Our ridicously early 53s

[sturmrider]

Well I've seen a couple of sites have started posting their early predictions for the 53 man roster. Now I know it is early, but I thought it might be fun to post our thoughts on the 53 and see how close we come. Having said that here is mine. I don't think it is too crazy, but who knows.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has both the blessing of a deep roster and the curse of whittling down a very competitive team to 53 players by the August 31 deadline.

Although there’s a long way to go until the full roster cutdown, New England’s three-day minicamp gave us a snapshot of where the team is headed in certain areas on their roster.

There’s a distinct group of young players that are pro talents but could find themselves either cut or traded if things don’t go their way this summer after a busy offseason.

After taking in three minicamp practices, the following cluster of recent high draft picks need to stand out this summer to solidify their spot on the team: Sony Michel, N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Jarrett Stidham, Anfernee Jennings, and Dalton Keene.

Stidham, Michel, Winovich, and Harry qualify as trade candidates rather than outright cuts. Still, it’s hard to envision a scenario where all eight of those players make the initial roster.

Here’s our second stab at an initial 53-man roster for New England following June’s minicamp:

Quarterbacks (3): Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham

Belicheck isn’t afraid to go with just 2 QBs, but I think he might opt for the extra cushion this year.

Running Backs (6): Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor

The Patriots may try to slip Bolden by while placing another player on IR, but this comes with the risk he may be picked up by another team.

Tight Ends/Fullbacks (4): Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene

I don’t think they are ready to cut Keene and Asiasi has looked good so far. I see Keene’s role as being a hybrid TE/FB.

Wide Receivers (5): Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Isaiah Zuber/Tre Nixon, Gunner Olszewski

I can see the Patriots showcasing Harry with some plays specifically for him in the hopes of getting a decent trade. My problem now comes down to Isaiah Zuber or Tre Nixon, they have both shown plenty of straight line speed. Zuber has the advantage of a year

Offensive Line (8): Isaiah Wynn (OT), Trent Brown (OT), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (OG), Michael Onwenu (G/T), Ted Karras (IOL), Justin Herron (OT), William Sherman (G/T)

Not much to say here this looks like a solid OL.

Defensive Line (5): Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Christian Barmore

The Defensive Line looks much improved over last year, but we will see.

EDGE Defender (3): Matt Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins

Going light here as I see the Patriots trying to trade Chase Winovich, and using some of the Hybrid players such as Dugger and others to fill this hole. This was by far my toughest position to fill.

Off-Ball/Hybrid Linebacker: (4): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley

Nothing to see here, this looks as good as it will get.

Cornerback (5): Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Joejuan Williams

I think Gilmore returns, after this year we will see.

Safety (4): Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Myles Bryant

I see the Patriots possibly trying to slip Bledsoe onto the IR, who really knows what we have there.

Coverage specialists (3): Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, Cody Davis

Maybe they can resign King after players have been IRed, who knows.

Specialists: Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona

I think they can slip rookie kicker Quinn Nordin onto the practice squad, unless he has an unbelievable training camp, in that case they might keep him rather than Folk.

 

[DropKickFlutie]

1. Did you forget about Winovich?
2. Not sure what the hybrid linebacker is.
3. Agree JaJuan is on the hot seat. I also think Bentley and Harry won't make the team.
4. 6 running backs won't fly on the roster. Too many.

 

[masterbouncer]

I think Jacob Johnson will make the team as FB, they will need him for the heavy ground game and he did a great job last season. If Cam is the starter they just have to have Johnson on the 53.

Keene most probably will end up on PUP/IR list right there in august...

 

[stinkypete]

I agree that Johnson makes the cut, as does Matt LaCosse. If the philosophy is going to be run first, then stack the roster so that you can run your offense. This leaves Keene on the outs, and probably Boldin. I would prefer to see Boldin kept over Stidham, but see Belichick keeping all 3 QBs to ensure Jones isn't thrown to the wolves until ready.

I've thought as Winovich as potential trade bait, but think Belichick will opt to keep his "best" 53 even if it means overloading a position. Judon has tons of positional flexibility, so I see no shortage of playing time despite the presense of KVN, Uche and Perkins. I would see Jennings as the most likely defensive player to not make the cut.

 

[sturmrider]

1. Did you forget about Winovich?
2. Not sure what the hybrid linebacker is.
3. Agree JaJuan is on the hot seat. I also think Bentley and Harry won't make the team.
4. 6 running backs won't fly on the roster. Too many.

