New England Patriots 53 Man Roster Project 2.0, Pre-Camp Edition
The Patriots players are on their last break before the 2013 training camp starts and the big push for roster slots and snaps begins in earnest. While the Patriots may still add a name here and there prior to camp starting, this roster is current as of June 17.
We did our Roster 1.0 on the last day of April and think it’s a good time to do the second version prior to camp starting. Look for version 3.0 around midway in camp. All players are listed, players in bold are projected keepers.
 The Patriots will be looking to a big second year jump in production from Chandler Jones. (FILE:USPresswire) |
Quarterbacks (3)
Tom Brady
Ryan Mallett
Tim Tebow
Had only two QBs on the roster in our earlier projection, the Patriots have brought in a 3rd string QB (Tebow) who they will probably invest some time and work in. But the depth chart remains the same.
Running Backs (4)
Stevan Ridley
Shane Vereen
Brandon Bolden
Leon Washington
LaGarette Blount
George Winn
With an extra QB, that means a running back may have to go…and right now that player would be Blount but he’ll be given a chance to compete for a spot against Bolden who missed all of the spring with a foot injury.
FullBacks (0)
Ben Bartholomew
James Develin
Still don’t see the Patriots keeping a fullback this season.
Wide Receiver “X” (4)
Aaron Dobson
Josh Boyce
Michael Jenkins
Matthew Slater
Kamar Aiken
Kenbrell Thompkins
Mark Harrison
Jenkins has gotten a lot of reps this spring…which in itself doesn’t mean too much but I think his veteran savvy may win him a spot. Slater is more of a special teams contributor than a WR. The pressure will be on the two rookies to produce. Still think another player may be added soon.
Wide Receiver “Z” (2)
Danny Amendola
Julian Edelman
Donald Jones
Lavelle Hawkins
This one is by no means written in stone, Amendola is a lock for sure, but Edelman missed all the spring and if he can’t stay healthy, he’s gone. However, he has experience in the offense and could turn it on in camp and be very effective. Right now he stays.
Tight End (5)
Rob Gronkowski
Aaron Hernandez
Jake Ballard
Daniel Fells
Michael Hoomanawanui
Zach Sudfeld
Brandon Ford
The Patriots are deep at tight end and with Gronkowski’s status, at least early in the season in doubt; the team may err on the side of caution since they have a talented group. Sudfeld is a guy to watch this summer. He had a great spring and could find himself on the roster. *With the on-going police probe going on, this positional projection could change quickly.* And that still means no Tebow at TE, he’s a QB here or nothing in my opinion.
Tackle (3)
Nate Solder
Sebastian Vollmer
Martin Zusevics
Will Svitek
Elvis Fisher
R.J. Mattes
Kevin Haslem
Solder and Vollmer are locks as solid starters, Svitek was a good quality pickup and can spot start if needed.
Guard (4)
Logan Mankins
Dan Connolly
Nick McDonald
Marcus Cannon
Josh Kline
Chris McDonald
Mankins and Connolly are the starters and Cannon, who may push Connolly for starting reps can also fill in at tackle if need be. Versatility, Belichick and Dante’ Scarnecchia’s mantra is valuable here. McDonald can fill in at tackle as well.
Center (1)
Ryan Wendell
Matt Stankiewitch
No change here, and again Stankiewitch is a good candidate for the Practice Squad.
Defensive Ends (5)
Chandler Jones
Rob Ninkovich
Jermaine Cunningham
Jake Bequette
Justin Francis
Jason Vega
Michael Buchanan
Marcus Bernard
One of the more hotly contested position battles in camp, after the starters this is a wide open competition. Six players vie for three slots and it will be fun to watch. A lot of talk is that this is a position that could still be added to. The Patriots will be looking to Chandler Jones to make a big second year jump in play.
Defensive Tackles (4)
Vince Wilfork
Tommy Kelly
Armond Armstead
Marcus Forston
Joe Vellano
Cory Grissom
The additions of Kelly and Armstead pushed out two veterans in Deaderick and Love. Vellano and Grissom have an uphill battle but will get looks for the practice squad.
Linebackers (6)
Jerod Mayo
Brandon Spikes
Dont’a Hightower
Dane Fletcher
Jamie Collins
Steve Beauharnais
Jeff Tarpinian
Mike Rivera
Niko Koutouvides
A.J. Edds
The team will look to Hightower to make a big jump in play in his second season. Mayo remains the rock of this group while Spikes has been working this off-season to become a three down LB. Fletcher will vie for sub-package roles in coverage ( a big problem), while Pats first draft pick Collins will do the same and rush off the edge.
Cornerbacks (5)
Aqib Talib
Alfonzo Dennard
Kyle Arrington
Logan Ryan
Ras-I Dowling
Marquise Cole
Stephon Ross
Brandon Jones
The Patriots return all three starters for some needed continuity; Dowling has been shining in spring workouts, but with him it’s never been about ability but staying on the field and healthy. If he can do that, he could even push Dennard for starting reps.
Safeties (4)
Devin McCourty
Steve Gregory
Adrian Wilson
Tavon Wilson
Nate Ebner
Duron Harmon
Kanorris Davis
The safety position received a shot-in-the-arm with the addition of A. Wilson during free agency. He’ll mentor T. Wilson who will be looked to eventually assume the position. But perhaps the biggest story to watch this summer will be Harmon, whom no one knew anything about prior to the draft. Harmon can play either safety position and was known as a leader for the Rutgers defense. Numbers game and salary cap hit forces Gregory out.
Special Teams (3)
Stephen Gostkowski-K
Zoltan Mesko-P
Ryan Allen-P
Danny Aiken-LS
Mike Zupancic-LS
No changes here, it will be fun to watch Allen, like Mesko is a left-footed punter and can really put a charge into the ball.
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