The Roster Is Full

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.