New England Patriots 53-man 2018 Full Roster Projection v1.0
By Hal Bent
Starter: Tom Brady
Back-up(s): Brian Hoyer
Roster Bubble Boy(s): Danny Etling
This team is going to be in Super Bowl contention as long as Tom Brady continues to defy time. The team is loaded with skill position players with skills that highlight Brady’s strengths.
Without Brady (or Garoppolo) Hoyer is not going to carry this team to the Super Bowl, but he can function in an emergency. Etling is likely fighting for a spot on the practice squad.
RUNNING BACK: (4)
Starter(s): Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, James White
Back-up(s):Brandon Bolden
Roster Bubble Boy(s): Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee, Ralph Webb
The running back position is pretty straight-forward with Burkhead and Michel as the two lead backs in the role and likely switching out for series at a time during the game. White will reprise his role as the passing down back and playing a key role in the hurry-up offense.
With extra spots on the roster needed at wide receiver, the Patriots will likely only have four running backs on the 53-man roster. The big question becomes whether Hill, Gillislee or Webb can unseat Bolden.