53-Man Roster Predictions / Cut Watch Thread

[Shelterdog]

Oliver Thomas with his projections: http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/06/2014-patriots-53-man-roster-projection-calm-before-the-storm.html
 
Prominent players cut: Connolly, Gallon, Armstead, Vellano, Bequette, Chris White, Josh Hull, Tavon Wilson
 
I think they'll probably end up keeping one or more of the ST LBs, but I think his projections are pretty reasonable.

 
That's my guess as well.  He has them keeping a bunch of small ST types but not really any big ones and they always seem to have some ST specialist LBs.  Do you happen to have a sense of the approximate size of the various players you line up in the kicking game?

 

[RedOctober3829]

Chris Price with his projections as well.  He has them keeping 10 OL while Oliver Thomas has them keeping 9 and cutting Connolly.  On defense, Price has them cutting Buchanan and keeping Zach Moore.
 
http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/football/patriots/christopher-price/2014/06/25/spring-workouts-done-patriots-2014-rost

 

[( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)]

I'm a little pressed for time, so I just did a quick search and didn't find it.  But does anyone remember what website/blog had that Patriots 53 man roster tool you could play with last year?  That thing was fun.  I'm hoping there is a 2014 version out there someplace.
 In case no one knows what i'm talking about I'll find the one from last year later today.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
That's my guess as well.  He has them keeping a bunch of small ST types but not really any big ones and they always seem to have some ST specialist LBs.  Do you happen to have a sense of the approximate size of the various players you line up in the kicking game?

Yeah, I did this (based on the 2012 season): http://daveonthepats.blogspot.com/2013/08/special-teams-lineups.html
 
KR was 2 S (Wilson, Ebner), 3 LB (White, Koutouvides, Rivera), 1 RB (Bolden), 1 TE (Hoomanawanui), 1 OL (Wendell), 1 RB (Vereen). Back men / returners were McCourty and Slater.
KO was 2 CB (Cole, Arrington), 1 DE (Scott), 1 WR (Slater), 3 LB (White, Koutouvides, Rivera), 3 S (Wilson, Ebner, McCourty), plus Gostkowski kicking.
PR was 2 CB (Cole, Talib), DL of Slater / White / Koutouvides / Rivera / Wilson / Bolden with Chung and Ebner lined up as LB, and Welker returning
Punt was Cole and Slater at WR, DL of Koutouvides / Scott / Aiken (long snapper) / Ninkovich / Rivera with Bolden and White as the wings, Chung as personal protector, and Mesko punting
 
Last year of the top STers, you had 3 LB (Collins, White, Fletcher), 3 S (Ebner, Wilson, and McCourty), WRINO Slater, DE Buchanan, and CB Cole. Cole and Fletcher are already gone, Wilson and Buchanan have a good chance of being cut, and Collins figures to play a lot less ST with a bigger role on D (he averaged 23 snaps on ST in the regular season, but just 10 in his two playoff games as he became an every-down contributor). So I think either one of White or Hull is safe and maybe both; the wild card is Beauharnais, who they thought enough of to redshirt all year but only played 10 ST snaps in 4 active games.

 

[4 6 3 DP]

I can't imagine James White doesn't make this team - in fact all the picks except the small safety and Gallon are pretty much locks for this squad unless someone like a Halapio just doesn't get it done in camp.

 

[Pxer]

A few days old, but Reiss' predictions is here.

 

[Super Nomario]

NEPatriots.com breaks down the roster from 90 to 1: http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/07/2014-new-england-patriots-ranking-the-roster-from-90-to-1.html

 

[dynomite]

Speaking of which, fantastic summary by Ben Volin at the Globe of the players whose contracts put them at risk of being cut (vested veterans, etc.):

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/07/22/sneak-peek-some-possible-patriots-moves/WzUiFH8qewSBA4NKksQKsM/story.html

Not too many surprises, especially among many of those at greatest risk:
- Connolly
- Bequette
- Chung

As others have said, this will be a fascinating preseason, with legitimate roster competition in almost every position group.

In other news: FOOTBALLL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL.

