53-Man Roster Predictions / Cut Watch Thread

[wutang112878]

You might be right. I think if they carry 6 DT to start the year they'll trim the ranks some when guys get healthy. I can't see that many DT sticking all year (especially since they rarely contribute on STs).

 
I agree.  Once they have 4 guys they can rely on to consistently be on the active 45, then at least 1 of these guys is gone if not 2
 

 

I think Ridley is this year's Spikes - a guy who's on the outs (does anyone think the Pats will re-sign him beyond this year?) but still provides enough value that it would be kind of dumb to cut him.

 

It really depends on how this plays out.  I cant put the odds on it but there is certainly a chance that Ridley reaches his potential and can put up 1,200 yards again but does it with maybe just a fumble or two.  Then if they really feel as though his fumble issues are solved based on the games and what they see in practice, then I wouldnt be shocked to see them resign him whatsoever.  If you think back to Faulk, he had some fumbling problems and I believe his rate is much higher than Ridley's considering he had a lot fewer touches than Ridley had, but Bill stuck with him.

 

[tims4wins]

Given that they have let BJGE, Woodhead, and Blount all walk recently, I don't see them signing Ridley. I think their philosophy on RBs is to pay them on their rookie deal and not anything beyond that unless it is a special situation - not worth the prices given the 4-5 years of wear and tear.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Justin Jones also got cut.  Roster is down to 83.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

 
 
It really depends on how this plays out.  I cant put the odds on it but there is certainly a chance that Ridley reaches his potential and can put up 1,200 yards again but does it with maybe just a fumble or two.  Then if they really feel as though his fumble issues are solved based on the games and what they see in practice, then I wouldnt be shocked to see them resign him whatsoever.  If you think back to Faulk, he had some fumbling problems and I believe his rate is much higher than Ridley's considering he had a lot fewer touches than Ridley had, but Bill stuck with him.
 

 
He was also much cheaper.
 
Stevan Ridley is to the 2014 Patriots what Jacoby Ellsbury was to the 2013 Red Sox. Nobody expects him back.
 
Hell, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go to a New York team next year, too.

 

[mwonow]

Pretty good take from Andy Hart at patriots.com. He's got Bolden going and Finch staying, and keeps Halapio rather than Devey, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was pretty close, pending new trade offers or someone compelling getting cut from another squad.
 
http://www.patriots.com/news/blog/article-1/From-the-Hart-Patriots-53-man-roster-projection-30/2be1aaab-e707-414c-aeec-e120217944ba

 

[Old Fart Tree]

I think you're conflating disappointment with criticism of the actual decision. And the two are quite different. In my case, I'm disappointed that James Anderson won't be on the team because I liked the signing but I'm not questioning the decision to cut him.

 
Actually, now that I think about it, you're correct; I was conflating disappointment with criticism. My bad. Carry on.

 

[ivanvamp]

 
He was also much cheaper.
 
Stevan Ridley is to the 2014 Patriots what Jacoby Ellsbury was to the 2013 Red Sox. Nobody expects him back.
 
Hell, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go to a New York team next year, too.

 
If Ridley ever solves his fumblitis, he's going to be a VERY good NFL running back.  Some team that signs him this next offseason may be very happy they did.

 

[Eric Ampersand]

Pretty good take from Andy Hart at patriots.com. He's got Bolden going and Finch staying, and keeps Halapio rather than Devey, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was pretty close, pending new trade offers or someone compelling getting cut from another squad.
 
http://www.patriots.com/news/blog/article-1/From-the-Hart-Patriots-53-man-roster-projection-30/2be1aaab-e707-414c-aeec-e120217944ba

 
This is a pretty safe projection. I like that he keeps Halapio. Devey is theoretically more flexible between guard and tackle. However, the only good plays I've seen from him were screens. Devey has struggled blocking the run and pass. Halapio has more upside to develop at guard.
 
By waiving Bolden and Kanorris Davis I wonder who the 2nd gunner will be on punt coverage. This would be a case where axing Chung or Wilson in favor of Davis would be preferable. I don't buy Chung as the #2 safety until I see it week 1. He is too much of a liability in coverage. Waiving Bolden in favor of Finch works because there are so many special teamers elsewhere on the roster.
 
I'm not sure what kind of front BB is planning to use but several players rushed from the 3-4 OLB position. Bequette looked more natural standing up than he ever did as a 4-3 end. Buchanan and Fleming also looked decent. Zach Moore has played more of a 5 tech role and has looked very strong every time I've payed attention to him. Chris Jones and Joe Vellano are getting the benefit of the doubt because they were forced into action last year. They weren't very good though. Vellano hustles every play at least but I would waive or IR Jones in favor of Worthy. I don't care about the 6th rounder or whatever.

 

[Seels]

Bolden is just a guy, not really sure it even matters whether he goes or not. Might as well test the waters with the other guys.

 

[Tony C]

That's my sense. And I like Bolden and think he's a useful JAG - -deserves a job in the NFL. But would rather that spot go to a guy like Finch who at least has the possibility of being an impact player.
 

 
Fair assesment, although I would respond:
 
1.) Ridley was benched for his fumbles, but was back to a primary role (or at least 1A-1B with Blount) by the time they squared up against the Ravens in the second to last game of the season.
 
 

 
In terms of why there's a (mis)perception that Ridley is such a fumbler, I put it some on Ridley (he has had some fumbles for which he should take no blame -- when getting knocked unconscious, for example -- and others where he should have carried the ball more securely). But also some on BB's benchings which send a message that he's a big fumbler when statistically he really hasn't been.
 
(I also think the immediate benchings aren't necessarily the best thing psychologically. We're obviously in the  unknowable realm, but at a minimum it has led to a popular exaggeration of his problem and, at worst, certainly conceivable it could mess with a guy's head.  We don't really know if Ridley was benched during the Eagles PS game, but I personally would have preferred he be run out there again after his fumble just as a vote of confidence.)

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Just a little housekeeping. 
 
Split out into a NEW "53-man thread" to avoid a mega-thread. Locking this one down -- thanks for the awesome contributions folks!