Patriots 53 Man Roster..........2016

[CreepCreep2014]

So I read today that Washington cannot get on the same page as Brady, not good. Lucien looks completely overwhelmed. Which should bold well for Dobson/Martin if they stay healthy.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Veteran camp body, one every year.
Washington
Collie
Holt
Galloway
Ocho Johnson

 

[BigKen]

It's early, no contact. Remember, Washington has pretty much been a sideline streaker most of his career. Brady doesn't want anyone to just fly, he wants them to be in a certain area by a certain count. It's learning to control your body, your pace and your urges in order to have Brady trust you. In these practices, Brady has always thrown the ball to where your supposed to be, not where you are. If you're not where you're supposed to be on too many plays, you'll be playing for someone else. It ain't you..........it's US.

 

[Southieinnc]

No way Nate Washington gets cut. As far as Lucien on the PT, when everyone sees how good he is in preseason,
it will be tough for him to not get plucked by another team.

This gets said every year. The Patriots will pay him starting money to stick around (if they like him)
He'll get a chance to learn for a year before having to start. If he's smart, he'll stick around instead of going somewhere else and getting cut for not being ready.....

 

[BigKen]

Patriots have historically paid their practice squad more than the league mandates. Which of course piusses off more than a few owners because it makes those guys untouchable.

 

[BigKen]

Just read a story about the Pats signing Brissett and the effect on the cap. The minimum salary for NFL Rookies and PS is $465,000. Average PS member of the Patriots is paid between $500,000 and $600,000.

 

[redseat]

I'm a little shocked Dobson is still here to be honest. I think he has the talent but does he have the will to continue to catch the ball.

Reminds me of that kid from the movie "Ashby" who is afraid of getting hit while playing WR

 

[CreepCreep2014]

I'm a little shocked Dobson is still here to be honest. I think he has the talent but does he have the will to continue to catch the ball.

Reminds me of that kid from the movie "Ashby" who is afraid of getting hit while playing WR

Camp body for right now. JE11, Dola are hurt. You have rookies and newbies on the team. Need someone who knows the play book and can catch the ball for these QB's. Not to mention he is cheap and can be cut at anytime. I still think he makes this team.

 

[redseat]

Camp body for right now. JE11, Dola are hurt. You have rookies and newbies on the team. Need someone who knows the play book and can catch the ball for these QB's. Not to mention he is cheap and can be cut at anytime. I still think he makes this team.

True he can help the rookies and Grap

 

[BigKen]

Here's the Patriots' Capologist's look at the 53 Man roster as of July 5, 2016. It's a totally different way to look at the present and why it effects the future.

Posted July 5, 2016 at 1:03 pm
By: Miguel Benzan

I am going to blog about why the Patriots should/will be in great cap shape for the 2017 season when I realized that the best way to illustrate some of my key points was to use a 2016 53-man roster projection.

Bolded players are my roster locks. Please note that I am very conservative when it comes to categorizing a player as a roster lock.

Quarterbacks (3):
Tom Brady – signed through the 2019 season – $14M.
Jimmy Garoppolo – signed through the 2017 season – $950,154.
Jacoby Brissett – signed through the 2019 season – $620,151

Comment: If Tom Brady is suspended for the first four games of the season, that would free a roster spot and the Patriots will receive a credit for four weeks salary ($235,294) and the Patriots will have to pay a player for four weeks ($105,882)

Total for the quarterbacks – $15,570,305 (9.75% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Running Backs (4):
Brandon Bolden – signed through the 2016 season – $1,272,500
Dion Lewis – signed through the 2017 season – $ 1,087,500
LeGarrette Blount – signed through the 2016 season – $ 1,025,000
James White – signed through the 2017 season – $ 699,272

Comment: Can see Donald Brown with a great preseason overtaking James White for the fourth spot.

