NE Patriots 2019 Roster & Moves

[Shoeshine Boy]

Jake Eldenkramp was the drop for Shelton

No particular feelings about it. Had high hopes for him last year, other than one big play in the SB he mostly sucked. But he’s a big body with a year in the system who presumably came cheap so I guess we’ll see if he can be better the second run through

 

[BigKen]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced that they have re-signed DL Danny Shelton. Terms of the contract were not announced. In addition, the Patriots have released OL Jake Eldrenkamp.

Shelton, 25, originally joined New England in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on March 15, 2018. He played in 13 regular-season games with one start for the Patriots in 2018 and finished with 21 total tackles. Shelton played in two postseason games last season, including Super Bowl LIII and finished with two tackles. The 6-foot-2, 345-pounder entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick (12th overall) by Cleveland in the 2015 Draft out of Washington. He has played in 59 total games with 46 starts and has 149 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks.

Eldrenkamp, 25, was signed by the Patriots on Feb. 5, 2019. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Los Angeles Rams out of Washington on May 1, 2017. The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder spent one week in 2017 on the Rams practice squad and was brought back for training camp in 2018. He was released by the Rams at the end of training camp and spent the majority of the season on the Cleveland practice squad. Eldrenkamp started in his final two seasons at Washington at left guard.

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

Danny Shelton's deal with the Patriots is for one-year with a signing bonus of $75,000, a base salary of $805,000 and bonuses/incentives worth up to $150,000. Cap charge: $1,001,875.

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

The Patriots have signed undrafted rookie WR/PR Gunner Olszewski of Division II Bemidji State (Minnesota). Olszewski, who played CB in college, was present at today's voluntary organized team activity, wearing No. 72.

 

[BigKen]

Recap of OTAs..............Today was the first that allowed the media to watch.....

Patriots 2019 OTAs recap: N’Keal Harry, J.C. Jackson among the standout performers

 

[Southieinnc]

The Patriots have signed undrafted rookie WR/PR Gunner Olszewski of Division II Bemidji State (Minnesota). Olszewski, who played CB in college, was present at today's voluntary organized team activity, wearing No. 72.

Patriots giving PS player starter money.....

Report: Gunner Olszewski receives rookie minimum deal from Patriots

 

[Southieinnc]

New England Patriots 2019 Salary Cap

We are currently around $5 million.

When you go down the cap roster I get to #18 I start to see veterans on the bubble.
We will surely cut some veterans from the "top 51" That will allow us quite a bit to work with.....

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

Patriots giving PS player starter money.....

Report: Gunner Olszewski receives rookie minimum deal from Patriots

That doesn’t mean anything. That’s a standard contract. The puny signing bonus is far more indicative of his status.

 

[Southieinnc]

That doesn’t mean anything. That’s a standard contract. The puny signing bonus is far more indicative of his status.

He's a UDFA. They did not have to give him the starter money. The fact that they did speaks volumes.
He'll likely not make the 53 man squad. but he will make it to the PS and not get poached because we are paying him starter money. A year of development and practicing with SB Champs........

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

If they had guaranteed his base salary or given him that salary to be on the PS in September your point would be valid. When they cut him from the roster to sign him to be on the PS, that $480k salary no longer exists. That is just the CBA-mandated minimum salary standard player contract. That money wouldn’t kick in unless he outright makes the team. You’re reading way too much into this.

 

[redseat]

The Patriots have signed undrafted rookie WR/PR Gunner Olszewski of Division II Bemidji State (Minnesota). Olszewski, who played CB in college, was present at today's voluntary organized team activity, wearing No. 72.

Never heard of Bemidji State. I don't think I can even pronounce that

 

[BigKen]

Bem id gee

 

[BigKen]

By Karen Guregian | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: May 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm | UPDATED: May 28, 2019 at 5:13 pm

The Patriots have been busy since their February parade. The defending Super Bowl champions haven’t exactly been content to sit on championship No. 6.

