Projected 53 man roster

[TheFlyingWedge]

Griff Whalen didn't stay long either ...

 

[Mike the Brit]

He seemed like a really nice guy, the short time he was here. But, yes, sorry Griff ... immortality, Colts-style.

 

[mgteich]

I'm curious why you feel that way. I realize he was only a 6th round pick, but when did that matter to BB? IIRC, he started the first game last year and played half of the second, when Shaq was out with a broken hand. He looked pretty solid for a rookie playing in his first game and a half. He's had a year of coaching under Dante. He can play center or either guard position so he's a valuable backup. His cap hit is minimal.

It's hard to know from the outside looking in, but the team seems pretty happy with him.

I'm always happy if Belichick upgrades positions.

 

[supafly]

Last year, we carried 8 OL's, the same that almost everyone is saying to carry this year.

Are you speaking of 8 total OL, or 8 interior offensive linemen (6 + 2 on PS)? I assume it's the latter.

I saw an article come across my iPhone newsfeed which claims that Belichick kept 10 OL in each of the last three years coming out of TC, so I think we need to include at least 9 in our roster projections.

 

[mgteich]

Are you speaking of 8 total OL, or 8 interior offensive linemen (6 + 2 on PS)? I assume it's the latter.

I saw an article come across my iPhone newsfeed which claims that Belichick kept 10 OL in each of the last three years coming out of TC, so I think we need to include at least 9 in our roster projections.

I would hope that we had more than 10 OL's coming out of training camp. The question is the roster for Game 2 or Game 3 of the season, when the roster settles a bit. I think that there is exactly zero probability of the patriots carrying 6 interior linemen on the 53 man roster.

As many have discussed, we are very likely to keep 4 OT's, as is normally the case. We have kept 3, but only if someone else, an IOL or TE is capable of being the emergency #4 OT. Mankins took that role.

IMHO, we are very likely to keep 8 OL's, plus 3 on the Practice Squad. We have at least 3 OL's who are unlikely to be picked up by others, and who could function as potential backup IOL's. IMHO, there is absolutely no reason to have this player active in our current situation. If we pick up a veteran, the situation may change, since we might want to have both Karras and the veteran on the 53.

I don't understand the need to use a roster spot for a player who would be inactive.

We could keep 3 of the following on Practice Squad: Douglas, Farris, King, Ferenz and a signee from another team.
=======
BOTTOM LINE
We will decide how to use the last roster spot (actually the last 5). We could use on on someone like Douglas, knowing that we have 3 similar players on the Practice Squad. Alternatively, we could use the spot for a player we might actually use like: Shaughnessy, Bolden, Foster, McDermott, King, Freeny, Coleman or Richards. All of these are on someone's list of cuts. Alternatively, the roster spot could be used to keep one of the UDFA's.

I don't have any 9th OL that we have now as being more likely to make the roster than ANY of the above players. To be even more clear, I believe that every one of these players is more valuable on the 53 than a 5th IOL.

BTW, we did carry 10 to start last year. Mason and Cooper were both injured. If we have two injuries going into this season, we might carry more than 8. Andy says that I overstate the experience and skill set of Fleming and Karras. That could be true. However, they are able to be backups. The argument could be made that we need an additional veteran presence on our OL, but not a Practice Squad player.

 

[supafly]

I would hope that we had more than 10 OL's coming out of training camp. The question is the roster for Game 2 or Game 3 of the season, when the roster settles a bit. I think that there is exactly zero probability of the patriots carrying 6 interior linemen on the 53 man roster.

As many have discussed, we are very likely to keep 4 OT's, as is normally the case. We have kept 3, but only if someone else, an IOL or TE is capable of being the emergency #4 OT. Mankins took that role.

IMHO, we are very likely to keep 8 OL's, plus 3 on the Practice Squad. We have at least 3 OL's who are unlikely to be picked up by others, and who could function as potential backup IOL's. IMHO, there is absolutely no reason to have this player active in our current situation. If we pick up a veteran, the situation may change, since we might want to have both Karras and the veteran on the 53.

I don't understand the need to use a roster spot for a player who would be inactive.

We could keep 3 of the following on Practice Squad: Douglas, Farris, King, Ferenz and a signee from another team.
=======
BOTTOM LINE
We will decide how to use the last roster spot (actually the last 5). We could use on on someone like Douglas, knowing that we have 3 similar players on the Practice Squad. Alternatively, we could use the spot for a player we might actually use like: Shaughnessy, Bolden, Foster, McDermott, King, Freeny, Coleman or Richards. All of these are on someone's list of cuts. Alternatively, the roster spot could be used to keep one of the UDFA's.

