New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
CENTER:
Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots center Ryan Wendell (62) walks off the field after losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Ryan Wendell (1)
This doesn’t really need an explanation.
Matt Wincherauk:
Ryan Wendell (1)
The incumbent at center is an easy lock to make the team. Wendell is about all that is needed at center, as Connolly can play the position if necessary.
Gary Wolff:
Ryan Wendell (1)
Wendell has solidified his spot again as the starting center. He will be backed up mainly by Connolly and also McDonald.
Chris Martin:
Ryan Wendell (1)
I think they stick with Wendell.
Chris Simoneau:
Ryan Wendell (1)
Dante Scarnecchia’s crew keeps on rolling.
Cyrus Gellar:
Ryan Wendell (1)
One of the strengths of the Patriots roster is their offensive line, and assuming that both Connolly and Cannon get back to 100% health for the regular season, this group will be just fine.
Celia Westbrook:
Ryan Wendell (1)
This one needs no explanation.
Chris Field:
Ryan Wendell (1)
I REALLY want to include Matt Stankiewitch, so hopefully there’s a way he makes it to the practice squad. There’s likely going to be one or two backup offensive linemen who make it in case of an injury.
Hal Bent:
Ryan Wendell (1)
At the beginning of training camp, I had undrafted free agent center from Penn State, Matt Stankiewitch, pencilled in as a potential sleeper to make the roster; however, his play in the preseason has been abysmal as he’s been blown off the line repeatedly by backup defensive linemen. One of the McDonald boys will have to fill in at backup center behind the slow starting Ryan Wendell.