It’s time for the final 53-man roster projection and to be honest I didn’t find it overly difficult. This team has come together pretty well and yes, I have TWO undrafted rookies making it, as is tradition with the Pats.
Here’s where I’m at, and it’s important to remember there will likely be a shocking cut that no one saw coming, or a free agency signing that’s impossible to predict. But if we stick with the guys who are currently on the roster, here’s who I would keep.
Friday PM Update – Mike Reiss reported Rob Ninkovich as been suspended four games for taking a banned substance, so that opens up a new spot. Geneo Grissom now get on in his place. It’s funny how suspensions can actually really help things at cutdown time.
QB (2) J.Garoppolo, J.Brissett
- Cuts: None
RB (5) L.Blount, J.White, B.Bolden, D.Foster, J.Develin
- Cuts: T. Gaffney, J. Iosefa
WR (6) J.Edelman, C.Hogan, D.Amendola, M.Mitchell, K.Martin, M.Slater
- Cuts: A. Dobson, C. Harper, D. Carter, D. Lucien
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, M.Bennett, A.Derby
- Cuts: C. Harbor, B. Williams
C (1) D.Andrews
G (4) J.Thuney, S.Mason, J.Kline, J.Cooper
T (4) N.Solder, M.Cannon, C.Fleming, L.Waddle
- Cuts: C. Barker, T. Karras, J. Halapio
DE (4) R.Ninkovich, J.Sheard, C.Long, T.Flowers, G. Grissom
- Cuts:
G. Grissom, R. Johnson
DT (4) M.Brown, A.Branch, V.Valentine, A.Johnson
- Cuts: M. Kuhn, J. Vellano, W. Hamilton
ILB(3) D.Hightower, J.Freeny, K.Grugier-Hill
OLB(3) J.Collins, S.McClellin, B.Mingo
- Cuts: E. Roberts, K. Snyder
CB (5) M.Butler, L.Ryan, J.Coleman, C.Jones, C.LeBlanc
- Cuts: J. Jones, D. Roberts
SS (4) P.Chung, J.Richards, N.Ebner, B.King
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
- Cuts: V. Sunseri
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
PUP: D. Lewis, S. Vollmer, T. Jackson
SUSP: T. Brady, R. Ninkovich
Practice Squad Priority: G. Grissom, E. Roberts, J. Jones, D. Roberts, T. Karras, C. Barker
Expanded Thoughts
Hardest cuts were Grissom and Roberts. Grissom is just edged out by Mingo who can play special teams and is just more dynamic overall. I really liked how tough and aggressive Roberts is, but I just can’t see him carving out a role this season. Both of these guys should be top priorities to get to the practice squad.
I really wish I felt better about the offensive tackle depth. That’s why I’m keeping all of them, but I’d be open to flipping Waddle if there’s someone better out there that gets cut. I’m not sure there will be. The miracle we need to hope for is that somehow Sebastian Vollmer can come back. I know the prognosis isn’t great and Shefter said he’s likely done for the year, but you never know.
Amendola could still get PUP’d but I’d prefer to keep him off it because of the lack of depth at wide receiver right now. Perhaps if Mitchell and Martin were healthy they could consider it but I think they might need Amendola sooner than later if he can possibly get back on the field. No need to put him on ice for six weeks if he could be healthier sooner.
The interception in front of Dobson sums it up, he’s still not attacking the ball and I think it’s time for him to go. Only saving grace for him could be in Amendola does get PUP’d. But he’d be the first one to go once the other WRs are all healthy.
DJ Foster and Anthony Johnson are on the roster, no question. Johnson especially proved to me last night that he can play every down. He’s easily made Kuhn expendable. Every week he’s shown up since missing the first preseason game. I’m excited about the unexpected dynamic he’s going to add to the defensive interior.
