This is the roster for now. Belichick needs to see who is available.
Most of us expect us to add a quarterback and perhaps even a center/guard. In any case, there is no rush. A veteran signed before Game One gets paid for the whole year. A veteran signed after Game One only pays for the portion of the season that he is on the squad.
There weren't many roster player surprises. Almost all of us though Thomas sucked before Smith was signed and then looked terrible. Then, over the last few weeks, based on nothing, all of a sudden, Thomas was a keeper. We all seemed to fall victim to this illusion. The reality is that Belichick didn't like his tight ends and did all he could to get a set of three that would work. Watson as the #2 and a blocking TE certainly makes sense.
Ninkovitch beat out Crable, pure and simple. Alexander beat out Lenon. That's what competition is all about. And no, I am not happy with Alexander as the first backup ILB off the bench.
I'm OK with the OL choices. Wendell isn't much of a choice at center. I suspect that both Wendell and Connolly will need to be active.
I agree with others that Slater will be sent to the IR when a spot is needed, perhaps for a quarterback. As was the case with Thomas, there are also other players who go if upgrades can be found.
My guess is that Morris is not ready to be active. Green-Ellis was the player who was more valuable than anyone cut, so he made the roster. He could be here for a week, until the PUPPIES are activated or all season. In any case, for me, he and Slater are the #52 and #53 players.
