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New England Patriots: Taking a crack at the 53-man roster

By Logan Jakubajtys

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs on to the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs on to the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Wyoming tight end Jacob Hollister looks for an opening in the Colorado State Rams defense at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Austin Humphreys/The Coloradoan via USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers (5)

  • Julian Edelman
  • Brandin Cooks
  • Chris Hogan
  • Malcolm Mitchell
  • Danny Amendola

I don’t think we will see any surprises at the wide receiver spot. Early in the offseason, I thought that Danny Amendola could be a surprise cut for Austin Carr, but I’m flipping the switch there. Danny Amendola has come up clutch in the playoffs in the past, and he hasn’t done anything to lose the job. I do think Malcolm Mitchell though will take some snaps away from Danny, and he could be in for a breakout year.

Brandin Cooks is the new kid on the block, but he’ll surely become a favorite target for Tom Brady. TB12 is known for spreading the ball around, but expect that to be taken to another level in 2017. He simply has so many weapons to play with this year.

Tight Ends (3)

  • Rob Gronkowski
  • Dwayne Allen
  • Jacob Hollister

Gronk is a lock. Dwayne Allen is a lock at 2. Jacob Hollister is the surprise here. The undrafted free agent will beat out Michael Williams, Rob Housler, Matt Lengel, and James O’Shaughnnesy. Hollister seems to have a higher ceiling than Housler and Lengel, and Williams is coming off of an ACL injury. James O’Shaughnnesy is a strong candidate for the final tight end spot, but Hollister’s youth gives him the edge.

Dwayne Allen is a solid number 2 behind Gronk, and even if Rob stays healthy I expect Allen to see a good amount of playing time. This is a strong tight end group that will help Brady in all types of situations.

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