I'm comfortable with my projected roster

[Terry Glenn is a cowgirl]

i like...but i like gaffney...hope me makes it over caldwell, his stupid eyes piss me off

His eyes "bug" me as well... Eyes wide shut...

 

[DarrylS]

Like the depth and versatility, interestingly no one seems to contest Kelley Washington making this roster. Have felt all along he may be the "sleeper" signing of this team off season.. no particular reason except he is known for his work ethic, great pedigree(Tennessee) and played amongs some pretty good receivers in Cincinatti. His size when he lines up with Watson and Moss will give d-coordinators fits.

 

[Patjew]

I suspect that bb likes Mays, Woods and Alexander, and has drafted Lua as a developmental player.

Good point. It would be very exciting if one of the new(ish) LBs turns into a real player this year. I guess Woods is the most likely candidate?

 

[pats1]

5) I kept four rookies and no UDFA's.

7) There are no non-contributers in this group of 53 (I cut Hill). I am very satisfied with all 53 projected roster players.

Those two statements contradict each other.

So Kareem Brown will make the roster and Hill won't? I'm not saying that won't happen, but the way you qualify it is strange.

How will Brown contribute? If Hill can't, how can Brown possibly? How in the world is Brown going to get himself active once, nevermind every week?

We go through this every year. As long as Seymour, Warren, and Green are around, the 4th DE will ALWAYS be a non-contributer.

Folks, if Kareem Brown makes an impact during his tenure with the Patriots, it will only be the product of two things:

(1) Brown converts to NT and beats out Smith or even Wright.

(2) Warren, Seymour, or Green leave through free agency and Browns' ascension is a product of something Hill never got to experience - a matter of pure timing.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I can see the sense of 2 QBs. The #3 spot is redundant, in that there have to be two injured players before they get to play, which takes away from someone who can rotate in at DL or play ST. If you're down to #3, you're pretty much f***ed anyway....

The one advantage to carrying a third QB is that he can suit up on game day without counting towards the 45-man roster limit. But if, (hypothetical example) one of your LBers and one of your WRs on your roster can play QB, too, why bother?

 

[Lamanai]

Add the injury factor to this too. I once heard Parcells address this issue in a press conference. Someone suggested saving a roster spot by not carrying a LS adn using his TE (Fauria?) who had done it in the past. Obviously, i'm paraphrasing here but his explanation was two-fold: First, when these guys step on the field, points are often at stake (FG, XP), so you don't want the game decided on a possible bad snap or block because you wanted an extra guy around for 3-4 plays. Second, using a regular or semi-regular player as your LS exposes you in a couple of areas in case of an injury. Not only do you have to eliminate part of your playbook because you don't have a 3rd TE now, but you're screwed in the kicking game too.

Just his opinion, but I think he said something to the effect that he thought most NFL coaches saw it that way too. Anecdotal evidence confirms that.
Maybe a young turk like Mangini would try it, but in general, NFL head coaches tend not to be trend setters...

Trouble is, BB cut his teeth as a ST coach, and carries a very high value for a 100% reliable LS. I dont think he's going to change his mind.

Excellence in the FG and P games are all about iteration, repetition. There is something to be said for sending your LS, P and K to the far corner of the field to do their thing, over and over again, every single day.

That's one reason why he likes to have the P as the holder, instead of the backup QB, even though having a QB as the holder opens up the trick play opportunities hugely. It's about chemistry and practice.

If we were to ask a TE or OC also serve as the LS, that guy would have to split his time, and it's not clear how the K and P would get meaningful practice reps while their LS is running drills with the offense.

I think Lonnie is safe. The only risk is if there's another guy who is a better LS than he is. But he wont lose his job to a non-specialist.

 

[everlong]

LB - 9 Vrabel, Colvin,Thomas, Bruschi, Woods, Alexander, Izzo, Mays, Lua

Unless the Patriots figure Woods, Mays or Alexander are ready to turn the corner and be part of the rotation they need at least one veteran LB if not two. That's one injury away from a glaring gap. Even if they just added Seau and used Vrabel and Thomas as swing men between inside and outside that's 5 LBs all 30+ seeing 80% of the snaps each over course of a 16 game season plus the playoffs. There is no way we make it through that injury free.