I don't have any 9th OL that we have now as being more likely to make the roster than ANY of the above players. To be even more clear, I believe that every one of these players is more valuable on the 53 than a 5th IOL.

BTW, we did carry 10 to start last year. Mason and Cooper were both injured. If we have two injuries going into this season, we might carry more than 8. Andy says that I overstate the experience and skill set of Fleming and Karras. That could be true. However, they are able to be backups. The argument could be made that we need an additional veteran presence on our OL, but not a Practice Squad player.

I recognize the benefit of being able to carry a potential game day backup on the PS, which would open up another precious spot, (after moving them up, of course), but I think 8 OL on the initial 53 man roster is too light.

I think you'd need the 4 OT that you've mentioned, as well as 5 IOL. Right now, I'm guessing that would mean Thuney, Andrews, Mason, Karras, and either one of Douglas (more experience)/Ferris. As you've mentioned, in a perfect world we replace one of Douglas/Ferris with a seasoned vet and move them both to the PS.

 

[Brandon_Cox]

So, how do your 53s look with David Harris? Who loses their roster spot?

 

[mgteich]

So, how do your 53s look with David Harris? Who loses their roster spot?

This isn't complicated. Now you have Ninkovich and Rivers as DE/OLB's, and Hightower, Van Noy and Harris as locks. After all, unless Harris is injured, he is a at least a backup if Hightower is injured.

We usually play 2 linebackers. Ninkovich or Rivers would be the 3rd when we need 3.

So, we have 3 locks for two positions. How many backups do we need? IMHO, we NEED one more linebacker. We also usually carry 1-2 additional special teamers who are linebackers.

My projected roster includes 5 linebackers, not including Ninkovich and Rivers.

THE CHOICES
Locks: Hightower, Van Noy, Harris
Competing: McClellan, Roberts, Freeny, Bates, Langi, King (Brandon)

CHOICE ONE - the youngster
It's between Roberts and Langi. I haven't a clue. For now, it's Roberts. If he's up to the hype, Langi will beat out Roberts. These are the bottom of the roster decisions that we spend a lot of time on, and yet make little difference to the team.

CHOICE TWO - the special teamer
It's between McClellan, Freeny, Bates and King. For now, it is McClellan. I could see Freeny beating out McClellan. Also, I could see King making it as the 53rd player.

BOTTOM LINE
This was a good pickup. The team is greatly improved in case of an injury to Hightower. Harris may indeed get lots and lots of reps. However, what we NEEDED was a backup in case Hightower were to be injured.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Harris just made the team

 

[mgteich]

Harris just made the team

We've walked away from $1.25M before (Knighton just last year). However, it would take a lot for Harris not be worth keeping.

 

[long distance]

This isn't complicated. Now you have Ninkovich and Rivers as DE/OLB's, and Hightower, Van Noy and Harris as locks. After all, unless Harris is injured, he is a at least a backup if Hightower is injured.

We usually play 2 linebackers. Ninkovich or Rivers would be the 3rd when we need 3.

So, we have 3 locks for two positions. How many backups do we need? IMHO, we NEED one more linebacker. We also usually carry 1-2 additional special teamers who are linebackers.

My projected roster includes 5 linebackers, not including Ninkovich and Rivers.

THE CHOICES
Locks: Hightower, Van Noy, Harris
Competing: McClellan, Roberts, Freeny, Bates, Langi, King (Brandon)

CHOICE ONE - the youngster
It's between Roberts and Langi. I haven't a clue. For now, it's Roberts. If he's up to the hype, Langi will beat out Roberts. These are the bottom of the roster decisions that we spend a lot of time on, and yet make little difference to the team.

CHOICE TWO - the special teamer
It's between McClellan, Freeny, Bates and King. For now, it is McClellan. I could see Freeny beating out McClellan. Also, I could see King making it as the 53rd player.

BOTTOM LINE
This was a good pickup. The team is greatly improved in case of an injury to Hightower. Harris may indeed get lots and lots of reps. However, what we NEEDED was a backup in case Hightower were to be injured.

Van Noy is not a lock . esp. after this move.
__

Knighton cost was 625.000, same as Martin.
Harbor was the biggest hit - 1.3M . but that was in-season.

All three were exceptions in Pats modus operandi.

