My post pre-season game 2 roster
QB (3) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo, J.Brissett - I don't see how they don't keep three. I believe one way or another we lose one of our top 2 QBs next year and to risk loosing Brisset while only having 1 guy familar with running the offense is problematic.
RB (6) M.Gillislee, J.White, R.Burkhead, D.Lewis, J.Develin, B.Bolden - Bolden is an okay RB. Not good but okay. However if he makes it that will be due to his STs value. I think he does make it for that but I will not put him on the purely STs spot.
WR (5) B.Cooks, J.Edelman, C.Hogan, M.Mitchell, D.Amendola - No surprises here. Sad to test fate with Carr and Lucien but you can't cut any of these guys.
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, D.Allen, J.O'Shaughnessy - Hollister has made a strong case to say but a TE's job is also to block. From a WR skill set POV he is the best but his blocking lacks. O'Shaughnessy did just enough with decent pass catching to show he should be the guy at this point.
OL (8) D.Andrews, S.Mason, J.Thuney, T.Karras, N.Solder, M.Cannon, T.Garcia, C.Fleming - A bit thin on the OL but not much they can do about it. Flemming was good at times last year and good tonight. He has shown more than any other back up as far as ability to be good at times so he gets the nod. Karras had a rough night but still firmly in his spot and I am confident he will be fine.
DE (4) T.Flowers, D.Wise, K.Ealy L. Guy - First surprise is only 3 DEs. Geneo just has not shown enough to keep nor has anyone else. Maybe a trade happens but if not they go with these 3. However this will Change Lawrence Guy's role on the team a lot. He has DE experience and will see his action a lot more from this spot so you would still rotate 4 guys on the outside. Guy would see a few snaps inside here and there.
DT (4) A.Branch, M.Brown, V.Valentine, A.Butler - Like I said Guy will see most of his snaps to help give the DEs a rest and hold the edge. He will see a few inside still but not many so now the DTs are a bit thin. This makes the decision to carry Butler much easier. Also if your pass rush will not be that good from the outside it makes you want to keep an inside pass rusher more.
LB (5) D.Hightower, D.Harris, E.Roberts, H.Langi, S.McClellin - Who plays outside and inside remains to be seen somewhat. I do think Hightower plays outside more to help pass rush but it will be more fluid this year. Langi is firmly a lock in my mind. I think you say good bye to Nav Noy and Freeney. Roberts is intriguing and young with upside but still has a lot to learn and worth trying to develop further. McClellin who i don't like much makes the cut due to experience and being out of position the least of the other guys.
CB (6) M.Butler, S.Gilmore, E.Rowe, C.Jones, J.Jones, K.Moore - Moore is a guy i think they really have to try to keep. We don't know what he is yet but i like what i see. Cyrus has made a case to stay if nothing than as a kick returner (finally). He is back on for now but not a lock for sure. 1 game won't do that. Also he played CB better than I have seen him ever play it yesterday. J. Jones is a STs ace and still can grow as a CB.
S (4) D.McCourty, D.Harmon, P.Chung, N.Ebner - Richards get the ax here. A bit light but no need carrying dead weight. Also I think Ebner has turned into an okay safety in some situations.
ST (5) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona, M.Slater, B.King - No surprises here. Slater is an emergency WR and King is the emergency small LB/big safety
