Patriots roster projection 2.0

Well let's get past the sting of last night's 23-6 defeat at the hand of the Washington Redskins. It was a game where many stars were benched, and roster bubble players were given an opportunity to shine. I'm going to let this projection stand alone, but if you're looking for a comparison, check out my first roster projection

Quarterbacks (3)
Tom Brady
Ryan Mallett
Jimmy Garoppolo

-I was ready to discuss how Mallett's trade value had soared, and how they'd likely trade him and sign a vet after the final 53 was set, but then last night happened. That was a sad performance, and he looked closer to cut than trade bait. I know they won't cut him, so for now he's sticking around.

Running backs (5)
Stevan Ridley
Shane Vereen
James White
Roy Finch
Tyler Gaffney

-I'm still sold that Bolden will not be making this roster. He just doesn't do much for me, and seems to be out of favor if all of the above (except Gaffney) received carries in the first preseason game. Gaffney has to make the 53 before the IR can occur, so that means there will be trimming elsewhere.

Wide Receivers (7)
Julian Edelman
Danny Amendola
Aaron Dobson
Kenbrell Thompkins
Brandon LaFell
Josh Boyce
Matthew Slater

-No change here, as impressive as the connection of Garoppolo to Brian Tyms was, he's an extreme long shot to make the roster.  Boyce didn't help himself with an offensive offsides penalty, so the door may be open for somebody to pass him. God that penalty bothered me, has anybody had that called on them ever? I have to assume that had Belichick seeing red due to the carelessness. Dobson's health worth noting, after the 3rd preseason game I'll start taking PUP into account, but still too early to make extra spots.

Tight Ends/Fullback (3)
Rob Gronkowski
Michael Hoomanawanui
James Develin

-Hoomanawanui's health matters here. They may need to bring on a 4th player who can handle tight end if he isn't 100% come week 1. My guess would be D.J. Williams (if healthy), but Justin Jones will have chances to prove his worth.

Offensive Linemen (9)
Nate Solder
Sebastian Vollmer
Logan Mankins
Ryan Wendell
Josh Kline
Marcus Cannon
Jon Halapio
Bryan Stork
Cameron Flemming


-Chris Barker was listed here before the Gaffney waiver claim, but with the defense already being lighter than the offense, a sacrifice had to be made.

Defensive Linemen (7)
Rob Ninkovich
Vince Wilfork
Tommy Kelly
Chandler Jones
Dominique Easley
Will Smith
Chris Jones

-I'm cutthroat here, but if all indications are that Sealver Siliga's injury could be long term, he's the type of player you might be able to cut loose and resign as health improves. If you're already carrying Gaffney over to the 53 man, you also may risk putting Siliga on waivers if his injury is IR worthy.

Linebackers (7)
Jerod Mayo
Dont'a Hightower
Jamie Collins
James Anderson
Chris White
Steve Beauharnais
Michael Buchanan

-Don't sleep on Darius Fleming, as he could make the roster over secondary depth or his fellow linebackers. Don't be shocked if James Anderson is cut in favor of one of these two, there's a reason a guy with his stats wasn't highly courted in offseason. I'll give the edge to experience here, but only for now. Buchanan is the addition at the loss of Siliga.

Defensive Backs (10)
Darrelle Revis
Brandon Browner* (suspended first 4 weeks, doesn't count against 53 man until then)
Logan Ryan
Alfonzo Dennard
Devin McCourty
Duron Harmon
Tavon Wilson
Kyle Arrington
Malcolm Butler
Nate Ebner

-Butler impressed in the first game, and it wasn't fluke type plays. He was jumping routes, playing the ball, and taking space away from receivers. That's hard to find in a rookie player, and could earn the young man a surprise roster spot as I have here. Siliga getting healthy, Darius Fleming emerging at LB, or a tight rotation on the secondary could have the Pats thinking about practice squad for him. I wouldn't risk it, showed far too much skill.

Special Teams (3)
K- Stephen Gostowski
P- Ryan Allen
LS- Tyler Ott

-No change here, until I see Ott off the roster I'll think that there is a reason he is there. It's more about what Ott shows late in camp than what either long snapper shows now.

Any roster questions or comments for me? Tweet me @TheFib0624 or just comment below!

--Bill Stiles