Well, that was something. The Patriots got down to 53 yesterday, but you know the drill by now? By the time we get to this afternoon, this roster will already be different, with practice squadders added and whatever else tickles Bill Belichick's fancy. In the meantime, here are my thoughts (with some scouts' intel) on where we stand as of 9 a.m. this morning.
**Both Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham cleared waivers and are signing to the team's practice squad. Back to more than one QB**
53 MAN ROSTER
Quarterback (1): Mac Jones
- Look, Bailey Zappe had a subpar summer. Bedard and yours have truly detailed that in this space and anywhere else we've been. But to cut him? Last season, he capably managed the team to a pair of victories in his starts, and while he's struggled to adjust to Bill O'Brien's offense, sticking him on waivers and risking someone claiming him is bizarre, even by previous standards set by Bill.
As for Malik Cunningham, he has yet to prove to the Pats he can play QB at this level. Simple as that.
Running Back (2): Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliott
- JJ Taylor was disappointed not to make the 53. The team would love him back on the practice squad, but I'm not sure that's what Taylor wants. Regardless, he should have made it. He's the team's best option in the third-down role. The team also expressed interest in bringing Ty Montgomery back. I can't imagine he wouldn't take it, but the inevitable injury is forthcoming, so don't be too disappointed.
Stevenson is "one of the best players at his position," an AFC personnel director told me. See? We aren't the only ones who think that.
Wide Receiver (6): JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte.
- I had these six making it on my final 53. Would think Thornton could end up on IR.
Tight End (2): Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki
- They are lean at this spot, which I've highlighted repeatedly in this space. What the hell happens if Henry goes down? You can't replace him, but they don't have another traditional Y tight end. They've been looking to add another body, which may contribute to this 53 looking different in mere hours. In the meantime, Anthony Firkser and Matt Sokol are decent options for the practice squad.
Tackles (5): Trent Brown, Sidy Sow, Calvin Anderson, Tryone Wheatley Jr, Vederian Lowe
- How many offensive linemen are too many? When you've had the stretch of bad luck and poor performance that the Pats have had, maybe they're short one or two (kidding…I think). The team liked what they saw of Anderson in the spring. Who knows how quickly he can get his sea legs under him after a summer on the sideline, but Adrian Klemm has his work cut out for him.
I'm expecting an exceptional season from Brown. He's in the last year of his deal. If this team is competitive, he will play a significant role.
Interior OLine (6): David Andrews, Cole Strange, Jake Andrews, Atonio Mafi, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff
- I like this group even if this summer has been a challenge. If healthy, Andrews and Onwenu are top-10 players at their positions. Strange should project to be an above-average player, and now they have what appears to be - at the very least - a nice depth piece in Mafi.
DEFENSE
Edge (4): Matt Judon, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White
- As expected. Could put Wise in this column, too. A scout for another AFC East team tells me, "This is their best position group. Judon is an established handful, Uche is on the rise, and White's tape this summer was eye-popping."
Interior DL (6): Lawrence Guy, Sam Roberts, Deatrich Wise, Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Daniel Ekuale
- Ekuale made it. Again, he could be a moveable piece. Or he's a heck of a depth piece/pass rusher. Roberts had a very nice close to camp/preseason. Never can have enough potentially disruptive interior pieces. Barmore's had a quiet summer. They'll need more if they want to be the defense they believe they can be.
LBs (4): Ja'Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Chris Board, Mack Wilson
- "I pick up Hightower vibes from Bentley" mentions an AFC West scout to me. It might be a stretch, but the Pats did start messing around with using Bentley as more than just a run thumper early in camp. He's quicker than he's been.
CBs (7): Christian Gonzalez, Jon Jones, Jack Jones, Myles Bryant, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade, Ameer Speed
- Wade keeps hanging around, even if his summer wasn't noteworthy, and, quite frankly, that applies to his entire tenure in NE. A week ago, Belichick called Speed a developmental piece. Now he makes the original 53. He's a special teamer. They may see him as a Slater replacement down the road.
Safety (5): Jalen Mills, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabril Peppers, Marte Mapu
- Put Mills at free safety and stop screwing around. Also, how many box safeties are too many? "You can see their vision with all those interchangeable pieces. They can flip out safeties for linebackers, especially on passing downs."
Specialists (5): Bryce Baringer (P), Joe Cardona (LS), Chad Ryland (K), Matthew Slater, Brenden Schooler
- Rookies at two critical positions. Buckle up.
PUP (2): Cody Davis, Trey Flowers
- Flowers is a nice depth piece if he can re-discover his health and is a great mentor for White. Then again, the rookie is surrounded by a bunch of 'em.