New England Patriots: 53-man roster cut down analysis
By Hal Bent
TIGHT ENDS (3)
Dwayne Allen, Rob Gronkowski, Jacob Hollister
Once news leaked that Dwayne Allen reworked his contract (surprisingly there have been no details leaked out) he was a lock for a roster spot and that was the end of the line for Will Tye.
Jacob Hollister was dinged up at times in training camp but his intermediate receiving game opposite Gronkowski makes him intriguing.
Of course, Gronkowski and his incentive-laden contract for this season is still the best tight end in the NFL (watch tape of Travis Kelce and his ole blocking style and then watch Gronkowski in the trenches and then get back to me). Ryan Izzo was placed on injured reserve and could return later this season.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (7)
LaAdrian Waddle, Trent Brown, Marcus Cannon, Ted Karras, Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney, David Andrews
The Patriots will likely add another tackle at some point to the 53-man roster–with their injury history at the position they will be fortunate to get through Week 1 with just two back-ups on the line.
Ulrick John appeared to be winning a back-up spot before his foot injury ended his season. The loss of rookie Isaiah Wynn could really hurt the quality depth along the line.
Cole Croston landed on the practice squad and is a candidate to be promoted and be active on Sunday against the Texans. Matt Tobin was far from terrible in the preseason and could still return as no one has picked him up yet. Thuney can play tackle in a pinch but Karras as the only back-up inside leaves that group thin as well