Here from Hill on the subject:
Patriots go against convention, cut expensive signings before opening week
TE Clay Harbor's Contract Implies Roster Lock

The only players to receive that type of cash from the Patriots and not make the final roster are aging veterans that forced themselves off the team like wide receiver Reggie Wayne (asked to be released), defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (also asked to be released), or offensive lineman Robert Gallery (retired).

 

[long distance]

 

[Joker]

MG...Harris has played 137 out the last 138 games. I don't think he's injured.

 

[mgteich]

MG...Harris has played 137 out the last 138 games. I don't think he's injured.

I'll re-state.

Unless Harris is injured between now and the day of the last cut, he will make the roster.

 

[miloofcroton]

Work in progress... I know I have too many guys and perhaps made a couple veteran cuts that I shouldn't have. I'll come back and adjust when I get a chance.

Offense:
QB: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett
RB: Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White, Dion Lewis, LeShun Daniels, Brandon Bolden
FB: James Develin, Glenn Gronkowski
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, James O'Shaughnessy, Jacob Hollister, Rob Housler, Matt Lengel
WR: Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Austin Carr, DJ Foster, Cody Hollister, Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola, Devin Lucein
OT: Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon, Anthony Garcia, Cameron Fleming, Conor McDermott, Max Rich, LaAdrian Waddle
OG: Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, Ted Karras, Chase Farris, Jason King, Cole Croston, Jamil Douglas, Greg Pyke
C: David Andrews

Defense:
0,1,2 Tech: Malcolm Brown, Vincent Valentine, Darius Kilgo, Woodrow Hamilton, Josh Augusta
3,4 Tech: Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, Alan Branch
4,5 Tech: Kony Ealy, Deatrich Wise
5,7 Tech: Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom
7,9 Tech: Rob Ninkovich, Derek Rivers, Shea McClellin, Jonathan Freeny, Corey Vereen
LB: Dont'a Hightower, David Harris, Elandon Roberts, Harvey Langi, Kyle Van Noy, Trevor Bates
CB: Malcolm Butler, Stephen Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones, Jonathan Jones, Justin Coleman, DJ Killings, Dwayne Thomas, Kenny Moore
SS: Patrick Chung, Jason Thompson, Jordan Richards, Damarius Travis
FS: Devin McCourtney, David Jones, Duron Harmon

Specialists:
K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Ryan Allen
LS: Joe Cardona
RET: DJ Foster, Cyrus Jones, Julian Edelman
COV: Nate Ebner, Brandon King, Matt Slater

 

[Ring 6]

Work in progress... I know I have too many guys and perhaps made a couple veteran cuts that I shouldn't have. I'll come back and adjust when I get a chance.

Offense:
QB: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett
RB: Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White, Dion Lewis, LeShun Daniels, Brandon Bolden
FB: James Develin, Glenn Gronkowski
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, James O'Shaughnessy, Jacob Hollister, Rob Housler, Matt Lengel
WR: Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Austin Carr, DJ Foster, Cody Hollister, Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola, Devin Lucein
OT: Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon, Anthony Garcia, Cameron Fleming, Conor McDermott, Max Rich, LaAdrian Waddle
OG: Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, Ted Karras, Chase Farris, Jason King, Cole Croston, Jamil Douglas, Greg Pyke
C: David Andrews

Defense:
0,1,2 Tech: Malcolm Brown, Vincent Valentine, Darius Kilgo, Woodrow Hamilton, Josh Augusta
3,4 Tech: Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, Alan Branch
4,5 Tech: Kony Ealy, Deatrich Wise
5,7 Tech: Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom
7,9 Tech: Rob Ninkovich, Derek Rivers, Shea McClellin, Jonathan Freeny, Corey Vereen
LB: Dont'a Hightower, David Harris, Elandon Roberts, Harvey Langi, Kyle Van Noy, Trevor Bates
CB: Malcolm Butler, Stephen Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones, Jonathan Jones, Justin Coleman, DJ Killings, Dwayne Thomas, Kenny Moore
SS: Patrick Chung, Jason Thompson, Jordan Richards, Damarius Travis
FS: Devin McCourtney, David Jones, Duron Harmon

Specialists:
K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Ryan Allen
LS: Joe Cardona
RET: DJ Foster, Cyrus Jones, Julian Edelman
COV: Nate Ebner, Brandon King, Matt Slater

You cut branch and Harmon who were just resigned this offseason?
You cut Malcolm Mitchell?
Those seem impossible.

