New England Patriots roster cuts: 5 players we are glad to see on the 53-man roster
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1. Michael Williams
Williams came to New England via a trade with the Detroit Lions in late August for a 2017 seventh-round draft pick. The Lions used Williams as a tackle, but the Patriots have him listed as a tight end.
At 6-foot-6, 304 pounds, Williams is one huge tight end. But it’s not like the Patriots are the first team to use him there; during his time at Alabama, Williams was used very effectively as a blocking tight end.
Without James Develin snowplowing for LeGarrette Blount, James White, Brandon Bolden, Dion Lewis and Travaris Cadet, it will be very nice to have Williams in the fold. He will essentially serve as a sixth offensive lineman, and whatever side he is used on, expect the Pats to run the ball that direction (or use him as a decoy and rush the other way).
Furthermore, Williams operates as an 11th offensive lineman on the roster without the Pats having to carry another offensive lineman. But he can also catch passes. Williams hauled in 51 balls for 503 yards and seven touchdowns over the course of his four-year career with the Rolling Tide.
Not to beat a dead horse, but he is very versatile, and the Pats love that. Good on Williams for making team in that crowded tight end group.