Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson.
With so few players at each of these positions, we thought we'd consolidate the separate snapshots into one.
At quarterback, there were two storylines in 2009, the return of Tom Brady being the primary one. But not to be overlooked is the fact that an undrafted rookie free agent was Brady's lone backup the entire season. The Patriots went without a true third QB, though at times, Isaiah Stanback served in that role when not catching passes as a wide receiver.
After a promising start, the tight end position saw its production decline as the year went on. That became a glaring problem because of the lack of a viable third wide receiver option.
On special teams, kicker Stephen Gostkowski was again the bright spot on in an area that was undergoing noteworthy changes with the additions of a new coach (Scott O'Brien) and long snapper (rookie Jake Ingram).
The Patriots might target all three groups in free agency and possibly the draft.
THE QUARTERBACK ROSTER
(Players listed alphabetically, as of February 2010, with individual analysis below)
12 – Tom Brady
Made the Pro Bowl after coming off reconstructive knee surgery. His contract is up after the '10 season, however, and the Patriots must decide what to do about it.
8 –Brian HoyerSurprised almost everyone by making the team and becoming the lone backup to Brady. Playing sparingly, mostly when the game had already been decided. Still relatively unknown, however.
9 – Jeff RoweAdded late in the year as a practice squad body. Could get a second look in spring practices.
THE TIGHT END ROSTER
85 – Robbie AgnoneA practice squad rookie whose season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Would be fortunate to get a second chance this year.
86 – Chris Baker
Free agent from the Jets didn't live up to high expectations, but is signed through 2013 and did enough to warrant keeping around.
80 – Rob Myers
Another practice squad rookie and an unknown commodity.
84 – Benjamin WatsonHad one of his best seasons as a pro, but it might not be enough to keep him in a Patriots uniform. As a free agent, he'll undoubtedly test the market.
THE SPECIALISTS ROSTER
3 – Stephen Gostkowski – KHad another Pro Bowl-worthy season, but didn't get the all-star nod. Improved on kickoff depth, too. Will be a restricted free agent in an uncapped offseason, so he'll likely remain in New England.
6 – Chris Hanson – PHis kicks don't look pretty, but the end result is usually satisfactory. He's a free agent, though he could very well end up back in Foxborough if the Patriots don't find a better alternative.
47 – Jake Ingram – LSFilled the shoes of Lonie Paxton with aplomb in his rookie season. Ingram should be the Patriots long snapper for years to come.
This concludes our Position Snapshot series. Tomorrow, look for an all-new Debate Friday. And next week on patriots.com, we'll begin our Free Agent Preview series.
