New England Patriots: Initial 53-man roster locks

With the last New England Patriots preseason game Thursday night against the New York Giants, New England will need to trim their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday.

With the deadline soon to trim the roster for the New England Patriots, coach Belichick most likely has a clear cut picture of what his final roster will look like. A few minor decisions might still be left to make, and could depend on the performances in the game Thursday.

Looking to last years preseason finale, only three players who started the game made the 53-man roster: LaAdrian Waddle, Jacob Hollister and Cole Croston. Aside from those three and specialists, nobody who appeared in the game made the Patriots’ initial cut.

While Belichick must have a larger list, lets take a look at players who should be locks as roster cuts approach:

Offense (18): T. Brady, B. Hoyer, S. Michel, J. White, R. Burkhead, J. Develin, C. Hogan, C. Patterson, P. Dorsett, R. Gronkowski, J. Hollister, T. Brown, J. Thuney, D. Andrews, S. Mason, M. Cannon, L. Waddle, M. Slater

Brady and Hoyer have the quarterback picture locked down, as Etling should find his way onto the practice squad. At the running back position, Jeremy Hill looks like he’ll earn a spot over Mike Gillislee, but isn’t a clear lock yet.

The wide receiver position remains murky, but Hogan, Dorsett and Patterson are clear locks (Edelman is not listed due to his suspension). Whether New England brings in another wide receiver or keeps a fourth receiver, like Riley McCarron or Braxton Berrios, remains a high debated topic. But for now, Hogan, Dorsett and Patterson remain the only locks. Slater is an obvious lock for special team reasons.

Rob Gronkowski and second year tight end Jacob Hollister will make the 53-man roster. The question that remains here is Dwayne Allen. Allen makes a huge impact in the run blocking game, but carries a $5 million cap hit. He should make the team, but if New England has other plans in which they need cap space, Allen could be let go.

The six offensive lineman who are clear cut locks are the starting five and sixth tackle (Waddle). Ted Karras should make the team as a depth interior lineman, but he was cut last year before re-signing after clearing waivers. The last spot up for grabs is the fourth tackle spot. The spot appears to be a battle between Ulrick John and Matt Tobin.

Defense (19): T. Flowers, D. Wise, D. Shelton, A. Butler, A. Clayborn, L. Guy, D. Rivers, D. Hightower, K. Van Noy, J. Bentley, S. Gilmore, E. Rowe, J. Jones, D. Dawson, D. McCourty, D. Harmon, P. Chung, N. Ebner, B. King

The defensive line is deep and loaded with talent. Keionta Davis isn’t considered a lock but should make the team. He started the last two preseason games and has earned high praise from Belichick. One name left off the list is Malcom Brown. Brown probably won’t get cut, but could be traded if the Patriots hope to bring in talent elsewhere, like Golden Tate for example.

Hightower, Van Noy and Bentley are the only clear cut locks at the linebacker position. Marquis Flowers and Nicholas Grigsby should make the team due to their special team contributions. Elandon Roberts should work his way onto the roster, but finds himself in a similar situation as Malcom Brown.

Eric Rowe has earned the second string cornerback spot, which leaves Jason McCourty on the bubble. The Patriots tried McCourty out at safety in last weeks preseason game, trying to find ways to work him onto the roster. New England would save over $2 million if they decided to cut ties.

The usual trio of Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Patrick Chung are locks at the safety position. New England cut Eddie Pleasant early this week, leaving Jordan Richards or potentially Jason McCourty to be the fourth safety.

Nate Ebner and Brandon King are major special team contributors, locking down their roster spot.

Specialists (3): S. Gostkowski, R. Allen, J. Cardona

All three are easy locks. The Patriots brought in Corey Bojorquez this offseason as a second punter, but he hasn’t been a threat to take the punter spot

After accounting for who looks like a lock to make the roster, New England is left with 13 open spots on their initial 53-man roster. Belichick will not only look at their current players, but also through waivers and potential trades to fill out the team.