While roster building is a year-round activity, we can now take a general look at the roster and identify where the most uncertainty and competition will be this summer. You can also see where it might make sense to make an acquisition or two over final cutdown during Labor Day Weekend.
As of right now, I have the locks at 45 before any injuries turn all of this on its head.
Here’s what I got:
LOCKS (45)
QB (2) T.Brady, B.Hoyer – Yup.
RB (4) R.Burkhead, S.Michel, J.White, J.Develin – There’s a roster spot for one more here.
WR (5) J.Edelman, C.Hogan, M.Mitchell, C.Patterson, M.Slater – Lot of competition for 1-2 more spots.
TE (2) R.Gronkowski, D.Allen – Niklas a favorite to be TE3.
C (1) D.Andrews
G (2) S.Mason, J.Thuney
T (3) M.Cannon, L.Waddle, I.Wynn – Wrestled with Brown a bit here, but I want to see him pass the conditioning test first.
DE (4) T.Flowers, A.Clayborn, D.Wise, D.Rivers – Rivers and Clayborn should really help the defense.
DT (4) M.Brown, D.Shelton, L.Guy, A.Butler – I think this might be the most set spot on the roster. Valentine will push for a spot.
ILB(3) D.Hightower, E.Roberts, J.Bentley – Bentley might be a bit of stretch, but it’s one I want to make.
OLB(2) K.VanNoy, M.Flowers – Sam should have inside track here.
CB (5) S.Gilmore, J.McCourty, E.Rowe, D.Dawson, J. Jones – Entire secondary is pretty much a layup as far as the locks. Jones vs Dawson vs Cyrus in the slot will be fun.
SS (3) P.Chung, N.Ebner, B.King
FS (2) D.McCourty, D.Harmon
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona
BUBBLE and LONG-SHOTS
QB (1) D.Etling
RB (3) M.Gillislee, J.Hill, B.Bolden – Bolden’s easy to cut and re-sign again if they need to. Hill vs. Gillislee for one spot.
WR (6) J.Matthews, P.Dorsett, K.Britt, B.Berrios, R.McCarron, C.Hollister – This group for maybe two spots. One of the best spots in camp to watch.
TE (4) T.Niklas, J.Hollister, W.Tye, R.Izzo – Doubt the Pats keep a move tight end with the group of receivers and Develin. Niklas blossoming would be helpful as a third option.
C (2) J.Ferentz, L.Bowanko
G (2) T.Karras, J.King
T (5) T.Brown, T.Garcia, M.Tobin, C.Croston, A.Jelks – Could see two coming out of here, Brown-Garcia-Tobin will get a lot of looks. I’d expect Waddle to be atop the depth chart to start. He’s experienced and will set a pretty good base level for the competition that will unfold. Dante Scarnecchia will have a really interesting challenge as each player has their own strengths and weaknesses, and the starter will determine the complexion of the offense to a large extent.
DE (3) E.Lee, G.Grissom, K.Davis – Can Lee make a jump? That’s a question for me to do a blog on.
DT (1) V.Valentine – Valentine can play and will push Guy for the third rotational tackle spot.
ILB(1) N.Grigsby
OLB(3) C.Sam, H.Langi – I liked Langi last year before he got hurt, he was active, but I just wasn’t sure he had enough quickness to play in the regular season on the edge. I am curious if they move him inside this year where he would be fast enough with a little more space and protection. He made a similar transition in college.
CB (4) C.Jones, K.Crossen, R.Lewis, J.Wiltz – If Cyrus sets the world on fire with his punt returns this summer he just might find a way onto the roster. That’s a lot to ask coming off an injury. Will be tough sledding for this foursome with so much good depth ahead of them.
SS (2) J.Richards, D.Travis – The battle everyone wants but isn’t talking about is Travis vs. Richards. Travis is just that kind of player and could really blossom this summer.
FS (1) D.Jones – Jones also spent a year on the practice squad with Travis, but he’s more in the D-Mac, Harmon style.
What does TE Jacob Hollister have to do to make the roster in his sophomore year? Is his special teams ability enough?
I think Hollister is on the roster. Niklas could supplant Allen. Pre-injury Valentine was progressing nicely; and he has a cheap contract.