The Miami Dolphins kick off their 2014 regular season with a home game against division rivals, the New England Patriots. On Saturday, the Patriots announced their 53-man roster. Since then, head coach Bill Belichick has made multiple changes to the roster already. Lets take a quick look at the projected depth chart for the Patriots this weekend.
Offense
1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String | 4th String | |
QB | Tom Brady | Jimmy Garoppolo | ||
RB | Stevan Ridley | Shane Vereen | James White | Brandon Bolden |
FB | James Develin | |||
TE | Rob Gronkowski | Michael Hoomanawanui | Tim Wright | |
WR1 | Danny Amendola | Kenbrell Thompkins | Brandon LaFell | |
WR2 | Julian Edelman | Aaron Dobson | Matthew Slater | |
LT | Nate Solder | Marcus Cannon | Devey Jordan | |
LG | Ryan Wendell | |||
C | Josh Kline | Bryan Stork | ||
RG | Dan Connolly | |||
RT | Sebastian Vollmer | Cameron Fleming |
The Ryan Mallett experiment has finally ended in New England (yes, that same quarterback many Miami Dolphins fans longed to draft in 2011). Mallett, who fell behind Jimmy Garappolo on the depth chart, made the 53-man roster on Saturday, only to be traded to the Houston Texans for a conditional 2015 seventh round pick, that could end up being a sixth round pick.
Tight End Rob Gronkowski has announced that he is fit to play on Sunday and could line up alongside Tim Wright, who made a promising start in their preseason finale.
Unlike last year, where the Patriots were looking to add depth to their offensive line on the waiver wire, the team looks in good shape as they look to provide better protection for quarterback Tom Brady.
Defense
1st String | 2nd String | 3rd String | |
LDE | Rob Ninkovich | Michael Buchanan | Dominique Easley |
LDT | Vince Wilfork | Sealver Siliga | Bruce Gaston |
RDT | Chris Jones | Joe Vellano | Kelcy Quarles |
RDE | Chandler Jones | Zach Moore | |
SLB | Jamie Collins | ||
MLB | Jerod Mayo | ||
WLB | Don’t'a Hightower | Darius Fleming | |
CB | Darrelle Revis | Ryan Logan | Malcolm Butler |
SS | Duron Harmon | Patrick Chung | Don Jones |
FS | Devin McCourty | Tavon Wilson | Nate Ebner |
CB | Alfonzo Dennard | Kyle Arrington |
Vince Wilfork remains the rock in the middle of the defense, and is surrounded by young talent with big upside. The inside linebacker position looks very weak so far and could be a position where Belichick looks to add depth.
At cornerback, this looks to be a very deep group. It'll be interesting to see who starts alongside Darrelle Revis. Devin McCourty is a lock for one of the safety spots, but who will line up alongside him? Former Dolphins safety, Don Jones, was also claimed off the waivers by the Patriots.
Special Teams
P | Ryan Allen |
PK | Stephen Gostkowski |
After snapper Danny Aitken was released, it's a bit of a mystery who will take over the duties. Speculation is mounting that Rob Ninkovich could fill that role, unless the Patriots bring in someone else.
Final Thoughts
The New England Patriots depth chart looks in good shape heading into week 1, but don't be surprised to see Bill Belichick add to the team before kickoff on Sunday.
Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.