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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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Devin McCourty Patriots
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) and safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrate a play against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Safeties (6): Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Jordan Richards, Nate Ebner, Kamu Grugier-Hill

Cut: Brandon King, Brock Vereen, Cedric Thompson

The safety position was an essential part in cementing the Patriots’ defense as a force to be reckoned with. McCourty has earned the respect as one of the best safeties in the league, and Chung has revitalized his career with the Patriots. Often, the Patriots have played three safeties at once, McCourty, Harmon, and Chung. Harmon has shown potential to cover the field and is an above-average replacement. Richards gives depth to the position as a 2015 second round strong safety that is still developing. The most difficult decision was Ebner over King, but even though both are special-teams aces, Ebner was just given a new contract in March, so he is likely here to stay. Also, Grugier-Hill makes the roster because, if necessary, Chung and Grugier-Hill can be put at the third linebacker in the box, giving the Patriots something they value immensely: versatility.

Total Defense: 25

These 30 players will definitely make the final roster

Special Teams (3): K Stephen Gostkowski, P Ryan Allen, LS Joe Cardona

Cut: LS Christian Yount

Not much to be said about this position, but I will because kickers and punters are people too. The Patriots had the second highest graded special teams unit last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Gostkowski has proven himself to be one of the top kickers in the entire league, if not the best. Allen earned his spot after beating out former punter Zoltan Mesko, he has retained that spot with ease, and we all know how Belichick loves his left-footed punters. Also, after the Navy confirmed that Cardona can play in the NFL this next season, he will undoubtedly be included in the 53-man roster.

Next: Should the Patriots Target RB Bishop Sankey?

*Note: Brady is currently serving a four game suspension, so a player will need to be cut once he returns from his suspension.

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