New England Patriots: Breaking down initial 90-man roster on offense
By Brian Hines
With Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett all back in 2017, the New England Patriots are set at quarterback. But what about the other offensive positions heading into training camp?
The initial 90-man roster for the 2017-18 New England Patriots is set with numbers officially assigned on Monday afternoon. The roster will obviously experience changes within the coming weeks, so nothing is set in stone. As of now, 46 of the 90 players will play on the offensive side of the ball.
Following is the breakdown of New England’s current offensive players on the 90-man roster:
Quarterback (3): Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett
No surprises here as the “wolf-pack” is back intact for the second straight season.
Running back (7): Brandon Bolden, Rex Burkhead, Leshun Daniels Jr., D.J. Foster, Mike Gillislee, Dion Lewis, James White
The Patriots added Burkhead and Gillislee through free agency, as it appears LeGarrette Blount’s time in New England is done.
Fullback (2): James Develin, Glenn Gronkowski
Develin renewed his contract this offseason, and Gronkowski will battle for a practice squad spot, much like last season.
Wide receiver (10): Danny Amendola, Austin Carr, Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Cody Hollister, Malcolm Mitchell, Devin Lucien, Matthew Slater, Devin Street
An already stacked unit got even deeper with the acquisition of the speedster Cooks. The depth chart seems to be set with six receivers, barring a shocking cut or injury. Slater will see all of his time as a specialist while Hollister, Carr, Lucien and Street will battle for practice squad opportunities.
Tight End (7): Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Rob Housler, Matt Lengel, James O’Shaughnessy, Michael Williams
Gronkowksi and Allen are set at the top of the list, but the third spot is wide open. O’Shaughnessy could make a push for the spot, as he was traded for during the draft and led all tight ends in special teams tackles in 2016.
Offensive tackle (9): Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon, Cameron Fleming, Antonio Garcia, LaAdrian Waddle, Conor McDermott, Cole Croston, Max Rich, Andrew Jelks
Barring any injuries, Solder and Cannon will be the starting tackles on opening night. The Patriots added five tackles this offseason along with two in the draft (Garcia, McDermott) and three as undrafted free agents (Rich, Jelks and Croston).
Offensive Guard (6): Chris Barker, Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, Chase Farris, Jason King, Jamil Douglas
As the Patriots added five tackles during recent weeks, no guards were added. Thuney and Mason lead a young group that will count on progressing throughout the year.
Center (2): David Andrews, Ted Karras
The same two centers return from last season.