Counting down the most valuable Patriots -- No. 63 to No. 55

With training camp looming, we’ve decided to rate the Patriots’ roster, counting down the most valuable from No. 90 to No. 1. “Valuable” can be defined on multiple levels, but for purposes of this exercise, we’re going to take a few different things into account: talent, dependability, track record of success in the system, and their individual spot on the depth chart. (Basically: How badly would things be if they were removed from the lineup?)

There are some cases — namely, the first-year players — where it’s tough to predict where they should land. But based on their performances in the spring workouts and having talked to teammates and people around the league, we took our best shot.

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We continue our series Thursday with No. 63 through No. 55. Most of these guys are going to be around Foxborough in some form or fashion this coming season. While their assignments will vary, don’t count on any of these guys necessarily playing a central role in the success or failure of the team.


63. Ryan Allen: The veteran punter is facing a position challenge for the first time in his career, as Corey Bojorquez looked good over the course of spring camp. Allen has done well navigating the occasionally tricky winds of Foxborough over the years, but if Bojorquez shows he can handle punting in Gillette, as well as directional work, Allen could be out of a job sooner rather than later.



62. Geneo Grissom: The defensive end/special teamer has been on and off the active roster the last couple of years. His background in the system is a plus, but there’s no reason to think the Patriots couldn’t find another similar player to fill his role.

61. Luke Bowanko: Of the new veteran offensive linemen not named Trent Brown, Bowanko has the best shot at sticking around for the long term. If the Patriots do decide to trade Shaq Mason before the start of the season because they don’t want to risk him leaving in a contract year, he could be in the mix for more time at right guard.

60. James Ferentz: Another offensive lineman like Cole Croston who the Patriots kept around all last year despite not seeing a lot of snaps, his background in the system is likely enough to get him a practice squad spot.

59. Riley McCarron: There’s a wide range of options for McCarron. The receiver, who has stepped right out of central casting if you’re looking for a slot receiver/returner type, could see more action if the Patriots are going to be without Julian Edelman to start the year. At the very least, he’ll battle with Braxton Berrios for playing time as a back-of-the-depth-chart possibility at receiver and punt returner. But he shouldn't get comfortable -- a bad summer could ultimately leave him on the outside looking in come Labor Day.

58. Joe Cardona: You can debate the overall value of a long snapper, but this one isn’t going anywhere, having signed an extension this offseason. He’s currently the only guy on the roster signed through 2022.

57. Jordan Richards: Ah, yes. This feels about right. When it comes to Richards, my philosophy is simple — you can’t blame him for being put in an unwinnable position. As a special teamer/punt protector, he does as well as could be expected. He’s not good enough to be a regular rotational safety in the NFL. Don’t blame him because the coaches kept putting him out there last year, hoping he’d evolve into one of those hybrid safety/linebacker types. I don’t think it’ll happen, but it’s hard not to notice the fact there are numerous veteran safeties still on the market who could provide depth past the McCourty/Harmon/Chung combo.



56. Harvey Langi: The linebacker, who was out almost all of last year because of a car accident, is one of the reasons why the Patriots didn’t invest serious draft capital on a linebacker in the draft. (I’m still having a hard time giving up on that Rashaan Evans dream…) Anyway, if he’s healthy, he can provide depth at the linebacker spot and create some more stability at a position where there were some struggles in 2017.

55. Braxton Berrios: The Miami Slot Machine. Miami Welker. Mini-Minitron. Whatever you want to call him, he’s one of the more fascinating members of the Patriots’ rookie class. He had good production out of the slot and was an impressive punt returner last season with the Hurricanes. Is it too much to ask of him to be the sort who steps in and provides production in the wake of a potential Edelman suspension? Probably. But he’s certainly one of the ones to watch when camp rolls around later this month.