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This is my first guess of the offseason - I think. Assuming Neal doesn't start the year on PUP (if he does, then his roster spot would be replaced by Welbourn):
QB (3): Brady, Gutierrez, O'Connell
RB/FB (5): Maroney, Faulk, Morris, Evans, Jordan
WR (6): Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Washington, Aiken, Slater
TE (2): Watson, Thomas
OT (4): Light, Kaczur, Britt, O'Callaghan
OG/C (6): Koppen, Mankins, Neal, Hochstein, Yates, Flynn
DL (6): Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Wright, L. Smith
OLB (4): Vrabel, A. Thomas, Woods, Crable
ILB (5): Bruschi, Mayo, (Seau???), Guyton, Izzo, Alexander
CB (4): Hobbs, Bryant, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (5): Harrison, J. Sanders, Meriweather, Lynch, Spann
ST (3): Gostkowski, Hanson, Paxton
Obviously there are some tough roster decisions to make. Meriweather and Spann's versatility mean that 4 CBs can be kept, although I could see Spann off the roster (he has PS eligibility) in favor of a 3rd TE like Spach (or Seau). That also means Webster (who hasn't practiced or played in the month of August, IIRC) and Lew Sanders are out of jobs. But if Lynch's participation in nickel packages is any indication, there isn't any pressing need to carry 5 real CBs.
Hobson, I think, is gone. I think Seau comes back at some point though, which could push Guyton off the roster. Or someone else.
I tried like all hell to fit Ventrone on the roster as a 53rd guy who can play STs, WR, and DB, but he still has PS eligibility, so I think that's where he's headed. But if that's what actually happens, I think it's likely he gets a 53-style salary for his 3rd PS season, a la Yates in 2006. That's also possible with Spann.
I just don't see a spot on this roster for Chad Jackson. He got lucky by being on the PUP to start last season, but I don't think the Pats are going to carry 7 WRs (Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Stallworth, Washington, Jackson, Troy) like they did at the end of last season. I see both Aiken (assuming he is healthy) and Washington making the team, as well as Slater for his return game potential - but he's definitely on the bubble. Aiken and Washington could see time as 4th WRs, but generally they'll play on STs as most predict the Pats using more of a balanced offensive attack this season. On that note, Stephen Spach is someone who could sneak back onto the roster as a 3rd TE at some point, but initially I don't think he'll stick. I have Flynn on there as a 10th OL for now because of the OL injury situation, but once some semblance of health returns, they could go back to 9 OL.
LaMont Jordan, for now, I think makes it over Eckel. But as I said in that epic signing thread, he will have little to no role with the team as a 4th HB, and could fill the same role from his living room couch.
Six DLs is adequate at least to start the season. If the DL starts to wear down, then I'm sure Santonio will be on speed dial...or Kareem Brown if he's released by the Jets.
There's no way Cassel makes this team.
QB (3): Brady, Gutierrez, O'Connell
RB/FB (5): Maroney, Faulk, Morris, Evans, Jordan
WR (6): Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Washington, Aiken, Slater
TE (2): Watson, Thomas
OT (4): Light, Kaczur, Britt, O'Callaghan
OG/C (6): Koppen, Mankins, Neal, Hochstein, Yates, Flynn
DL (6): Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Wright, L. Smith
OLB (4): Vrabel, A. Thomas, Woods, Crable
ILB (5): Bruschi, Mayo, (Seau???), Guyton, Izzo, Alexander
CB (4): Hobbs, Bryant, Wheatley, Wilhite
S (5): Harrison, J. Sanders, Meriweather, Lynch, Spann
ST (3): Gostkowski, Hanson, Paxton
Obviously there are some tough roster decisions to make. Meriweather and Spann's versatility mean that 4 CBs can be kept, although I could see Spann off the roster (he has PS eligibility) in favor of a 3rd TE like Spach (or Seau). That also means Webster (who hasn't practiced or played in the month of August, IIRC) and Lew Sanders are out of jobs. But if Lynch's participation in nickel packages is any indication, there isn't any pressing need to carry 5 real CBs.
Hobson, I think, is gone. I think Seau comes back at some point though, which could push Guyton off the roster. Or someone else.
I tried like all hell to fit Ventrone on the roster as a 53rd guy who can play STs, WR, and DB, but he still has PS eligibility, so I think that's where he's headed. But if that's what actually happens, I think it's likely he gets a 53-style salary for his 3rd PS season, a la Yates in 2006. That's also possible with Spann.
I just don't see a spot on this roster for Chad Jackson. He got lucky by being on the PUP to start last season, but I don't think the Pats are going to carry 7 WRs (Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Stallworth, Washington, Jackson, Troy) like they did at the end of last season. I see both Aiken (assuming he is healthy) and Washington making the team, as well as Slater for his return game potential - but he's definitely on the bubble. Aiken and Washington could see time as 4th WRs, but generally they'll play on STs as most predict the Pats using more of a balanced offensive attack this season. On that note, Stephen Spach is someone who could sneak back onto the roster as a 3rd TE at some point, but initially I don't think he'll stick. I have Flynn on there as a 10th OL for now because of the OL injury situation, but once some semblance of health returns, they could go back to 9 OL.
LaMont Jordan, for now, I think makes it over Eckel. But as I said in that epic signing thread, he will have little to no role with the team as a 4th HB, and could fill the same role from his living room couch.
Six DLs is adequate at least to start the season. If the DL starts to wear down, then I'm sure Santonio will be on speed dial...or Kareem Brown if he's released by the Jets.
There's no way Cassel makes this team.
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