 

[miloofcroton]

You cut branch and Harmon who were just resigned this offseason?
You cut Malcolm Mitchell?
Those seem impossible.

Butler is pretty good. Upon watching his Vanderbilt tape, I'm convinced he can contribute. Decent pass rush and solid run defender at 6'5" 300. Branch is old, and if he's the 5th (or 7th, if you consider Ealy and Wise can play the 3 and 4 tech too) interior d-lineman, where's the value?

On second thought, I might be wrong on Branch. I'm just hoping guys like Brown and Valentine step up. If they don't, then you keep Branch and cut one of them.

Harmon was a tough cut. I definitely went on a limb with that, but he's frankly not starter material in my opinion. Jones simply looks like the better talent. If it comes to be that Jones doesn't take care of his assignments and Harmon is looking consistently better, then maybe you have to change that around by the end of camp. It's all projection right now.

Mitchell isn't that impressive to me. He doesn't seem to create separation, so he has no hope of being a top 3 WR on the team. Austin Carr was a beast last year at Northwestern. DJ Foster is a jitterbug with added versatility and good run after the catch ability. Hollister is really on the edge of not making it in my roster, but I kept him over Mitchell because of the added size, larger catch radius, and essentially equal quickness. Plus, maybe Hollister plays on special teams and displaces someone else there too.

 

[Ring 6]

Butler is pretty good. Upon watching his Vanderbilt tape, I'm convinced he can contribute. Decent pass rush and solid run defender at 6'5" 300. Branch is old, and if he's the 5th interior d-lineman, where's the value?

Branch us the #1 interior DL.

Harmon was a tough cut. I definitely went on a limb with that, but he's frankly not starter material in my opinion. Jones simply looks like the better talent. If it comes to be that Jones doesn't take care of his assignments and Harmon is looking consistently better, then maybe you have to change that around by the end of camp. It's all projection right now.

There is zero chance Harmon gets cut.

Mitchell isn't that impressive to me. He doesn't seem to create separation, so he has no hope of being a top 3 WR on the team. Austin Carr was a beast last year at Northwestern. DJ Foster is a jitterbug with added versatility and good run after the catch ability. Hollister is really on the edge of not making it in my roster, but I kept him over Mitchell because of the added size, larger catch radius, and essentially equal quickness. Plus, maybe Hollister plays on special teams and displaces someone else there too.

Wow.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Butler is pretty good. Upon watching his Vanderbilt tape, I'm convinced he can contribute. Decent pass rush and solid run defender at 6'5" 300. Branch is old, and if he's the 5th (or 7th, if you consider Ealy and Wise can play the 3 and 4 tech too) interior d-lineman, where's the value?

On second thought, I might be wrong on Branch. I'm just hoping guys like Brown and Valentine step up. If they don't, then you keep Branch and cut one of them.

Harmon was a tough cut. I definitely went on a limb with that, but he's frankly not starter material in my opinion. Jones simply looks like the better talent. If it comes to be that Jones doesn't take care of his assignments and Harmon is looking consistently better, then maybe you have to change that around by the end of camp. It's all projection right now.

Mitchell isn't that impressive to me. He doesn't seem to create separation, so he has no hope of being a top 3 WR on the team. Austin Carr was a beast last year at Northwestern. DJ Foster is a jitterbug with added versatility and good run after the catch ability. Hollister is really on the edge of not making it in my roster, but I kept him over Mitchell because of the added size, larger catch radius, and essentially equal quickness. Plus, maybe Hollister plays on special teams and displaces someone else there too.

Branch is our best DL. Full stop.

I like a lot of the rookie players, but your projected cuts are crazy, to put it mildly. Of course, watch your version unfold accurately, and we'll all look dumb.

 

[Bruins29]

Mitchell isn't that impressive to me. He doesn't seem to create separation, so he has no hope of being a top 3 WR on the team. Austin Carr was a beast last year at Northwestern. DJ Foster is a jitterbug with added versatility and good run after the catch ability. Hollister is really on the edge of not making it in my roster, but I kept him over Mitchell because of the added size, larger catch radius, and essentially equal quickness. Plus, maybe Hollister plays on special teams and displaces someone else there too.

You should really watch the team or at least get some perspective of how a team is built. Mitchell - 32 receptions, 401 yards, clutch in the Superbowl a great person and on a rookie deal which you have him on for 3 more years.

They are going to cut their starting DT who (as mentioned) they just signed? Harmon???????

Wow...

Name the last Pats player who was cut after taking a paycut also...