PatsPropaganda

Updated New England Patriots Depth Chart & 53-Man Roster Prediction

August 25, 2015 by Mike Dussault

Quite a bit of shifting going on yesterday, with the addition of Reggie Wayne and DJ Lynch, and both Brandon Gibson and Brian Tyms heading to IR. Here’s how I think the current depth chart looks.

And here’s where I’m at on my 53-man roster. Some hard decisions to make especially among the unproven depth guys.

QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo: Still believe Brady doesn’t miss a game.

RB (5) J.Gray, B.Bolden, J.White, T.Cadet, J.Develin: Loved what I saw out of Lewis but I can’t keep 7 RBs and I don’t see any of this group getting cut without it being a shock. Blount has roster exemption for Week One.

WR (6) J.Edelman, B.LaFell, D.Amendola, R.Wayne, A.Dobson, M.Slater: Neither Wayne nor Dobson play special teams, so that difference will have to be made up at linebacker/defensive back.

TE (3) R.Gronkowski, S.Chandler, M.Hoomanawanui: Would love Chandler to get healthy this week to get some legit game action with Brady.

OL (9) B.Stork, T.Jackson, S.Mason, R.Wendell, J.Kline, M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer, C.Fleming: Wouldn’t be surprised to see Kline start getting some legit guard snaps, especially if Wendell continues on PUP. Andrews is a good practice squad candidate.

DE (5) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, J.Sheard, T.Flowers, G.Grissom: very promising group with experience, youth and tons of potential.

DT (5) D.Easley, M.Brown, S.Siliga, A.Branch, Z.Moore: Hard cuts on Antonio Johnson and Casey Walker. Leaning Zack Moore as the last guy here, but Johnson/Walker could beat him out.

LB(5) J.Mayo, J.Freeny, J.Collins, D.Hightower, D.Fleming: James Morris a tough cut, but could be a PS guy. Plus Fletcher is PUP’d so there’s some depth insurance there.

CB (4) M.Butler, T.Brown, M.McClain, L.Ryan: Roberts injury hurts, still not feeling Bradley Fletcher even with the numbers thinned.

S (6) P.Chung, J.Richards, N.Ebner, D.McCourty, T.Wilson, D.Harmon: Need more special teams so Tavon is in.

ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona: All good.

PUP: Chris Jones, Dane Fletcher

Total players: 53
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What are the chances the Patriots keep Harper over both Tyms and Dobson?

August 24, 2015 by Mike Dussault

Sounds like Tyms is headed for IR after the first cutdown so they can avoid exposing him on waivers, and supposedly they’re taking it easy on Dobson but he’ll be back soon. So I don’t think the WR situation is that bad really because they should still have their top three WRs ready to go for the season opener.

I just don’t see Harper making the 53-man roster. Yes he showed some chemistry with Garoppolo but so would Gronk/LaFell/Edelman/Amendola if they were getting bulk reps with him.

The only thing I need to check on is how much special teams Harper has been playing. Off the top of my head I don’t think he’s played any. That was how Tyms stuck last year after his suspension, but I’d rather have Reggie Wayne or even Dobson still, as the 4th WR who doesn’t play special teams.

Do you see the deciding factor for the third down running back being who can pass protect the best

August 24, 2015 by Mike Dussault

Of course it’s part of it, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal because pass blocking out of the backfield is about experience and will to throw yourself into oncoming blitzers. I think all these guys have the will to do it, they just need the experience to know who’s coming from where. Woodhead had neither the size nor the experience you might expect and he stepped in and did fine.

I think the bigger factors are ball security and knowing which route to run and how to run it to Brady’s liking. If they can do those two things, they should get a chance.

Thoughts on Patriots signing Reggie Wayne

August 24, 2015 by Mike Dussault

The Pats signed Reggie Wayne to a one-year deal this morning per Adam Schefter, after injuries to their wide receivers made it a necessity. Before camp I didn’t really see the sense in signing Wayne, because he’s not going to be anything more than a third or fourth receiver now. But with injuries to Tyms, Dobson and now Gibson, it’s apparent they’re going to need that fourth receiver role filled with a veteran.

I don’t know how much he has left in the tank, but in spot duty can he come in, play the slot and get open for a first-down catch? Sure. I have more optimism about Wayne than any of the other former star receiver reclamation projects Belichick has taken on like with Joey Galloway, Tory Holt and Chad Johnson.

Most of all it would be fun to have some more ammo to rub in the Colts faces on 10/18. Would there be a better final nail for their coffin than a garbage time Reggie Wayne touchdown to make it 62-0?

Now the focus really shifts to Aaron Dobson, who is supposedly healthy enough to go but the rumors are the Pats are playing it safe with him. It’s now or never for him.

August 24, 2015 by Mike Dussault