New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
TIGHT END:
Aug 9, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Zach Sudfeld (44) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Rob Gronkowski, Zach Sudfeld, Jake Ballard, Michael Hoomanawanui (4)
With Gronk reportedly set to come back in Week 3, I don’t think you pull him off the roster. He would be a big asset in those tough games, and I would rather have him on the roster than pay Daniel Fells what he is owed. I like Fells as a blocker and he had a steady camp, but the camp number is too much for my liking.
Matt Wincherauk:
Zach Sudfeld, Jake Ballard, Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui (4)
The tight end position seemed to be in major flux at the start of the season, but with the way Zach Sudfeld has exploded onto the scene, things look a lot better. These four should hold the fort down until Rob Gronkowski comes back later in the season.
Gary Wolff:
Zach Sudfeld, Michael Hoomanawanui, Jake Ballard (3)
Rob Gronkowski will start the season on PUP, and thus hopefully be able to finish the season. Sudfeld has shined to say the least. Hoomanawanui is a solid blocker and his versatility is coveted by Coach Belichick. Jake Ballard looks like he hasn’t had any setbacks recovering from his knee injury, so I give him the nod over Daniel Fells. Last week I would have had 4 tight ends making the team. Fells is a solid player and could play a prominent role on the club. However, given his salary, and given the production from the receiving corps, it looks like the Patriots are going to play more 3 receiver sets, at least until the best tight end in the league (Gronkowski) gets back on the field and in top form.
Chris Martin:
Rob Gronkowski, Zach Sudfeld, Jake Ballard, Michael Hoomanawanui (4)
I think Fells joins Tebow on the cut wire. Easy Call. I think Hoo-man and Ballard bring more to the table. Develin would be a great addition to the team as the fullback, but its not 54 players, its 53, just misses the cut.
Chris Simoneau:
Michael Hoomanawanui, Daniel Fells, Jake Ballard, Zach Sudfeld (4)
*Rob Gronkowski on PUP List
With Gronkowski on the PUP List, someone is going to need to step up. Sudfeld appears to have the most upside, but we haven’t seen him in a game yet, so that is by no means a given. Hoomanawanui and Fells have performed well in camp. Ballard looks a bit gimpy on his surgically repaired knee. That is something to keep an eye on.
Cyrus Gellar:
Rob Gronkowski, Zach Sudfeld, Daniel Fells, Michael Hoomanawanui (4)
If Gronk is ready for week three of the regular season then I think the Pats should keep him on the active roster as opposed to the PUP list. He is much to talented to have him sitting on the bench for a possible extra three weeks. Fells and Hooman both bring solid blocking ability to the table, and obviously the rookie Sudfeld has impressed with his receiving skills throughout the preseason.
Celia Westbrook:
Zach Sudfeld, Michael Hoomanawanui, Jake Ballard (3)
Among the toughest decisions the Patriots has done and continue to make, placing Rob Gronkowski on the PUP list, holding him off for the first six games, in my book, is a no-brainer and the easiest decision they had to ever make so far. Gronk is steadily rehabbing, but not a 100% to face Week 1, but possibly Week 4 per sources. Maximizing player’s durability for the long haul and Gronk’s full recovery from four forearm surgeries and a back surgery is in the best interest of the team. The Patriots need Gronkowski for the playoffs more than for Week 1, 2, 3, or 4. In the meantime, we have Sudfeld, who for me resembles a Gronk’s-clone. Hooman is great at blocking; needs to work at receiving but I see potential for him this season. I think the pocket book will give Ballard an advantage over Fells, and if Ballard continues to gain his health back, it will be profitable and schematically a good choice.
Chris Field:
Rob Gronkowski, Zach Sudfeld, Jake Ballard, Daniel Fells (4)
If Gronk really is ready for Week 3, then he might – MIGHT play. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots play it safe with him and stash him on PUP, but I wouldn’t even be disappointed. Fells is included mainly for being the golden boy of PFW in Progress on Patriots.com
Hal Bent:
Daniel Fells, Jake Ballard, Zach Sudfeld, Rob Gronkowski (4)
Michael Hoomanawanui and his $1.3 million salary loses out to the superb blocking of Daniel Fells. Of course, it could easily be Fells released and Hoomanawanui could remain if he restructures his current deal, but Hoo-man has a better free agent market due to having some receiving skills and is less likely to restructure his deal. Fells should return, but a restructured contract may be part of the deal to return to the team. Both players are making more money than the Patriots like to pay backups or role players. Rob Gronkowski could return soon, so the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list may not be as automatic as it appeared earlier this year. Zach Sudfeld appears to be yet another diamond in the rough unearthed by Bill Belichick and company as he takes over the flex/joker tight end role filled by Aaron Hernandez. Jake Ballard is the starter at tight end only until Gronkowski returns.