Slim Fast: New England Patriots Cut Fat, Build Depth of Roster

Through all the new acquisitions for our favorite teams every off-season, we sometimes forget about the many players who are let go or traded from the team.

Maybe that's because they were unmemorable in their time with the team, but that's not always the case.

It was the case, however, for two players released by the Patriots just a couple of days ago.

The Patriots handed both WR Isaiah Stanback and LB Bruce Davis their pink slips, as announced just a couple of days ago. Both were nothing more than small-time back-ups, and there's plenty of better depth at the respective positions to warrant their release.

Some that were released earlier this off-season, however, were all once considered high-end talents at their positions.

TE Benjamin Watson was allowed to walk in free agency, and signed with the Cleveland Browns. The former first-round draft pick had a breakout campaign in 2006, pulling in 49 receptions for 643 yards, but only flashed that potential in the following three years.

They also released CB Shawn Springs just over a week ago, after he failed a physical. With one injury-riddled, lackluster season in New England, the secondary won't likely miss him much.

LB Adalius Thomas, however, is the most notorious of the cuts. Brought in with a seven-year, $35-million deal, Thomas brought with him immense expectations.

His ability to play nearly any position on the defense was supposed to be the best thing to happen to New England's defense in a long time, but it never panned out.

The release became inevitable following several brushes with Bill Belichick.

But for all these players who have been released, there are a few young players already waiting in the wings. New Englands injured youth is also back on the field, vying for a starting spot. For every Isaiah Stanback, there's a Taylor Price or a Brandon Tate.

For every Shawn Springs, there's a Devin McCourty or a Terrence Wheatley.

For every Benjamin Watson, there's an Aaron Hernandez or a Rob Gronkowski.

For every Adalius Thomas, there's a Jermaine Cunningham or a Shawn Crable.

This is when the Patriots plan to cash in on the 2008-10 drafts.

The Patriots are hoping that these are smooth transitions. Who knows, these guys could be the future of the franchise.

With these and more talented players fighting for roster spots, New England's options are bountiful when it comes time for position battles.

There's enough of those, even, to write a series...