The Patriots haven’t made a roster move since releasing veteran safety Adrian Wilson nearly three weeks ago. That being said, I though it would be a good time to do a quick rundown of the team’s roster as it currently stands. As you can see, the Patriots total roster sits at 64 total players, which is 26 short of the league maximum. Most of those spots will be filled by draft picks and undrafted rookies, but the team could certainly add a few more veteran bodies.
Quarterback (2): Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett
Thoughts: Will likely bring in a rookie or two to develop behind Brady and Mallett.
Running Back (5): Brandon Bolden, James Develin (FB), Jonas Gray, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen
Thoughts: After departure of LeGarrette Blount to Steelers, Patriots could use a veteran body here. With no back under contract past 2014, team could also pick up a developmental prospect.
Wide Receiver (10): Danny Amendola, Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson, Reggie Dunn, Julian Edelman, Mark Harrison, Brandon LaFell, Greg Orton, Matthew Slater, Kenbrell Thompkins
Thoughts: Patriots have plenty of veteran and young depth and competition here, although rumors persist the team could target a rookie in round one of the draft.
Tight End (3): Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui, D.J. Williams
Thoughts: Patriots are thin on healthy bodies with Gronkowski rehabbing from a torn ACL. They also are in need of a “move” tight end. Look for the team two add at least two players here.
Offensive Line (11):Chris Barker, Marcus Cannon, Braxston Cave, Dan Connolly, Jordan Devey, Josh Kline, Logan Mankins, R.J. Mattes, Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Ryan Wendell
Thoughts: Good competition for C and RG spots on the line. The team could still invest a high draft choice to shore up that area.
Defensive End (4): Jake Bequette, Michael Buchanan, Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich
Thoughts: Patriots could use depth here in the form of a veteran pass rusher and perhaps an early draft choice. Development of Michael Buchanan could be key here.
Defensive Tackle (7): Armond Armstead, Marcus Forston, Chris Jones, Tommy Kelly, Sealver Siliga, Joe Vellano, Vince Wilfork
Thoughts: Draft need here depends on how highly the team views Siliga and Armstead. There is talent and depth here.
Linebacker (6): Steve Beauharnais, Jamie Collins, Ja’Gared Davis, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo, Chris White
Thoughts: Very little depth behind the top three starters in Collins, Hightower, Mayo. Beauharnais could help, but Patriots likely want to add some athletic bodies here after departure of Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher.
Cornerback (6): Kyle Arrington, Brandon Browner, Alfonzo Dennard, Justin Green, Darrelle Revis, Logan Ryan
Thoughts: This is perhaps the most well-stocked position on the team’s roster. They may still add a camp body or two.
Safety (6): Patrick Chung, Kanorris Davis, Nate Ebner, Duron Harmon, Devin McCourty, Tavon Wilson
Thoughts: Harmon and Chung are the current top candidates to start opposite McCourty. The Patriots may want to add an in-the-box safety early in the draft to compliment this group.
Specialists (4): Danny Aiken (LS), Ryan Allen (P), Stephen Gostkowski (K), Charley Hughlett (LS)
Thoughts: Good competition set up at long snapper. The team may opt to bring in a camp leg or two as well.