With the cut-down deadline looming, teams all around the league have to make some tough decisions. Cutting from 90 to 53 is never easy. There will be talented players left off of rosters all around the NFL. Luckily, this also gives spots to some of the more unknown talents that have future potential.
In New England, there’s a lot going on. The QB, Coach, and Owner have been rumored to be at odds. Number one WR Julian Edelman is suspended the first four games of the season. They’re coming off a crushing Super Bowl defeat to a team, coach, and QB that many believed to be inferior. This roster composition will be as important as any. Yet, there are many remaining questions.
Break it down.
QB
90-Man: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, and Danny Etling.
53-Man: Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.
Analysis: Etling hasn’t had much opportunity. In the fourth preseason game, he showed some negatives in the first half and some positives in the second. I could see Etling landing on the practice squad.
(2)
RB
90-Man: Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee, James White, Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, Brandon Bolden, Ralph Webb, Kenneth Farrow, and Khalfani Muhammad.
53-Man: James White, Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill, and Brandon Bolden.
Analysis: Webb has shown some flash in the preseason, probably enough to find a practice squad spot. Michel has been battling an injury. If it’s deemed severe enough, he could find himself on IR like fellow first-round pick Isaiah Wynn. Gillislee hasn’t seemed to do a whole lot with his reps. He was touted as a great YPA guy before coming to New England, but these four weeks he’s averaged roughly 3 YPA. If he’s cut, New England saves $2.1M. This would make sense.
(5)
FB
90-Man: James Develin and Henry Poggi.
53-Man: James Develin.
Analysis: James Develin is a Pro-Bowl FB, and Brady trusts him.
(1)
TE
90-Man: Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Will Tye, and Ryan Izzo
53-Man: Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, and Jacob Hollister.
Analysis: Hollister has played really well in preseason and training camp. He could be one of the most improved players this season. Dwayne Allen was in danger before lowering his cap number. Will Tye might be able to squeeze a spot, but it’s unlikely.
(3)
WR
90-Man: Julian Edelman*, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Braxton Berrios, Riley McCarron, Devin Lucien, KJ Maye, Paul Turner
53-Man: Julian Edelman*, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Devin Lucien and RECEIVER X.
Analysis: Edelman’s spot doesn’t count for the first four weeks, giving someone else an opportunity. Lucien has really been the best of the unknown wideouts this preseason, with Berrios barely playing and McCarron being unimpressive. KJ Maye made his return to New England last night and it was actually pretty solid. He and Berrios could find spots on the practice squad. I also wouldn’t be surprised if New England trades for another WR who may be on the bubble somewhere else.
(5)
OL
90-Man: David Andrews, Brian Schwenke, Isaiah Wynn, Trent Brown, Ulrick John, LaAdrian Waddle, Luke Bowanko, Matt Tobin, Marcus Cannon, Shaq Mason, James Ferentz, Joe Thuney, Ted Karras, Jason King, and Cole Croston.
53-Man: Trent Brown, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle, Ted Karras, Cole Croston.
Analysis: Wynn will be moved to IR soon, and that will significantly impact the depth. Karras has the versatility to play almost every position on the line. Waddle has proven to be a decent fill-in for Cannon at RT, which may be necessary if Cannon’s injury persists. King and Ferentz may be able to find spots on the practice squad.
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DL
90-Man: Adrian Clayborn, Derek Rivers, Frank Herron, Trent Harris, John Atkins, Danny Shelton, Lawrence Guy, Malcom Brown, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise, Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers, and Vincent Valentine.
53-Man: Adrian Clayborn, Derek Rivers, Danny Shelton, Lawrence Guy, Malcom Brown, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise, and Trey Flowers.
Analysis: Grissom has bounced around from practice squad to the 53, to free agency. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him back after an injury, as he contributes in special teams and has found success in late games. Butler vs. Valentine is another battle for that final DT spot. Butler really stepped up last year while Valentine was out with an injury. I could see Valentine grabbing a practice squad spot. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots make Malcom Brown available for trade either. That rumor has been spinning all offseason.
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LB
90-Man: Dont’a Hightower, Christian Sam, Ja’Whuan Bentley, Marquis Flowers, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Nicholas Grigsby, Harvey Langi, Keionta Davis, and Eric Lee.
53-Man: Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Ja’Whuan Bentley, Marquis Flowers, and Nicholas Grigsby.
Analysis: Bentley has played his way into a spot on the 53. Flowers’ ability to play special teams earns him a spot. Grigsby is mainly a special teamer but shows potential for depth on defense. The real question marks are Sam and Davis. They should both be able to find their way onto the practice squad. Sam was a draft pick this year and Davis stuck around last season.
(6)
CB
90-Man: Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jason McCourty, Ryan Lewis, Duke Dawson, Cyrus Jones, Jonathan Jones, JC Jackson, Keion Crossen, and Jomal Wiltz.
53-Man: Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Duke Dawson, JC Jackson, Cyrus Jones, and Jonathan Jones.
Analysis: Dawson makes the team simply because of where he was picked. Cyrus’ punt-return ability (wherever that is) should make him an option the first four weeks. Jonathan Jones has been the best in the slot for New England recently. McCourty playing in the fourth preseason game (at Safety) doesn’t bode well for his future. Crossen and Lewis are practice squad candidates.
(6)
S
90-Man: Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, AJ Moore, Damarius Travis, Nate Ebner, Brandon King.
53-Man: Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner, and Brandon King.
Analysis: This has been the core of the group for a couple years now. Jordan Richards was traded this morning to the Falcons (thank God) for a conditional seventh-round pick. This decision is easier to make. I’ve been intrigued by Travis and would like to see him on the practice squad.
(5)
ST
90-Man: Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Cody Bojorquez, Joe Cardona, and Matthew Slater.
53-Man: Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Joe Cardona, and Matthew Slater.
Analysis: Bojorquez never truly got the opportunity that we expect in a preseason/training camp battle.
(4)