Latest thinking on offensive roster

[TaxPlaya]

A few weeks into camp, there are several things which seem to have emerged:

1. QBs (2). Status quo. Brady and Cassell, with the shadow roster providing an emergency signing. Guitierrez to PS.

2. OL (9). Deep and strong. Probably the same 9 guys from last year. Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, O'Callahan, Kazcur, Britt, Hochstein, Yates. We have lots of good guys (Mruc, Barthelmes, Elgin, Oldenburg) that should make the practice squad, as well.

3. RB (4). A bit shallow. At this point, we're looking at Kool Aid, Morris, Evans, and Faulk only, IMHO.

4. TE (3). Also a bit shallow. Wouldn't be surprised to see only Watson, Brady, and Thomas. Kranchick to PS.

In the past, the team has had about 24 players on offense (not counting the ST specialists). Assuming the above is true, that leaves 6 WR slots open, plus PUP.

At this point, Brown and Jackson are still considered PUP, and you'd have to imagine with the depth above them, it will stay that way going into the season.

That means the six WR slots would go to Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington. Some of the lesser guys can make the practice squad.

Based on all the reports so far, that seems to be the most likely outcome. The only substitution one might make is putting Thomas on PUP (if he is that badly-injured), and keeping another player like Mills around until after Week 6. Another might be releasing Washington and activating Brown or Jackson from PUP.

 

[Oswlek]

A few weeks into camp, there are several things which seem to have emerged:

1. QBs (2). Status quo. Brady and Cassell, with the shadow roster providing an emergency signing. Guitierrez to PS.

2. OL (9). Deep and strong. Probably the same 9 guys from last year. Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, O'Callahan, Kazcur, Britt, Hochstein, Yates. We have lots of good guys (Mruc, Barthelmes, Elgin, Oldenburg) that should make the practice squad, as well.

3. RB (4). A bit shallow. At this point, we're looking at Kool Aid, Morris, Evans, and Faulk only, IMHO.

4. TE (3). Also a bit shallow. Wouldn't be surprised to see only Watson, Brady, and Thomas. Kranchick to PS.

In the past, the team has had about 24 players on offense (not counting the ST specialists). Assuming the above is true, that leaves 6 WR slots open, plus PUP.

At this point, Brown and Jackson are still considered PUP, and you'd have to imagine with the depth above them, it will stay that way going into the season.

That means the six WR slots would go to Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington. Some of the lesser guys can make the practice squad.

Based on all the reports so far, that seems to be the most likely outcome. The only substitution one might make is putting Thomas on PUP (if he is that badly-injured), and keeping another player like Mills around until after Week 6. Another might be releasing Washington and activating Brown or Jackson from PUP.

I still don't get the shallowness of the RB spot. From what I have read, Morris isn't doing so hot right now, but he is still the best backup RB NE has had since BB took over, excluding last year. If people are this worried about Faulk/Morris/Evans as 2/3/4, where was all the clamor when the backup RB spot was Faulk and no one?

And TE could be a problem if Thomas doesn't play, but otherwise I don't see a big issue here either. Graham is a better overall TE than Brady, but (I have heard) that Brady is comparable in blocking. So last year's trio of Watson/Graham/Thomas (as a rookie) was fine even when there were no WRs to take the pressure off, but a trio of Watson/Brady/Thomas is thin?

I will agree that this positions aren't uber-rich with depth, but I think that it shows just how spoiled (this isn't the word I want, but it is the closest I can think of) we have become. There are many teams out there that would love to have NE's depth at both of these positions. And I'm not just talking about the crappy ones either.

 

[patpatriot]

I would rather trade Washington for a "practice-squadable" RB candidate so that if worse came to worst, the Pats would have someone familiar with the system (tho it looks like Cory D might be Plan Z). The Pats use the 2 tight end formation a lot so they really need 4 TEs on the 53 man roster so they can take three of them on game day. Thomas is probably going to be Pup'd. My Binky Mills has the first day Jitters (is he actually off PUP yet?), if they continue, I could see Kranchick making this squad.

