New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Aug 9, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New England Patriots punter Ryan Allen (6) tackles Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Damaris Johnson (13) during a punt return during the first half of a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Patriots won 31-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
I love Ryan Allen and hope he makes the practice squad as insurance with Zoltan Mesko on a one-year deal, but Mesko has basically closed the book on the punting job despite his comparative cost to Allen. The Patriots would really have to be thinking about saving money in order to cut Mesko.
Matt Wincherauk:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
These three are almost all locks. Mekso actually had a camp battle with Danny Allen, but it looks like he has solidified his spot on the team. Gostkowski was always a guarantee, even if he’s had a rough preseason. Aiken makes the team, nothing really special to say there.
Gary Wolff:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
I flipped a coin here and it came up Mesko. The things working in his favor are his experience (including as a holder for field goal attempts), his character, and his ability to control the ball on a short field. Yet his contract works against him. He’s a lot more costly than rookie Ryan Allen. Allen has a powerful leg and has played well.
Chris Martin:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
Allen gets cut, and the pats move on. Nothing to see here Folks.
Chris Simoneau:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko (2)
Gostkowski didn’t have any competition, so this was easy to project. Gostkowski had a rough 2012 and needs to have a good season if he wants to remain a Patriot. Mesko survives, but barely. Ryan Allen gives him a run for his money, but the Michigan alum holds on to his job for at least one more year. Allen will end up somewhere in the league.
Cyrus Gellar:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
Zoltan Mesko has been involved in a tight punting competition with rookie Ryan Allen throughout this offseason, and I think that Mesko has finally pulled away. He is the more experienced guy, and ultimately like the Patriots, I think he is more deserving of the job than the rookie Allen is.
Celia Westbrook:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
No change from last year.
Chris Field:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
Ryan Allen on the practice squad would be so nice I’d actually laugh if it happened. Here’s hoping.
Hal Bent:
Stephen Gostkowski, Zoltan Mesko, Danny Aiken (3)
Aiken and Gostkowski basically had no competition this training camp. Ryan Allen was brought in to push the popular punter Zoltan Mesko (it’s always about “value” and cap dollars in New England) and no doubt that Mesko has responded. Allen has one preseason game left to try to impress, but he is going to be an NFL punter, it’s just a matter of where.
A quick note from Hal Bent:
Thanks for reading our attempt to try something different with this group article. There are good battles at a number of spots for these roster spots for the New England Patriots, and all of us at MusketFire.com are excited to see how the positional battles shakeout over the coming week as the opening of the NFL Season approaches. Please feel free to add your comments, predictions, or who you think should or should not make the team below. We love getting feedback and hearing from and interacting with our readers.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed for their time and effort, I appreciate it. Special thanks to Lead Editor Joe Soriano for your much appreciated effort, support, enthusiasm and assistance. Big thanks to Joe and Staff Writers Matt Wincherauk, Gary Wolff, Chris Martin, Cyrus Gellar, Chris Simoneau, Celia Westbrook, and Chris Field for your hard work and contribution.