 

[bradmahn]

Speaking of which, fantastic summary by Ben Volin at the Globe of the players whose contracts put them at risk of being cut (vested veterans, etc.):

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/07/22/sneak-peek-some-possible-patriots-moves/WzUiFH8qewSBA4NKksQKsM/story.html

Not too many surprises, especially among many of those at greatest risk:
- Connolly
- Bequette
- Chung

As others have said, this will be a fascinating preseason, with legitimate roster competition in almost every position group.

In other news: FOOTBALLL FOOTBALL FOOTBALL.

Including Cannon over Wendell is pretty egregious, especially when the heat is supposedly coming from Stork, Halapio, and Kline (all interior OL-with no Cannon who backs up OT?).

I also don't agree that there's only one spot for Boyce or Thompkins. I'm thinking it's more and more likely the Pats keep only Hooman and Gronk as true TEs and mix n' match with Develin and OTs for certain situations. They're going to need all these WRs at some point this year and Boyce and Thompkins have promise, much more so than the next men up at TE.

Get ready for a WR/RB heavy offense aside from the best TE in football.

 

[lexrageorge]

If both Boyce and Thompkins play well in the preseason, both will make the team.  OTOH, if either one is unable to get on the practice field due to injuries, or is a total non-factor in the preseason games, then that WR will likely be gone.  

 

[MainerInExile]

I also don't agree that there's only one spot for Boyce or Thompkins. I'm thinking it's more and more likely the Pats keep only Hooman and Gronk as true TEs and mix n' match with Develin and OTs for certain situations. They're going to need all these WRs at some point this year and Boyce and Thompkins have promise, much more so than the next men up at TE.

Get ready for a WR/RB heavy offense aside from the best TE in football.

Totally agree.   I think 2TE, 1FB, 4RB, Gallon and at least 1 RB to the practice squad, Boyce and Thompkins both make it.

 

[bradmahn]

Totally agree.   I think 2TE, 1FB, 4RB, Gallon and at least 1 RB to the practice squad, Boyce and Thompkins both make it.

 
That seems about right to me, with a couple developmental TEs on the practice squad as well, possibly Watson.

 

[Tony C]

If both Boyce and Thompkins play well in the preseason, both will make the team.  OTOH, if either one is unable to get on the practice field due to injuries, or is a total non-factor in the preseason games, then that WR will likely be gone.  

 
Agree. I also think Bolden is a possible cut in favor of one of the UD RBs -- maybe Finch if he shows well as a returner?

 

[Dogman]

 
Agree. I also think Bolden is a possible cut in favor of one of the UD RBs -- maybe Finch if he shows well as a returner?

 
As do I.  I think Finch has so much more to offer as a returner (both kinds) and full skillset RB.  I like this guy and hope he sticks.

 

[MainerInExile]

As do I.  I think Finch has so much more to offer as a returner (both kinds) and full skillset RB.  I like this guy and hope he sticks.

If Bolden gets cut, I see it as being more likely for Houston.  I'd be surprised if they went into the year with only one bigger back.
 

That seems about right to me, with a couple developmental TEs on the practice squad as well, possibly Watson.

Agreed, I think they'll cut both UDFA TEs, and whichever one makes it through gets to the practice squad.  If both make it through, they'll pick the one they like better.

 

[dynomite]

If both Boyce and Thompkins play well in the preseason, both will make the team.  OTOH, if either one is unable to get on the practice field due to injuries, or is a total non-factor in the preseason games, then that WR will likely be gone.  

The Pats have 10 WR on the roster at the moment (11 if you count Slater): Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Dobson, Boyce, KT, Gallon, Johnson, Orton, Van Hooser (more like "Van Whooser?" amirite!?!).

They only carried 6 (plus Slater) for most of last year, so there could be a surprise cut in there.

 

[lexrageorge]

The Pats have 10 WR on the roster at the moment (11 if you count Slater): Edelman, Amendola, LaFell, Dobson, Boyce, KT, Gallon, Johnson, Orton, Van Hooser (more like "Van Whooser?" amirite!?!).

They only carried 6 (plus Slater) for most of last year, so there could be a surprise cut in there.

Locks:  Edelman, Amendola (much to Volin's chagrin).  
 
Likely to stick:  LaFell
 
Potential PUP candidate:  Dobson
 
In if they show something; on the bubble if they disappear:  Boyce, KT
 
On the bubble:  Gallon, the others.  
 
