Base Case - First 2026 53-Man Roster

[rkarp1]

I said as much in my depth chart post, they likely won’t carry 7 WR’s. Even with a Boutte trade we might see another WR get traded or cut outright if one of the undrafted guys looks great.

Some of these WR’s are two way players and can contribute on special teams, we’ll see how it plays out. But they will probably roster 6 WR’s and carry another DB or ILB who can tackle and play special teams.

I don’t recall any team in history rostering two FB’s, they can easily slide a Westover or someone else to the PS.

pretty safe to assume that the ST players w/b Marcus returning punts and the 3rd RB returning kick off's? (Larison, Miller, Montgomery or Jennings)
I don't see a WR at gunner over Schooler, Pettus or some of the other DB's
Do you?

 

[Wozzy]

pretty safe to assume that the ST players w/b Marcus returning punts and the 3rd RB returning kick off's? (Larison, Miller, Montgomery or Jennings)
I don't see a WR at gunner over Schooler, Pettus or some of the other DB's
Do you?

There’s 11 guys on the field at all times. There’s no rule saying you need to be a defensive player to play special teams, block or tackle.

I was also very clear in my summation below my depth chart I thought it unlikely they carry that many WR’s and believed any number of guys listed as practice squad players could make the 53 instead.

 

[TheRainMaker]

I just don't want to see him going to KC, Bawlmore, Houston, or Barfalo.

Diggs confirms what I posted earlier. He thinks he's a #2 at worst. He's not coming back to NE.

 

[captain stone]

Diggs confirms what I posted earlier. He thinks he's a #2 at worst. He's not coming back to NE.

Now why did you have to go and use a clip with that filthy ****ing *****'s image on it? Now I'm doubly angry; and right before bed-time too...

 

[JoeSixPat]

I'm interested in seeing what our depth is (even beyond the 53 man roster) for RB

The Globe takes a look at this today, questioning who the best running back is after Stevenson (who is getting close to the Patriots' all time RB record if he plays out his contract) and Henderson

I'd say the answer is clear as Drake Maye averages nearly as many yards as our RBs! With Gilliam on the team though and other needs I would think we'd be looking at one additional RB who will be a ST player - after that, stash who we can on the PS and call them up if we hit an injury bump

I'd think they also may pull someone from the other team cuts, though again, limited room on the roster

Who will be the Patriots’ third option at running back after Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson? - The Boston Globe

The Stevenson-Henderson duo will get a boost from the presence of sturdy fullback Reggie Gilliam. But the Patriots could use more depth at the position.

www.bostonglobe.com

 

[mgteich]

I'm interested in seeing what our depth is (even beyond the 53 man roster) for RB

The Globe takes a look at this today, questioning who the best running back is after Stevenson (who is getting close to the Patriots' all time RB record if he plays out his contract) and Henderson

I'd say the answer is clear as Drake Maye averages nearly as many yards as our RBs! With Gilliam on the team though and other needs I would think we'd be looking at one additional RB who will be a ST player - after that, stash who we can on the PS and call them up if we hit an injury bump

I'd think they also may pull someone from the other team cuts, though again, limited room on the roster

Who will be the Patriots’ third option at running back after Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson? - The Boston Globe

The Stevenson-Henderson duo will get a boost from the presence of sturdy fullback Reggie Gilliam. But the Patriots could use more depth at the position.

www.bostonglobe.com

I don't think the issue in improving our running stats is about our #3 RB. More important are
1) 2nd year in the system behind an improving QB in his 2nd year in the system.
2) an upgrade at FB
3) a great improvement at LG, and
4) The improved OL in their 2nd year in the system, especially Campbell

 

[rkarp1]

I don't think the issue in improving our running stats is about our #3 RB. More important are
1) 2nd year in the system behind an improving QB in his 2nd year in the system.
2) an upgrade at FB
3) a great improvement at LG, and
4) The improved OL in their 2nd year in the system, especially Campbell

yeah I am thinking the question maybe should not be who is the teams 3rd best running back.
Perhaps the question should be who will be the teams 3rd best RB come November? For next year?
It may also be who is the RB that is best at returning KO's?
Or who is the RB that catches the ball out of the backfield the best? Or blocks the best?

I still lean Larison as the best option for all these questions, other than KO return where I lean Miller

Will be an interesting competition, I hope, over the summer

 

[mgteich]

yeah I am thinking the question maybe should not be who is the teams 3rd best running back.
Perhaps the question should be who will be the teams 3rd best RB come November? For next year?
It may also be who is the RB that is best at returning KO's?
Or who is the RB that catches the ball out of the backfield the best? Or blocks the best?

I still lean Larison as the best option for all these questions, other than KO return where I lean Miller

Will be an interesting competition, I hope, over the summer

I don't think that Larison would even be active. He would be on the roster for the future. Personally, I'm always fine with one or two players being on the roster and expected to be inactive all year. Developmental players are sometimes worth more than a 3rd or 4th stringer.

On the other hand, as you say, Miller would be returning kicks.

 

[rkarp1]

I don't think that Larison would even be active. He would be on the roster for the future. Personally, I'm always fine with one or two players being on the roster and expected to be inactive all year. Developmental players are sometimes worth more than a 3rd or 4th stringer.

On the other hand, as you say, Miller would be returning kicks.

I agree a 3rd back need not be on the game day active, unless they were a ST staple
I would have Larison returning KO's (I prefer a RB in that spot), so I would have him active
safe to assume the best 3rd RB today is Jennings? but the others most likely surpass him pretty quick?

 

[JoeSixPat]

I don't think the issue in improving our running stats is about our #3 RB. More important are
1) 2nd year in the system behind an improving QB in his 2nd year in the system.
2) an upgrade at FB
3) a great improvement at LG, and
4) The improved OL in their 2nd year in the system, especially Campbell

Completely agree - although we needed the RB depth last year after Gibson went down and Henderson hit a rookie wall.

He'll be better prepared for a long season this year.

Stevenson, despite his drops, was a great receiving release valve last year and I'd expect the same.

FB can't be underemphasized as we know Josh will demand they establish the run throughout the game and is prone to call a run over and over and over at the goal line whether its working or not - I'm confident that with Gilliam (and an improved OL) in front of them they'll be able to punch those through on the 2nd try rather than not at all