New England Patriots: Pre-Camp 53-Man Roster Projection
Wide Receiver – 6
- Julian Edelman
- Brandin Cooks
- Chris Hogan
- Malcolm Mitchell
- Danny Amendola
- Matthew Slater
With the exception of Brandin Cooks, New England’s wide receiver group will look identical to that of last year’s team.
Second-year wideout Devin Lucien could make a push for a roster spot but the full house of pass catchers will reduce his odds. Lucien joined the team last season as a seventh-round draft pick but failed to make the roster and spent the year on the Pats’ practice squad. Like Foster, he’s put on a compelling performance in offseason workouts but Lucien will need to provide more value than Danny Amendola if he is to make the team.
Amendola will be a free agent next offseason and his age suggests he hangs up the cleats for good. If Lucien continues to turn heads, the team should consider finding a way to hold on to him.
Tight End – 4
- Rob Gronkowski
- Dwayne Allen
- James O’Shaughnessy
- James Develin (FB)
James O’Shaughnessy offers more versatility than Matt Lengel and Jacob Hollister with his special teams experience. In 2016, he played in 237 of Kansas City’s special teams snaps and recorded eight total tackles. The three tight ends will compete throughout training camp but on paper, O’Shaughnessy gets the job.