special teamers. They'll play, while the #4 OLB may get no reps at all. Check out some stats and see the distribution of minutes for the #7 linebacker; I bet the minutes are usually very light, except for special teams minutes. And this year, linebackers will be on the field even less.

MgT and others, given that the final 53 is almost set, what do you see the 45 man active roster looking like (barring injuries)? That's going to be a tough one. Right now I see it looking something like:

2 QBs - Brady and O'Connell
4 RBs - Maroney, Taylor, Faulk and Morris
3 TEs - Watson, Baker and Smith/Thomas
5 WRs - Moss, Welker, Galloway and 2/3 from Lewis/Edelman/Aiken
8 OLs - Light, Kaczur, Mankins, Neal, Koppen, Vollmer and 2/3 from Hochstein/Ohrnberger/LeVoir (or other OT until LeVoir healthy)

6 DLs - Seymour, Warren, Wilfork, Brace, and 2/3 of Wright/Green/Pryor
4 OLBs - Thomas, Burgess, and 2/3 of Woods/Crable/TBC
3 ILBs - Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi/Lenon
3 S - Meriweather, Chung, Sanders
4 CB - Bodden, Springs, and 2/3 of Butler/Wilhite/Wheatley

1 K - Ghost
1 P - Hanson
1 LS - Ingram/Hodel

Obviously, injuries will have a lot to do with the weekly variation as to who plays. I'd like to see another DB, but if Springs is healthy he can play S as well as CB.

Thoughts?

 

[mayoclinic]

I think that who is active depends on who we play. As a general proposition, I would suggest the following:
1) Only 7 OL's are active in any game. Only two game day backups are needed. Hochstein is one backups. The backup OT position is open.
2) Unless Edelman is our returner, he will be inactive. Aiken will never be inactive.
3) I would expect the OL roster spot to be used for a defensive back, probably McGowan, a reasonable special teamer.
4) When in doubt, active roster spots should go to special teamers. They'll play, while the #4 OLB may get no reps at all. Check out some stats and see the distribution of minutes for the #7 linebacker; I bet the minutes are usually very light, except for special teams minutes. And this year, linebackers will be on the field even less.

Very reasonable thoughts. Thanks.

 

[cstjohn17]

Here is a roster from May 4.... I must be crazy to read every blog and watch all the footage, 90% of the roster was set before camp even started.

But what fun it is to make our guesses.

I see Ventrone, Alexander and Slater being the 3 with consolation prizes to Vinny Ciurciu and Yates.
Surprise cut - Lewis and as Mgteich said Smith at TE

----- roster from May 4 -------------------
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...ots-competition-roster-spots.html#post1371033

OFFENSE (24)
QB (3) Brady, O'Connell, Gutierrez/Edleman/Hoyer/fa
RB/FB (5) Taylor, Faulk, Morris, Maroney, BJGE/fa
WR (4) Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis
TE (3) Watson, Baker, Smith
OT (4) Light, Kaczur, LeVoir/O’Callaghan/Britt, Vollmer
OG/C (5) Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Hochstein/Yates, Ohrnberger/Bussey

DEFENSE (23)
DL (6) Wilfork, Seymour, Warren, Green, Wright, Brace
OLB (4) Thomas, Crable, Banta-Cain, Woods
ILB (4) Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi, McKenzie
CB (5) Butler, Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (3) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung
DB (1) Williams/Spann/Richardson

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

COMPETING FOR THE LAST 3 ROSTER SPOTS (3)
Smith, Aiken, Ventrone, Slater, Alexander, Redd, Pryor, Richard, fa

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

 

[patfanken]

OFFENSE (24)
QB Brady, O'Connell
RB Maroney, Taylor, Faulk, Morris
WR Moss, Welker, Galloway, Edelman, Aiken, Lewis
TE Baker, Watson, Thomas
OL Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur, Orhnberger, Vollmer, Hochstein, O'Callghan/Britt

DEFENSE (23)
DL Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Brace, Wright, Pryor
DE/OLB Burgress, Banta-Cain
OLB Thomas, Woods, Crable
ILB Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi
CB Bodden, Wilhite, Springs, Butler, Wheatley
S Meriweather, Sanders, Chung

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

FINAL THREE (3)
To be determined (my personal choices as of now are McGowan, Walter and Lenon)

PUP
WR Tate
OT LeVoir

IR
LB McKenzie

We are much closer now that previously. Mine would be EXACLY like yours EXCEPT, I give Walter's spot to a special teams guy who can back up at a position, preferably defense.
(McGowan, Lenon, Alexander, Ninkocvich, Ventrone, Slater) I'd be happy picking 3 from this group

Some of the posts on this thread have given me pause to think I can create ANOTHER roster spot,, by going with just 8 OLmen. I'm not ready to fully agree with that concept, but they've got me thinking.

Lewis and Galloway are LOCKS. I can't believe anyone is looking toward Peter King for football evaluations.

