Here's the Patriots' initial 53-man roster:
BSJ ANALYSIS
- Yes, you read that right. The Patriots, as of right now, have 1 QB, 2 RBs and 2 TEs on their roster.
- That will surely change as soon as tomorrow, but it's a big issue. If for some reason they can't get one of their released players back at those spots, they could be headed into the season with backups at all three places with players who have practiced with the team for about 10 days.
- In any event, the Patriots are right now scouring other teams' trash for backup spots at QB, RB and TE. That's a major issue, and that's a roster management issue. A team should never be in this position, outside of injury. But they don't have any injuries at those positions!
- Right now the Patriots have 25 defensive players, 22 offensive and six on special teams — although Ameer Speed could easily be viewed as a special teamer.
- Riley Reiff and Tyquan Thornton did not practice today, making them most likely to go on in-season IR.
- Calvin Munson could be back with one of those moves.
- Patriots would like be claiming a TE, possibly a WR (Raiders released Keelan Cole ... like him, knows system, fast), and a RB. QB would seem to be a vet signing. Brian Hoyer will not be available, Raiders keeping 3.
- Speed and Shaun Wade, Mack Wilson, Sam Roberts would seem to be the fat on the roster, if some claims come through.
- I'm shocked Speed made the team - he's basically special teams-only. Wade got Isaiah Bolden's spot.
- The 2022 draft class has taken a beating. If you think that's because offensive players were drafted for Matt Patricia's offensive "system" then I have some prime swampland to sell you.