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New England Patriots roster: Ripple effects of Bear Pascoe release

By Connor Fulton

May 27, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears player Bear Pascoe (87) during organized team activities at the Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears player Bear Pascoe (87) during organized team activities at the Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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A.J. Derby Patriots roster
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end A.J. Derby (86) on the sideline against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bears 23-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. It’s down to A.J. Derby and Clay Harbor.

Unless the Patriots decide to take four tight ends (a distant possibility considering the amount of good wide receivers and running backs), it will be either Derby or Harbor who sneakes into the No. 3 tight end role.

The case for Derby is that he has simply been the star of the preseason. It seems like everyday the second-year pro makes an impressive catch in traffic or lengthens himself to snag a high pass. The Arkansas product has logged his hours on the practice squad and looks primed to crack the active roster.

On the other hand, Harbor was given a contract during free agency that indated a clear interest in keeping him around on the active roster. The wily veteran would be a capable depth play behind Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett.

At this point, you could flip a coin to predict this battle. That being said, this writer is siding toward taking Derby on account of his youth.

Next: 1. The Pats want a pass catching No. 3 TE

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