MORSE: Final 53-Man Patriots Roster Projection

I prescribe to the theory that Greg Bedard has floated a few weeks ago that the Patriots really have a 55-man roster. The injuries to Tyquan Thornton and Kristian Wilkerson’s concussion necessitate two veterans being cut so they can short-term IR these 2 players, then re-sign these vets. I am assuming that Montgomery’s injury isn’t a season-ending injury. See my comment below.

Offense (26)

Quarterback (3) M.Jones, B.Zappe, B.Hoyer

No Change I have had these three all along. Zappe has been inconsistent. He never took a snap under center in his college career. He had a fumble in the Raiders game with the Center/QB exchange. Zappe is a gun-slinger and will throw the ball from all types of angles. Not always the best.

Runningback (4) D.Harris, R.Stevenson, T.Montgomery, P.Strong

The extent of Montgomery’s injury is not known at this time so I am going to assume he will make the original 53-man-roster and then get put on short-term IR after 4:00 on Wednesday. However, I read a tweet by Mike Reiss quoting Bill Belichick from the Greg Hill show on WEEI. When Belichick was asked about Ty Montgomery’s status … “We haven’t practiced since we’ve been back here. So we’ll see how things go today, see what he’s able to do. But I think he’s doing all right.” So perhaps he doesn’t get IRed after the roster is established.

Practice Squad If they clear waivers – JJ Taylor and Kevin Harris

Wide Receivers (7) J.Meyers, D.Parker, T.Thornton, N.Agholor, K.Wilkerson, M.Slater, K.Bourne

Bourne stays because of the injuries to Thornton and Wilkerson. Nixon just hasn’t done enough to make the team. Thornton and Wilkerson are IR’ed after 4:00. Waive Josh Hammond.

Practice Squad – T. Nixon

Tight End (3) – H.Henry, L.Humphrey, J.Smith

I moved Humphrey into the 3^rd TE spot and waived Wydermyer, Sokol, and Asiasi

Practice Squad – Asiasi and Sokol

Center (2) K.Russey, D.Andrews

I am keeping Russey because I don’t think they can get him through waivers. Ferentz is cut but doesn’t have to go through waivers. He will be resigned when Thornton goes on IR.

Guard (3) M.Onwenu, A.Hambright, C.Strange

I am not sure that Owenu can play RG in this blocking scheme. In a straight-ahead hat-on-hat blocking Owenu is strong. I am hoping that Wynn gets traded opening up the RT spot for Owenu. Say goodbye to Bill Murray and Dejarlais.

Practice Squad – Hines, Sherman

Tackle (4) I.Wynn, T.Brown, Y.Cajuste, J.Herron

Again I hope that Wynn is traded (Dallas anyone?) That would free up our salary cap problem for the year. If not I am keeping 4 OTs. Hambright also played LT in the pre-season and looked pretty good there. Herron has not looked good and could be a surprise cut. There is such a dearth at the tackle position in the league I am just not cutting a young player like Herron. Yasir Durant is cut.

Defense (25)

Defensive End (1) D.Wise

No Change

Defensive Tackle (5) L.Guy, C.Barmore, S.Roberts, L.Ray, D.Godchaux

Ray and Roberts really came on during camp. Kept Ray at the expense of Daniel Ekuale. Don’t think either player would get through waivers.

Practice Squad – D. Ekuale, H. Anderson, Carl Davis – If Ekuale signs to the Practice Squad he must serve a 2 game suspension

Inside Linebacker (4) M.Wilson, R.McMillan, J.Tavai, J.Bentley

McGrone and Langi waived. I don’t want to see Tavai play on defense at all. He and Bentley were paired together against Las Vegas and they went right at them. Neither can cover their mother running a pass pattern. I like the idea of Bentley on the edge.

Practice Squad – McGrone

Outside Linebacker (4) M.Judon, J.Uche, A.Jennings, D.Mitchell

Mitchell has played himself onto the roster. He has been on every Special Team and has shown some push up the field on Defense.

Cornerback (4) J.Mills, M.Jones, Ja.Jones, Jo.Jones

The Jones boys (Marcus and Jack) have played very well as rookies and I am excited to see what they can do. Marcus is also an elite punt returner. Jon Jones has moved to the boundary corner and will immediately match up with Tyreek Hill. Shaun Wade was a tough cut. Justin Bethel just played Special Teams and was very good but roster spots are hard to find. Terrance Mitchell just didn’t show enough.

Practice Squad – Wade, Mitchell, and Bethel

Strong Safety (4) K.Dugger, A.Phillips, J.Bledsoe, J.Peppers

This is perhaps the strongest group on the team and maybe in the league. They all play like linebackers and you will often see them line up close to the LOS

Free Safety (3) D.McCourty, B.Schooler, C, Davis

Myles Bryant is a tough cut but his size has really played against him. Schooler has been the surprise of camp and will make the team as a UDFA. Davis was the top tackler on Special Teams last season.

Practice Squad – Myles Bryant

Special Teams (2)

Kicker N.Folk

Punter J.Bailey

Cut Joe Cardona but will immediately resign him when Wilkerson goes on IR.

Total players: 53

Short Term IR after 53-man Roster established: Thornton and Wilkerson

Signed to Practice Squad: Ferentz and Cardona

Practice Squad: K. Harris, JJ Taylor, Hines, Sherman, Sokol, Asiasi, Ekuale, Anderson, Davis, McGrone, Bryant, Wade, Mitchell, and Bethel

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About Mark Morse

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.

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