The preseason is winding down so we'll take the opportunity to offer another roster projection. There have been some changes from our previous 53-man groups based on the work we've seen this summer. Still some time for things to change, but here is our latest crack at the roster.
QUARTERBACK (2)
Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer
In the mix: Danny Etling
Changes: None
Analysis: Could Pats bring a veteran in to compete with Hoyer?
RUNNING BACK (5)
Rex Burkhead, James White, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill, Brandon Bolden
In the mix: Mike Gillislee, Ralph Webb
Changes: Bolden grabs a spot.
Analysis: Injuries to Michel and Burkhead could force Bill Belichick to keep additional RBs.
FULLBACK (1)
James Develin
In the mix: None
Changes: None
Analysis: Pro Bowler is still a valuable part of the offense.
WIDE RECEIVER (4)
Julian Edelman*, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Riley McCarron
In the mix: Devin Lucien, Braxton Berrios
Changes: Britt, Decker out, McCarron in
Analysis: Veterans not panning out opens door for McCarron.
TIGHT END (3)
Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister
In the mix: Will Tye
Changes: Tye making a push.
Analysis: Rookie Ryan Izzo is a practice squad candidate.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8)
Trent Brown, Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle, Ted Karras, Ulrick John
In the mix: Cole Croston, Matt Tobin
Changes: None.
Analysis: Isaiah Wynn's injury is a blow to the depth up front.
DEFENSIVE LINE (8)
Trey Flowers, Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, Adrian Clayborn, Deatrich Wise, Malcom Brown, Derek Rivers, Adam Butler
In the mix: Keionta Davis, Vincent Valentine, Eric Lee, Geneo Grissom
Changes: None.
Analysis: Davis is getting plenty of opportunities to make a roster push.
LINEBACKERS (5)
Dont'a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Marquis Flowers
In the mix: Christian Sam, Harvey Langi
Changes: None.
Analysis: Special teams focus will factor into these decisions.
CORNERBACK (6)
Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jonathan Jones, Duke Dawson, Jason McCourty, Cyrus Jones
In the mix: J.C. Jackson, Keion Crossen, Ryan Lewis
Changes: None
Analysis: McCourty's spot look tenuous and a young guy could grab it.
SAFETY (4)
Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Jordan Richards
In the mix: Damarius Travis
Changes: None.
Analysis: Richards looks safe for another year.
KICKER (1)
Stephen Gostkowski
Analysis: Solid as ever during camp.
PUNTER (1)
Ryan Allen
In the mix: Corey Bojorquez
Analysis: Rookie has a big leg but lacks consistency and hasn't had any opportunities in games.
LONG SNAPPER (1)
Joe Cardona
Analysis: Running unopposed.
SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
Matthew Slater, Brandon King, Nicholas Grigsby, Nate Ebner
Changes: None.
Analysis: Bolden will be a factor here as well.
