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Patriots: 53-Man Roster Projection

By Kirk von Kreisler

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh (24) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Titans 33-16. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tom Brady Patriots
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Ball boys prepare balls for New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks (2*): Tom Brady*, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett

Cut: None

The quarterback situation is a no-brainer. The Patriots, in a surprise pick, selected Brissett, NC State quarterback, in the third round and will not give up on him before his rookie season even starts. Also, if there was any more reason to not release Brissett, Brady is suspended the first four games and the Patriots will drastically need depth behind Garoppolo. I see the Patriots holding onto Brissett throughout the season because, who knows, if Garoppolo has to play the first four games and plays extremely well, he could be traded in the quarterback hungry NFL and Brissett could be forced into a backup role.

4 ripple effects of Pats placing Michael Williams on injured reserve

Running Backs (5): Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, James White, James Develin

Cut: D.J. Foster, Donald Brown, Tyler Gaffney, Joey Iosefa

Many expect White to be on the bubble as he is not as big as a threat in the pass-game as Lewis and he cannot provide special teams help like Bolden; however, as of now, he provides more for the team than Foster. The best case scenario is to give White more time to develop as a back, but the Patriots’ backfield is incredibly crowded with similar backs so it would not be surprising to see him released. Foster is definitely someone to keep an eye on throughout the summer as an undrafted free agent with potential. People have been raving about this kid’s performances in OTAs and minicamp (yes, without pads). His versatility is common among other backs such as Lewis and White, but Foster’s speed and athleticism is unmatched. White and Foster will be going toe to toe for a spot on this roster. Develin has secured a spot on the roster as he was sorely missed by the offense last season due to his abilities as a blocker and even, in a pinch, as a tight end.

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