The Patriots are a week into training camp and the reports are all positive from Foxboro. It looks like Bill Belichick has a defense he can be aggressive with and an offense that will score enough points to win most weeks.
This link will bring to my initial projection from last week.
Here is the second projection at the Patriots 53-man roster. Players added from the initial projection are in bold.
Quarterback (3) - Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett, Jimmy Garoppolo
The reports about Garoppolo have not been good but there's not much to worry about there because he is not going to be a factor in 2014. This training camp is intended to get him up to speed with the NFL and start his preparations for (possibly) taking over for Brady down the road.
Running Back (5) - Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, James White, Brandon Bolden, James Develin
Bolden's role on special teams and his ability to be a "power" option in this group get him a spot on my projection this time around. Develin is a hybrid Fullback/H-Back/Tight End and special teamer who gives Belichick the flexibility he craves on his roster.
Wide Receiver (7) - Julian Edelman, Aaron Dobson, Danny Amendola, Kenbrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce, Matthew Slater
Dobson still has not started practicing following off-season foot surgery so there is a possibility that he starts the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in order to open a spot for another player in the first few weeks.
Tight End (2) - Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui
With Develin making the cut in this projection, this position group loses a body. Expect Justin Jones and/or Asa Watson to make the practice squad.
Tackle (3) - Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Cameron Fleming
Guard (4) - Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Jon Halapio, Josh Kline
Cannon's ability to swing to tackle provides excellent flexibility. Dan Connolly might save his job if rookie Bryan Stork's injury ends up being serious enough to threaten his season.
Center (2) - Ryan Wendell, Bryan Stork
Stork's injury could save Connolly's job. If Stork is healthy and wins the starting job, Connolly could still beat out Wendell due to his proven ability to play guard as well. Connolly will probably have to renegotiate his contract to stay no matter what scenario plays out to keep him with the team.
Defensive Line (9) - Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Tommy Kelly, Will Smith, Dominique Easley, Chris Jones, Michael Buchanan, Sealver Siliga
Siliga is added to provide more depth on the inside. Sixth round draft pick Zach Moore could make it as well but I think he'll end up on the practice squad for now.
Linebacker (6) - Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, James Anderson, Chris White, Steve Beauharnais
Ninkovich could slide back to linebacker if needed.
Cornerback (5) - Darrelle Revis, Logan Ryan, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Malcolm Butler
I've added Butler over Green to start the season with the caveat that Brandon Browner will be back after a four game suspension to take a spot.
Safety (4) - Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner, Tavon Wilson
Wilson jumps Thomas in this projection due to his good play in camp and Thomas' injury related absence. Patrick Chung could also win that last spot.
Kicker (1) - Stephen Gostkowski
Punter (1) - Ryan Allen
Long Snapper (1) - Tyler Ott
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