 

[zippo59]

A few weeks into camp, there are several things which seem to have emerged:

1. QBs (2). Status quo. Brady and Cassell, with the shadow roster providing an emergency signing. Guitierrez to PS.

2. OL (9). Deep and strong. Probably the same 9 guys from last year. Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, O'Callahan, Kazcur, Britt, Hochstein, Yates. We have lots of good guys (Mruc, Barthelmes, Elgin, Oldenburg) that should make the practice squad, as well.

3. RB (4). A bit shallow. At this point, we're looking at Kool Aid, Morris, Evans, and Faulk only, IMHO.

4. TE (3). Also a bit shallow. Wouldn't be surprised to see only Watson, Brady, and Thomas. Kranchick to PS.

In the past, the team has had about 24 players on offense (not counting the ST specialists). Assuming the above is true, that leaves 6 WR slots open, plus PUP.

At this point, Brown and Jackson are still considered PUP, and you'd have to imagine with the depth above them, it will stay that way going into the season.

That means the six WR slots would go to Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington. Some of the lesser guys can make the practice squad.

Based on all the reports so far, that seems to be the most likely outcome. The only substitution one might make is putting Thomas on PUP (if he is that badly-injured), and keeping another player like Mills around until after Week 6. Another might be releasing Washington and activating Brown or Jackson from PUP.

I agree but I have Mills instead of Washington on the 53 with Chad Jackson and Troy Brown starting on PUP.

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

And TE could be a problem if Thomas doesn't play, but otherwise I don't see a big issue here either. Graham is a better overall TE than Brady, but (I have heard) that Brady is comparable in blocking.

I would venture to say that he is a better blocker than Graham, he is a beast. Essentially a 6th OL out there. Agreed though, Graham is probably the better overall TE - in terms of what he brings - skill, age, etc. I would take Brady as a blocker over Graham in a heartbeat though.

 

[Va_Pats_Fan]

I agree but I have Mills instead of Washington on the 53 with Chad Jackson and Troy Brown starting on PUP.

^ ^ ^ what he said.

 

[Fencer]

One of these years Mruck won't be eligible for the PS.

Otherwise, not a lot to argue:

1. Morris replaces Dillon.
2. On an infinitely large roster, Vinny T. definitely has a spot. In reality, he probably waits until IR has thinned things out a bit.
3. Last year's OL was excellently staffed. No obvious expectation of changes.
4. Brady replaces Graham.
5. Mills has to have a good camp.

 

[DaBruinz]

A few things:

1) To my knowledge Mruczkowski isn't eligible for the practice squad any longer as he has 3 accrued seasons.

2) The Pats will have 3 QBs on the roster. According to Vinny Testaverde, he's going to re-sign with the team between now and the end of camp.

3) I have only heard good things about Sammy Morris. If someone could please let me know what he is supposedly not doing, that would be great.

4) That being said, I am still worried about RB depth. The last time the Pats went into the season with less than 4 true RB options, they ended up having to pick up Heath Evans, Mike Cloud and Famous Amos Zereoue because of injuries. Faulk has been injured in each of the last 4 seasons and I don't know if he'll stay healthy. And that is a concern.

5) When was Faulk the ONLY back-up that the Pats had? I don't believe there was ever a time when the Pats only carried 2 RBs.

6) I think Washington isn't long for this team. None of the reports that I've read have made mention of him doing anything outstanding, either in receiving drills or on special teams.

 

[zippo59]

2) The Pats will have 3 QBs on the roster. According to Vinny Testaverde, he's going to re-sign with the team between now and the end of camp.

If he is signed before the season that doesn't necessarily mean he will make the 53 right away. He might, but they also could sign him just to get some reps with the team and then bring him back later in the season when a roster spot opens up, like last year.

3) I have only heard good things about Sammy Morris. If someone could please let me know what he is supposedly not doing, that would be great.

In Casales blog he said Morris was dropping some passes and having trouble picking up the blitz.

4) That being said, I am still worried about RB depth. The last time the Pats went into the season with less than 4 true RB options, they ended up having to pick up Heath Evans, Mike Cloud and Famous Amos Zereoue because of injuries. Faulk has been injured in each of the last 4 seasons and I don't know if he'll stay healthy. And that is a concern.

