With the final three signings this past week, the Patriots have (or are soon to have) 90 players under contract. They added two running backs, undrafted free agent Brandon Bolden, out of Mississippi, and Joseph Addai, a veteran formerly with the Colts. They also added another OLB/DE "tweener" Justin Francis, an undrafted free agent from Rutgers. This is the third Rutgers product Belichick has acquired in as many years, the other two being CB Devin McCourty and WR Tiquan Underwood. Belichick's son plays lacrosse at Rutgers and he is known for scouting their football program while on campus.
The number of roster spots by position are as followed:
Offense:
Wide Receiver: 12
Center/Guard: 9
Tackle: 6
Running Back: 6
Quarterback: 4
Tight End: 4
Fullback: 2
Total: 43
Defense:
Defensive Line (DT/3-4 DE): 9
Pass Rusher (OLB/4-3 DE): 9
Inside Linebacker: 9
Cornerback: 8
Safety: 8
Total: 43
Special Teams:
Kickers: 2
Long Snapper: 1
Punter: 1
Total: 4
Compared to last season, there is a significant emphasis on the wide receiver and pass rushing position. Last season the focus was mostly on the defensive line, highlighted by the signings of Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis. The offense and defense are evenly balanced with 43 players on each side of the ball. I would anticipate when the roster is eventually cut down to 53, that the same 1 to 1 balance would be applied. I think the most difficult cuts will be at wide receiver, defensive back, and inside linebacker. Whereas quarterback, tight end, and most of the offensive line are very clear cut.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
WR Tiquan Underwood Released
Underwood was informed of his release today. This reduces the number of receivers back to 12 and leaves 3 open roster spots. Based on the state of the different positions, a player would have an opportunity at making the 53 man roster at safety (or defensive back, in general), defensive line, offensive line (particularly a versatile guard/tackle), or kick returner. Based on how the Patriots have valued kick returns, I see the chances of a return man as doubtful. I think the most likely signing is on defensive line.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Two Quick Thoughts
1. Junior Seau Is Found Shot In His House
Seau was a linebacker for the Patriots from 2006 to 2009. The future Hall of Famer was found dead in his house in San Diego this afternoon. Seau was the ultimate team player. He was a powerful leader in the locker room and backed up his speeches with his play. The 12 time pro bowler came to the Patriots hoping to win a Super Bowl, but fell just short in 2007. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. A great player and a better man.
2. WR Jabar Gaffney Has Reportedly Accepted an Offer From the Patriots
According to Mike Reiss' twitter, Jabar Gaffney will be a Patriot next season, or at least offseason. There are now 13 (!) wide receivers on the roster. Gaffney and the recently signed Dante Stallworth were among the many receivers used in the Patriots deadly spread attack in 2007. Josh McDaniels seems to be bringing in receivers he has trusted in the past. Gaffney has had solid since leaving the Patriots. He had 68 receptions for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns last year with the Redskins. The major aspect Gaffney does not bring is youth. He turned 31 this past December.
EDIT: According to Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network it is a two year deal.
Seau was a linebacker for the Patriots from 2006 to 2009. The future Hall of Famer was found dead in his house in San Diego this afternoon. Seau was the ultimate team player. He was a powerful leader in the locker room and backed up his speeches with his play. The 12 time pro bowler came to the Patriots hoping to win a Super Bowl, but fell just short in 2007. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. A great player and a better man.
2. WR Jabar Gaffney Has Reportedly Accepted an Offer From the Patriots
According to Mike Reiss' twitter, Jabar Gaffney will be a Patriot next season, or at least offseason. There are now 13 (!) wide receivers on the roster. Gaffney and the recently signed Dante Stallworth were among the many receivers used in the Patriots deadly spread attack in 2007. Josh McDaniels seems to be bringing in receivers he has trusted in the past. Gaffney has had solid since leaving the Patriots. He had 68 receptions for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns last year with the Redskins. The major aspect Gaffney does not bring is youth. He turned 31 this past December.
EDIT: According to Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network it is a two year deal.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Two Free Agent Signings and Thoughts on the Few Remaining Spots
1. Defensive Lineman Re-Signed: Gerard Warren
It was reported yesterday that the Patriots re-signed defensive lineman Gerard Warren. Warren has been a rotational player that has provided solid depth on the line. He is a 10 year veteran who will likely have a spot on the final 53 man roster. He saw more playing time in 2010, when he was a defensive end in the base 3-4 defense; versus last year where he played as a tackle in sub packages. This signing adds depth to a defensive line that did not get addressed during the draft.
2. Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Signed: WR Matt Roark, Kentucky
Kentucky's twitter account announced that Matt Roark, a wide receiver, has signed with the Patriots. Roark is a huge wide receiver with decent speed for his size. He is 6'5", 225 lbs with a 4.72 40 time. For comparison, Rob Gronkowski is 6'6" with a 4.70 40 time, but he weighs 260 lbs; and Aaron Hernandez is 6'3", 245 lbs with a 4.65 40 time. Roark has some flexibility as he was also used as a wildcat quarterback and had decent production running the ball as well. This is the 12th wide receiver on the current roster, if you include Welker.
3. Thoughts on Remaining Roster Spots:
With these two signings, by my count 87 of the 90 possible roster spots are filled. With the three remaining spots, I think the defensive line, running back, and safety depth should all be filled. Not counting outside linebacker type defensive ends, like Chandler Jones and Trevor Scott, there are 9 defensive lineman on the current roster. Of those 9, I only see four of them as locks. Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Fanene, Kyle Love, and Brandon Deaderick. I'll add Gerard Warren as a solid fifth option. For a 3-4 defense, there should be at least 6 big bodied lineman. Marcus Forston and Marcus Harrison are not likely to make the team, and will probably end up on the practice squad. Myron Pryor shows potential but cannot stay healthy. Rob Brace is a second round disappointment who is now on the bubble. Adding one more possibility here would help the team. As for safety, Yeremiah Bell, the former Dolphin, has already had contact with the Patriots and I think he would make sense, if the Patriots don't re-sign James Ihedigbo. Although it is reasonable for the Patriots to start with three running backs and a fullback once the season starts, I think they should add competition to running back as it is distinctly lacking any. They have brought in several backs for workouts, including Tim Hightower, Ryan Grant, and Joseph Addai. Kevin Faulk is also an option here. He is an all-time great Patriot and a lock for the Patriots HOF, but I personally think after 13 NFL seasons it is time for him to retire. Furthermore, unless the Patriots already have an idea of who will be returning kicks, a returner could also be a good pick up.
It was reported yesterday that the Patriots re-signed defensive lineman Gerard Warren. Warren has been a rotational player that has provided solid depth on the line. He is a 10 year veteran who will likely have a spot on the final 53 man roster. He saw more playing time in 2010, when he was a defensive end in the base 3-4 defense; versus last year where he played as a tackle in sub packages. This signing adds depth to a defensive line that did not get addressed during the draft.
2. Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Signed: WR Matt Roark, Kentucky
Kentucky's twitter account announced that Matt Roark, a wide receiver, has signed with the Patriots. Roark is a huge wide receiver with decent speed for his size. He is 6'5", 225 lbs with a 4.72 40 time. For comparison, Rob Gronkowski is 6'6" with a 4.70 40 time, but he weighs 260 lbs; and Aaron Hernandez is 6'3", 245 lbs with a 4.65 40 time. Roark has some flexibility as he was also used as a wildcat quarterback and had decent production running the ball as well. This is the 12th wide receiver on the current roster, if you include Welker.
3. Thoughts on Remaining Roster Spots:
With these two signings, by my count 87 of the 90 possible roster spots are filled. With the three remaining spots, I think the defensive line, running back, and safety depth should all be filled. Not counting outside linebacker type defensive ends, like Chandler Jones and Trevor Scott, there are 9 defensive lineman on the current roster. Of those 9, I only see four of them as locks. Vince Wilfork, Jonathan Fanene, Kyle Love, and Brandon Deaderick. I'll add Gerard Warren as a solid fifth option. For a 3-4 defense, there should be at least 6 big bodied lineman. Marcus Forston and Marcus Harrison are not likely to make the team, and will probably end up on the practice squad. Myron Pryor shows potential but cannot stay healthy. Rob Brace is a second round disappointment who is now on the bubble. Adding one more possibility here would help the team. As for safety, Yeremiah Bell, the former Dolphin, has already had contact with the Patriots and I think he would make sense, if the Patriots don't re-sign James Ihedigbo. Although it is reasonable for the Patriots to start with three running backs and a fullback once the season starts, I think they should add competition to running back as it is distinctly lacking any. They have brought in several backs for workouts, including Tim Hightower, Ryan Grant, and Joseph Addai. Kevin Faulk is also an option here. He is an all-time great Patriot and a lock for the Patriots HOF, but I personally think after 13 NFL seasons it is time for him to retire. Furthermore, unless the Patriots already have an idea of who will be returning kicks, a returner could also be a good pick up.
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