I don't see a surprise cut here, just because the contract situation makes cutting Amendola right now really look stupid.  

 

[Super Nomario]

Mike Loyko's projection:
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/07/2014-new-england-patriots-roster-projection-version-1-0.html
 
Notable cuts are Wendell (phragle, if it lasts longer than 4 hours, call a doctor), Chung (barely), Buchanan, Beauharnais, Tavon Wilson (would that even be notable?). Surprising players making it include Cameron Gordon and Dax Swanson, plus potential cap casualties Connolly and Kelly
 
Everyone seems to be assuming that all the 2014 6th-rounders (Zach Moore, Jon Halapio, Jemea Thomas) are locks. I think any could be easily cut, to be honest.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Anxiety in the Ed Hillel household is rising in anticipation of a potential Big Money Jackpot of $50 that would come with a Tavon Wilson cut.

 

[Tony C]

Mike Loyko's projection:
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014/07/2014-new-england-patriots-roster-projection-version-1-0.html
 
Notable cuts are Wendell (phragle, if it lasts longer than 4 hours, call a doctor), Chung (barely), Buchanan, Beauharnais, Tavon Wilson (would that even be notable?). Surprising players making it include Cameron Gordon and Dax Swanson, plus potential cap casualties Connolly and Kelly
 
Everyone seems to be assuming that all the 2014 6th-rounders (Zach Moore, Jon Halapio, Jemea Thomas) are locks. I think any could be easily cut, to be honest.

 from that
 

- Brandon Browner won’t count against the 53 man roster for the first four weeks, allowing Dax Swanson or Justin Green to sneak on the roster.
 

 
Green is a guy who has always looked solid to me -- be interesting to see what he looks like this pre-season.

 

[Phragle]

Locks:  Edelman, Amendola (much to Volin's chagrin).  
 
Likely to stick:  LaFell
 
Potential PUP candidate:  Dobson
 
In if they show something; on the bubble if they disappear:  Boyce, KT
 
On the bubble:  Gallon, the others.  
 
I don't see a surprise cut here, just because the contract situation makes cutting Amendola right now really look stupid.  

 
Well they save about 2.8 if they cut/trade Amendola. He's probably worth that, but I wouldn't say it's really stupid to cut him.
 

Notable cuts are Wendell (phragle, if it lasts longer than 4 hours, call a doctor),

 
I'd rather call your mom. I'm trying to stay realistic, but if Wendell gets cut it's time to get those sizes in to Jostens.

 

[soxfan121]

Why are we insisting on labeling LaFell as a WR? He's an inch taller and only ~25 pounds lighter than Hernandez, has spent most of his career in the slot (or the "move" TE position) and is a much better run blocker at the LOS and down field than AH ever was. 
 
LaFell is no danger of being cut; he's a lock for the roster unless he does something really, really stupid during camp and should have a pretty robust role in multiple packages, being able to line up wide or in the slot or as a 2nd stand-up, in-line TE. 

 

[Stitch01]

LaFell isn't going to play a snap of in-line tight end.

 

[lexrageorge]

 
Well they save about 2.8 if they cut/trade Amendola. He's probably worth that, but I wouldn't say it's really stupid to cut him.
 
 
 

They'd take a 2.25M cap hit if they cut him.  

 

[soxfan121]

LaFell isn't going to play a snap of in-line tight end.

 
With his hand in the dirt? Nope, you are correct. That will not happen.
 
Standing up next to Hooman or Gronk? I think that will happen. 
 
The three TE offense lives. IT LIVES.

 

[Ed Hillel]

They'd take a 2.25M cap hit if they cut him.  

 
Miguel says they save 880k if cut, and 2.88 million if traded.
 
http://www.patscap.com/

 

[lexrageorge]

 
Miguel says they save 880k if cut, and 2.88 million if traded.
 
http://www.patscap.com/

And take a 3.6M hit in next year's cap.  
 
Again, I don't see the logic here in cutting Amendola.  