I didn't forget Winovich, I think he may become trade bait if something decent is offered. He may be our most tradeable player of those we might want to trade.
A hybrid linebacker is basically one who can play hand in the dirt, standing up or may even be used as a safety in some cases.
I was tossed on the running backs, but Bolden also seems secure on special teams and I think JJ Taylor and Stevenson will make the team. The question is if they want to or are able to trade Michel.

These are just my rambling thoughts will be interesting to see other 53s posted and their thoughts.

Thanks for the input.

 

[mgteich]

makes the cut, as does Matt LaCosse.

ROFL
ty

 

[Ochmed Jones]

If newton wins the qb competition, and Jones proves capable of being the backup, would bb consider keeping just jones and newton on the 53, and try to sneak stidham or hoyer on the practice squad? (If the practice squad rules are the same as last year?)

 

[mgteich]

Well I've seen a couple of sites have started posting their early predictions for the 53 man roster. Now I know it is early, but I thought it might be fun to post our thoughts on the 53 and see how close we come. Having said that here is mine. I don't think it is too crazy, but who knows.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has both the blessing of a deep roster and the curse of whittling down a very competitive team to 53 players by the August 31 deadline.

Although there’s a long way to go until the full roster cutdown, New England’s three-day minicamp gave us a snapshot of where the team is headed in certain areas on their roster.

There’s a distinct group of young players that are pro talents but could find themselves either cut or traded if things don’t go their way this summer after a busy offseason.

After taking in three minicamp practices, the following cluster of recent high draft picks need to stand out this summer to solidify their spot on the team: Sony Michel, N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Jarrett Stidham, Anfernee Jennings, and Dalton Keene.

Stidham, Michel, Winovich, and Harry qualify as trade candidates rather than outright cuts. Still, it’s hard to envision a scenario where all eight of those players make the initial roster.

Here’s our second stab at an initial 53-man roster for New England following June’s minicamp:

Quarterbacks (3): Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham

Belicheck isn’t afraid to go with just 2 QBs, but I think he might opt for the extra cushion this year.

Running Backs (6): Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor

The Patriots may try to slip Bolden by while placing another player on IR, but this comes with the risk he may be picked up by another team.

Tight Ends/Fullbacks (4): Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene

I don’t think they are ready to cut Keene and Asiasi has looked good so far. I see Keene’s role as being a hybrid TE/FB.

Wide Receivers (5): Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Isaiah Zuber/Tre Nixon, Gunner Olszewski

I can see the Patriots showcasing Harry with some plays specifically for him in the hopes of getting a decent trade. My problem now comes down to Isaiah Zuber or Tre Nixon, they have both shown plenty of straight line speed. Zuber has the advantage of a year

Offensive Line (8): Isaiah Wynn (OT), Trent Brown (OT), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (OG), Michael Onwenu (G/T), Ted Karras (IOL), Justin Herron (OT), William Sherman (G/T)

Not much to say here this looks like a solid OL.

OFFENSE (you have 26)
1) 6 RB's is one too many. Taylor is headed for the Practice Squad, as a backup returner.
2) Johnson is much more valuable than Keene.
3) None of us know who the 5th WR will be. My guess is Harry. While he is unlikely to make the roster, he is more likely than an other.

BOTTOM LINE
A) OUT - Taylor, Keene, Zuber/Nixon
B) IN - Johnson, Harry

 

[50-yard-line]

Well I've seen a couple of sites have started posting their early predictions for the 53 man roster. Now I know it is early, but I thought it might be fun to post our thoughts on the 53 and see how close we come. Having said that here is mine. I don't think it is too crazy, but who knows.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has both the blessing of a deep roster and the curse of whittling down a very competitive team to 53 players by the August 31 deadline.

Although there’s a long way to go until the full roster cutdown, New England’s three-day minicamp gave us a snapshot of where the team is headed in certain areas on their roster.

There’s a distinct group of young players that are pro talents but could find themselves either cut or traded if things don’t go their way this summer after a busy offseason.

After taking in three minicamp practices, the following cluster of recent high draft picks need to stand out this summer to solidify their spot on the team: Sony Michel, N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Jarrett Stidham, Anfernee Jennings, and Dalton Keene.

Stidham, Michel, Winovich, and Harry qualify as trade candidates rather than outright cuts. Still, it’s hard to envision a scenario where all eight of those players make the initial roster.

Here’s our second stab at an initial 53-man roster for New England following June’s minicamp:

Quarterbacks (3): Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Jarrett Stidham

Belicheck isn’t afraid to go with just 2 QBs, but I think he might opt for the extra cushion this year.

Running Backs (6): Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor

The Patriots may try to slip Bolden by while placing another player on IR, but this comes with the risk he may be picked up by another team.

