Initial 53-Man Patriots Roster and Position Battle Thoughts

After filling out their roster with some quality veteran depth the Patriots have put together a solid 90-man squad. Yes, there’s some wide open positions like receiver, tight end and left tackle, but they’ve thrown enough at the wall in all spots to make things competitive.

Let’s take a wild swing at how I’d see a 53-man roster from here, with the caveat that injuries will turn this thing on its head, unfortunately. Here’s the current 90-man depth chart:

The 53-Man Roster

QB (3) T.Brady, B.Hoyer, J.Stidham – Brady/Hoy-dog are locks. Stidham beats out Etling, why not. Excited to see both compete in training camp, this is a huge job on the line. Both could be practice squad candidates.
RB (5) S.Michel, R.Burkhead, J.White, D.Harris, J.Develin – Brandon Bolden a tough cut as always. Is Burkhead a lock? I’m not sure.
WR (6) D.Thomas, J.Edelman, N.Harry, D.Inman, B.Berrios, M.Slater – Lot of intrigue here showing how different things will look this year. Guys like Inman or Berrios emerging (staying healthy) is a huge key to the offense this year.
TE (4) B.Watson, A.SeferianJenkins, M.LaCosse, R.Izzo – I really like Izzo, but I don’t know how this all flushes out.
C (1) D.Andrews
G (4) S.Mason, J.Thuney, T.Karras, H.Froholdt
T (4) M.Cannon, J.Veldheer, I.Wynn, Y.Cajuste – Great depth across the offensive line, adding Froholdt, Wynn and Cajuste to the mix are great reinforcements.
DE (5) M.Bennett, D.Wise, C.Winovich, J.Simon, D.Rivers – Good mix of new blood, it’s a huge year for Derek Rivers. Bennett, Wise and Simon are solid veterans, but Winovich and Rivers must help fill the big play quota.
DT (4) L.Guy, M.Pennel, A.Butler, B.Cowart – Cowart has the inside track on immediate playing time.
ILB(2) J.Bentley, E.Roberts – Bentley’s return will provide a needed boost.
OLB(3) D.Hightower, K.VanNoy, B.King
CB (5) S.Gilmore, J.McCourty, J.Jackson, J.Williams, J.Jones
SS (2) P.Chung, N.Ebner
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon – Would love to find a new young safety to add to this mix, Gant is an interesting one to watch.
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona: For now I’m just assuming Allen holds onto his job once again, defeating rookie pick Jacob Bailey.

Total players: 53
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It’s clear that things are going to look a lot different at wide receiver and tight end. But across the rest of the roster there are proven veteran Super Bowl winners. Most of those positions have been reinforced, especially at running back, offensive line and cornerback. The depth at defensive tackle, linebacker and safety could be questionable if injuries hit them hard.

Early Position Battles

• Wide Receiver – after Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry I don’t know what happens.
• Tight End – Combo of Watson and Seferian-Jenkins? Can a third impact guy emerge? It’s wide open.
• Left Tackle – I’m penciling in Veldheer as the Day 1 LT while they ease Wynn in.
• Quarterback – The first game of the preseason should be an Etling/Stidham split.
• Cornerback – Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen will be in for big challenge to make roster.