New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
LINEBACKER:
Aug 16, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins (91) makes a tackle on Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike James (25) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais (6)
There is no way that I cut Steve Beauharnais, because he is more than just a special teamer. He has shown up well in run defense all preseason, and he has some intriguing ability in coverage.
Matt Wincherauk:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Steve Beauharnais, Dane Fletcher (6)
These young, talented groups of linebackers are going to be the core of the defense this year. Mayo, Hightower and Spikes are all very good players, and should continue to improve. Collins has had a really nice preseason, the Patriots are still figuring out how best to use him. Beauharnais is a good special teamer and can provide depth.
Gary Wolff:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais (6)
This is a solid group of players. Jamie Collins looks a bit lost out there, but has been improving each game. It seems clear he is going to be a fantastic player as he gets more experience.
Chris Martin:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais (6)
Beauharnais makes it.
Chris Simoneau:
Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Dane Fletcher, Jamie Collins, Jeff Tarpinian (6)
This may be to strongest area on the Patriots defense; Jamie Collins has a ton of ability but it will take time for him to become regular rotational player. Dane Fletcher’ return is one of the most underrated stories in training camp. There is considerably more depth than last year.
Cyrus Gellar:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais (5)
This group is one of the stronger units for New England as they return all three of their 2012 starters, in addition to getting an infusion of talent from rookie Jamie Collins. Dane Fletcher is a solid coverage linebacker, and the Pats may opt to utilize him frequently when it comes to passing situations.
Celia Westbrook:
Jerod Mayo,Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Dane Fletcher, Jamie Collins, Steve Beauharnais (6)
This is a strong set of linebackers and since Spike’s contract is up next year, I predict Belichick to keep Beauharnais, his seventh-round Rutgers pick as a developmental project.
Chris Field:
Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher, Steve Beauharnais (6)
Sorry if your favorite special teamer got cut.
Hal Bent:
Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Dane Fletcher (5)
The roster squeeze catches Steve Beauharnais, which is a shame because he has looked good so far this summer. Jamie Collins should be the swiss army knife on defense, and be a lot of fun for Bill Belichick to come up with creative ways to use. Fletcher is healthy and fills a desperate need for a coverage linebacker. Spikes is in his final year of his rookie contract and is such a liability in coverage, yet such a key defensive player, that he is going to become a huge question mark to return next year. I know Bill Belichick is a fan, but what Spikes wants to earn becomes the likely sticking point as it is no doubt double what the Patriots want to pay him.