Tight Ends/Fullbacks (4): Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene

I don’t think they are ready to cut Keene and Asiasi has looked good so far. I see Keene’s role as being a hybrid TE/FB.

Wide Receivers (5): Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Isaiah Zuber/Tre Nixon, Gunner Olszewski

I can see the Patriots showcasing Harry with some plays specifically for him in the hopes of getting a decent trade. My problem now comes down to Isaiah Zuber or Tre Nixon, they have both shown plenty of straight line speed. Zuber has the advantage of a year

Offensive Line (8): Isaiah Wynn (OT), Trent Brown (OT), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (OG), Michael Onwenu (G/T), Ted Karras (IOL), Justin Herron (OT), William Sherman (G/T)

Not much to say here this looks like a solid OL.

Defensive Line (5): Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Christian Barmore

The Defensive Line looks much improved over last year, but we will see.

EDGE Defender (3): Matt Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins

Going light here as I see the Patriots trying to trade Chase Winovich, and using some of the Hybrid players such as Dugger and others to fill this hole. This was by far my toughest position to fill.

Off-Ball/Hybrid Linebacker: (4): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley

Nothing to see here, this looks as good as it will get.

Cornerback (5): Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Joejuan Williams

I think Gilmore returns, after this year we will see.

Safety (4): Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Myles Bryant

I see the Patriots possibly trying to slip Bledsoe onto the IR, who really knows what we have there.

Coverage specialists (3): Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, Cody Davis

Maybe they can resign King after players have been IRed, who knows.

Specialists: Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona

I think they can slip rookie kicker Quinn Nordin onto the practice squad, unless he has an unbelievable training camp, in that case they might keep him rather than Folk.

Good list, but if they cut/trade Michel, they're insane. Stevenson is a rookie, and not even as highly touted as the last two RB rookies they brought in, Michel and Harris. Michel is their #2 back.

 

[mgteich]

.

Defensive Line (5): Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Christian Barmore

The Defensive Line looks much improved over last year, but we will see.

EDGE Defender (3): Matt Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Ronnie Perkins

Going light here as I see the Patriots trying to trade Chase Winovich, and using some of the Hybrid players such as Dugger and others to fill this hole. This was by far my toughest position to fill.

Off-Ball/Hybrid Linebacker: (4): Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley

Nothing to see here, this looks as good as it will get.

Cornerback (5): Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Joejuan Williams

I think Gilmore returns, after this year we will see.

Safety (4): Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Myles Bryant

I see the Patriots possibly trying to slip Bledsoe onto the IR, who really knows what we have there.

Coverage specialists (3): Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, Cody Davis

Maybe they can resign King after players have been IRed, who knows.

Specialists: Nick Folk, Jake Bailey, Joe Cardona

I think they can slip rookie kicker Quinn Nordin onto the practice squad, unless he has an unbelievable training camp, in that case they might keep him rather than Folk.

DEFENSE
1) McMillan over Bentley
2) Winovich or Adams as the 53rd player instead of a 26th player on Offense.

 

[50-yard-line]

My ridiculously too early prediction (fully aware that they're likely bringing someone new in, that some lock might get traded or sit out - Gilly).

Harry has to fight like mad to stay on this team, even with the cap advantage (they lose $500k in CAP if they cut him). I think he stays, but they might find a trade partner.

Nixon is my Ernie sentimental pick.
Michel ain't goin' nowhere.
Taylor on the PS to start. He'll get his chance this year with the inevitable injuries.
Keene to the PS (protected).
Bentley should make the team, but Langi is a favorite of mine, so Bently to the PS (protected)
Cowart is a painful cut, but he just isn't living up to his potential from all I read or saw.
Bryant and/or Williams are fighting for a spot, as is Jackson.

QB (3) M.Jones, J.Stidham, C.Newton
RB (6) D.Harris, S.Michel, J.White, B.Bolden, R.Stevenson, J.Johnson
WR (6) N.Agholor, J.Meyers, M.Slater, G.Olszewski, K.Bourne, T.Nixon
TE (3) J.Smith, H.Henry, D.Asiasi
C (2) D.Andrews, T.Karras
G (2) S.Mason, M.Onwenu
T (4) I.Wynn, T.Brown, J.Herron, W.Sherman
DE (3) D.Wise, H.Anderson, M.Adams
DT (4) L.Guy, D.Godchaux, C.Barmore, A.Spence
ILB(3) D.Hightower, R.McMillan, H.Langi
OLB(5) M.Judon, K.VanNoy, J.Uche, R.Perkins, A.Jennings
CB (5) S.Gilmore, J.Jackson, J.Jones, J.Mills, J.Bethel
SS (2) K.Dugger, A.Phillips
FS (2) D.McCourty, C.Davis
ST (3) J.Bailey, J.Cardona, Q.Nordin

Total players: 53
Created with Pats Picker: Pats Picker 2019

EDIT: I forgot Winovich, but agree that he might get shipped out of town.

