With training camp underway, here’s my roster projection of who I believe will ultimately make the cut:
Offense 25
QUARTERBACK (3) Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer
Given Newton’s recent injury history and the dearth of quality NFL backup QBs, keeping Hoyer around is a wise move.
RUNNING BACK (4) James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris
I have Michel not ready and starting the season on PUP while recovering from foot surgery. This is a big opportunity for Damien Harris to show what he has to offer.
FULLBACK (1) Jakob Johnson
Only true Fullback on roster. I expect Keene will line up in the backfield also.
WIDE RECEIVER (6) Julian Edelman, Jakobi Myers, Muhammed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, Jeff Thomas
I expect much better play from this group than they received last year. Byrd and Thomas provide deep threats. Thomas is the KO returner. Another year a UDFA makes the 53 man roster. I like the tall receivers because Newton has a tendency to throw the ball high.
TIGHT END (3), Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, Jake Butt
With LaCosse opting out, the Pats will go with two draft picks and a an UDFA . No experience at all. Look for waiver wire pick up here!
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, Korey Cunningham, Isaiah Wynn, David Andrews, Jodny Cajuste, Michael Owenu, Justin Herron, Dustin Woodard
Cannon was going to battle Cajuste for the starting position. I keep Cunningham in case Cajuste can’t perform. Cajuste is a complete unknown of whether he can play or not. Wodward is the backup OC, Herron I wouldn’t cut and expose him to waivers unless its to sign another OT.
Defense 24
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4) Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, Byron Cowart, Beau Allen,
I would rather of seen a veteran DT signed for that 4th DT spot.
DEFENSIVE END (4) John Simon, Chase Winowich, Tashawn Bowers, Afernee Jennings,
Bowers makes the team because he already has NFL experience. Look for Jennings to start.
LINEBACKER (6) Ja’Whaun Bentley, Josh Uche, Shilique Calhoun, Brandon Copeland, Cassh Mulai, De’John Harris,
The loss of Hightower coupled with the losses in Free Agency is devastating. They go from one of the top defensive units to mediocre. Uche and Bentley start with Copeland and Calhoun working some at DE. Mulai is ST ace and Harris is a run stopper in the Elandon Roberts role.
CORNERBACK (5) Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, JC Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Jojuan Williams,
Best CB group in the league. They will be counted on to get the defense off the field.
SAFETY (5) Devin McCourty, Justin Bethel, Adrian Phillips, Cody Davis, Kyle Dugger
Phillips jumps in for Chung, with Dugger eventually taking over the position. Bethel and Davis are ST aces. Look for Jojuan Williams to play some S also. I think Davis can play some S where Bethel is ST only.
Special Teams 4
K Justin Rohrwasser (1), P P Jake Bailey(1), LS Joe Cardona (1), Matthew Slater ST Capt (1)
Not much has been said about Rohrwasser’s kicking ability. I hope the pool reporters that will be attending preseason practices report on his progress.
PUP Sony Michel, Brandon King
Opt Out Donta Hightower, Patrick Chung, Marcus Cannon, Brandon Bolden, Marquise Lee, Najee Toran, Dan Vitale, Matt LaCosse,
Notes:
The first four veteran Patriots players on the Opt Out list are all 30 or older. They may have played their last games for the Patriots.
Opt Out Player Compensation
I have read that the $150K – $350K stipend the Opt Out Players are getting, must be paid back if they don’y play in 2021. As noted above, many of these players won’t be back next year.
MNF crew announced
Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick are the three man crew. Levy is a clear and concise play by play man. I am amazed that some team has not made Riddick a GM or Player Personnel Director yet. His insight will be valuable. Not sure how Griese will fit in. Lets see how he is used on the broadcasts.
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Merrimack Valley native and lifelong fan of the New England Patriots. My earliest memories of the Patriots were attending as a child with my dad, the off-season practice at Phillips Academy. I was at the Patriots game at Harvard Stadium in 1970 where Bob “Harpo” Gladieux was called out of the stands by the stadium announcer over the PA to play in the game. Analyzing the draft since ESPN first started to televise it in 1980 and former writer for the Lowell Sun Newspaper.