Last season didn't the Patriots start the season with Maroney, Dillon, Faulk, and Evans? Sub in Morris for Dillon this year and they have the same number of RBs/FBs.

 

[patsox23]

Garrett Mills needs to start showing something. I'd really, REALLY like to see him make the roster. Potential-wise, he could be a unique-ish weapon in this offense.

 

[mgteich]

I think that Pass was on the PUP list and Hill was on the Practice Squad.

If he is signed before the season that doesn't necessarily mean he will make the 53 right away. He might, but they also could sign him just to get some reps with the team and then bring him back later in the season when a roster spot opens up, like last year.



In Casales blog he said Morris was dropping some passes and having trouble picking up the blitz.



Last season didn't the Patriots start the season with Maroney, Dillon, Faulk, and Evans? Sub in Morris for Dillon this year and they have the same number of RBs/FBs.

 

[Pats726]

A few weeks into camp, there are several things which seem to have emerged:

1. QBs (2). Status quo. Brady and Cassell, with the shadow roster providing an emergency signing. Guitierrez to PS.

2. OL (9). Deep and strong. Probably the same 9 guys from last year. Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, O'Callahan, Kazcur, Britt, Hochstein, Yates. We have lots of good guys (Mruc, Barthelmes, Elgin, Oldenburg) that should make the practice squad, as well.

3. RB (4). A bit shallow. At this point, we're looking at Kool Aid, Morris, Evans, and Faulk only, IMHO.

4. TE (3). Also a bit shallow. Wouldn't be surprised to see only Watson, Brady, and Thomas. Kranchick to PS.

In the past, the team has had about 24 players on offense (not counting the ST specialists). Assuming the above is true, that leaves 6 WR slots open, plus PUP.

At this point, Brown and Jackson are still considered PUP, and you'd have to imagine with the depth above them, it will stay that way going into the season.

That means the six WR slots would go to Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington. Some of the lesser guys can make the practice squad.

Based on all the reports so far, that seems to be the most likely outcome. The only substitution one might make is putting Thomas on PUP (if he is that badly-injured), and keeping another player like Mills around until after Week 6. Another might be releasing Washington and activating Brown or Jackson from PUP.

9 seems too many OLs in a situation with none injured..I do remember one year 10 and Hallen was cut the week of, but thatw as with injuries. One too many there for sure. The TEs are definitely thin, especially with Thomas possibly starting PUP and Brady coming off an injury. Here is where Mills might make the squad or Kranchick. For some reason, I think it will be OK though as they have NOT brought in reinforcements. One might think with a thinness a player might be added, but that they haven't tells me it's OK. I do think RB is thin, but only because of Maroney's injury etc More an illusion. They have started the season before with only 3 in the past...both in 04 and 05...Dillon, Faulk and Pass (in 04 a week until Abdullah was brought in; 05 until Zereoue was added.) Definitely 6 WRs abd that will be interesting.

 

[Mike the Brit]

9 seems too many OLs in a situation with none injured..I do remember one year 10 and Hallen was cut the week of, but thatw as with injuries. One too many there for sure. The TEs are definitely thin, especially with Thomas possibly starting PUP and Brady coming off an injury. Here is where Mills might make the squad or Kranchick. For some reason, I think it will be OK though as they have NOT brought in reinforcements. One might think with a thinness a player might be added, but that they haven't tells me it's OK. I do think RB is thin, but only because of Maroney's injury etc More an illusion. They have started the season before with only 3 in the past...both in 04 and 05...Dillon, Faulk and Pass (in 04 a week until Abdullah was brought in; 05 until Zereoue was added.) Definitely 6 WRs abd that will be interesting.

Rabih Abdullah! Ah, now there's a name to conjure with! High on my list of "no-names-who-contributed-to-Patriots-success". He had an amazing block as a full-back in the Colts play-off game in 2004 (to spring Dillon or Faulk? I forget). I wonder what happened to him and where he is now.