With that in mind, here’s our first crack at projecting the Patriots 53-man roster:

QUARTERBACK (3)

MAKING THE TEAM
Tom Brady
Brian Hoyer
Jarrett Stidham

FALLING SHORT
Danny Etling

The Herald’s Take: Brady has repeated his routine from last season, skipping the voluntary workouts, although he has gotten in throws with Julian Edelman and rookie first-round pick N’Keal Harry. The GOAT did start slowly last year, but ultimately had it clicking at the right time. There’s no reason to suspect he won’t again, even at age 42. As for how many quarterbacks Belichick will have behind him, it’s too risky to go with rookie Stidham alone, based on the early returns. He’ll certainly stick, given he was a fourth-rounder. They need to see if he’ll develop. So veteran Hoyer, who proved a valuable understudy particularly on the scout team, remains. Etling, on the practice squad last season, is once again the odd man out.

RUNNING BACK (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Brandon Bolden
Rex Burkhead
Damien Harris
Sony Michel
James White

FALLING SHORT
Nick Brossette

The Herald’s Take: The group is stacked. There’s a back for every purpose, and they’re all pretty darn good. Michel is the lead back, but rookie Harris will provide another go-to option so the load isn’t too great on a player who has a history of knee trouble. Burkhead might be on the fence, but the team really likes what he provides when he’s healthy. With the team more focused on the run, chances are, they’ll keep him. White remains the quintessential third down back. Bolden resumes his role as a core special teams player.

FULLBACK (1)

MAKING THE TEAM
James Develin

FALLING SHORT
Jakob Johnson

The Herald’s Take: Develin is literally the leading man of the run game. He paved the way for many of Michel’s long runs last season. Develin typically finds the hole and clears the path for backs. He’s one of the physical tone-setters. Develin was also used in short yardage situations, scoring four touchdowns. With a heavier reliance on the run game, his importance is magnified. Former German football league player Johnson is a practice squad candidate.

WIDE RECEIVER (6)

MAKING THE TEAM
Braxton Berrios
Phillip Dorsett
Julian Edelman
Maurice Harris
N’Keal Harry
Matthew Slater

FALLING SHORT
Ryan Davis
Dontrelle Inman
Jakobi Meyers
Gunner Olszewski
Damoun Patterson

The Herald’s Take: Just pencil in Edelman and first-round pick Harry, who made a great first impression during Thursday’s OTA session, and has also practiced privately with Brady. Dorsett should get a third spot, while an interesting competition will play out for the other spots. Berrios, Inman, Harris and undrafted rookies Meyers and Davis will be battling for a few remaining positions. At this stage, second-year man Berrios gets the edge, and Harris also makes it given all the assignments he was involved in Thursday. Demaryius Thomas will likely start on the PUP list. Josh Gordon is suspended indefinitely.

TIGHT END (2)

MAKING THE TEAM
Matt LaCosse
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
*Benjamin Watson

FALLING SHORT
Stephen Anderson
Andrew Beck
Ryan Izzo

The Herald’s Take: For the first time in a decade, the Patriots won’t have Rob Gronkowski in this group. Needless to say, there’s a significant drop off without him. Watson returns after nine seasons away. He’ll be serving a PED suspension for the first four games and doesn’t count against the roster during that time. The question is whether or not to add someone else during those four games. Having just two works given Develin can also fill in. Seferian-Jenkins will help if he can stay healthy. LaCosse can block and catch the football.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8)

MAKING THE TEAM
David Andrews
Yodny Cajuste
Marcus Cannon
Hjalte Froholdt
Ted Karras
Shaq Mason
Joe Thuney
Isaiah Wynn

FALLING SHORT
Cole Croston
James Ferentz
Tyler Gauthier
Cedrick Lang
Brian Schwenke
Dan Skipper
Tyree St. Louis

The Herald’s Take: The Patriots seemed in pretty good shape across the board, but the retirement of Jared Veldheer after one week with the team has left them short at the most important position on the line protecting Brady. Veldheer was going to provide insurance at left tackle for Isaiah Wynn, who is presumed to be the starter if all goes well with him coming back from a torn Achilles. That’s a big if. At Thursday’s OTA session, with Wynn and Cajuste missing, starting left guard Thuney was at left tackle. Rookie Cajuste had quad surgery in March. Not what you’re looking for, so the guess here is a veteran offensive tackle will be added soon.