 

[Super Nomario]

Reiss' new projections:
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4765446/new-england-patriots-projected-roster-3
 
He has a whopping 10 DL on the squad, and just 8 DBs (until Browner gets back from suspension). I don't think they carry 5 DT and 5 DE. He has Wendell gone but Connolly making it. He has Tavon Wilson on with Chung and Jemea Thomas off. 

 

[bradmahn]

That's funny, of all the mainstream projections, Reiss's is closest to what I've felt all along. I like the depth at DL those ten provide. I like Finch to make it over Holden, though, especially with White getting burn on more traditional running downs.

which DL do you presently project off the team, SN?

 

[Pxer]

I think one of Buchanan and Moore miss the cut. Edge to Buch because of his experience for me, but maybe BB elects for the bigger Moore given the three-man fronts they have been running.
 
I still think that's an emergency- ShakeItUp-only type of thing as our personnel fits much better in a 4-3.

 

[Super Nomario]

That's funny, of all the mainstream projections, Reiss's is closest to what I've felt all along. I like the depth at DL those ten provide. I like Finch to make it over Holden, though, especially with White getting burn on more traditional running downs.

which DL do you presently project off the team, SN?

Not sure which one specifically. Game-to-game, 5 DT and 5 DE aren't going to play on defense, and DL rarely play much on special teams, especially the big four (kickoff, KR, punt, PR). So you're talking about carrying guys as pure depth or developmental redshirts. If we take DE for instance - Moore and Buchanan are both young developmental guys who could play a little on STs. They're going to find they like the upside of one of these guys more than the other. Or they're going to decide they like both of them and Will Smith isn't much better and so Smith will go. But with 5, one of them is going to be a healthy scratch every week. It's a similar story at DT, though I think given that Wilfork, Kelly, and Easley are coming off surgery they may run deeper than usual. 

 

[MainerInExile]

I think Jones is the odd man out at DT.

 

[lexrageorge]

I think Jones is the odd man out at DT.

Nm.  Wrong Jones....

 

[Joshv02]

Don't we think that Easley is going to PUP - he is still inactive, right?  That would buy them time until the inevitable injury comes up, and until then they would just deactivate one of the DEs each week.

 

[Stitch01]

????
 
Chandler Jones is their starter; he's going nowhere.

Chris Jones I assume.

Id guess Buchanan is the bubble guy right now with Jones and Kelly the next two in line. Wouldn't be shocked if Bequette made it over Buchanan if those are the last two guys battling for a spot. I think Moore is going to make the team as a redshirt unless he's an absolute disaster in practice (although I guess between him and Garoppolo two pure redshirts may be tough)

Like most NFL situations due a month from now, this will probably be resolved in part by injury, either something new or Easley staying on the PUP to start the year.

On other front
--Not sure the Pats need six linebackers on the 53 each week. They'll be in 2 LB or less packages a lot, Ninkovich can play in a pinch, and White/Beauharnais don't have much of a role on defense and the Pats can probably pick someone like them off the street if they need depth. Giving up special team value, but going with five there might be a place to save a spot.
--Probably not a real need to rush Thomas back if he's hurt, IR/practice squad aren't bad outcomes for him given roster construction
--Would rather see Jones sneak through to the practice squad at TE to start the year than make the roster.
--Wonder what the chances of Halapio sneaking through to the practice squad are? Really want to avoid cutting Josh Boyce
--If White is what the early reports say (advanced for a rookie, reliable, three down guy), then I think Bolden's spot is in somewhat in jeopardy. Would rather have someone like Finch or one of the other big backs with more years of team control in that spot than free agent to be Bolden. Could be that they move Ridley if he's really out of shape or has the dropsies, but think Bolden is the more likely guy to go.
--Wondering if I should be rooting for an easily healable Garoppolo injury like a pulled calf or hamstring or something that would allow for an IR move or if missing the practice reps is too detrimental for development. Sounds like the Pats are sort of fucked if he gets into the game this year anyways (That's when we free Tebow!)

 

[MainerInExile]

Chris Jones I assume.

Bingo.