 

[sturmrider]

My ridiculously too early prediction (fully aware that they're likely bringing someone new in, that some lock might get traded or sit out - Gilly).

Harry has to fight like mad to stay on this team, even with the cap advantage (they lose $500k in CAP if they cut him). I think he stays, but they might find a trade partner.

Nixon is my Ernie sentimental pick.
Michel ain't goin' nowhere.
Taylor on the PS to start. He'll get his chance this year with the inevitable injuries.
Keene to the PS (protected).
Bentley should make the team, but Langi is a favorite of mine, so Bently to the PS (protected)
Cowart is a painful cut, but he just isn't living up to his potential from all I read or saw.
Bryant and/or Williams are fighting for a spot, as is Jackson.

QB (3) M.Jones, J.Stidham, C.Newton
RB (6) D.Harris, S.Michel, J.White, B.Bolden, R.Stevenson, J.Johnson
WR (6) N.Agholor, J.Meyers, M.Slater, G.Olszewski, K.Bourne, T.Nixon
TE (3) J.Smith, H.Henry, D.Asiasi
C (2) D.Andrews, T.Karras
G (2) S.Mason, M.Onwenu
T (4) I.Wynn, T.Brown, J.Herron, W.Sherman
DE (3) D.Wise, H.Anderson, M.Adams
DT (4) L.Guy, D.Godchaux, C.Barmore, A.Spence
ILB(3) D.Hightower, R.McMillan, H.Langi
OLB(5) M.Judon, K.VanNoy, J.Uche, R.Perkins, A.Jennings
CB (5) S.Gilmore, J.Jackson, J.Jones, J.Mills, J.Bethel
SS (2) K.Dugger, A.Phillips
FS (2) D.McCourty, C.Davis
ST (3) J.Bailey, J.Cardona, Q.Nordin

Total players: 53
Created with Pats Picker: Pats Picker 2019

EDIT: I forgot Winovich, but agree that he might get shipped out of town.

I agree with Nixon and hope he finds a way to make the team.
Michel who knows, if he's healthy he's a beast, but he has problems staying on the field.
I don't see Taylor on the practice squad if we try to stash him there some other team will grab him.
Keene is a perplexing situation, but I don't see the team keeping a pure fullback this year that is why I had him making the team.
Bentley is a tough call, who knows at that level.
Agree with the rest of your points.

I enjoy looking at how other people view the potential team at this point. Once the final 53 comes out it will be fun to look back at this and see who was closest.

 

[farn]

FB Johnson « in » as maybe have already stated.

I think QB goes either Cam & Jones OR Jones & Stidham. If an injury occurs, Hoyer will be available to come in and be the backup in either scenario.

Not convinced Gilmore will be in NE, but we’ll see. I understand they « lose money by moving him », but still…. There is work to be done at CB with both situations : Gilmore & Jackson.

 

[moosekill]

Taylor isn't that good yet. If he gets grabbed of the ps he gets grabbed. Worrying about him with all the other rb's is kind of silly. Still think Harry is the last wr. Still think/hope Jones beats out Cam and Cam is released, still with three qb's including Hoyer.

 

[Ross12]

Taylor isn't that good yet. If he gets grabbed of the ps he gets grabbed. Worrying about him with all the other rb's is kind of silly. Still think Harry is the last wr. Still think/hope Jones beats out Cam and Cam is released, still with three qb's including Hoyer.

They've talked a fair bit about JJ this offseason, my gut feeling is he'll make the team. Could certainly be wrong.

 

[doesntmatter1]

We have obvious starters, but after that is anyone's guess. There are so many guys that I think we could sneak onto the practice squad. Who would claim Cowart, Bentley, or quite a few other guys in our front 7 as of now. Our backup tackles are unknown. Harry catches all the hate but Joejuan is in the same boat imo. I don't feel confident in my 53, but here we go.