DEFENSIVE END (4)

MAKING THE TEAM
Michael Bennett
John Simon
Chase Winovich
Deatrich Wise Jr.

FALLING SHORT
Keionta Davis
Derek Rivers
Nick Thurman

The Herald’s Take: The addition of Bennett and drafting of Winovich put some jobs in jeopardy. Wise and Simon stick, while Rivers and Davis don’t make the cut, but both could wind up on the practice squad. Having versatile guys like Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, who can play the edge, also keeps the numbers low here and makes more guys expendable.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4)

MAKING THE TEAM
Adam Butler
Lawrence Guy
Mike Pennel
Danny Shelton

FALLING SHORT
Byron Cowart
Trent Harris
Ufomba Kamalu
David Parry

The Herald’s Take: There will be some competition in the trenches for the final spots up front. Butler and Guy will make it. Newly acquired Pennel fits in that category, too. The former Jet is massive and looks strong as a bull. Right now, Shelton gets the final spot. We’ll see if rookie Cowart can push for the job. Ditto free agent signee Parry.

LINEBACKER (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Jamie Collins
Dont’a Hightower
Brandon King
Kyle Van Noy

FALLING SHORT
Shilique Calhoun
Terez Hall
Calvin Munson
Elandon Roberts
Christian Sam

The Herald’s Take: The addition of Collins should give Belichick an important matchup piece in the passing game if the linebacker does what’s expected. The group had some issues covering tight ends and running backs last season, and the athletic Collins should be in the mix to handle those assignments. The return of Bentley will allow Hightower to play on the line and rush off the edge more often. Bentley will be the primary run stuffer in the middle. That makes Roberts expendable. He’s the tough cut from a group that’s a real strength. Sam, injured during his rookie season last year, will have a tough time cracking this lineup. He’s practice squad material. King, listed as a linebacker, is a core special teams player. He just signed an extension, so he stays.

SAFETY (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Patrick Chung
Nate Ebner
Duron Harmon
Obi Melifonwu
Devin McCourty

FALLING SHORT
Terrance Brooks
Malik Grant
A.J. Howard

The Herald’s Take: A strong veteran group. It starts with the big three – McCourty, Chung and Harmon. After that trio will be Ebner, the core special teams player, and Melifonwu, who dipped his toe in last year after being signed but might have a better handle on the defense after a year. We’ll see over time if he gets ousted by Brooks, another top special teams performer brought in, or undrafted rookie Grant. Belichick seems to like Brooks, so he could bump Melifonwu.

CORNERBACK (7)

MAKING THE TEAM
Keion Crossen
Duke Dawson
Stephon Gilmore
J.C. Jackson
Jonathan Jones
Jason McCourty
Joejuan Williams

FALLING SHORT
Ross D’Angelo
Ken Webster

The Herald’s Take: Another category that’s loaded with talent, and an absolute strength. Gilmore, McCourty and second round-pick Williams are locks. That’s pretty much the case with Jackson and Jones, who had significant roles during the Super Bowl run last season. That leaves a battle between Crossen, 2018 second-round pick Dawson and 2019 seventh-round pick Webster. Crossen was a seventh-rounder in the same draft as Dawson, and earned playing time over Dawson late in the season. He was pitted against Tyreek Hill in the AFC Championship Game for a bunch of snaps. Crossen is also an effective special teams player. Webster didn’t look out of place Thursday. For now, Crossen and Dawson stick, but ultimately might have to part with one of them as well.

