Pre Camp Roster Talk

[PScottman]

2) How quickly can the new skill position players on offense gel? I think on paper they've upgraded a lot talent-wise (definitely at TE, less obviously at WR but still an improvement). But the four new guys have never played together before, and have never played with either of the projected starting QBs. Seeing some chemistry early would be huge for this team. Digging out of an early season hole is not going to be easy for the 2021 Patriots.

A "where the heck did that free agent signing cut/retirement/trade come from coming out of camp" is a common past occurrence during Patriots pre-season. Whether inability to grasp the playbook, doesn't gel with coaches or QB, etc there is usually that one "sure thing" that just isn't a sure thing and ends up either released in some way or doesn't end up playing or producing for the Patriots.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Last year our run defense in the last half of the year was horrible. The defensive line was leaky and the linebackers were awful!

I am extremely interested to see who bb keeps on the defensive line. If he does not get this right, it is going to be a really long torturous season!

 

[Ivan]

We are screwed if Gilmore is gone by Week. If it happens, Mills will be one of three starters with Jackson and Jones.

I'm fine with Dugger in his present role. But, yes it would be great if he is good enough to be a start free safety for 2022.

I think that the team will do whatever to secure Gilmore's services for 2021.

THE PROBLEM AT DB IS IN 2022
Gilmore is unsigned.
Jackson is unsigned.
McCourty will likely retire.
Phillips is unsigned.

Yes, the team can deal with ALL of this. But, as of now, we have only Jones starting his contract year as our only starter for 2022. To be more clear, we have the best secondary in the NFL, with only our nickel back signed for 2022.

I agree, the secondary needs serious help after this season, especially if Gilmore is not extended.McCourty is going to hang them up after this season and Jackson is going to leave for bigger money than Belichick will give him. It’s going to have to be a focus in next year’s ear’s off-season.

 

[Sciz]

I am extremely interested to see who bb keeps on the defensive line. If he does not get this right, it is going to be a really long torturous season!

The majority of the decisions have already been made. Godchaux, Guy, Anderson, Barmore, and Wise all have their 2021 pay guaranteed and will be on the roster. Adams, Davis, Cowart, Spence, etc, are all competing with each other for the sixth spot while also having to show that it’s worth keeping a sixth DL rather than an extra at a different position.

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

The majority of the decisions have already been made. Godchaux, Guy, Anderson, Barmore, and Wise all have their 2021 pay guaranteed and will be on the roster. Adams, Davis, Cowart, Spence, etc, are all competing with each other for the sixth spot while also having to show that it’s worth keeping a sixth DL rather than an extra at a different position.

Barring Injury of course

 

[TheRainMaker]

Last year our run defense in the last half of the year was horrible. The defensive line was leaky and the linebackers were awful!

I am extremely interested to see who bb keeps on the defensive line. If he does not get this right, it is going to be a really long torturous season!

Godchaux could be the Steve Martin-Monty Biesel. Unrealistic expectations for average players at best.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Godchaux could be the Steve Martin-Monty Biesel. Unrealistic expectations for average players at best.

Let's hope not. But a few of the FAs will probably not work out. BB did have pretty much his pick of which FAs he signed (very little competition this year) so maybe the Monty Biesels will be few and far between since BB is good at signing FAs in general. Doesn't seem like too many reclamation projects (i.e. Kony Ealy) this time, it seems like mid to upper mid level tier guys who have produced and are an upgrade from what we had in 2020. So my fingers are crossed - if we were 7-9 and upgraded across the board, maybe we are 10+ wins this year? Of course with Cam, as nice as he is, it is hard to believe 10+ wins.

 

[mgteich]

Let's hope not. But a few of the FAs will probably not work out. BB did have pretty much his pick of which FAs he signed (very little competition this year) so maybe the Monty Biesels will be few and far between since BB is good at signing FAs in general. Doesn't seem like too many reclamation projects (i.e. Kony Ealy) this time, it seems like mid to upper mid level tier guys who have produced and are an upgrade from what we had in 2020. So my fingers are crossed - if we were 7-9 and upgraded across the board, maybe we are 10+ wins this year? Of course with Cam, as nice as he is, it is hard to believe 10+ wins.

I agree that some of highly paid free agents might not work out. That remains to be seen. But, they will make the 53 man team. Obviously, there were also free agents signed who could easily make the team or be cut, guys like Adams.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I agree that some of highly paid free agents might not work out. That remains to be seen. But, they will make the 53 man team. Obviously, there were also free agents signed who could easily make the team or be cut, guys like Adams.

Adams is an intriguing one. I don't know his story but the reports from mini-camp were good and he seems to be trying hard and a team player. Barring injury I assume he ends up on the practice squad, and there is always a DLine injury so I assume he will play at some point.

 

[Sicilian]

Adams is an intriguing one. I don't know his story but the reports from mini-camp were good and he seems to be trying hard and a team player. Barring injury I assume he ends up on the practice squad, and there is always a DLine injury so I assume he will play at some point.

