Predicting The 53: Patriots sink Eagles

Quarterbacks (2)

Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo

Analysis: Mallett played much better in game two of the Patriots preseason, but Garoppolo has shown that he has the talent and ability to run the offense in the event of a Brady injury. I think the roster spot is better used elsewhere.

Running Backs (5)

Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, James White, James Develin, Roy Finch

Analysis: I like Roy Finch a lot but I think its possible he doesn’t make it because of ball security issues. I kept him here because of his talent, but I am sure they scout the waiver wire heavily come cut day. Jonas Gray played well in the Philly game, which may give him some consideration. Develin however is listed as a RB but will play FB and TE quite a bit this year.

Brian Tyms attempts to catch the ball as Washington Redskins defensive back Chase Minnifield (38) defends in the third quarter during a preseason game at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”199″ />

Wide Receivers (6)

Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, Matthew Slater

Analysis: This is another spot that will be closely monitored on the waiver wire. Dobson hasn’t been able to stay healthy and Amendola’s ability to stay available is also questionable. Brian Tyms will not be available for the first 4 games due to suspension or else he would have been in this group. Josh Boyce hasn’t shown the ability to be an NFL wideout, the roster spot is more useful in another grouping.

Tight Ends (2)

Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui

Analysis: The weakest spot on the offense. I kept two because nobody else has stepped up in games to show me otherwise. James Develin and Nate Solder have both lined up at TE and shown up more then any of the other options. The Patriots need to hope someone is released elsewhere.

Offensive Line (9)

Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Marcus Cannon, Sebastian Vollmer, Bryan Stork, Cam Fleming, Josh Kline, Jon Halapio

Analysis: I have Ryan Wendell on the outside looking in, mainly because he was awful in 2013. I had hoped Stork would seize the job, but has been hurt. Connolly can be a decent center in the meantime, while Marcus Cannon and Josh Kline have both shown the ability to play guard.

Defensive Line (11)

Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Vince Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Michael Buchanan, Dominique Easley, Zach Moore, Joe Vellano, Chris Jones, Seaver Siliga, Jerel Worthy

Analysis: There are a few banged up players in this group, so some may end up on PUP, but I think this is a solid group as long as the front line guys can remain healthy unlike in 2013.

Linebackers (6)

Jerod Mayo, Donta Hightower, Jamie Collins, James Anderson, Darius Fleming, Steve Beauharnais

Analysis: Not a lot of depth in the LB corps again this year. Fleming has flashed in his snaps however which gave him the nod over some of the other guys around him on the depth chart. Beauharnais is close to losing his spot.

Darrelle Revis (24) react after the Patriots recovered a loose ball by the Philadelphia Eagles during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”199″ />

Cornerbacks (5)

Darrelle Revis,  Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler

Analysis: This group will be without Brandon Browner for the first 4 games, but this is probably the strongest group on the team. Malcolm Butler has been fantastic all preseason, they may have a gem there.

Safetys (4)

Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner

Analysis: Strong Safety has been the biggest competition all of Patriots camp, and we have no clear leader. Harmon is my choice, but Chung has done some nice things as well. I left Tavon Wilson off this list, he just hasn’t done enough to warrant keeping him.

Arrelious Benn (17) blocks the punt of New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen (6) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”187″ />

Special Teams (3)

Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Danny Aiken

Analysis: This was the easiest group to predict, mainly because all three of these guys basically have no competition. Allen did have a sloppy game against Philly though, which makes me wonder if they bring someone else in soon to give him some heat.

PUP/Suspension

Brandon Browner, Brian Tyms