 

[bradmahn]

Not sure which one specifically. Game-to-game, 5 DT and 5 DE aren't going to play on defense, and DL rarely play much on special teams, especially the big four (kickoff, KR, punt, PR). So you're talking about carrying guys as pure depth or developmental redshirts. If we take DE for instance - Moore and Buchanan are both young developmental guys who could play a little on STs. They're going to find they like the upside of one of these guys more than the other. Or they're going to decide they like both of them and Will Smith isn't much better and so Smith will go. But with 5, one of them is going to be a healthy scratch every week. It's a similar story at DT, though I think given that Wilfork, Kelly, and Easley are coming off surgery they may run deeper than usual. 

If the Patriots really are going to model themselves after the Seahawks' D, they could rotate 8-9 guys on the DL to keep the waves of rushers fresh. A google search only brought up this post from a Seahawks blog, but through two weeks last year, the Hawks were playing 9 guys in some combination of playing time. The Panthers were also playing 8. If that's the plan, holding 1-2 gameday inactives on the DL for development/depth wouldn't be out of the question. Seattle opened last year with 10 DL.
 
Of course, if you don't think they're copying what Seattle is doing, that's fine, but 10 can be kept.
 

Don't we think that Easley is going to PUP - he is still inactive, right?  That would buy them time until the inevitable injury comes up, and until then they would just deactivate one of the DEs each week.

I wouldn't assume anything regarding PUP at this point, there's still another month before the final cutdown.

 

[mpx42]

Don't we think that Easley is going to PUP - he is still inactive, right?  That would buy them time until the inevitable injury comes up, and until then they would just deactivate one of the DEs each week.

 
If they want him to contribute this year, he needs to start practicing before then. This article made it sound like they have hopes for him to be back sometime in the next few weeks:
 
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2014/08/source_dominique_easley_didnt_travel_to_richmond_still_at

 

[Super Nomario]

If the Patriots really are going to model themselves after the Seahawks' D, they could rotate 8-9 guys on the DL to keep the waves of rushers fresh. A google search only brought up this post from a Seahawks blog, but through two weeks last year, the Hawks were playing 9 guys in some combination of playing time. The Panthers were also playing 8. If that's the plan, holding 1-2 gameday inactives on the DL for development/depth wouldn't be out of the question. Seattle opened last year with 10 DL.
 
Of course, if you don't think they're copying what Seattle is doing, that's fine, but 10 can be kept.

I don't think they're copying Seattle, at least not in this respect. I think better health means the DL rotation will be more liberal than it was last year, but I don't see them subbing nearly as much as Seattle does. If they planned a more Seahawksy approach, I would think they would have added more than Will Smith coming off surgery and a 6th-round rookie project.

 

[Shelterdog]

Chris Jones I assume.

Id guess Buchanan is the bubble guy right now with Jones and Kelly the next two in line. Wouldn't be shocked if Bequette made it over Buchanan if those are the last two guys battling for a spot. I think Moore is going to make the team as a redshirt unless he's an absolute disaster in practice (although I guess between him and Garoppolo two pure redshirts may be tough)

Like most NFL situations due a month from now, this will probably be resolved in part by injury, either something new or Easley staying on the PUP to start the year.

On other front
--Not sure the Pats need six linebackers on the 53 each week. They'll be in 2 LB or less packages a lot, Ninkovich can play in a pinch, and White/Beauharnais don't have much of a role on defense and the Pats can probably pick someone like them off the street if they need depth. Giving up special team value, but going with five there might be a place to save a spot.
--Probably not a real need to rush Thomas back if he's hurt, IR/practice squad aren't bad outcomes for him given roster construction
--Would rather see Jones sneak through to the practice squad at TE to start the year than make the roster.
--Wonder what the chances of Halapio sneaking through to the practice squad are? Really want to avoid cutting Josh Boyce
--If White is what the early reports say (advanced for a rookie, reliable, three down guy), then I think Bolden's spot is in somewhat in jeopardy. Would rather have someone like Finch or one of the other big backs with more years of team control in that spot than free agent to be Bolden. Could be that they move Ridley if he's really out of shape or has the dropsies, but think Bolden is the more likely guy to go.
--Wondering if I should be rooting for an easily healable Garoppolo injury like a pulled calf or hamstring or something that would allow for an IR move or if missing the practice reps is too detrimental for development. Sounds like the Pats are sort of fucked if he gets into the game this year anyways (That's when we free Tebow!)