Cuts or Trades-
Donald Brown resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $330,000.
D.J. Foster resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $26,666 and a 2017 dead money hit of $3,334.
Tyler Gaffney – no dead money.
Joey Iosefa – no dead money

Total for the running backs on 53-man active roster – $4,084,272 (2.56% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Tight end (4):
Rob Gronkowski – signed through the 2019 season – $6,618,750
Martellus Bennett – signed through the 2016 season – $5.185M
Clay Harbor – signed through the 2017 season – $1.2875M
James Develin – signed through the 2016 season – $750,000

Comment: Including Develin as a tight end since that is the position group he practices with. Only twice in the past 11 years (2015 and 2012) have Pats not carry 3 tight ends on their Week 1 53-man roster. 2008 was the last year the total of wideouts and tight ends on the Patriots Week 1 roster was not 9.

Cuts or Trades –
A.J. Derby resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $28,013 and a 2017 dead money hit of $56,026.
Stephen Scheu resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $15,000 and a 2017 dead money hit of $10,000.
Bryce Williams resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $833 and a 2017 dead money hit of $1,667.

Total for the tight ends – $ 13,841,250 (8.67% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Wide receiver (5):
Julian Edelman – signed through the 2017 season
Danny Amendola – signed through the 2017 season
Chris Hogan – signed through the 2018 season
Malcolm Mitchell – signed through the 2019 season
Keshawn Martin – signed through the 2017 season

Comment: KeShawn Martin after receiving a $600,000 signing bonus in January has to be considered the favorite for the 5th wide receiver spot. Can see Aaron Dobson being traded to another team during roster cutdowns. 2008 was the last year the total of wideouts and tight ends on the Patriots Week 1 roster was not 9.

Cuts or Trades –
Aaron Dobson resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $218,340
Nate Washington resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $80,000
Devin Lucien resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $21,353 and a 2017 dead money hit of $64,059
Chris Harper – no dead money
DeAndre Carter – no dead money

Total for the Wide Receivers – $ 15,158,039 (9.49% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Offensive Lineman (9):
Nate Solder – signed through the 2017 season – $10,322,666
Sebastian Vollmer – signed through the 2016 season – $5,208,334
Jonathan Cooper – signed through the 2016 season – $2,388,954
LaAdrian Waddle – signed through the 2017 season – $1,087,500
Bryan Stork – signed through the 2017 season – $719,250
Tre Jackson – signed through the 2018 season – $655,935
Joe Thuney – signed through the 2019 season – $643,357
Shaq Mason – signed through the 2018 season – $635,881
David Andrews – signed through the 2017 season – $530,000

Comment: Cooper’s salary and roster bonus are fully guaranteed.

Cuts or Trades:
Marcus Cannon – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $1,166,668
Jonathan Kline – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $250,000 and a 2017 dead money hit of $250,000
Ted Karras – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $25,089 and a 2017 dead money hit of $75,267
Chris Barker – no dead money
Cameron Fleming – no dead money
Keavon Milton – no dead money

Total for the Offensive Linemen – $15,158,039 (9.49% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Defensive Ends (6):
Jabaal Sheard – signed through the 2016 season – $6,812,500
Rob Ninkovich – signed through the 2016 season – $4,750,000
Chris Long – signed through the 2016 season – $2,375,000
Shea McClellin – signed through the 2018 season – $2,233,333
Geneo Grissom – signed through the 2018 season – $680,487
Trey Flowers – signed through the 2018 season – $664,733

Comment: Including McClellin as a defensive end since that is the position group he practiced with during OTAs. Chris Long will earn a $250,000 roster bonus if he is on the 53-man roster once under his current contract.

Total for the Defensive Ends – $17,516,053 (10.97% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Defensive Tackles (4):
Alan Branch – signed through the 2016 season – $2,750,000
Terrance Knighton – signed through the 2016 season – $2,018,750
Malcom Brown – signed through the 2018 season with an option for the 2019 season – $1,730,280
Vincent Valentine – signed through the 2019 season – $611,355

Comment: If Frank Kearse is released before training camp, his dead money will drop by $30,000 as the Patriots will have avoided paying him his $30,000 reporting bonus.