Too close for comfort.

 

[mgteich]

There is no one here who wouldn't sign Seau or an equivalent vet and have the players below duke in out to see who goes to the Practice Squad.

LB - 9 Vrabel, Colvin,Thomas, Bruschi, Woods, Alexander, Izzo, Mays, Lua

Unless the Patriots figure Woods, Mays or Alexander are ready to turn the corner and be part of the rotation they need at least one veteran LB if not two. That's one injury away from a glaring gap. Even if they just added Seau and used Vrabel and Thomas as swing men between inside and outside that's 5 LBs all 30+ seeing 80% of the snaps each over course of a 16 game season plus the playoffs. There is no way we make it through that injury free.

Too close for comfort.

 

[mgteich]

Hill has been next to useless when active. If my assessment is incorrect, then Brown is danger of not making the team. He could need to beat out Smith. I do indeed expect Brown to be a backup NT. I do expect him to be another Wright. But your point is well taken, Brown may be best seen as a first year developmental play replacing a failed developmental player. It is simply time to move on. I would note that personally I would have no issue if Brown beat out Smith instead of Hill, or was the 8th DL. Wright is a FA in 2008. Warren could hold out (if history is any measure). We could use an upgrade from Hill or Smith.

Those two statements contradict each other.

So Kareem Brown will make the roster and Hill won't? I'm not saying that won't happen, but the way you qualify it is strange.

How will Brown contribute? If Hill can't, how can Brown possibly? How in the world is Brown going to get himself active once, nevermind every week?

We go through this every year. As long as Seymour, Warren, and Green are around, the 4th DE will ALWAYS be a non-contributer.

Folks, if Kareem Brown makes an impact during his tenure with the Patriots, it will only be the product of two things:

(1) Brown converts to NT and beats out Smith or even Wright.

(2) Warren, Seymour, or Green leave through free agency and Browns' ascension is a product of something Hill never got to experience - a matter of pure timing.

 

[patfanken]

MAY 5 53 MAN ROSTER

OFFENSE - (24)
QB - 2 Brady, Cassell,
RB - 3 Maroney, Morris, Faulk,
FB - 1 Evans
C - 2 Koppen, Hochstein
G - 3 Neal, Mankins, Yates
OT - 4 Light, Kazcur, O'Callaghan, Britt
WR - 6 Moss, Stallworth, Washington, Welker, Caldwell, Brown
TE - 3 Thomas, Watson, Brady

DEFENSE - (26)
DE - 5 Seymour, Warren, Green, Wright, Brown
DT - 2 Wilfork, Smith
LB - 9 Vrabel, Colvin,Thomas, Bruschi, Woods, Alexander, Izzo, Vet LB
CB - 5 Samuel, Hobbs, Scott, James, Gay
S - 6 Sanders, Wilson, Harrison, Meriweather, Hawkins,Mitchell

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
P - 1 Miller
K - 1 Gostkowski
LS - 1 Paxton

PUP (2)
CJackson WR
CJackson DB

PS (8)

Hairston RB
Rookie OL
Rookie OL
Mays LB
Mills TE/HB/FB
Rookie QB
Kite WR
Some other guy they snatch from a september cut.

1. I think you are accurate on the 2 QBs. They will add another to the PS and have a guy like Vinnie sitting by the phone if a real injury occurs.

2. I think the Pats start the season with only 4 RBs and Hairston on the PS

3. I added Brown to the WRs and took off Mills, who is eligable for the PS and first to come in if there is an injury at RB or TE

4. I like your OL group, though I think Hockstein would be the first to replace any injury at G. 2 of the rookie OLmen stay with the team as PS members, which is now up to 4

5. In my projection Lua goes to the PS and is replaced by which ever vet ILB we are sure to sign.

6. Mitchell is too valuable a special teams player to leave off the roster, sending either Mays or Woods to the PS My guess was Mays. I don't think we NEED 9 LBs on the roster. Don't forget in the pass happy NFL you aren't going to see 4 LBs on the field for all 4 downs. The PS now numbers 6

7. I would not be surprised to see us try and trade one of our excess OLmen for a conditional 2nd day pick.

8. Its very tempting to replace Lonnie for a player who also plays a positon, but its really not worth the risk. Given the number of punts and FG attempts a snapper gets, he has to be a specialist. Don't forget that a snapper may is likely to get 8-10 touches EVERY game, while a 4th WR would be lucky to 2 or 3.

