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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
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76) helps quarterback Tom Brady (12) to his feet against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Lineman (9): Sebastian Vollmer, Nate Solder, Bryan Stork, Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney, Jonathan Cooper, LaAdrian Waddle, Marcus Cannon, Josh Kline

Cut: David Andrews, Tre’ Jackson, Ted Karras, Chris Barker, Cameron Fleming, Keavon Milton

The most problematic group of last season is also incredibly crowded this offseason. Andrews and Jackson were extremely tough to leave out of this group, but Andrews lacks the ability to play positions other than center and Jackson is in a tough spot on the depth chart. Andrews’ production can be replaced by Stork, who can play all over the line, and Thuney, who has taken some snaps at center this offseason. Jackson was a fourth round pick in 2015 and started strong last season, however, he was replaced on the depth chart by Kline as the season went on. The additions of guards Cooper and Thuney kick Jackson out of the 53-man roster. One expected cut at the beginning of the offseason was Cannon, but as we inch closer and closer to the season, the tackle depth is weak and Cannon and Waddle seem to have stumbled upon a spot on the roster.

Total Offense: 25

3 sources of worry on Patriots roster

Defensive Lineman (8): Jabaal Sheard, Malcom Brown, Chris Long, Terrance Knighton, Alan Branch, Trey Flowers, Geneo Grissom, Vincent Valentine

Cut: Joe Vellano, Frank Kearse, Markus Kuhn, Anthony Johnson, Woodrow Hamilton

The Patriots’ defensive line lost a good one this offseason, Chandler Jones. However, the defensive line is still incredibly deep with talent. For starters, Sheard made the most of his limited opportunities last season and he is suited for a starting role. Opposite of him will likely be Ninkovich, but if he is moved to linebacker then we may see Long on the other side, who is a candidate for a resurgence after a rough last couple of years with the Los Angeles Rams. Brown and Knighton will fortify the interior of the line with Branch and Valentine producing as quality role players. Two players to keep an eye on this season will be Flowers and Grissom, both heading into their second year and both primed for more time on the playing field. It is possible that one of the two doesn’t make the cut, but both are talented enough to make it onto the 53-man roster.

Next: LBs and CBs

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