Cuts or Trades:
Markus Kuhn – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $140,000
Frank Kearse – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $60,000
Woodrow Hamilton – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $5,833 and a 2017 dead money hit of $1,667
Joe Vellano – no dead money
Anthony Johnson – no dead money

Total for the Defensive Tackles – $7,110,385 (4.45% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

LineBackers (3):
Dont’a Hightower – signed through the 2016 season – $7,751,000
Jonathan Freeny – signed through the 2016 season – $1,737,500
Jamie Collins – signed through the 2016 season – $1,196,683

Comment: If Ramon Humber is released before training camp, his dead money will drop by $25,000 as the Patriots will have avoided paying him his $25,000 reporting bonus.

Cuts or Trades:
Ramon Humber – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $50,000
Elandon Roberts – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $25,089 and a 2017 dead money hit of $75,267
Kamu Grugier-Hill – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $25,089 and a 2017 dead money hit of $75,267
C.J. Johnson – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $10,000 and a 2017 dead money hit of $10,000
Kevin Snyder – no dead money
Rufus Johnson – no dead money

Total for the Linebackers – $10,685,183 (4.45% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Cornerbacks (5):
Logan Ryan – signed through the 2016 season – $1,811,813
Cyrus Jones – signed through the 2019 season – $728,491
Jonathan Jones – signed through the 2018 season – $453,333
Malcolm Butler – signed through the 2016 season – $600,000
Justin Coleman – signed through the 2016 season – $525,000

Comment: If E.J. Biggers is released before training camp, his dead money will drop by $25,000 as the Patriots will have avoided paying him his $25,000 reporting bonus.

Cuts or Trades:
E.J. Biggers – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $50,000
V’Angelo Bentley – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $10,833 and a 2017 dead money of $6,667
Cre’von LeBlanc – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $10,833 and a 2017 dead money hit of $6,667
Darryl Roberts – resulting in a 2016 dead money hit of $13,556 and a 2017 dead money of $27,112
Brock Vereen – no dead money

Total for the Cornerbacks – $4,118,637 (2.58% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Safeties (4):
Devin McCourty – signed through the 2019 season – $7,937,500
Patrick Chung – signed through the 2017 season – $3,187,500
Duron Harmon – signed through the 2016 season – $ 1,804,400
Jordan Richards – signed through the 2018 season – $ 843,534

Comment: Devin’s 2016 salary is fully guaranteed.

Cuts or Trades:
Cedric Thompson – no dead money

Total for the Safeties – $13,772,934 (8.63% of the Patriots adjusted cap)

Special Teams (6):
Stephen Gostkowski – signed through the 2018 season – $4,100,000
Matthew Slater – signed through the 2016 season – $3,187,500
Ryan Allen – signed through the 2018 season – $1,700,000
Nate Ebner – signed through the 2017 season – $1,192,187
Joe Cardona – signed through the 2018 season – $587,500
Brandon King – signed through the 2017 season – $525,000

Comment: Ryan Allen’s 2016 salary is fully guaranteed.

Cuts or Trades:
Christian Yount – no dead money

- See more at: Patscap’s 53-man roster projection for the Patriots

 

[Southieinnc]

RB) I'm thinking that Gaffney, DJ Foster, and Joey Iosefa all have as decent a chance as James White, though Iosefa is more expendable with Develin back.

WR) Chris Harper and Devin Lucien both have a chance to make the team or join P.S.

CB) Darryl Roberts is certainly still in the mix.

 

[BigKen]

Say whatever you want, but this Patriots team is loaded and very deep. Even the OL has been quietly reinforced and not one signing has made the sports page, just the transactions.

18 Days to Training Camp.

 

[Southieinnc]

11 undrafted free agents who should win jobs in training camp

4. Jonathan Jones, CB, Patriots

New England is at it again a couple years after stealing Malcolm Butler. The Patriots' secondary is a little in flux, and they were drawn to the speed Jones brings in staying with slot receivers in nickel packages. Bill Belichick has room on his roster for such a specialized defensive role. Jones will keep up momentum from minicamp to make the team.

