Bedard: Analyzing the Patriots' final-ish roster and ranking the units by confidence/worry

FOXBOROUGH — Let's update the final-ish roster as the Patriots prepare to open the season against the Raiders, do the same with my updated depth chart, talk about some recent additions, and then rank each unit by our worry ratings:

BEDARD'S UPDATED DEPTH CHART (WITH A LINK FOR MEMBERS)

LINK

Some thoughts on the recent additions:

 • The Patriots stole DT Eric Gregory (6-3, 319) from the Bengals. The UDFA from Arkansas made the initial 53, but the Bengals were hoping to slip him to the practice squad in the process of a waiver claim. Didn't happen. Originally thought Gregory was more of a 3-technique, but he's more along the lines of Christian Barmore - more power than quick. He's still pretty raw, but he's violent inside.

• I like how the Patriots keep churning the bottom of their roster/practice squad, and adding experienced depth there. C/G Brenden Jaimes, DB Corey Ballentine, LB Mark Robinson, NT Cory Durden and OT Thayer Munford help in that regard.

I've always liked Munford back to his Raiders days, but he still seems stuck in the developmental phase. I'd say he's about the same as Vederian Lowe; way better than Demontrey Jacobs. Has some good reps, but will have a few awful ones. Thought he was making progress under Josh McDaniels and Carmen Bricillo.

By putting guys on practice squad, it's just an extended tryout and I'd expect more comings and goings (there was a new linebacker, Darius Harris, at practice today; not sure who is going out). 

STATE THE ROSTER - OFFENSE

(By worry rating - 1 being the least to 7/5 being the most)

1. Running backs: Love this group if Stevenson stops fumbling. Big question is how many touches Henderson will get a game. Looked back on Jahmyr Gibbs' rookie season and he averaged 12 carries and about 5 targets per game. I think the carries are a little rich, but I could see Henderson averaging 8 carries and 7 targets by the end of the season.

2. Quarterbacks: I feel pretty good about this group, especially with DeVito here as another option should Maye miss time. I think you're going to see a different Maye from being able to rep each week's different gameplan - he'll play with more confidence - and schemed up plays. The Raiders and their rebuilt (and subpar) defense may not tell us exactly where Maye is - I expect both teams to move the ball well - but I do think there will be an adjustment. The big thing will be the turnovers/stupid plays. Can he and McDaniels minimize them?

3. Tight ends/fullback: The only worry about Henry and Hooper is durability, so a big lack of depth position. Patriots listed Westover as a fullback on their roster, but I don't think they'll go crazy with that. Still don't know why the Patriots didn't sign Jakob Johnson.

4. Receivers: I like the group overall, as there's actually some depth there not a big drop off. A big question is how much Stefon Diggs is going play? Julian Edelman, when healthy, was around 90% in his prime. Diggs was around 80% with the Bills. I think, at least to start, Diggs will be somewhere around 60-70%. I don't expect Kyle Williams to play a whole lot early but they need his shot plays. Mack Hollins should be a beast on third downs and in the red zone. I think Demario Douglas will lead the team in targets, but can he survive that? Actually, Hunter Henry might have something to say about the targets.

5. Guards: Another thin group. I still think Onwenu is rounding into shape, and it could be an issue in a place like Miami. I worry about Jared Wilson anchoring well enough and executing duo blocks with Campbell, but they've had time to work on it. He's very smart. 

6. Offensive tackles: I feel OK about the starters, but this group has no depth. An injury to Campbell or Moses, and this could get ugly. Remember, Josh McDaniels is an expert at changing speeds and mixing in different pitches to help the offensive line. 

7. Center: Yup, I'm petrified of this position in pass protection and I might feel a lot better if Ben Brown becamse the starter over Garrett Bradbury. 

DEFENSE

1. Edge: I think you're going to like watching Landry and Chaisson, and there's some good depth/rotation with Ponder, Jennings and White (I wonder which is next up?). The starters are violent and quick, and so is Ponder. 

2. Cornerbacks: Gonzalez and Davis — along with Marcus Jones in the slot — have the potential to be a great man coverage duo, but they're not exactly Ironmen. I like the depth behind them if Austin and James are needed. I don't like the slot depth at all.

3. Safety: Hawkins doesn't get beat a ton, but doesn't make many plays. Woodson has really good potential, but is he ready? How long will Dugger be here? Pettus is violent and a good tackler. Will they get Schooler involved? I don't know what to make of this group. A lot of, 'We'll see how it goes.'

4. Tackle: I have no clue what the Patriots are going to get out of Barmore for how long. When he's right, he's very good. I just haven't seen him enough to know anything. Milton Williams is also an unknown because he's never played as much as he will this season, and there's no Jalen Carter to command double teams. Doesn't possess many pass rush moves, so if you're expecting Aaron Donald Lite, I think you're going to be disappointed. But he can push the pocket. Powerful.

5. Linebackers: There's Robert Spillane — who is a good, solid player who doesn't make splash plays outside of coverage (he's excellent at spot dropping, reading the QB and anticipating where the ball will go and getting his hands on them) — and then everyone else. Eliss is unproven for an entire season. Mapu hasn't played much and this is a new position. Gibbens is smart but slow. If the Patriots lose Spillane ... look out. I guess Tavai could be the guy.