The preseason has hit the midway point so it seems like the perfect time to look at the roster and reassess our earlier projections. There have been some changes to our initial 53-man group based on some solid play in the first two exhibition games. Still plenty of time for things to change, but here is our second crack at the roster of the summer.
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 (4) Rex Burkhead, James White, Sony Michel, Jeremy Hill
In the mix: Mike Gillislee, Brandon Bolden, Ralph Webb
Changes: None
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 (5) Julian Edelman*, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Eric Decker
In the mix: Riley McCarron, Braxton Berrios
Changes: None
Analysis: Decker has struggled but he might survive based on injuries elsewhere.
Tight end (3) Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister
In the mix: None
Changes: None
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: John takes Wynn's spot.
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: Valentine to the bubble.
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: Bentley's strong play put him ahead of fellow rookie Sam.
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: The Jones boys come off PUP to replace Jackson and Crossen.
Analysis: Young corners pushing for roster spots but have struggled in game action.
Safety (4) Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Jordan Richards
In the mix: Eddie Pleasant, Damarius Travis
Changes: Richards for Travis.
Analysis: Pleasant's special teams ability could give him a role but Richards looks safe.
Kicker (1) Stephen Gostkowski
In the mix: None
Changes: None
Analysis: Solid as ever during camp.
Punter (1) Ryan Allen
In the mix: Corey Bojorquez
Changes: None
Analysis: Rookie has a big leg but lacks consistency and hasn't had any opportunities in games.
Long snapper (1) Joe Cardona
In the mix: NoneChanges: None
Analysis: Running unopposed.
Special teams (4) Matthew Slater, Brandon King, Nicholas Grigsby, Nate Ebner
Changes: Ebner off PUP.
Analysis: Bolden will be a factor here as well.