 

[BigKen]

Posted July 11, 2016 at 6:00 am
By: Steve Balestrieri

Unit Still Has Questions Entering 2016
The Patriots head into training camp in just a few weeks and there should be no shortage of competition at a number of spots. As a lead-in to the beginning of camp, we’ll break down the positions and give our take on who is a lock, a near lock for the 53-man roster and who is on the bubble. We start the week off at the running back position.

Bill Belichick likes to say that the spring’s OTAs and Minicamp is a learning exercise and that the real competition begins in training camp. While that is true to an extent, with 89 players on the current roster, a minimum of 36 of these will be cut. That doesn’t take into consideration the tweaking that goes on during the season after the initial 53-man roster is completed.

So we’ll start with the running backs. We know Bill Belichick likes a running back by committee, which tends to keep those fantasy numbers down but keeps their legs fresh. The team lost both starters to season-ending injuries a year ago as LaGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis ended up on IR. Although they return in 2016, it isn’t a given both will be ready for the start of camp.

So who’s locked in and who’s on the bubble?

Roster Locks: Dion Lewis
Lewis burst onto the scene a year ago and was absolutely electric once he got his hands on the ball. He proved to be tough to bring down in the open field and was fantastic as a pass receiver out of the backfield.

Among his many highlights arguably his best was a 10-yard touchdown against Dallas. Lewis caught the pass from QB Tom Brady one-handed and proceeded to shake and bake his way into the end zone making no less than three defenders miss.


Dion Lewis was fantastic in 2015 prior to going down with a season-ending injury. (USA TODAY Images)
Lewis was rewarded with a contract extension during the season but ended up tearing his ACL on a non-contact play against the Redskins. He had season-ending surgery and was definitely missed down the stretch and into the playoffs. He did make it onto the field for the last of the spring workouts and was running and cutting without a knee brace so there is room for optimism that he’ll be ready for the beginning of the year.

Near Roster Locks: LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, James Develin
While Blount isn’t highly thought of outside of Foxboro circles, he remains a favorite of Belichick. The big (6’0, 250lb) running back is a threat if he can get to the second level of the defense and had decent numbers a year ago.

Blount had 165 carries for 703 yards, for a 4.3-yard average with six touchdowns rushing. He also caught six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. He’s never been much of a receiving threat out of the backfield but can catch the odd pass occasionally.

The biggest question for him now is his injured hip. Will he be ready to go once training camp begins? And will his hip allow him to return to the same level, movement wise for him to be effective?


LaGarrette Blount, if healthy will be the Patriots big back in the running game. (SBalestrieri/PatsFans image)
Bolden is a proven core special teams’ player who can contribute on occasion both running and catching the ball out of the backfield. I don’t see him going anywhere in the short-term future. Develin was a guy who was missed in the running game last year, especially in short-yardage situations. He’s versatile, and can line up as a fullback, H-back or as a tight end.

As a lead blocker, Develin can really open up some holes for the backs to get to the second level. But his absence a year ago also hurt in play-action passing situations. Teams didn’t respect the run enough to bite as much on play-action passes, something which should return this year.

On the Bubble: Donald Brown, James White, D.J. Foster
The Patriots could use a back that can backup Blount as the bigger back and carry the ball if he were to go down. Brown is a veteran that can not only carry the ball but catch it effectively out of the backfield and is an excellent back in pass protection. That is something the Patriots demand of their backs.

While he’s not prolific in any one area, having a guy with Brown’s experience and skill set give him a leg up on the competition. With Blount returning from a serious injury, look for Brown to get plenty of reps this summer.

White did a good job of replacing Lewis in the passing game out of the backfield last season. He caught 40 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns in 2015. But his drawback is carrying the ball in the running game.