 

[cstjohn17]

A few weeks into camp, there are several things which seem to have emerged:

1. QBs (2). Status quo. Brady and Cassell, with the shadow roster providing an emergency signing. Guitierrez to PS.

2. OL (9). Deep and strong. Probably the same 9 guys from last year. Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, O'Callahan, Kazcur, Britt, Hochstein, Yates. We have lots of good guys (Mruc, Barthelmes, Elgin, Oldenburg) that should make the practice squad, as well.

3. RB (4). A bit shallow. At this point, we're looking at Kool Aid, Morris, Evans, and Faulk only, IMHO.

4. TE (3). Also a bit shallow. Wouldn't be surprised to see only Watson, Brady, and Thomas. Kranchick to PS.

That means the six WR slots would go to Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington. Some of the lesser guys can make the practice squad.

Pretty close to my list, like others I may not include Washington. Who ever shows more on special teams between Mills and Washington will have an edge. To be honest I am not real high on either of them, I would rather see the Pats pickup a 4th TE in the mold of Jed Weaver, especially if Thomas and Brady are gimpy. There is also a chance the spot goes to an extra DB or LB to help shore up the special teams.

Kyle Brady versus Graham - Graham was the best blocking TE I have ever seen, Brady may be his equal when blockinh in-line but I doubt he will be as effective on the move.

Question - What happens when/if Troy Brown, Dave Thomas and Chad Jackson are activated? Who gets cut?

 

[Pats726]

Rabih Abdullah! Ah, now there's a name to conjure with! High on my list of "no-names-who-contributed-to-Patriots-success". He had an amazing block as a full-back in the Colts play-off game in 2004 (to spring Dillon or Faulk? I forget). I wonder what happened to him and where he is now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2471423

Unfortunately NOT good things...

 

[psychoPat]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2471423

Unfortunately NOT good things...

Ugh!

In my book, going armed in Florida only makes sense. Self-defense is an elementary right
... law or no law.

But DWI menaces others ...
and brassknuckles tells me he's an aggressor.

 

[BelichickFan]

My gut feeling is Washington makes it due to potential and ST - although I haven't read the stuff DaBruinz referenced about him not impressing on ST, that could change things.

Not much to argue with. I'm OK with the RB, I think we can survive with Morris if necessary. Mills is intriguing but seems to be working his way towards longshot status. Seems like Gutierrez is looking good. Personally I'd prefer to keep him at #3 over Vinny and not risk losing him to the P.S.

 

[Pats726]

My gut feeling is Washington makes it due to potential and ST - although I haven't read the stuff DaBruinz referenced about him not impressing on ST, that could change things.

Not much to argue with. I'm OK with the RB, I think we can survive with Morris if necessary. Mills is intriguing but seems to be working his way towards longshot status. Seems like Gutierrez is looking good. Personally I'd prefer to keep him at #3 over Vinny and not risk losing him to the P.S.

I think it depends on how good he is in preseason games and I DO believe he'll have a shot. If he's smooth and shows spark..he's #3..no PS for him. If he's just OK or worse PS for sure. Like cassel a few years ago..roster if shows promise quick or PS...or IR even.

 

[BelichickFan]

or IR even.

That may be a good option - quick, someone step on his foot or something. Not sure what we can get for Cassel at the end of the year but he'll only have a year until FA so it's time to hope we developed him into something of value and move on to the next one (at the end of the year).

 

[DaBruinz]

9 seems too many OLs in a situation with none injured..I do remember one year 10 and Hallen was cut the week of, but thatw as with injuries. One too many there for sure. The TEs are definitely thin, especially with Thomas possibly starting PUP and Brady coming off an injury. Here is where Mills might make the squad or Kranchick. For some reason, I think it will be OK though as they have NOT brought in reinforcements. One might think with a thinness a player might be added, but that they haven't tells me it's OK. I do think RB is thin, but only because of Maroney's injury etc More an illusion. They have started the season before with only 3 in the past...both in 04 and 05...Dillon, Faulk and Pass (in 04 a week until Abdullah was brought in; 05 until Zereoue was added.) Definitely 6 WRs abd that will be interesting.

The Pats have regularly carried 9 OL. I believe there's only been 1 year where they carried 8 on the regular roster. But they also had l2 or 3 on the practie squad.