Pretty solid projection at this stage, and I would agree that the state of the WR and TE (especially with Hernandez) is very much up in the air right now.
At Quarterback, I'm inclined to believe that Tebow will make the roster. Despite the contract he signed, Mallett will not be here next year. If he is, it's a waste of value as the Patriots have no plans for him to replace Brady. They need to develop a new backup, and they wouldn't go through the potential media hellstorm of Tebow if they didn't see something in him.
At Running Back, the Patriots have a dynamic collection of young players in Ridley and Vereen, with a veteran presence and return specialist in Washington. Ridley proved to be a solid back who can be used to eat up chunks of yards and run down the clock, while Vereen has potential to be a significant upgrade over the departed Woohead. Top depth options are Bolden and the mentioned Washington. I have small concerns, especially if the run game will be a focus in 2013 given the state of the offense, but all in all this is a sound positional group.
Wide Receiver is where the questions begin. Let's go back to 2010: Welker, Moss/Branch, Edelman were the top 3 options. In 2011, Welker, Branch, Ochocinco. In 2012, Welker, Lloyd, Edelman. This year, the top 3 is shaping up to be Amendola, Jenkins/Dobson (Hopefully), Edelman. If Amendola can stay healthy, I have confidence in him. I like Jenkins for his veteran savvy, but his production speaks for itself and at age 31 to have him start over top rookie Dobson would be a disappointment. Edelman can easily win the #3 job if he's healthy, and he has proven to be an explosive option and valuable backup in the slot. The perception is that this group is bare, which I agree with to some degree. What will make this group sink or swim will be the development and progress of the rookies. If Dobson and Boyce can make an impact, this group should be average at least (and therefore good enough to get by with Tom Brady at the helm).
Tight End is where the most drama unfolds. Gronkowski is poised to start on the PUP (and in my opinion, should stay there and not return until the final possible week to ensure he has recovered as much as possible) and Hernandez faces a serious situation that could end his career. While Hernandez is getting all the attention, Gronkowski is infinitely more important to this team. The Patriots can get by without Hernandez, but will struggle if Gronk stays out too long. Depth is so invaluable at Tight End, yet none of the other options excite me. Ballard would be choice #1, but reports say he is still struggling mightily with his rehab. Fells came in with decent expectations and flopped, while Hooman is nothing special. The only excitement there is lies with Sudeld, a giant who can supposedly block well and move with ease. But he went undrafted. And is injury prone. The Patriots have always relied on their Tight Ends more than your average team, so it is imperative that capable bodies be ready to play.
The offensive line will continue its solid play, as one should expect. Scar is a legend, and he returns all 5 starters.
I won't break down the defense here, but overall I feel better about it than I have in years.
