Roche: Breaking Down The Patriots 53-Man Roster
BOSTON (CBS) – The key thing to remember when it comes to the Patriots and the 53-man roster cut down? It will change.
The chances of having the roster that we see now next Thursday night are pretty slim.
But, with that said, here's a quick look at the Pats 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo
-- No surprise after Brady's suspension was vacated. After watching preseason play all over the NFL, I think Pats fans should feel good about the progression of Garoppolo. He's on his way.
Running Back (5): LeGarrette Blount (suspended for Week 1), Brandon Bolden, Travaris Cadet, James White, Dion Lewis
-- The biggest surprise of the day was the Pats saying goodbye to Jonas Gray. Strange, especially since he had a strong preseason and the Pats won't have the services of LeGarrette Blount for a game due to suspension. With that said, both White and Lewis impressed in preseason and with James Develin out for the season, perhaps the Pats will approach the Pittsburgh game with more of an emphasis of "go" mode in the passing game.
Wide Receiver (5): Julien Edelman, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, Chris Harper, Matthew Slater
-- Suddenly this position is paper thin. Brandon LaFell goes to the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list so he can come back in Week 6. Reggie Wayne asked for his release and is gone. That allowed the Pats to keep Chris Harper, the undrafted free agent out of Cal. Good for him. Last year, receiver Brian Tyms and CB Malcolm Butler had outstanding camps and just had the look of NFL players. In other words, they belonged. I feel the same way about Harper. Slater is a Pro Bowler on special teams, but I was amazed to see that he only has one reception in all the time he's been here. Meanwhile, look for Bill Belichick to be scouring the waiver wire or perhaps looking to the trade market to find help at this position.
Tight End (4): Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Michael Williams
-- No surprise to me that Belichick kept four tight ends, especially after James Develin went down with his broken leg. Bill loves the athleticism of Williams while the tandem of Gronk and Chandler has a chance to be special.
Offensive Line (10): Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Ryan Wendell, Tre' Jackson, Bryan Stork, Cameron Fleming, Marcus Cannon, Shaq Mason, Josh Kline, David Andrews
-- Good to see that Bryan Stork didn't have to hit the PUP list. The rookies in the interior got a lot of playing time in the preseason as Andrews, Jackson, and Mason logged major minutes. However, it will be interesting to see what the Pats go with Thursday. Seeing Wendell back out there is a good thing for Tom Brady.
Defensive Line (10): Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, Jabaal Sheard, Trey Flowers, Rufus Johnson, Alan Branch, Silver Siliiga, Malcom Brown, Dominique Easley, Geneo Grissom
-- Should be one of the strongest and deepest positions on the Pats. The edge rushers have potential to create all kinds of pressure as Flowers and Johnson played well all camp and preseason. Meanwhile, if Easley continues to progress the way he has in the preseason, watch out.
Linebacker (5): Jerod Mayo, Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, Jonathan Freeny, Eric Martin
-- Mild surprise that Eric Martin beat out James Morris for a spot. I think we may see Morris at some point if he gets through to the practice squad. Meanwhile, the starting trio, if healthy, has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL.
Safety (6): Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Jordan Richards, Nate Ebner, Tavon Wilson
-- A deep position for the Patriots. I would assume the McCourty to corner experiment was just in case. Bill Belichick loves Jordan Richards and it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets as the season progresses. Ebner and Wilson are key members of Special teams.
Cornerback (4): Malcolm Butler, Tarell Brown, Bradley Fletcher, Logan Ryan
-- Bill Belichick told us on Thursday that players could win or lose jobs in the preseason finale and that almost looked to be the case with Robert McClain, who struggled in many ways in the Giants game. This position is the biggest question mark heading into the season in my mind. Butler will be at forefront to see if he can go from Super Bowl hero to No. 1 shutdown corner.
Specialists (3): K Stephen Gostkowski, P Ryan Allen, LS Joe Cardona
-- Some of the best in the business here. Moving the extra point back to 33 yards shouldn't impact Gostkowski either.
Summary
Expect movement on the roster over the first two weeks. The wide receiver, running back, and cornerback positions may all be addressed. Also, keep in mind, especially on defense, that this will be a work in progress. This unit may need time to come together.
Enjoy the season. Also, do yourself a favor and be like the team. Take one game at a time, don't look too far down the road, and enjoy the year. Have fun being a fan. What we're watching is special and will be as long as the Kraft-Belichick-Brady trio is in existence.
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.