SPECIALISTS (3)

MAKING THE TEAM
Jake Bailey
Joe Cardona
Stephen Gostkowski

FALLING SHORT
Ryan Allen

The Herald’s Take: Gostkowski and Cardona are givens. Didn’t want to leave Allen, the other long-time member of the trio, off. He was tremendous in the Super Bowl. But the Pats did move up to select Bailey in the fifth round. It seems the writing is on the wall if Bailey looks good in the camps. He was impressive on Thursday; he’s got a big leg, and then some. He can really sky the ball, and carry it deep. Plus, the returners had trouble holding onto his punts because of the trajectory and rotation. He was also good with directional kicking. Don’t think Allen wins this duel.

 

[nefansince75]

By Karen Guregian | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: May 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm | UPDATED: May 28, 2019 at 5:13 pm

The Patriots have been busy since their February parade. The defending Super Bowl champions haven’t exactly been content to sit on championship No. 6.

With that in mind, here’s our first crack at projecting the Patriots 53-man roster:

QUARTERBACK (3)

MAKING THE TEAM
Tom Brady
Brian Hoyer
Jarrett Stidham

FALLING SHORT
Danny Etling

The Herald’s Take: Brady has repeated his routine from last season, skipping the voluntary workouts, although he has gotten in throws with Julian Edelman and rookie first-round pick N’Keal Harry. The GOAT did start slowly last year, but ultimately had it clicking at the right time. There’s no reason to suspect he won’t again, even at age 42. As for how many quarterbacks Belichick will have behind him, it’s too risky to go with rookie Stidham alone, based on the early returns. He’ll certainly stick, given he was a fourth-rounder. They need to see if he’ll develop. So veteran Hoyer, who proved a valuable understudy particularly on the scout team, remains. Etling, on the practice squad last season, is once again the odd man out.

RUNNING BACK (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Brandon Bolden
Rex Burkhead
Damien Harris
Sony Michel
James White

FALLING SHORT
Nick Brossette

The Herald’s Take: The group is stacked. There’s a back for every purpose, and they’re all pretty darn good. Michel is the lead back, but rookie Harris will provide another go-to option so the load isn’t too great on a player who has a history of knee trouble. Burkhead might be on the fence, but the team really likes what he provides when he’s healthy. With the team more focused on the run, chances are, they’ll keep him. White remains the quintessential third down back. Bolden resumes his role as a core special teams player.

FULLBACK (1)

MAKING THE TEAM
James Develin

FALLING SHORT
Jakob Johnson

The Herald’s Take: Develin is literally the leading man of the run game. He paved the way for many of Michel’s long runs last season. Develin typically finds the hole and clears the path for backs. He’s one of the physical tone-setters. Develin was also used in short yardage situations, scoring four touchdowns. With a heavier reliance on the run game, his importance is magnified. Former German football league player Johnson is a practice squad candidate.

WIDE RECEIVER (6)

MAKING THE TEAM
Braxton Berrios
Phillip Dorsett
Julian Edelman
Maurice Harris
N’Keal Harry
Matthew Slater

FALLING SHORT
Ryan Davis
Dontrelle Inman
Jakobi Meyers
Gunner Olszewski
Damoun Patterson

The Herald’s Take: Just pencil in Edelman and first-round pick Harry, who made a great first impression during Thursday’s OTA session, and has also practiced privately with Brady. Dorsett should get a third spot, while an interesting competition will play out for the other spots. Berrios, Inman, Harris and undrafted rookies Meyers and Davis will be battling for a few remaining positions. At this stage, second-year man Berrios gets the edge, and Harris also makes it given all the assignments he was involved in Thursday. Demaryius Thomas will likely start on the PUP list. Josh Gordon is suspended indefinitely.