9. Gay will make this roster. Chad Jackson is more likely to go on IR because of the log jam at WR, than Gay

10 Great job, mgtiech, on the original post.

 

[DaBruinz]

gaffney i dont think will make the team he did not do any thing in the reguler season he was good in the playoff cause there was no one left to throw to and caldwell, won the san diego game for us and will be are 3rd WR and brown i think will be are 6th WR and wont have more then 20 rec but again will play a big part on D OF and ST

Gaffney "didn't do anything in the regular season" because he only played like 8 games. It takes a bit of time to get used to running the routes and your new QB.

What I think is amazing is that people think that Kelley Washington will make it over someone like Caldwell or Gaffney. Washington hasn't done squat. Even when Houshmandzedah was hurt in Cincy, Washington couldn't do anything.

 

[pats1]

Hill has been next to useless when active. If my assessment is incorrect, then Brown is danger of not making the team. He could need to beat out Smith. I do indeed expect Brown to be a backup NT. I do expect him to be another Wright. But your point is well taken, Brown may be best seen as a first year developmental play replacing a failed developmental player. It is simply time to move on. I would note that personally I would have no issue if Brown beat out Smith instead of Hill, or was the 8th DL. Wright is a FA in 2008. Warren could hold out (if history is any measure). We could use an upgrade from Hill or Smith.

Brown would certainly have to pack some on if he is to play NT. NFL Draft Scout has him at 290, but his Miami page has him at 315.

 

[mgteich]

I made three edits to the original post, all adding players competing for spots.
A) I now have Brown competing with Mills for the last spot.
B) I now have Gay competing with Hawkins. I still think it more liekly than not that Gay will be hurt.
C) I now have Gaffney competing with Caldwell.

I still like Lua and Hairston, and want 9 linebackers, knowing that 2-3 will play only special teams. I don't think we need 11 defensive backs.

I don't see any excess OL's. We always should have four OT's and 5 OC/OG's. Mruczskowksi and Yates are the bottom of the group. I chose Yates. I don't either is tradeable. I doubt that any of the rooks are ready for the squad. If Oldnberg is, then we could indeed trade an OT.

As I indicated in the initial post, it is extremely rare to be so comfortable so early, and to have a general consensus. I could easily accept your roster or rook's. We all would like to see an ILB or two added. Some of us would like to see a RB added also.

1. I think you are accurate on the 2 QBs. They will add another to the PS and have a guy like Vinnie sitting by the phone if a real injury occurs.

2. I think the Pats start the season with only 4 RBs and Hairston on the PS

3. I added Brown to the WRs and took off Mills, who is eligable for the PS and first to come in if there is an injury at RB or TE

4. I like your OL group, though I think Hockstein would be the first to replace any injury at G. 2 of the rookie OLmen stay with the team as PS members, which is now up to 4

5. In my projection Lua goes to the PS and is replaced by which ever vet ILB we are sure to sign.

6. Mitchell is too valuable a special teams player to leave off the roster, sending either Mays or Woods to the PS My guess was Mays. I don't think we NEED 9 LBs on the roster. Don't forget in the pass happy NFL you aren't going to see 4 LBs on the field for all 4 downs. The PS now numbers 6

7. I would not be surprised to see us try and trade one of our excess OLmen for a conditional 2nd day pick.

8. Its very tempting to replace Lonnie for a player who also plays a positon, but its really not worth the risk. Given the number of punts and FG attempts a snapper gets, he has to be a specialist. Don't forget that a snapper may is likely to get 8-10 touches EVERY game, while a 4th WR would be lucky to 2 or 3.

9. Gay will make this roster. Chad Jackson is more likely to go on IR because of the log jam at WR, than Gay

10 Great job, mgtiech, on the original post.