We’ll be comparing our Patriots Roster Projection against Mike Reiss’ projection, posted on his Reiss’ Pieces site.
Quarterback (3/4)
Reiss: Brady, O’Connell, Walter
NEPD: Brady, O’Connell, Walter, Hoyer
Analysis: I don’t think that Hoyer would make it to the practice squad, so if anyone goes it would be Walter in my opinion.
Running back (5/4)
Reiss: Faulk, Taylor, Morris, Maroney, Green-Ellis
NEPD: Faulk, Taylor, Morris, Maroney,
Analysis: I think that the Law-Firm’s job is more secure today than it was last week, but I think he becomes the odd man out with the Patriots needing line-depth.
Tight end (3)
Reiss: Baker, Watson, Thomas
NEPD: Baker, Watson, Thomas
Analysis: We agree with Mike that Smith will be a cap casualty, his $1.55 million in salary is just too much to pay for a #4 tight end.
Receiver (6)
Reiss: Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken
NEPD: Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis, Edelman, Aiken
Analysis: Not sure Nunn will make it to the practice squad due to the Chiefs looking around for field-stretchers.
Offensive line (8/9)
Reiss: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur, Vollmer, Ohrnberger, Hochstein
NEPD: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur, Vollmer, Ohrnberger, Hochstein, O’Callaghan
Analysis: While LeVoir is a nice swing-tackle, he won’t be available until Week 6. Belichick can’t gamble with Brady’s security.
Defensive line (7)
Reiss: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Brace, Pryor, Wright
NEPD: Warren, Wilfork, Seymour, Green, Brace, Pryor, Wright
Analysis: With such a stacked position, a deserving player will be cut here and probably end up with the Chiefs.
Hybrid defensive end/linebacker (2)
Reiss: Burgess, Banta-Cain
NEPD: Burgess, Banta-Cain
Analysis: TBC looks like a man possessed, while Burgess still looks like a Raider. Hoping for better things out of DB.
Linebacker (6)
Reiss: Mayo, Thomas, Guyton, Woods, Alexander, Bruschi
NEPD: Mayo, Thomas, Guyton, Woods, Alexander, Bruschi
Analysis: I’d say Bruschi might be this year’s Lawyer Milloy cut, or inline for a pay cut. He makes a lot for a backup LB that plays no special teams. That being said, if Crable gets IR’ed, than Bruschi might be ok.
Cornerback (5)
Reiss: Springs, Bodden, Wilhite, Butler, Wheatley
NEPD: Springs, Bodden, Wilhite, Butler, Wheatley
Analysis: Wheatley has played poorly, but as Mike said, give him a few more games to work it out.
Safety (5/4)
Reiss: Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan, Slater
NEPD: Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan
Analysis: Slater doesn’t make it for me, as he just makes too many dumb plays on Special teams.
Specialists (3)
Reiss: Gostkowski (K), Hanson (P), Ingram (LS)
NEPD: Gostkowski (K), Hanson (P), Ingram (LS)
Analysis: I have no clue how to breakdown a long-snapping competition.
