Patriots (Initial) 53-man Roster Thoughts

This thing is far from set, but there are enough interesting moves and non-moves that it’s time to reset.

Here’s where I was off:

Out – Reggie Wayne, Jonas Grey, Robert McClain, Brandon LaFell (PUP)

In – Chris Harper, Mike Williams, Eric Martin, David Andrews

Jonas Gray is the biggest surprise, most assumed he’d done enough to earn some carries. Strange run for Grey after getting those four TDs vs. Indy.

Wayne’s retirement is a bit of a surprise and now Aaron Dobson has a chance to show what he can do once again.  Especially without LaFell for the first six games.

Martin and Williams are two guys I need to take a little closer look at. Martin shined early in camp but was lost with an injury until the last preseason game. Not really sure how they fit outside special teams just yet.

Harper has a tall task ahead of him but they will very well need him at some point soon. I wouldn’t rule out a veteran addition here, but who knows if anyone could pick the system up quickly. 

Right now it looks like they’ll be small on the outside and tall on the inside, at least to start. Imagine Edelman and Amendola will see a lot action and who knows how easy they’ll have to go on Edelman’s ankle still.

I am a fan of keeping all six safeties, each has their own use and can play multiple roles. They’re thin at linebacker but Chung/Richards/Wilson are essentially dime linebackers so there’s some depth for both positions there.