Why am I starting a thread on the 2015 roster in the draft sub-forum? Because only about half of the Pats' top picks have been day 1 starters. Belichick's a believer in the "year one to year two leap," so it makes sense that draft picks are taken with 2015 and beyond in mind. Here's what the roster looks like for 2015:
QB:
Under contract, uncuttable: Brady
Free agent: Mallett
This is why so many mocks have the Pats taking a QB; Mallett's likely gone after the season.
RB:
Under contract, cuttable: Jonas Gray
Free agent: Ridley, Vereen, Bolden, Develin
It's probable they work out an extension with at least one of Ridley / Vereen, but RB looks like a must for the draft.
WR:
Under contract, uncuttable: Edelman, Dobson, LaFell
Under contract, cuttable: Amendola (tough cut), Thompkins, Mark Harrison, Boyce, Reggie Dunn, Greg Orton
Free agent: Slater
Depth here, but lacking star quality unless one of the youngsters takes a leap forward.
TE:
Under contract, uncuttable: Gronkowski
Under contract, cuttable: Hoomanawanui
Free agent: D.J. Williams
Depth is an issue even apart from Gronk's injury issues.
OT:
Under contract, uncuttable: Vollmer, Solder
Under contract, cuttable: R.J. Mattes, Jordan Devey
Free agent: Cannon
EDIT: Updated for Solder's option being picked up. Not much depth at this point.
Interior OL:
Under contract, cuttable: Mankins, Wendell, Josh Kline, Chris Barker, Braxston Cave
Free agent: Connolly
Probably the team's #1 need from a 2015-and-beyond standpoint, and not a strong point for 2014.
QB:
Under contract, uncuttable: Brady
Free agent: Mallett
This is why so many mocks have the Pats taking a QB; Mallett's likely gone after the season.
RB:
Under contract, cuttable: Jonas Gray
Free agent: Ridley, Vereen, Bolden, Develin
It's probable they work out an extension with at least one of Ridley / Vereen, but RB looks like a must for the draft.
WR:
Under contract, uncuttable: Edelman, Dobson, LaFell
Under contract, cuttable: Amendola (tough cut), Thompkins, Mark Harrison, Boyce, Reggie Dunn, Greg Orton
Free agent: Slater
Depth here, but lacking star quality unless one of the youngsters takes a leap forward.
TE:
Under contract, uncuttable: Gronkowski
Under contract, cuttable: Hoomanawanui
Free agent: D.J. Williams
Depth is an issue even apart from Gronk's injury issues.
OT:
Under contract, uncuttable: Vollmer, Solder
Under contract, cuttable: R.J. Mattes, Jordan Devey
Free agent: Cannon
EDIT: Updated for Solder's option being picked up. Not much depth at this point.
Interior OL:
Under contract, cuttable: Mankins, Wendell, Josh Kline, Chris Barker, Braxston Cave
Free agent: Connolly
Probably the team's #1 need from a 2015-and-beyond standpoint, and not a strong point for 2014.