 
I'm generally with you.  A few reactions:
 
1.) I think you do see a special teams focused Linebacker.  Not sure if that's Beauharnais, James Morris, Davis, Skinner, Cam Gordan, White, but there will be a Pats linebacker who is there primarily for special t3eams.  I bet they hope it can be Beauharnais.
 
2.) Agreed that Thomas and Jones might not be ready for the 53.
 
3.) I think there's a very good chance Halapio could sneak through to the practice squad.  There are only a handful of teams--the Pats being one of the top--who really like to churn the roster to upgrade the 52d guy on the roster.  Maybe somebody is really hurting for a OG and picks him up, but I don't think a lot of teams will jump at the chance to replace their seventh round rookie/second year back-up ol-lineman with the Pats's sixth round rookie backup o-lineman.
 
4.) Bolden is a goner.  It's his third year in the system and unless he's blossoming in a way that hasn't been reported you might as well replace him with a newer model who might turn into something.
 
5,) I think you want Jimmy G to get the practice snaps this year. 

 

[Stitch01]

 
I'm generally with you.  A few reactions:
 
1.) I think you do see a special teams focused Linebacker.  Not sure if that's Beauharnais, James Morris, Davis, Skinner, Cam Gordan, White, but there will be a Pats linebacker who is there primarily for special t3eams.  I bet they hope it can be Beauharnais.
 

Yes, I was reacting to Mike Reiss having both White and Beauharnais as part of the 53 with the Pats carrying 6 LBs. I agree there's room for one, just think two is a bit heavy.

 

[Super Nomario]

1.) I think you do see a special teams focused Linebacker.  Not sure if that's Beauharnais, James Morris, Davis, Skinner, Cam Gordan, White, but there will be a Pats linebacker who is there primarily for special t3eams.  I bet they hope it can be Beauharnais.

Probably even more than one. Last year three of the top four special teams players by snaps were LBs: Collins, Fletcher, and White. Collins will likely play fewer ST snaps this year with an increased defensive role (his ST snaps were roughly halved in the playoffs) so I think ST is going to be really big for the fifth and sixth LBs on the roster. Beauharnais played just 10 ST snaps last year FWIW.
 

2.) Agreed that Thomas and Jones might not be ready for the 53.

This is probably right. It's too bad because on paper Thomas is the perfect 9th DB, a guy who can play ST, safety, or slot CB - like a younger version of Marquise Cole.
 

3.) I think there's a very good chance Halapio could sneak through to the practice squad.  There are only a handful of teams--the Pats being one of the top--who really like to churn the roster to upgrade the 52d guy on the roster.  Maybe somebody is really hurting for a OG and picks him up, but I don't think a lot of teams will jump at the chance to replace their seventh round rookie/second year back-up ol-lineman with the Pats's sixth round rookie backup o-lineman.

Maybe, but a) the Pats felt the need to use a draft pick on him rather than risk trying to sign him as a UDFA, and b) if Halapio makes it through waivers, he doesn't have to sign with the Pats' practice squad. If the Pats cut him because they decide other young interior guys Stork and Kline are ahead of him, he might take that as a sign to seek greener pastures elsewhere. This happened a few years ago with Thomas Welch, who declined the Pats' PS invite and signed with Tampa's PS instead.
 

 4.) Bolden is a goner.  It's his third year in the system and unless he's blossoming in a way that hasn't been reported you might as well replace him with a newer model who might turn into something.

I think STs is important here for the 4th RB; Bolden has played a lot there. Finch has some return ability but he's a different kind of STer. Stephen Houston apparently hasn't been practicing on any of the core ST units, which makes him likely the odd man out. I think it's possible they carry 5 RBs though (they did at times last year).
 

 5,) I think you want Jimmy G to get the practice snaps this year.

For sure. He'll be a useful scout team QB, too - he's very different than Mallett.

 

[bradmahn]

I don't think they're copying Seattle, at least not in this respect. I think better health means the DL rotation will be more liberal than it was last year, but I don't see them subbing nearly as much as Seattle does. If they planned a more Seahawksy approach, I would think they would have added more than Will Smith coming off surgery and a 6th-round rookie project.

