ESPN's Patriots roster prediction and quick hits
ESPNBoston.com just released their first roster prediction for the Patriots, with team reporters Mike Reiss and Field Yates both giving their opinions on final cuts. Predictions are predictions, so you may choose to take it or leave it. Personally, I like to get a quick preview before the team enters camp and injuries come into play. So without further ado, here you go:PATRIOTS 53-MAN ROSTER PROJECTION (V. 1)
| Reiss' projection (2) | Yates' projection (3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady Ryan Mallett | Tom Brady Ryan Mallett Tim Tebow | |
| Analysis: The Patriots have kept two quarterbacks in four of the past five seasons, but that doesn't mean Tim Tebow can't return at some point. | Analysis: Tebow sticks on the 53-man roster and also at quarterback. Don't count on him playing other positions. | |
| Reiss' projection (5) | Yates' projection (4) | |
| Stevan Ridley Shane Vereen Leon Washington Brandon Bolden LeGarrette Blount | Stevan Ridley Shane Vereen Leon Washington Brandon Bolden | |
| Analysis: Going a bit heavy at the position while factoring that Washington and Bolden project to significant special teams roles; Blount needs a strong camp to stick. | Analysis: Blount is the odd man out in a crowded backfield competition. | |
| Reiss' projection (0) | Yates' projection (0) | |
| Analysis: The Patriots can use a tight end in the lead-blocking role at times. | Analysis: The position has been uncommon for the Patriots in recent seasons. | |
| Reiss' projection (3) | Yates' projection (5) | |
| Michael Hoomanawanui Jake Ballard Daniel Fells | Rob Gronkowski Michael Hoomanawanui Jake Ballard Daniel Fells Zach Sudfeld | |
| Analysis: This projects that Rob Gronkowski starts the season on the physically unable to perform list and that Zach Sudfeld will land on the practice squad. If Patriots feel Sudfeld is an asset to protect, one of the veterans could be in jeopardy. | Analysis: Five is heavy, but this is a position where extensive depth is needed. | |
| Reiss' projection (6) | Yates' projection (6) | |
| Danny Amendola Julian Edelman Kenbrell Thompkins Josh Boyce Aaron Dobson Matthew Slater | Danny Amendola Julian Edelman Kenbrell Thompkins Josh Boyce Aaron Dobson Matthew Slater | |
| Analysis: Veteran Michael Jenkins looks like he can help this team, but a combination of protecting young assets and his likely availability after Week 1 could initially have him on the outside looking in. Edelman's health (PUP/foot) is a notable storyline here as well. | Analysis: Thompkins is a surprise pick over veteran Michael Jenkins. | |
| Reiss' projection (8) | Yates' projection (8) | |
| Nate Solder Logan Mankins Ryan Wendell Dan Connolly Sebastian Vollmer Marcus Cannon Will Svitek Nick McDonald | Nate Solder Logan Mankins Ryan Wendell Dan Connolly Sebastian Vollmer Marcus Cannon Will Svitek Nick McDonald | |
| Analysis: If McDonald remains on the physically unable to perform list, there is an opening for a versatile interior blocker to provide depth; Svitek could be challenged by younger tackles for a spot. | Analysis: The starting unit returns from 2012, with a trio of dependable depth players behind them. | |
| Reiss' projection (4) | Yates' projection (3) | |
| Vince Wilfork Tommy Kelly Armond Armstead Marcus Forston | Vince Wilfork Tommy Kelly Armond Armstead | |
| Analysis: Armstead remains a bit of a wild card (he's currently on the non-football illness list) and Forston could be ready to take the next step off the practice squad. | Analysis: Carrying just three defensive tackles is doable given Wilfork's endurance. | |
| Reiss' projection (6) | Yates' projection (5) | |
| Chandler Jones Rob Ninkovich Justin Francis Jake Bequette Jermaine Cunningham Michael Buchanan | Chandler Jones Rob Ninkovich Justin Francis Jake Bequette Marcus Benard | |
| Analysis: Toughest position to project after the top three; Marcus Benard could be a factor here if Bequette doesn't make jump in second season. | Analysis: The inclusion of Benard means time has run out for Jermaine Cunningham in New England. | |
| Reiss' projection (5) | Yates' projection (5) | |
| Jerod Mayo Dont'a Hightower Brandon Spikes Jamie Collins Dane Fletcher | Jerod Mayo Dont'a Hightower Brandon Spikes Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher | |
| Analysis: Seventh-round pick Steve Beauharnais lands on the practice squad. | Analysis: Three talented starters headline this solid group. | |
| Reiss' projection (5) | Yates' projection (5) | |
| Aqib Talib Alfonzo Dennard Kyle Arrington Ras-I Dowling Logan Ryan | Aqib Talib Alfonzo Dennard Kyle Arrington Ras-I Dowling Logan Ryan | |
| Analysis: Veteran Marquice Cole, who seems to be a respected presence in the locker room, looks to be on the bubble. | Analysis: Dennard's ongoing legal issue could impact how this group shakes out. | |
| Reiss' projection (6) | Yates' projection (6) | |
| Devin McCourty Adrian Wilson Steve Gregory Tavon Wilson Duron Harmon Nate Ebner | Devin McCourty Adrian Wilson Steve Gregory Tavon Wilson Duron Harmon Nate Ebner | |
| Analysis: Gregory, a starter last year, could be in a battle for a roster spot. | Analysis: McCourty anchors this group; who will start next to him? | |
| Reiss' projection (3) | Yates' projection (3) | |
| Zoltan Mesko (punter) Stephen Gostkowski (kicker) Danny Aiken (long snapper) | Zoltan Mesko (punter) Stephen Gostkowski (kicker) Danny Aiken (long snapper) | |
| Analysis: A chance for this group to work together for a third straight season. | Analysis: The incumbent starters return for another season. | |
QUICK HITS
What I find to be interesting is that neither analyst believes veteran WR Michael Jenkins will make the team. From what I've seen by Jenkins throughout his career was a solid player who was overshadowed by Julio Jones and Roddy White in Atlanta. I personally thought that he would come in and play at a consistent and fairly productive level.
Something that never really crossed my mind much is the safety situation. Steve Gregory was somewhat inconsistent last season, but for some reason I feel like there is some greatness in him that had only rarely surfaced. With the signing of Adrian Wilson, do the Pats cut Gregory?
Armond Armstead was supposedly a fantastic player in the CFL, so why haven't we heard too much from him so far? Sure training camp has yet to start, but I haven't heard his name since he signed with the team. Reiss states above that he is listed with "non football illness", that is the first I've heard of that.
With more than a handful of running backs currently crowding the backfield, Yates believes the newly acquired LeGarrette Blount will be the one given the pink slip. Personally, I would like to see Blount make the team. Sure, the Pats didn't give up much for him (the not-so-dedicated Jeff Demps) so it wouldn't be a big deal if he was cut, but after watching Blount in college and even his moderate success in Tampa Bay, I think he could be an exciting player to have.
Finally, YES it is quick to notice that Reiss believes the Patriots will cut Tim Tebow. There are so many directions that I could go with this, but one thing I noticed regarding Tim Tebow is that everyone seems to have their own set opinions on him that I won't bother trying to change. So I will keep it simple, I hope he makes the team.
Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18
#StartTheCountdown