James White, here in 2016 minicamp, was effective in the passing game last year but must improve as a runner. (SBalestrieri/PatsFans image)
The Patriots didn’t have the confidence in White to allow him many carries last season. He logged only 22 carries for 56 yards, a paltry 2.5-yard average and two touchdowns in the running game. He too often doesn’t make people miss and goes down on first contact. He’s going to have to improve that aspect of his game this season. The team was too one-dimensional with him in there and opponents didn’t respect the run.

Foster is the wild card here. The undrafted free agent running back from Arizona State was so effective out of the backfield that the team moved him to slot receiver in his final college season. He is undersized but possesses the type of speed and quickness that Lewis has. He’s much taller however at just around 6’0 and has special teams’ versatility. His ability to return punts and kickoffs may be just enough to get him a roster spot. Foster is an intriguing case, keep your eyes on him this summer. Each year a UDFA seems to make the team, he’s a prime candidate.

Outside Looking in…. Longshots: Tyler Gaffney, Joey Iosefa
The Patriots thought enough of Gaffney after he was injured in 2014 to snatch him off the waiver wire from the Panthers. Gaffney was stashed on IR and brought back last year. But just a few days into training camp, Gaffney took a huge hit from Sealver Siliga during a drill and was lost for the season to another injury soon after.

Now entering his third NFL season, Gaffney has yet to take the field and although has the size and quickness needed as the backup “big back”, he’s a long shot. He’ll have to stay healthy and turn some heads during the summer.

Iosefa was brought in to bring some pop to the backfield and against Tennessee, he certainly did. While he only gained 51 yards on 14 carries, (3.6 avg), his day is remembered by one specific play. Iosefa ran over Cody Sensabaugh en route to a 15-yard gain. The 6’0, 245-pound fullback from Pago Pago, Samoa will have a tough time making the roster with Develin back in the fold, but even if he doesn’t, I think the team finds a way to keep him around.

 

[BigKen]

With injuries and poor performances, the 53 man roster is starting to take shape.

Quarterback: (3) Brady, JG and Brissett are all in for 2016

Running Back: (5) Blount, Bolden and White are locks. Devlin, Gaffney and Iosefa will battle for the final two spots. Donald Brown and DJ Foster have to get on the field or else it could be bye bye. Lewis will be placed on the PUP with the hope that he'll be ready Dec. 13.

Wide Receiver: (5) Edelman, Hogan, Mitchell are for sure. Nate Washington has improved and is getting much more attention from Brady in practice. Dobson started out very strong but has slipped back badly in the last two weeks. Keyshawn Martin has been dinged up but Belichick and McDaniels really like his play. Danny Amendola
may be headed for the PUP. Devin Lucien appears to be a guy who is easily dinged.

Tight End: (3) Gronk, Bennett and ? AJ Derby has been spectacular the past two week and Clay Harbor has just about disappeared.

That's it for the skilled positions.

3 Running backs hurt, 3 wide receivers hurt. Just isn't a good way to start a season. It appears that it's becoming a trend for the Patriots. This is the third year in a row that skill injuries have gotten the team off with huge question marks to start the season.

 

[SDGuy73]

@BigKen Donald Brown got his walking papers today.

 

[SDGuy73]

In addition to releasing Brown, the Patriots also informed defensive tackle Frank Kearse and cornerback E.J. Biggers of their releases. Both were long shots to make the roster.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

With key offensive injuries (Vollmer, Lewis), the RB and OL positions are a little thin. The Pats' depth will be tested early. Glad to hear Foster is back. He and Gaffney should battle for the final RB slot. I like Foster, especially if Lewis can't stay on the field. I know BB has been trying to replace Blount for the last year or so. If Gaffney continues to show promise and stays on the field, he might even replace Blount. Cannon has taken over Vollmer's spot at RT and looks better than he has for a few years. Maybe Scar can get the best out of him.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Nate Washington is gone. Thanks anyway Nate.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

Stork is Gone too. Too bad we couldn't have traded him.
If no trade value due to his concussion history, he's done.
Bill may have just done him the biggest favor of his life.