The Patriots had a walkthrough today after five padded practices in a row, so this seems like a good time to take another look at our projected 53-man roster.
A decent number of changes with DE Gabe Jacas, RB Terrell Jennings, and TE C.J. Dippre coming off injured lists. Notable:
• Going lighter at one prominent position due to numbers game;
• Going with a veteran over youth at running back;
• Putting a receiver back on the trade block, but taking an offensive lineman off.
• A lot of changes at depth linebacker and cornerback, where there is a lot of competition on a daily basis;
• Plus, I'd be on the lookout for the Patriots to be making a move sooner rather than later at a short-staffed position.
On with version 3.0:
OFFENSE
Quarterback
So, yeah, I've gone down to two with the release of Behren Morton. This is more about the numbers game at other positions than anything. I like him and want to keep him around. But at this point, and it could change with what he puts on film in the preseason games, I'm going the practice squad route. I definitely want to develop Morton, who has a live arm, but he's not getting many snaps, and I think I can sneak him through to the practice squad.
Running back
This could definitely change, but Terrell Jennings got healthy and immediately reclaimed his spot as the top 2-down back on the second team. Jam Miller has been solid, and Lan Larison will be heard from. But if Rhamondre Stevenson goes down, I probably feel better about Jennings on first and second down than I do TreVeyon Henderson. Again, that's as of today. It could change tomorrow if the game slows down for the second-year back.
Receiver
It's pretty clear behind the scenes that Kayshon Boutte wants out to position himself best for playing time and targets, to get paid and for security for him and his family. What, are the Patriots just going to hold him hostage? I can't see Mike Vrabel and Co. doing that. I'm definitely not in a hurry to move on from Boutte since injuries can happen at any time, which would change his circumstances with the Patriots. But the odds are he will be moved eventually, similar to Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers a year ago.
With Boutte out, Efton Chism goes back on as the No. 6 receiver.
Tight end
No changes here for now as Tanner Arkin holds on to his spot over the now-healthy CJ Dippre. Let's see how he looks in pads on Friday.
Tackle
Marcus Bryant keeps getting reps as No. 2 LT, so I'm pulling him off the trade block. As of today, the Patriots might need to move Caleb Lomu to guard to give them some depth, so that gives Bryant and Dametrious Crownover, effectively, the 3rd and 4th tackle spots. Lomu's move is just for this season, or until they get another real guard. Speaking of which...
Guard/Center
No changes here, but the Patriots have to do something soon because there's no depth behind the starters at guard. James Hudson hasn't impressed since kicking inside; Caeden Wallace seems to be on the way out; Mehki Butler is still practice-squad material; Ben Brown is a solid center but lacks at guard; and former Titans practice-squadder Andrew Rupcich is just OK. I'm hearing the Patriots are adding here sooner rather than later. Not sure if it's a big move (swapping depth pieces in a trade), or just a claim or tryout signing. Stay tuned. Wouldn't be surprised if it happened today. Veteran Kevin Zeitler (36) is still a free agent.
DEFENSE
Edge
Gabe Jacas obviously goes on the roster, and Bradyn Swinson has shown enough to this point to stick around. This is the spot that necessitated the Morton release.
Tackle
No changes. The Patriots still have six really good ones. Guys like Jeremiah Pharms and Isaiah Iton have pass rush value, but there's no room.
Linebacker
Line change! With each passing day, it looks like Chad Muma (top backup) and UDFA Khalil Jacobs (coverage) are going to stick in favor of KJ Britt and Namdi Obiazor, who has yet to flash.
Cornerback
This is going to go down to the wire. Charles Woods seems safe at No. 4. Then it's fifth-round pick Karon Prunty, UDFA Channing Canada, Kindle Vildor, Kobee Minor and Marcellas Dial for the last two spots. For now, it's Prunty and Canada. This will fluctuate with joint practices and preseason games.
Safety
No changes.
Special teams
No changes.