As expected things have been made a little easier with some of the injuries, or more specifically the injury news, that we’ve gotten over the first week-and-a-half of training camp.
Here’s where I’m at on my 53-man, and I think it’s important to mention that this isn’t just about who makes the team, it’s about who you want to protect and who you want to guarantee salary to.
OFFENSE
QB (2) T.Brady, J.Garoppolo – Brady misses zero games.
RB (5) B.Bolden, J.White, T.Cadet, J.Gray, James Develin (Blount gets roster exemption for suspension) – Develin in, Gaffney out.
WR (5) J.Edelman, B.LaFell, D.Amendola, A.Dobson, M.Slater – Dobson’s got another injury. If he misses extended time they might be done with him. On the fence with Gibson and Tyms.
TE (3) R.Gronkowski, S.Chandler, M.Hoomanawanui – Pretty safe bet this is where we end up unless Chandler misses a lot of time and they need another vet.
OL (8) B.Stork, T.Jackson, S.Mason, R.Wendell, M.Cannon, N.Solder, S.Vollmer, Fleming: Considered keeping Kline but I think they have enough versatility to manage with this eight.
DEFENSE
DE (5) R.Ninkovich, C.Jones, J.Sheard, G.Grissom, T.Flowers – Exciting group who can be moved all over the place.
DT (5) S.Siliga, A.Branch, Z.Moore, M.Brown, D.Easley – Moved Moore here, I think he’s an interior tackle guy now, at least on passing downs. Antonio Johnson is a good story, I think his fate is tied to Branch. We’ll see if either stand out in preseason.
ILB(3) J. Mayo, J.Freeny, J.Morris – Fletcher will be on the PUP into the season (out 6 weeks), Freeny is a good veteran presence with special team value while Morris sneaks on the roster.
OLB(3) D. Hightower, J.Collins, D.Fleming – Fleming is one to watch on Thursday. Should play a lot and could take a big step forward this year.
CB (5) L.Ryan, T.Brown, M.Butler, M.McClain, D. Roberts – Fletcher’s a tough cut, but Brown has emerged. Roberts grabs one of the last roster spots. Jean is a good practice squad candidate as well.
S (6) D.McCourty, D.Harmon, P.Chung, J.Richards, T.Wilson, N.Ebner – Wilson having too good a camp to cut, he has special teams value too.
ST (3) S.Gostkowski, R.Allen, J.Cardona – Yup.
Total players: 53
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