BJGE only makes this team as a pure core special teamer. His inclusion as a RB is a luxury we can't afford. Bad luck for him, because he DESERVES a spot in the NFL and will probably find it...elsewhere.

With the trading of LeKevin Smith, I'm warming to the idea of trading one of the TEs for a future draft pick (3rd-5th). I'd even go as far out as 2011 to get to the high end of that. There a couple of teams that are in DIRE need of a legit TE. The Jets have absolutley NO ONE after Keller. IIRC a couple of teams have had mulitple injuries at the position, and we are sitting here with 5 guys (don't sleep on Dyvree) capable of making an NFL roster.

My roster philosophy is based on the concept that we have the potential for a top 3 offense going into the season. BB has invested MOST of his offseason efforts to improving the defense and special teams. I think the roster should reflect that commitment. That's why think only 23-24 roster spots should got to the offense, and 26-27 to the defense, along with the 3 specialists. That means 2 QBs, 4 RBs, and 3 TEs...and perhaps 8 OLmen. My only concession is in keeping 6 WRs, since 2 of them will play a big roll in STs, and we look to be a pass happy team in a pass happy league

 

[upstater1]

I agree on 4 TEs. I'm not confident about it, but I'd put more money on 4 than on 3.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Brave prognostication.

Now hold still while I strap this body armor on you.

You and your iron maiden.

 

[mayoclinic]

We are much closer now that previously. Mine would be EXACLY like yours EXCEPT, I give Walter's spot to a special teams guy who can back up at a position, preferably defense.
(McGowan, Lenon, Alexander, Ninkocvich, Ventrone, Slater) I'd be happy picking 3 from this group

Some of the posts on this thread have given me pause to think I can create ANOTHER roster spot,, by going with just 8 OLmen. I'm not ready to fully agree with that concept, but they've got me thinking.

Lewis and Galloway are LOCKS. I can't believe anyone is looking toward Peter King for football evaluations.

BJGE only makes this team as a pure core special teamer. His inclusion as a RB is a luxury we can't afford. Bad luck for him, because he DESERVES a spot in the NFL and will probably find it...elsewhere.

With the trading of LeKevin Smith, I'm warming to the idea of trading one of the TEs for a future draft pick (3rd-5th). I'd even go as far out as 2011 to get to the high end of that. There a couple of teams that are in DIRE need of a legit TE. The Jets have absolutley NO ONE after Keller. IIRC a couple of teams have had mulitple injuries at the position, and we are sitting here with 5 guys (don't sleep on Dyvree) capable of making an NFL roster.

My roster philosophy is based on the concept that we have the potential for a top 3 offense going into the season. BB has invested MOST of his offseason efforts to improving the defense and special teams. I think the roster should reflect that commitment. That's why think only 23-24 roster spots should got to the offense, and 26-27 to the defense, along with the 3 specialists. That means 2 QBs, 4 RBs, and 3 TEs...and perhaps 8 OLmen. My only concession is in keeping 6 WRs, since 2 of them will play a big roll in STs, and we look to be a pass happy team in a pass happy league

I think that a lot will depend on how BB sees the ST corps shaping up. As MgTeich mentioned above, those who are able to play STs will see a lot of playing time, whereas a 3rd QB, 6th WR, 4th ILB and 5th S will be very unlikely to see significant playing time outside of special teams. That does tend to favor only going with 2 QBs instead of 3, which we have done before, though I still tend to think we will end up with 3. My guess is that we will end up more like 25-25 on offense and defense (or at worst 24-26) than 23-27: 2-3 QBs, 4 RBs, 3 TEs, 6 WRs, 9 OLs on offense; and 7 DLs, 8-9 LBs, and 9-10 DBs on defense.

 

[StraightCashHomey81]

Mgteich, I think your a little light on two fronts. One, i think one more ST guy, ala Ciurci makes it, unless BB really likes a ST guy from another team that gets cut. I also think we keep at one of either a 5th RB (BJGE) or a 4th TE.

Near Locks:

OFFENSE (24)
QB: Brady, O'Connell
RB: Maroney, Taylor, Faulk, Morris
TE: Baker, Thomas, Watson
WR: Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken
OL: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur,Vollmer,Britt, Orhnberger
DEFENSE(23)
DL: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Wright, Brace, Pryor
DE/OLB: Burgess, TBC
OLB: Woods, Crable, Thomas
ILB: Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton
CB: Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S: Sanders, Meriweather, Chung
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Gostkowski, Ingram, Hanson

Thats a total of 50, leaving room for three:
-1 spot goes to BJGE or A.Smith/DeVree. I think it goes to BJGE for his ST play
-1 spot goes to Ciurci. Would seem odd if BB brought the Izzo clone in for nothing and i think he provides better ST value than Lenon, who has shown no ability on D.
-The last spot is a tough call between McGowan/Ventrone. I'll go with McGowan, only because he plays good ST (not Ventrone level) but with the ability to be a good stopgap at safety.