Adams is one of those guys I have a hard time keeping on my projected 53, but only because there are a lot of guys at other positions that I have trouble cutting. Even only keeping 2 QB's, and only 4 WR (including Gunner), if I look at players I think are very likely to make the team I only have two spots left. It's basically pick two of the following:

Stidham (or whoever your QB3 of choice is)
Bolden
Keene
WR5 (be it Harry, Zuber, Nixon, whoever)
Adams
Cowart
Carl Davis
MacMillan
Joejuan Williams (or another young CB)
Bledsoe/Colbert as an extra safety/ST

He could absolutely win a spot amongst this group (especially if Barmore is limited in his role), but he's definitely a bubble guy IMO.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Adams is one of those guys I have a hard time keeping on my projected 53, but only because there are a lot of guys at other positions that I have trouble cutting. Even only keeping 2 QB's, and only 4 WR (including Gunner), if I look at players I think are very likely to make the team I only have two spots left. It's basically pick two of the following:

Stidham (or whoever your QB3 of choice is)
Bolden
Keene
WR5 (be it Harry, Zuber, Nixon, whoever)
Adams
Cowart
Carl Davis
MacMillan
Joejuan Williams (or another young CB)
Bledsoe/Colbert as an extra safety/ST

He could absolutely win a spot amongst this group (especially if Barmore is limited in his role), but he's definitely a bubble guy IMO.

Adams was a 3rd rounder and I expect the Pats signed him because they liked him during the draft process. He is athletic but a little undersized compared to other large "plug the middle" big boys. Seems like a Pat type player, and I agree with you he is a little off the bubble. This is his 5th year so maybe he can go on the practice squad with taking one of the veteran slots. I think Keene, WR5, another young CB and Bledsoe are all ahead of him (thanks for the list). Injuries are the key for him, assuming 3 or 4 injuries he is right back on the bubble. Adams is working his way back so I expect he will be pleased to go on the practice squad and then work his way onto the 53 man roster, assuming a slot opens up. From Reiss' Sunday update:

7. Adams reports early: Count defensive tackle Montravius Adams in the category of checking into training camp early. The 2017 third-round draft choice of the Green Bay Packers, out of Auburn, is hoping a fresh start in New England helps him meet draft-slot expectations, and he's all-in on embracing the team's culture.

 

[mgteich]

Adams is one of those guys I have a hard time keeping on my projected 53, but only because there are a lot of guys at other positions that I have trouble cutting. Even only keeping 2 QB's, and only 4 WR (including Gunner), if I look at players I think are very likely to make the team I only have two spots left. It's basically pick two of the following:

Stidham (or whoever your QB3 of choice is)
Bolden
Keene
WR5 (be it Harry, Zuber, Nixon, whoever)
Adams
Cowart
Carl Davis
MacMillan
Joejuan Williams (or another young CB)
Bledsoe/Colbert as an extra safety/ST

He could absolutely win a spot amongst this group (especially if Barmore is limited in his role), but he's definitely a bubble guy IMO.

What am I missing? I count 49 with 4 to pick. Some would even go with only 8 OL's
If I exclude Sters, we have 21 OFF and 21 DEF

I think that the 4 positions should be sufficient. My choice would be QB, WR, FB and an interior DL or LB.

DEFENSE and STers (24)
5 DT: Guy, Wise, Godchaux, Anderson, Barmore
5 DE/OLB: Judon, Van Noy, Uche, Perkins, Winovich
3 LB: Hightower, McMillan, Jennings
4 CB: Gilmore, Jackson, Jones, Williams/Jackson/Bryant
3 S McCourty, Phillips, Duggar
1 CB/S Mills
3 ST: Slater, Bethel and Davis

OFFENSE (22)
2 QB
3 WR Agholor, Bourne, Meyers
4 RB (Harris, Michel, Stevenson, White)
0 FB
3 TE
9 OL
1 ST (PR)

SPECIALISTS (3)

PICK FOUR
QB
RB/STer
FB
TE
DL
LB
DB

 

[Deus Irae]

What am I missing? I count 49 with 4 to pick. Some would even go with only 8 OL's
If I exclude Sters, we have 21 OFF and 21 DEF

I think that the 4 positions should be sufficient. My choice would be QB, WR, FB and an interior DL or LB.

DEFENSE and STers (24)
5 DT: Guy, Wise, Godchaux, Anderson, Barmore
5 DE/OLB: Judon, Van Noy, Uche, Perkins, Winovich
3 LB: Hightower, McMillan, Jennings
4 CB: Gilmore, Jackson, Jones, Williams/Jackson/Bryant
3 S McCourty, Phillips, Duggar
1 CB/S Mills
3 ST: Slater, Bethel and Davis

OFFENSE (22)
2 QB
3 WR Agholor, Bourne, Meyers
4 RB (Harris, Michel, Stevenson, White)
0 FB
3 TE
9 OL
1 ST (PR)

SPECIALISTS (3)

PICK FOUR
QB
RB/STer
FB
TE
DL
LB
DB

I don't see any way that this team goes into the season with just 2 QBs.