On the Bubble: Joe Vellano must put focus to football

If there is one thing the New England Patriots value, it is players who keep their head down and focus on the game. While the value of this can be debated, it certainly can be a tie breaker between equally talented players. In the case of Joe Vellano, the recent partying with Johnny Manziel could put him on Bill Belichick's radar in a negative way come time for cut downs.

Per the Patriots depth chart, Vellano is on the second string behind Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly. This obviously looks like a positive position to be in, until you look at a few of the players behind Vellano. One roster lock is first round draft pick Dominique Easley, who is currently listed as fourth string. Another player that would have been of intrigue is Armond Armstead, as it seemed Pats faithful have waited for his impact like awaiting the dragons in Game of Thrones. But multiple reports have had Armstead announcing his retirement today:

DL Armond Armstead, who had been viewed highly by the Patriots in 2013, has announced his retirement.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 16, 2014

Patriots DT Armond Armstead -- a promising talent out of the CFL with health issues -- announced his retirement.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 16, 2014

So is winter coming for Vellano? I would say it comes down to the roster breakdown at other positions, as he is in a heated battle with Sealver Siliga and Chris Jones for roster spots. Vellano should be rooting for Boston.com reporter Erik Frenz to be correct in his prediction that six defensive tackles make the roster.

The only issue is that Frenz is unsure of Vellano making it even if that's the case:

The arrival of Easley and the late-season emergence of Sealver Siliga are threats to Joe Vellano's roster safety, but with the aforementioned questions about the health of the top of the depth chart, six defensive tackles could be in line for a spot.

Personally, I'd put the number of DTs at 5, as several defensive ends can step in to take a snap here and there at the inside position if needed. Also, with positions like wide receiver and running back possibly requiring depth due to a lack of high end talent, the coaching staff may need to rely on the skills of the talented front end defensive tackles.

Despite the Armstead retirement, this would mean that Vellano, Jones, and Siliga could be fighting for 2 roster spots. If this is the case, then Vellano will have to shine to get the nod over the other two. It may not be fair, but he may need to be head and shoulders above due to his public partying with Johnny Football. That may not matter at all to you or I, but ask yourself if that would matter to Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Vellano's best chance is to put his head down, preferably in the playbook.

-Bill Stiles
@thefib0624

Wonder what other players are in danger of being cut? Check out more of our On The Bubble series.