 

[PushnPencils]

You and your iron maiden.

My favorite torture is making you read my posts.

"Is it safe...?"

 

[PYPER]

HOW MANY OF US HAVE THE ROSTER MUCH DIFFERENT FOR THE FIRST 50?

OFFENSE (24)
QB Brady, O'Connell
RB Maroney, Taylor, Faulk, Morris
WR Moss, Welker, Galloway, Edelman, Lewis, Aiken
TE Baker, Watson, Thomas
OL Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur, Orhnberger, Vollmer, Hochstein, O'Callghan/Britt

DEFENSE (23)
DL Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Brace, Wright, Pryor
DE/OLB Burgress, Banta-Cain
OLB Thomas, Woods, Crable
ILB Mayo, Guyton, Bruschi
CB Bodden, Wilhite, Springs, Butler, Wheatley
S Meriweather, Sanders, Chung

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

FINAL THREE (3)
To be determined (my personal choices as of now are McGowan, Walter and Lenon)

PUP
WR Tate
OT LeVoir

IR
LB McKenzie

It think you nailed 49/50 but Aiken could be vulnerable. I think he'll make it but I'd definitely list him amongst the bubble players.

My finalist for the final four roster spots consists of eight players. Aiken, Ninkovich, Ciurciu, McGowan, Lenon, Walter, BJGE, and Smith.

- It doesn't seem like Smith has done enough to warrant inclusion and 4 TE's is a luxary we can't afford. Cross him off and we're down to seven candidates.

- We just signed a RB which I believe is preparation for the expectation and likely fact that BJGE will be signed off our PS by another team, probably KC or Den. That obviously means that he's not part of the 53. Cross him off and we're down to six candidates.

- If O'Connell can step up and restore confidence in his ability to handle the #2, then I think BB would prefer to carry a player at another position. I'm going to go this route and remove Walter. Now I'm down to five candidates for the final four spots.

Aiken, Ninkovich, Ciurciu, McGowan, and Lenon.

I think McGowan and Lenon make it based on their ability to supply much needed depth to the base defense at their respective positions.

The final two spots will go to Sp. Teamers. IMO, Aiken, Ninkovich, and Ciurciu are battling for those final two spots (or one spot if we keep 3 QB's).

I really like Aiken and BJGE but don't see how we can keep both of them. We need a SP Teams stud. In a perfect world, we'd be able to at least keep both on the PS but I'm sure Den or KC will grab them. I'd put Ciurciu as the favorite but it sounds like Ninkovich has looked good as well, plus he is a capable long snapper which is a nice insurance, especially if we end up going with the rookie at long snapper.

 

[mgteich]

We agree on 51 and disagree on two. BTW, McGowan could actually start at safety if needed. He certainly is an adequate backup at safety, making him a relatively easy pick over Ventrone.

I chose Walter and Lenon. You chose Ciurciu and either BJGE or Smith.

I do believe that Belichick brought in Walter in order to keep a veteran backup on the squad. We'll see. A fourth TE is a valid alternative. In the end, I expect one of the top four tight ends to be traded, making the choice of three tight ends easier.

I am fine with an emphasis on special teams in the choice of the last three roster spots. I would note that Lenon is a fine special teamer, as is McGowan. However, I am also fine with Ciurciu or Jones or even both. I can't see choosing BJGE as a special teamer. There are many better choices. There are those above. Also, I would add Slater before special teamer BJGE.

Mgteich, I think your a little light on two fronts. One, i think one more ST guy, ala Ciurci makes it, unless BB really likes a ST guy from another team that gets cut. I also think we keep at one of either a 5th RB (BJGE) or a 4th TE.

Near Locks:

OFFENSE (24)
QB: Brady, O'Connell
RB: Maroney, Taylor, Faulk, Morris
TE: Baker, Thomas, Watson
WR: Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken
OL: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur,Vollmer,Britt, Orhnberger
DEFENSE(23)
DL: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Wright, Brace, Pryor
DE/OLB: Burgess, TBC
OLB: Woods, Crable, Thomas
ILB: Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton
CB: Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S: Sanders, Meriweather, Chung
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Gostkowski, Ingram, Hanson

Thats a total of 50, leaving room for three:
-1 spot goes to BJGE or A.Smith/DeVree. I think it goes to BJGE for his ST play
-1 spot goes to Ciurci. Would seem odd if BB brought the Izzo clone in for nothing and i think he provides better ST value than Lenon, who has shown no ability on D.
-The last spot is a tough call between McGowan/Ventrone. I'll go with McGowan, only because he plays good ST (not Ventrone level) but with the ability to be a good stopgap at safety.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

My favorite torture is making you read my posts.

"Is it safe...?"

So my divergent opinions cause you pain and you like that...interesting.

 

[PushnPencils]

So my divergent opinions cause you pain and you like that...interesting.

Actually I was hoping my posts caused pain......minor discomfort at least.

I've already discovered they create anger and blind rage....