QB (3) C.Newton, J.Stidham, M.Jones
RB (5) D.Harris, S.Michel, J.White, R.Stevenson, J.Johnson
WR (5) N.Agholor, J.Meyers, K.Bourne, G.Olszewski, M.Slater
TE (3) J.Smith, H.Henry, D.Asiasi
C (2) D.Andrews, T.Karras
G (2) S.Mason, M.Onwenu
T (3) I.Wynn, T.Brown, K.Cunningham
DE (3) D.Wise, H.Anderson, M.Adams
DT (3) L.Guy, D.Godchaux, C.Barmore
ILB(4) D.Hightower, T.Hall, R.McMillan, C.McGrone
OLB(7) M.Judon, K.VanNoy, J.Uche, R.Perkins, A.Jennings, B.King, C.Winovich
CB (6) S.Gilmore, J.Jackson, J.Jones, J.Mills, J.Bethel, M.Jackson
SS (2) K.Dugger, A.Phillips
FS (2) D.McCourty, C.Davis
ST (3) N.Folk, J.Bailey, J.Cardona

Total players: 53
Created with Pats Picker: Pats Picker 2019

 

[sturmrider]

I see I missed McGrone I think he starts on IR. May not even play this year a redshirt year for him.

 

[Toofy]

With so much talent and not necessarily a season where we could go all the way, I dont see us having more than 2 Qb on the 53. Hoyer should be in PS. More likely wino gets traded. If anybody gives a 6th for harry , take it and run it.

Michel will stay and so will gilmore. Jj Taylor will be on PS I guess . Nobody is going to take him over what they already have on their roster.

Zuber /harry/ Wilkerson and nixon for one spot. Most likely it is going to be zuber.

 

[Bill Lee]

After taking in three minicamp practices, the following cluster of recent high draft picks need to stand out this summer to solidify their spot on the team: Sony Michel, N’Keal Harry, Joejuan Williams, Chase Winovich, Jarrett Stidham, Anfernee Jennings, and Dalton Keene.

So you say Michel needs to stand out to solidify his position on the team, then you list him as RB 2? Seems like Bolden and/or Taylor have a lot more to be worried about, IMO.

At this point I think Hoyer is ahead of Stidham on the QB depth chart, at least according to what Curran/Perry have to say on their podcast. Despite his other attributes, Stid just doesn't seem to have come up to NFL game speed and it seems he may never do so.

My guess is it is more likely we see Harry on the Week 1 team than Stid.

I know people are down on Harry, but IMO the team still sees ways they can use him. OTOH how do you use a QB with little actual NFL experience and who is showing you he can't process at a NFL level after two years being in the system? Since QB talent is over-valued in the league, best to flip him for draft assets, IMO. Cam, Jones and Hoyer are more than enough talent at QB for this phase of our team's development.

I have had my knuckles wrapped for not understanding the PS rules, but if what I am reading is correct the team has two slots (or maybe four) for vets with unlimited years of experience and while there is a minimum salary to be paid for PS players the rules let you pay more. Thus we could see Hoyer and his $1M salary get parked on PS and the team go with Cam and Jones on game day. It's a pretty safe assumption no other team would put Hoyer on their 53 so he's safe on PS. If Cam gets injured Jones can get you through the game (and some argue he'll be better!) then you can decide the next week if you go with Jones or Hoyer if Cam can't come back.

With so much talent and not necessarily a season where we could go all the way, I dont see us having more than 2 Qb on the 53. Hoyer should be in PS. More likely wino gets traded. If anybody gives a 6th for harry , take it and run it.

Michel will stay and so will gilmore. Jj Taylor will be on PS I guess . Nobody is going to take him over what they already have on their roster.

Zuber /harry/ Wilkerson and nixon for one spot. Most likely it is going to be zuber.

Feels good to have too much talent rather than not enough.

I agree with the Hoyer to PS, see above.

If Harry is as bad as people here suggest then he could find his way to the PS and no one else would want him. I doubt this is how it goes down which shows the team has a higher value on him than most posters here do.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

From Mark Daniels at the Providence Journal

Jones completed 66% of his passes (57-for-87)
Newton completed 68% of his passes (44-of-65)
Stidham completed 72% of his passes (49-for-68)
Hoyer completed 65% of his passes (24-for-37)

Stidham had more pass attempts than Cam, Stidham also increased his pass attempts on Day 3 as Jones struggled and his pass attempts were reduced. Hoyer had roughly half as many pass attempts as the other three. Obviously with 87 attempts, the coaching staff was taking a long, hard look at Jones. With more attempts than Cam and a higher completion %, Stidham is not "out of the running".

What will be telling is how the pass attempts are split when the Pats go to training camp in July. If the "lions share" of the passing attempts still go to Jones then we will see him earlier rather than later. If Stidham continues to get more attempts than Cam (that was no where near the case in 2020), then we might see Stidham for the first time ever.