Trying to predict the Patriots’ 53-man roster

Before I start, I want to introduce myself. My name is Pat Lane, and, like you, I’m a huge Patriots fan. I’ve had season tickets since 2000, and my dad has had them on and off since 1967. I’m excited to be writing for Pats Pulpit this season!

Ok, on to the article:

Based on past seasons, it’s a good bet that Bill Belichick will try to make at least a few moves before the season starts. Because of this, it seems silly to try to predict the opening day roster. Is this going to stop me from doing so? Of course not! What follows is what I think will be the opening day roster. Please note there are 54 players, since Edelman won’t count against the 53 man roster the first 4 weeks because he’s suspended.

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Quarterback (2)

Tom Brady

Brian Hoyer

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Running Back (6)

Jeremy Hill

Sony Michel

James White

James Develin

Rex Burkhead

Brandon Bolden (ST)

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Wide Receiver (5)

Julien Edelman (suspended)

Chris Hogan

Phillip Dorsett

Cordarrelle Patterson

Riley McCarron

Matthew Slater (ST)

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Tight End (3)

Rob Gronkowski

Dwayne Allen

Jacob Hollister

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Offensive Line (8)

Marcus Cannon

Trent Brown

Shaq Mason

David Andrews

Joe Thuney

LaAdrian Waddle

Cole Croston

Ted Karras

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Defensive Line (9)

Trey Flowers

Deatrich Wise Jr.

Lawrence Guy

Malcolm Brown

Adrian Clayborn

Derek Rivers

Danny Shelton

Vincent Valentine

Adam Butler

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Linebacker (6)

Dont’a Hightower

Kyle Van Noy

Elandon Roberts

Ja’Whaun Bentley

Marquis Flowers

Nicholas Grigsby

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Cornerback (6)

Stephon Gilmore

Eric Rowe

Jonathan Jones

J.C. Jackson

Cyrus Jones

Duke Dawson

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Safety (5)

Devin McCourty

Patrick Chung

Nate Ebner(ST)

Duron Harmon

Jason McCourty

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Special Teams (3)

Steven Gostkowski

Joe Cardona

Ryan Allen

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Practice Squad (10)

LB Christian Sam

CB Ryan Lewis

RB Ralph Webb

QB Danny Etling

DE Keionta Davis

DT Trent Harris

CB A.J. Moore Jr.

CB Keion Crossen

TE Ryan Izzo

WR Braxton Berrios

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Any of the practice squad players could easily be put on IR to save them for the year and let them learn in the building. Could see that happening to Izzo and Berrios, since they’re already hurt. It would also be unusual to have no offensive linemen on the practice squad, but I view these 10 better than any lineman that would be available.

Thanks for playing along. I’m sure you’re like me and counting the seconds until the games count for real. I’m excited to watch and talk about it with you!

Pat is the host of the Weekend Warrior Podcast

Interact with him on Twitter @wtplane