Taking a stab at the Patriots' final roster

As you might remember from when I was at the Boston Globe, the Road to 53 was an annual summer feature in multiple installments. My apologies for not giving you a version before now, but obviously I have different responsibilities.

In any event, here is my first stab at a 53-man roster, which will definitely change within hours (for example, Derek Rivers can't be placed on injured reserve until he makes the roster). Here's the full list, with the average at the position on the roster during the first week of the season the previous three years, and then we'll break it down. (I don't know how this is going to show up on the site and, especially, on mobile. So bear with us as we try this):







 

A closer look:

OFFENSE



Quarterbacks

The Patriots, in the Jimmy Era, have almost always gone with two quarterbacks. Last year, they had to eventually keep three because of the Brady suspension. It's certainly possible that, after a full training camp, the Patriots say, "Yeah, we've seen enough Jacoby, have a good career elsewhere." But I don't see it happening.

Running backs

Certainly one of the more interesting groups. Brandon Bolden was the last one out, and it was because Rex Burkhead can take his special team duties if Mike Gillislee is healthy. Bolden hasn't done anything to deserve to be released, it's just numbers.



Receivers

I like Devin Lucien, Austin Carr and Tony Washington as much as anyone, but I went with chalk at the position. Danny Amendola would be the player to be out, but he's too good and clutch in this system. And I don't see a need to keep a younger player due to possible attrition.

Tight end

Could definitely see the Patriots going with only two at this position considering Dwayne Allen should contribute to special teams, but James O'Shaughnessy deserves a longer look. You'd had to be without more Gronk insurance. But, O'Shaughnessy's spot is tenuous at best.



Offensive tackles

Basically, this position is two vets (Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon), a developmental player (Tony Garcia), and then who knows? I flipped back and forth between Cam Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle. I think Waddle is a little bit better, but he doesn't do much of the tackle-eligible stuff the Patriots like. It doesn't work well, but like the fullback, Josh McDaniels likes it. The hope is that Conor McDermott can make it back to the practice squad. I could see them going with the kids (Garcia and McDermott) behind the starters, but neither is ready to be a swing. Garcia may have had a chance if he didn't get hurt.

Guard/Center

Like James Ferentz a lot — he doesn't look like much, but he can play — but not enough to cut someone else. Hopefully he makes it back to the practice squad. Ted Karras is the perfect guy to backup all three spots.

DEFENSE



Edge

Trey Flowers, Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers (until they place him on injured reserve for knee surgery) are the only locks in this group. Geneo Grissom is a tough cut because he has a good special teams profile, but Harvey Langi has more potential and he can be a fixture on special teams. Kony Ealy has started to come on so, considering the Patriots gave up a draft pick for him, he deserves a shot. I would expect the Patriots to put in a claim for an edge player to counteract Rivers going on IR. But, they can definitely get by with four (or three) after that because Dont'a Hightower will be in the mix here.

Tackle

This underrated spot is a huge X-factor because you could make the case for any of the players I have cut, especially Darius Kilgo and Josh Augusta. I'll be shocked if Adam Butler is not on this team and a factor, but I'd also be good with just Branch, Brown and Guy. That's a great trio.



Cornerback

Originally had five players here, but then I thought about next season when Malcolm Butler will likely be gone. Eric Rowe will be a de facto starter then, and I'd like more competition than Jonathan Jones and Kenny Moore. Moore has made plays throughout training camp. Feels a little Butler-ish from 2014. We all know how that worked out.

NOTE: I originally left out Cyrus Jones and Jordan Richards. Complete oversight. For now, I'm going to cut both. Jones because his punt return ability is not enough to overcome his coverage struggles. I'd rather go with Amendola/Edelman if needed. Maybe Dion Lewis. This, however, could change with the next version after this game. And if Lewis was traded. Richards, he's a straight cut. He's just not good enough.

Safety

Yeah, I went chalk here but I wouldn't mind seeing some new and younger blood. I like all three of the players I cut, and think Jason Thompson deserves a developmental spot. Hopefully, it's on practice squad. Brandon King, Thompson, David Jones and Damarius Travis are all very close and it's kind of what flavor you like.



Off-ball linebacker

This might be the most competitive position with Trevor Bates, David Harris, Elandon Roberts and Jonathan Freeny competing for two or three spots. Bates has shown a lot of promise and is bigger and more durable than Roberts (is he ever not dealing with something? That has to be a factor at this point). Could definitely see Harris getting cut, but with Hightower expected to be in the mix on the edge, I'd be more comfortable with one real-deal linebacker in the middle of the defense. If special teams is the deciding factor, that could get Jonathan Freeny in ahead of Harris. Would not be a surprise.

Specialists

Would Bill Belichick claim another kicker and cut Stephen Gostkowski on the eve of the season? Don't see it.

LAST THREE IN

TE James O'Shaughnessy

OT Cam Fleming

CB Kenny Moore

LAST THREE OUT

LB Jonathan Freeny

DT Vincent Valentine

RB Brandon Bolden