Patriots Roster Projection (Version 3)

Training camp is finished and the preseason games are finally over.  After two other attempts at this, here is my final shot at predicting Bill Belichick's initial 53-man roster.

Quarterback (3) - Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett, Jimmy Garoppolo

Mallett would not be a surprise cut but I think he'll stick for another season.

Running Back (4) - Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, James White, Brandon Bolden

Like Mallett, Ridley would not be a surprise cut, especially with BenJarvus Green-Ellis currently available for short money.  Roy Finch showed flashes in the preseason and would make a nice candidate for the practice squad.

Fullback (1) - James Develin

Wide Receiver (6) - Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, Brandon LaFell, Kenbrell Thompkins, Matthew Slater

Josh Boyce, a 4th Round Pick in 2013, doesn't make the cut but has eligibility for the practice squad.  Brian Tyms will likely join him there.

Tight End (3) - Rob Gronkowski, Tim Wright, Michael Hoomanawanui

Wright, acquired in the Logan Mankins trade from Tampa Bay, should add much needed depth at this position.

Offensive Line (9) - Nate Solder, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Marcus Cannon, Sebastian Vollmer, Josh Kline, Jordan Devey, Cameron Fleming, Bryan Stork

The Mankins trade shakes up this unit quite a bit but I doubt Belichick would have dealt him unless he felt confident that the proverbial "next man up" could keep Brady standing.

Defensive Line (9) - Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Vince Wilfork, Dominique Easley, Sealver Silga, Jerel Worthy, Joe Vellano, Michael Buchanan, Zach Moore

The cuts of Tommy Kelly and Will Smith cost this unit some veteran depth and I expect that Kelly will eventually return.  Injuries to the defensive tackle group could have Belichick looking over the cuts to see if he can upgrade over what he already has.

Linebacker (5) - Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Steve Beauharnais, Chris White

Cornerback (5) - Darrelle Revis, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Brandon Browner

Browner will miss the first four weeks so Butler, an undrafted rookie, makes the initial cut.  Arrington and Ryan will likely see time as safeties once Browner returns.

Safety (5) - Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, Patrick Chung, Nate Ebner, Tavon Wilson

This is a position group that will likely lose a man once Browner's suspension ends.

Specialists (3) - Stephen Gostkowski, Ryan Allen, Danny Aiken