 
Well, when you ignore the returns of Kelly and Wilfork and the drafting of Easley, sure, they didn't "add" much to Siliga, Ch. Jones, Nink, Chr. Jones, and Buchanan.

 

[Shelterdog]

 
Maybe, but a) the Pats felt the need to use a draft pick on him rather than risk trying to sign him as a UDFA, and b) if Halapio makes it through waivers, he doesn't have to sign with the Pats' practice squad. If the Pats cut him because they decide other young interior guys Stork and Kline are ahead of him, he might take that as a sign to seek greener pastures elsewhere. This happened a few years ago with Thomas Welch, who declined the Pats' PS invite and signed with Tampa's PS instead.
 

 
I mostly agree.  I think they probably do try to hang on to Halapio-the entire interior offensive line needs to be restocked soon, you can't do that overnight, and based on draft position they like him--but there's also a limit on the number of developmental linemen you can keep around and I'm not sure which (if any) of Halapio/Stork/Fleming/Kline qualify as current depth rather than developmental players.  It looks like they're heading down a path where one of Kline/Halapio/Stork have to show they can play well enough now to justify cutting Wendell or Connolly.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
Well, when you ignore the returns of Kelly and Wilfork and the drafting of Easley, sure, they didn't "add" much to Siliga, Ch. Jones, Nink, Chr. Jones, and Buchanan.

DT is deeper for sure, and I buy they'll rotate more heavily there (not much of a feat: total snaps by NE 4th DT last year: 32, and 11/18 weeks only 3 were even active). But there's no comparison between the DE depth Seattle had last year and what the Pats have this year, and I don't think we'll see anything like the edge rotations the Seahawks had. Jones and Ninkovich both had 1100+ snaps; Bennett led Seattle with 617, and Clemons and Avril were both in the high-500s.

 

[RedOctober3829]

DT is deeper for sure, and I buy they'll rotate more heavily there (not much of a feat: total snaps by NE 4th DT last year: 32, and 11/18 weeks only 3 were even active). But there's no comparison between the DE depth Seattle had last year and what the Pats have this year, and I don't think we'll see anything like the edge rotations the Seahawks had. Jones and Ninkovich both had 1100+ snaps; Bennett led Seattle with 617, and Clemons and Avril were both in the high-500s.

I think we are going to see the same high snap counts from Nink and Jones.  I mean who else is going to take a load off them?  An old and slow Will Smith?  Nope.  Jake Bequette?  I hope not.  They did not do enough to improve at the DE position this offseason. 

 

[lexrageorge]

I think we are going to see the same high snap counts from Nink and Jones.  I mean who else is going to take a load off them?  An old and slow Will Smith?  Nope.  Jake Bequette?  I hope not.  They did not do enough to improve at the DE position this offseason. 

Well, there were a number of positions where the Pats did improve defensively this offseason.  It's not possible to improve everywhere, especially with Hernandez' $7.5M dead money hit.  With the health of the interior line, the drafting of Easley, the return of Mayo to go along with Hightower and an improving Collins in the LB corps, and the additions in the secondary, it's hard to criticize the Patriots overall approach.  There will always be holes; every team has them. 

 

[Super Nomario]

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4765693/observations-from-patriots-camp-day-12
 

Undrafted rookie Taylor McCuller is switching between linebacker and fullback, at one point changing his blue defensive jersey for a white offensive jersey. 

Not sure he will show enough to make the 53-man, but with that kind of versatility he'd be a fine PS candidate.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Well, there were a number of positions where the Pats did improve defensively this offseason.  It's not possible to improve everywhere, especially with Hernandez' $7.5M dead money hit.  With the health of the interior line, the drafting of Easley, the return of Mayo to go along with Hightower and an improving Collins in the LB corps, and the additions in the secondary, it's hard to criticize the Patriots overall approach.  There will always be holes; every team has them. 

While I agree with your point on the whole, I just thought they could have done more with the DE spot.  If Jones is going to be the pass rushing star we think he can be, he can't do it playing 1100 snaps a season.  In the games that will count the most, I don't think he'll have enough left in the tank.

 

[Stitch01]

Hard to say where they could have reallocated resources, the DE's in free agency weren't cheap. 2nd round pick would probably be the best argument, but not sure how much it would have helped this year.