Within the next few days, the New England Patriots will be emptying lockers as Week 1 looms in just 10 days.
Since our last roster outlook, a number of moves have been made, which will factor in our second version. Here is the second and final predicted breakdown of the 2019 New England Patriots that should be suiting up next Sunday against Pittsburgh.
Quarterbacks and offensive playmakers
Quarterback (2)– Tom Brady, Jarett Stidham
Jarrett Stidham may have just forced veteran backup Brian Hoyer off the roster. With a numerous amount of wide receivers and young defensive playmakers, adding that extra roster spot could be ideal for Bill Belichick. With Tom Brady’s track record of missing hardly any games throughout his career, this could only finish the decision.
Running Back (5)– James White, Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris.
After giving some more thought, having that extra insurance back could be just what the Patriots need come late-season. Last year, you saw WR/ Return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson taking snaps at RB. I’m sure that was not the Plan A. But with carrying five backs, the likelihood of running into that problem again is slim.
Wide Receiver (7)– Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry, Demaryius Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski
The shifty D2 Bimidji State man Gunner (Ol-shess-key) Olszewski also might have earned himself on the 53. He has ripped apart opposing special teams on punt returns thus far. With an aging Julian Edelman, it’s probably discussed within the organization that his days fielding punts should be numbered.
Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Demaryius Thomas all fully returning to practice makes this group maybe the deepest its ever been for TB12.
Tight end and offensive line
Tight End (3)- Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo, James Develin (FB)
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Again accounting for Ben Watson‘s 4-game suspension, you might see just a pair of tight ends make the initial roster. Ryan Izzo’s size and chemistry with Brady gives him the edge over older players such as Lance Kendricks and Stephen Anderson.
Offensive Line (8)- Isaiah Wynn, Joe Thuney, Ted Karras, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon, Jermaine Eluemunor, Korey Cunningham, Hjalte Froholdt
The New England Patriots acquired two lineman via trade on Wednesday.
Jermaine Eluemunor (Baltimore Ravens) and Cunningham (Cardinals). Both figure to make the team solely because Bill Belichick would not be selling off draft picks for guys they would cut just days later. Both have experience and versatility, something that is desperately needed after the loss of team captain and starting center David Andrews (blood clots in lungs). Ted Karras seems to be the replacement at center for now.
The front seven
Defensive Line (8)- Michael Bennett, Lawrence Guy, Danny Shelton, Chase Winovich, John Simon, Adam Butler, Deatrich Wise, Byron Cowart
The Deatrich Wise versus Derek Rivers debate could be over. Rivers went down week 2 versus the Titans, and has not practiced since. The Patriots go with a healthy Deatrich Wise. And as for the interior, we saw the first surprise cut of camp just days ago with Mike Pennel packing his bags. Stories say how he was beat out by rookie Byron Cowart, who gets the nod here.
Linebacker (6)– Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elandon Roberts, Calvin Munson
Brandon King suffered a season ending quad injury that propels the rising Calvin Munson into this group. Munson has made the most out of his limited reps this preseason showing off his impressive ability to get to the quarterback. The rest being the same, Coach Mayo has surely gotten ahold of this group very quickly. They have shown nearly no errors so far.
Defensive backs and specialists
Cornerback (6)- Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson, Jason McCourty, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, Keion Crossen.
It is hard imagine the New England Patriots finding a spot for sluggish sophomore Duke Dawson. Especially with 2nd round rookie Joejuan Williams showing decent promise so far. Another team could look to trade for Dawson, in looks to uncover his true abilities. I would say give Dawson another go, but is . there really a corner here you would cut for him (given Crossen’s special teams abilities).
Safety (4)– Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Terrence Brooks
Facing possession of cocaine charges, indications show that Patrick Chung should be okay to play in games for the foreseeable future. The Patriots do however cut ties with Nate Ebner and Obi Melifonwu, to carry an extra Wide Receiver and Running Back. However, safety hasn’t been a need for the Patriots in some time, so only carrying four shouldn’t be an issue.
Specialists (4)– K Stephen Gostkowski, P Jake Bailey, Ace Matthew Slater, LS Joe Cardona
Quick note here: It will be interesting to see what happens if SG3 keeps missing field goals the rate he has been in preseason. Also, Jake Bailey has performed extremely well so far.
IR/PUP/NFI- C David Andrews, LB/ST Brandon King, WR Cameron Meredith, OT Yodny Cajuste, CB De’Angelo Ross.