TIGHT END (2)

MAKING THE TEAM
Matt LaCosse
Austin Seferian-Jenkins
*Benjamin Watson

FALLING SHORT
Stephen Anderson
Andrew Beck
Ryan Izzo

The Herald’s Take: For the first time in a decade, the Patriots won’t have Rob Gronkowski in this group. Needless to say, there’s a significant drop off without him. Watson returns after nine seasons away. He’ll be serving a PED suspension for the first four games and doesn’t count against the roster during that time. The question is whether or not to add someone else during those four games. Having just two works given Develin can also fill in. Seferian-Jenkins will help if he can stay healthy. LaCosse can block and catch the football.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8)

MAKING THE TEAM
David Andrews
Yodny Cajuste
Marcus Cannon
Hjalte Froholdt
Ted Karras
Shaq Mason
Joe Thuney
Isaiah Wynn

FALLING SHORT
Cole Croston
James Ferentz
Tyler Gauthier
Cedrick Lang
Brian Schwenke
Dan Skipper
Tyree St. Louis

The Herald’s Take: The Patriots seemed in pretty good shape across the board, but the retirement of Jared Veldheer after one week with the team has left them short at the most important position on the line protecting Brady. Veldheer was going to provide insurance at left tackle for Isaiah Wynn, who is presumed to be the starter if all goes well with him coming back from a torn Achilles. That’s a big if. At Thursday’s OTA session, with Wynn and Cajuste missing, starting left guard Thuney was at left tackle. Rookie Cajuste had quad surgery in March. Not what you’re looking for, so the guess here is a veteran offensive tackle will be added soon.

DEFENSIVE END (4)

MAKING THE TEAM
Michael Bennett
John Simon
Chase Winovich
Deatrich Wise Jr.

FALLING SHORT
Keionta Davis
Derek Rivers
Nick Thurman

The Herald’s Take: The addition of Bennett and drafting of Winovich put some jobs in jeopardy. Wise and Simon stick, while Rivers and Davis don’t make the cut, but both could wind up on the practice squad. Having versatile guys like Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, who can play the edge, also keeps the numbers low here and makes more guys expendable.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4)

MAKING THE TEAM
Adam Butler
Lawrence Guy
Mike Pennel
Danny Shelton

FALLING SHORT
Byron Cowart
Trent Harris
Ufomba Kamalu
David Parry

The Herald’s Take: There will be some competition in the trenches for the final spots up front. Butler and Guy will make it. Newly acquired Pennel fits in that category, too. The former Jet is massive and looks strong as a bull. Right now, Shelton gets the final spot. We’ll see if rookie Cowart can push for the job. Ditto free agent signee Parry.

LINEBACKER (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Ja’Whaun Bentley
Jamie Collins
Dont’a Hightower
Brandon King
Kyle Van Noy

FALLING SHORT
Shilique Calhoun
Terez Hall
Calvin Munson
Elandon Roberts
Christian Sam

The Herald’s Take: The addition of Collins should give Belichick an important matchup piece in the passing game if the linebacker does what’s expected. The group had some issues covering tight ends and running backs last season, and the athletic Collins should be in the mix to handle those assignments. The return of Bentley will allow Hightower to play on the line and rush off the edge more often. Bentley will be the primary run stuffer in the middle. That makes Roberts expendable. He’s the tough cut from a group that’s a real strength. Sam, injured during his rookie season last year, will have a tough time cracking this lineup. He’s practice squad material. King, listed as a linebacker, is a core special teams player. He just signed an extension, so he stays.

SAFETY (5)

MAKING THE TEAM
Patrick Chung
Nate Ebner
Duron Harmon
Obi Melifonwu
Devin McCourty

FALLING SHORT
Terrance Brooks
Malik Grant
A.J. Howard

The Herald’s Take: A strong veteran group. It starts with the big three – McCourty, Chung and Harmon. After that trio will be Ebner, the core special teams player, and Melifonwu, who dipped his toe in last year after being signed but might have a better handle on the defense after a year. We’ll see over time if he gets ousted by Brooks, another top special teams performer brought in, or undrafted rookie Grant. Belichick seems to like Brooks, so he could bump Melifonwu.

