“It’s not about collecting players; it’s about building a team”. We understand this, but we all too often ignore it when indulging in this exercise. Roles matter, and you need to build a team to fill them. People decry all the STers kept, but someone has to do those jobs, and games will be lost if they’re not adequately. With that said, this is how I see things as of now:
QB (2) Brady, Stidham - I’ve seen enough to make me believe the Pats have just as good a chance to win a game or 3 with Stidham under center as they do with Brian Hoyer. With that said, I would not be surprised if Hoyer isn’t resigned after Halloween once some other positions are clarified. The $1.5 million of guaranteed money probably comes with offset conditions, so, unless someone comes along and offers him more than $1.5 m, he doesn’t really have any incentive to jump at the first offer he receives.
RB (5) Michel, White, Develin, Harris, Bolden - Burkhead makes the initial 53, but he’s experienced head injuries both of the last 2 seasons, and he’s been dinged already in camp this year. He’s a valuable player with guaranteed money, so he gets IR’d because of the head injuries and is possibly activated after week 8 to make a contribution down the stretch.
WR (7) Edelman, Gordon,Thomas,Harry,Meyers,Dorsett,Slater - There’s considerable talent in this group but also considerable uncertainty. Thomas’ health, Meyers and Harry’s inexperience and Gordon being the walking definition of uncertainty. That’s why I’m keeping Dorsett. Slater is my designated cut for a day to get Burkhead to IR.
TE (2) LaCosse, Izzo - if both of these guys are healthy to start the season, I’d try to ride it out until Watson’s return with just these two.
OL (8) Wynn,Thuney,Andrews,Mason,Cannon,Karras,Froholdt,Skipper - Many bang on Skipper, but he’s not been the problem so far this preseason. The interior line backups have been. This is the position most likely to see a waiver claim or veteran signing to solidify.
STs (3) Gostkowski, Cardona, Bailey
DL (8) Bennett, Guy, Pennel,Butler,Shelton,Simon,Winovich,Cowart - Everyone wants to load up on edge rushers, but you need enough fatties to play goal line and short yardage. I’m not even sure if this enough because I expect them to play 3 290+ pounders a lot along with 4 LBs in their base front. I prefer to believe there is a reasonable explanation to the Mike Pennel mystery and that it ends well. Wise is a tough omit, but his role has been diminished.
LB (6) Hightower,Van Noy,Collins,Bentley,Munson,King- I left Roberts and Calhoun off for Munson as Roberts doesn’t play teams, Munson is more versatile, and Hightower and Bentley can serve as thumpers.
CB (7) Gilmore,J.McCourty,Jones,Jackson,Williams,Dawson,Crossen - You can’t have too many cornerbacks. Besides, this is the deepest and most talented position on the team.
S (5) D.McCourty,Chung,Harmon,Brooks,Ebner - Brooks is a good addition to the group. Obi is a New England kid, but, despite his athleticism, his instincts for the game are nearly as bad as Jordan Richards’. Ebner is my designated cut to open a roster spot to tryout an OLineman or two.
