Patriots went at a little bit of a slower pace in shells instead of full pads today, so we figured this was a good time to take the first temperature of camp with an update to our 53-man roster projection.
There are several notable changes, including the inclusion of another quarterback on the roster, a second trade (of a recent draft choice), a swap at receiver, and offensive depth shuffle, and questioning the spots of a few different trade acquisitions.
Here we go:
Before we get going, I'll just let you know that I was not credentialed for today's practice. It's not something I'm at all happy about — it was the first Patriots camp practice that I've missed in 10 years (not including when was at SI, and I still went to them when I was in town) — and I've voiced my displeasure and done whatever I can do to change that, but it is what it is and I'm doing my absolute best.
I think you'll find some real good insight here.
And away we go...
OFFENSIVE THOUGHTS
• Through the first three practices, and I'm not sure how much things are going to change in another 11, it became very clear that not only could Brian Hoyer be on the roster — and not given a practice squad spot — but he has a legitimate chance to start the first game or the first few games. He is just so much more comfortable with the system than Jarrett Stidham and, especially, Cam Newton that Hoyer needs to be on the roster just for his knowledge. I thought it just might be OK on the p-squad since six spots can go to players with more than three years of experience.
Bill Belichick fed into this today when asked about a possible platoon to start the season.
"Look, I always say I’ll do what I think is best for the team, what gives us the best chance to win," Belichick said. "Whatever that is, I would certainly consider that. If it’s run an unbalanced line or double-unbalanced line or 23 personnel or whatever it is. If it helps us win, then I would consider anything."
The QBs have split reps so far, but Belichick said at some point that will change.
"There’s some point where that’s going to happen," he said. "But, right now, we want to try to, like I said, give everybody an opportunity to get the basics, and we’re really doing that at all the positions. I mean, everybody’s rotating through and we’re trying to give everybody an opportunity to run the basic plays, get the basic fundamentals down. Yeah, of course at some point, we’ll have to not equalize the reps – I mean, that’s obvious – but we’re not there now."
• I keep having a sneaking feeling that Mohamed Sanu might not make the final roster — at times he doesn't look completely healthy to me — and he really hasn't made much of an impact to this point (neither has N'Keal Harry). Trading a second-round pick could hang over this, but the Patriots might want that cap space and could take a lower pick back in return just to do that. I might want to keep Gunner Olszewski, Jakobi Meyers and/or Devin Ross over Sanu if this continues.
• Speaking of the receivers, I swapped Meyers for Olszewski in this version. Olszewski did a lot of great work with his body in the offseason to the point that he now looks like a little longer version of Danny Amendola. And he's making a lot of plays. Meyers has not had the same impact as he did a year ago. Maybe that will change when the QB rotation is settled.
• Devin Ross also deserves a hard, hard look. The guy just keeps making plays. Jeff Thomas is MIA. Can't make the team unless you're on the field. Maybe he gets hidden and lands on practice squad.
• Putting Sony Michel on PUP to start the season helps gain a roster spot, and if Mike Lombardi mentioned it's possible, it's definitely possible depending on how Lamar Miller looks. J.J. Taylor deserves a strong look.
• No changes at TE/FB as Ryan Izzo looks to be the two-way guy to start, Devin Asiasi is the pass catcher, Jakob Johnson is the starting sledgehammer (he looks terrific), and Dalton Keene will try to find his way over the course of the season.
• As for the offensive line, with the opt-outs, no one is going anywhere (Joe Thuney). Starters are all the same and look strong. Jermaine Eluemunor is the right tackle by default because there are no other options. I haven't even noticed Korey Cunningham, so I'm releasing him. Justin Herron is off to a really strong start and could be a contender at RT if he starts to get moved. Yodny Cajuste is still a project but he looks physically like your prototype RT, so he'll stick another year.
• Hjalte Froholdt has taken a huge leap in Year 2 and has looked solid at center, as he talked about today on his conference call. Michael Onwenu looks promising but needs more time.
• Probably the headliner is Joejuan Williams being traded a la Duke Dawson. Michael Jackson has been much better, plus Justin Bethel is playing more CB in his first camp. I just haven't noticed Williams very much on the field, and he might have more of a future here at safety — but the team is stacked there as well with special team standouts Cody Davis and Terrence Brooks (Belichick might view special teams as an area where he can press the advantage in a weird season). Maybe some team scouted Williams as a CB more in college and would give something up for him.
• The edge seems pretty set, with Deatrich Wise playing well but still a luxury. Same goes for the interior, if Beau Allen ever gets on the field.
• Linebacker is an interesting group where Josh Uche is obviously in the plans to help replace Dont'a Hightower. He's small and that's a very, very young group. Would like to see another veteran to be brought in, but we haven't seen Anfernee Jennings yet. Cassh Maluia would be my last man out, but I'm sure Belichick loves him.