FanPost

Looking ahead to cut-down day

While it was only a pre-season game, the Pats' dominating performance showed the strength and depth of their roster. Bellichick and co. have a lot of options and some hard decisions coming up as rosters get pared to 53 players. Let's look at the running back position and take a guess at who will by on the roster Sept 10th.

RB: Corey Dillon, Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney are locks to make the team. That leaves Patrick Cobbs, Heath Evans, Garrett Mills, and Patrick Pass competing for 1 or 2 spots.

Cobbs ran well tonight, showing a good burst while running with his pads low. What remains to be seen is how well he can play on special teams. Being an undrafted rookie free agent he started camp as a longshot to make the team, and while I don't think he will make the team based on tonight's performance he does have a shot at making the practice squad.

Evans saw limited action in goal line duty, but he has already shown solid, all-around skills for a power-back. Unfortunately for him, the Pats already have Corey Dillon and don't have a need or roster spot for a short yardage back.

Mills fumbled early in the 4th quarter, one of the few Pats blemishes in the game. It looks like he will be used as more of an H-back than a full- or half-back, giving him some valued flexibility. If he can prove himself on special teams, I think he'll make the practice squad at the least.

Pass is an experienced back, so his no-show tonight doesn't really affect his chances adversely. What does hurt him is the presence of Maroney. He has been a special teams fixture for a few years now, but the potential of Cobbs and Mills pose a threat to his future with the team.

In the end, I think Cobbs will make the practice squad and Mills will make the active roster. What do you think?

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