CORNERBACK (7)

MAKING THE TEAM
Keion Crossen
Duke Dawson
Stephon Gilmore
J.C. Jackson
Jonathan Jones
Jason McCourty
Joejuan Williams

FALLING SHORT
Ross D’Angelo
Ken Webster

The Herald’s Take: Another category that’s loaded with talent, and an absolute strength. Gilmore, McCourty and second round-pick Williams are locks. That’s pretty much the case with Jackson and Jones, who had significant roles during the Super Bowl run last season. That leaves a battle between Crossen, 2018 second-round pick Dawson and 2019 seventh-round pick Webster. Crossen was a seventh-rounder in the same draft as Dawson, and earned playing time over Dawson late in the season. He was pitted against Tyreek Hill in the AFC Championship Game for a bunch of snaps. Crossen is also an effective special teams player. Webster didn’t look out of place Thursday. For now, Crossen and Dawson stick, but ultimately might have to part with one of them as well.

SPECIALISTS (3)

MAKING THE TEAM
Jake Bailey
Joe Cardona
Stephen Gostkowski

FALLING SHORT
Ryan Allen

The Herald’s Take: Gostkowski and Cardona are givens. Didn’t want to leave Allen, the other long-time member of the trio, off. He was tremendous in the Super Bowl. But the Pats did move up to select Bailey in the fifth round. It seems the writing is on the wall if Bailey looks good in the camps. He was impressive on Thursday; he’s got a big leg, and then some. He can really sky the ball, and carry it deep. Plus, the returners had trouble holding onto his punts because of the trajectory and rotation. He was also good with directional kicking. Don’t think Allen wins this duel.

So BK, if I remember correctly, you commented on the last similar article that left Elandon Roberts on the bubble as improbable since Roberts had a really good year stopping the run. Do you think this piece is just a rehash, or are you starting to thing Roberts may be in jeopardy?

 

[BigKen]

So BK, if I remember correctly, you commented on the last similar article that left Elandon Roberts on the bubble as improbable since Roberts had a really good year stopping the run. Do you think this piece is just a rehash, or are you starting to thing Roberts may be in jeopardy?

Notice the author? Karen Guerigian, not BigKen. I think her take is worth posting because she's doing the majority of the Herald's Patriot coverage. I don't agree with her 100% because I see things a bit different. I believe Roberts and Ryan will make the 53 man roster. Ryan is an above average return guy. I don't think that they will keep 7 RBs including the FB. I honestly didn't study it that closely, but now that I have a little down time, I'll go over it a bit more closely.

 

[nefansince75]

Notice the author? Karen Guerigian, not BigKen. I think her take is worth posting because she's doing the majority of the Herald's Patriot coverage. I don't agree with her 100% because I see things a bit different. I believe Roberts and Ryan will make the 53 man roster. Ryan is an above average return guy. I don't think that they will keep 7 RBs including the FB. I honestly didn't study it that closely, but now that I have a little down time, I'll go over it a bit more closely.

Notice I asked if you thought this piece was a rehash? That means I know you didn't write it. I was just asking if your position was changing as more opinions about Roberts was changing.

I realize you wouldn't change your opinion because more wind was blowing in a different direction. Some of the new winds may have presented something new.

 

[Southieinnc]

I certainly do not agree with these predictions as a whole. Some are obvious, more are on the bubble than shown here. Lots will change when the practices start getting serious. There truly are a lot of jobs up for grabs.

Just the TE's, nobody has an edge at this point. Some of the good young blockers, if they show they can run a route and make a few catches - Gronk's blocking will be missed more than his catches.....

 

[NWPATSFAN]

I certainly do not agree with these predictions as a whole. Some are obvious, more are on the bubble than shown here. Lots will change when the practices start getting serious. There truly are a lot of jobs up for grabs.

Just the TE's, nobody has an edge at this point. Some of the good young blockers, if they show they can run a route and make a few catches - Gronk's blocking will be missed more than his catches.....

Unfortunately we need to add the inevitable injuries to the list which will help in trimming down to 53.

 

[Southieinnc]

Unfortunately we need to add the inevitable injuries to the list which will help in trimming down to 53.

Plus Foxboro Flu victims.....

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Well....That was quick.


Patriots to release tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins